Dark Mirrors

Azazel and Satanael in Early Jewish Demonology

By Andrei A. Orlov | Publisher: State University of New York Press

About the book

Dark Mirrors is a wide-ranging study of two central figures in early Jewish demonology—the fallen angels Azazel and Satanael. Andrei A. Orlov explores the mediating role of these paradigmatic celestial rebels in the development of Jewish demonological traditions from Second Temple apocalypticism to later Jewish mysticism, such as that of the Hekhalot and Shi'ur Qomah materials. Throughout, Orlov makes use of Jewish pseudepigraphical materials in Slavonic that are not widely known.

Orlov traces the origins of Azazel and Satanael to different and competing mythologies of evil, one to the Fall in the Garden of Eden, the other to the revolt of angels in the antediluvian period. Although Azazel and Satanael are initially representatives of rival etiologies of corruption, in later Jewish and Christian demonological lore each is able to enter the other's stories in new conceptual capacities. Dark Mirrors also examines the symmetrical patterns of early Jewish demonology that are often manifested in these fallen angels' imitation of the attributes of various heavenly beings, including principal angels and even God himself.

Editions of Dark Mirrors

Hardcover
ISBN 9781438439518
Paperback
ISBN 9781438439525
PDF
ISBN 9781438439532

Read an Excerpt

Dark Mirrors is a wide-ranging study of two central figures in early Jewish demonology—the fallen angels Azazel and Satanael. Andrei A. Orlov explores the mediating role of these paradigmatic celestial rebels in the development of Jewish demonological traditions from Second Temple apocalypticism to later Jewish mysticism, such as that of the Hekhalot and Shi'ur Qomah materials. Throughout, Orlov makes use of Jewish pseudepigraphical materials in Slavonic that are not widely known.

Orlov traces the origins of Azazel and Satanael to different and competing mythologies of evil, one to the Fall in the Garden of Eden, the other to the revolt of angels in the antediluvian period. Although Azazel and Satanael are initially representatives of rival etiologies of corruption, in later Jewish and Christian demonological lore each is able to enter the other's stories in new conceptual capacities. Dark Mirrors also examines the symmetrical patterns of early Jewish demonology that are often manifested in these fallen angels' imitation of the attributes of various heavenly beings, including principal angels and even God himself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dark Mirrors about?

Dark Mirrors is a wide-ranging study of two central figures in early Jewish demonology—the fallen angels Azazel and Satanael. Andrei A. Orlov explores the mediating role of these paradigmatic celestial rebels in the development of Jewish demonological traditions from Second Temple apocalypticism to later Jewish mysticism, such as that of the Hekhalot and Shi'ur Qomah materials. Throughout, Orlov makes use of Jewish pseudepigraphical materials in Slavonic that are not widely known.

Orlov traces the origins of Azazel and Satanael to different and competing mythologies of evil, one to the Fall in the Garden of Eden, the other to the revolt of angels in the antediluvian period. Although Azazel and Satanael are initially representatives of rival etiologies of corruption, in later Jewish and Christian demonological lore each is able to enter the other's stories in new conceptual capacities. Dark Mirrors also examines the symmetrical patterns of early Jewish demonology that are often manifested in these fallen angels' imitation of the attributes of various heavenly beings, including principal angels and even God himself.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Dark Mirrors?

Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Aspects of religion > Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts

Where can I read a sample of Dark Mirrors?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438439518

How long is Dark Mirrors and how many pages does it have?

Dark Mirrors has 217 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Dark Mirrors?

Andrei A. Orlov

Who is the Publisher of the book Dark Mirrors?

State University of New York Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Dark Mirrors is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438439518) and paperback(ISBN 9781438439525) and pdf(ISBN 9781438439532)

Where can I buy Dark Mirrors online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Dark Mirrors from below

Where can I buy Dark Mirrors?