The Myths Behind the Most Famous Paranormal Creatures 5 - Angels

Angels are very common in nowadays YA (and not YA) fiction. About nearly half of the young adult fiction is centered around them and yet they are all distinct. Angels and fallen angels, dark angels and archangels, many many type of them with intentions. Marvelous, isn't it?

Angels in general:

In Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism, angels, as attendants or guardians to man, typically act as messengers from God.
They are found in many religions but all describe them in the same way. Angels often appear to people in the shape of humans of extraordinary beauty, and often are not immediately recognized as angels. Some fly through the air, some become invisible, sacrifices touched by some are consumed by fire, and some may disappear in sacrificial fire. They can be depicted bearing drawn swords or other weapons in their hands—one carries an ink-horn by his side—and ride on horses. Angels are thought by many to possess wings. This has arisen from references to their ability to fly.

Fallen Angels:

A fallen angel is a wicked or rebellious angel that has been cast out of Heaven.

Generally, there are two flavors of the fallen angels myth. The first describes a group of angels who, lead by Azazel, lusted after the women of earth. They defiled themselves by mating with humans and their consorts gave birth to mean-spirited giants. God was not pleased with the rebellion and punished them for their misdeeds, but not before humanity was corrupted in the process.

The other story involves the mightiest angel who, out of pride, rebelled against God during the time of Creation. This mighty angel (Lucifer) sought to overthrow God, but he failed and was cast out of heaven to become Satan, the adversary. 

Archangels:

An archangel is an angel of high rank. The best known Archangels are Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel who are depicted in the Christian Bible.  There is a debate as to the name of the other Archangels. 

Archangels are able to be in many places at one time. God gives them the most important responsibilities, and they do their work both in the heavenly dimension and in the earthly one. 

The word “archangel” is from the Greek words “arche” (ruler) and “angelos” (messenger), signifying archangels’ dual duties. Archangels rule over the universe’s daily operation on missions from God, while also delivering messages from God to human beings.

Guardian angels:

A guardian angel is an angel assigned to protect and guide a particular person or group, kingdom or country. 

In modern literature generally every person has one guardian angel and they often bear with some kind of connection, for instance one can feel if the other is around, or sometimes - though it's rather rare - they can speak to each other in their minds.