Canhel
| Canhel | |
| カンケル | |
Artwork from Devil Children Black Book and Red Book | |
| Origin | Maya culture |
| Race(s) | God |
Canhel is a Demon in the Megami Tensei franchise.
Profile
Origin
Canhel or cangel is a word used to describe an object utilized in the Books of Chilam Balam, notably in reference to a sacred symbol of Chac-Xib-Chac that was stripped from him during his defeat at the hands of Hunac Ceel.[1] The word has been translated variously as "dragon"[2] and "angel."[3] While the exact meaning of the word is unclear, it is believed to be related to a k'awiil ceremonial staff associated with the eponymous Maya lightning god.[4] Supporting evidence for this includes mentions of the canhel being an object which can be held and its relation to wind,[5] as well as evidence pointing towards draconic symbolism on the canhel, much like K'awiil's serpent body.
Design
Canhel is a teal serpent with a beige face, adorned with a gold crest, fringes, and curled orange eyes. Its body is coiled around a red rod, possibly a topilli (staff of justice), with a circular gold figure affixed to the top.
Gameplay
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Compendium
| Compendium Entries | |
|---|---|
| Devil Children Black Book and Red Book | GBC: セカイの はじまりから いきている かぜをあやつる でんせつの ヘビPS: 世界の始まりから 生きている 風を操る 伝説のヘビTranslation: A serpent of legend who controls the wind and has been alive since the beginning of the world. |
| Devil Children White Book | セカイの はじまりから いきている かぜをあやつる でんせつの ヘビTranslation: A serpent of legend who controls the wind and has been alive since the beginning of the world. |
Nomenclature
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Japanese
|
カンケル Kankeru | Canhel |
Gallery
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Artwork from Devil Children Black Book and Red Book -
Sprite from the Game Boy Color version of Devil Children Black Book and Red Book and Devil Children White Book -
Sprite from the PlayStation version of Devil Children Black Book and Red Book -
Card TD-011 from Shin Megami Tensei Devil Children Card Game: Messiah Kakusei
References
- ↑ "Then Chac-xib-chac was despoiled of his insignia." (THE RISE OF HUNAC CEEL TO POWER). Retrieved July 6, 2025. Internet Sacred Text Archive.
- ↑ "To identify the insignia of which Chac-xib-chac was "despoiled" is more difficult. It is called canhel in Maya, a word which Beltran defines as 'dragon.'" Ralph L. Roys, (THE RISE OF HUNAC CEEL TO POWER). Retrieved July 6, 2025. Internet Sacred Text Archive.
- ↑ "[...] the translator believes that this cangel (Landa's "angel" and Beltran's "dragon") was a wind-spirit." Ralph L. Roys, (THE RITUAL OF THE ANGELS). Retrieved July 6, 2025. Internet Sacred Text Archive.
- ↑ "Again, the figure in Maya art most obviously suggested by Beltran's "dragon" is the snake-like head of the God K [...] this ceremonial object is a vestigial form of the Manikin Scepter with its serpent handle and surmounted by the head or entire figure of the God K." Ralph L. Roys, (THE RISE OF HUNAC CEEL TO POWER). Retrieved July 6, 2025. Internet Sacred Text Archive.
- ↑ "The passage on page 110 of the Chumayel indicates that the canhel was closely connected with the winds." Ralph L. Roys, (THE RISE OF HUNAC CEEL TO POWER). Retrieved July 6, 2025. Internet Sacred Text Archive.