Lucifer

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Lucifer, also known as Helel for his angelic form in the Persona series, is a Demon in the Megami Tensei franchise.

Profile

Origin

Lucifer (lit. "light-bearer") is the Latin name of the planet Venus in its role as the morning star, and is used in the Vulgate as a translation of the Hebrew word helel (lit. "shining one"), which also refers to Venus, in the verse Isaiah 14:12, which addresses the morning star and speaks of its fall from heaven.[1] While biblical scholars agree that Isaiah used this term as a metaphor for the king of Babylon, Christian tradition states that this verse refers to Satan, connecting this verse to Luke 10:18 where Jesus says that he saw Satan fall from heaven.[2] However, this identification was rejected by church reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin.

Design

As a major recurring character in the series, Lucifer has received multiple designs. His first design is that of a beautiful man with flowing blonde hair wearing nothing but a white cloth or ribbon wrapped around his body. He has three pairs of white angel wings, long thin horns pointing outwards, and is depicted with his eyes closed. This design is primarily seen in early games in the franchise, and when in games with multiple Lucifer designs, this one is typically referred to as Helel[b].

The second design acts as an inversion of the first design, retaining the three pairs of wings, horns, white cloth, and blonde hair, however altered into a more demonic form. Rather than a beautiful man, Lucifer is a monstrous man with blue-green skin and ridges across his body, as well as spikes protruding from his forearms and around his neck like a collar. His wings are bat-like and demonic, with a crimson inner membrane while the rest of the wing is the same color as the rest of his body. His horns point upwards, and his long blonde hair is slicked back as well as on his cheeks as sideburns. His eyes are pure red, and his face is always contorted into a scowl. This is the default design used for Lucifer throughout the series, having appeared in many series and spin offs.

In Kyūyaku Megami Tensei: Megami Tensei I, Lucifer's hand in his artwork has the word "Ashtaroth" written on it. This is the Hebrew plural of the name of Astarte and is used in the Bible to refer to goddesses in general.[3]

In Shin Megami Tensei IV, Lucifer was designed by guest artist Yasushi Nirasawa. This design was a significant departure from prior depictions of Lucifer, being a tall, thin and bald alien-like creature with extremely pale skin. He wears a long sleeved shirt that exposes his chest, a corset around his waist with multiple belts, tight pants, and strapped boots, all golden and marked with intricate patterns. His eyes are bulbous and black, and while his right arm loosely fits his shirt his left arm is exposes, as it has a massive tumor in the forearm that twitches and pulses, and is contained by metal restraints. This design was altered for Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse by Masayuki Doi, changing his skin to dark grey and glowing red eyes that no longer bulged out of his head. In addition, he was seated on a throne with twelve rays of light stretching out from the center in reference to his wings.

His second form, also designed by Yasushi Nirasawa, is much more demonic. All of his clothing is replaced with golden scales, and he grows six pairs of golden demon wings, two from his back and the last from his lower legs. His head, chest, and hands keep their pale color, however they have all changed shape; his head is no longer has eyes and has a pair of golden horns curved downwards, his chest has scales similar to the rest of his body, and his hands have grown longer with various claws attached to them. The tumor in his left arm has hatched into a deformed humanoid entity, with two arms and four insect like legs reaching out and it's face having blank eyes and baring its teeth. Around it's neck it wears a blue scarf, signifying that this deformed entity is what remains of Walter.

In Shin Megami Tensei V, Lucifer initially appears in his traditional demonic form before transforming into a new ascended form for the final battle. This design incorporates aspects of the Helel and demonic forms, as well as aspects from YHVH. His body is made of white metal accented with gold rather than flesh, combining sharp angles and smooth surfaces. The upwards and outwards pointing horns of his previously mentioned forms are combined in the form of a crowned helmet, with his blonde hair now made of gold going down to his chest in two long strips of metal. His arms and legs are mechanical, with his shoulders being segmented from his chest and pointed, and his forearms have armor that extends from beyond the elbow to the wrist. His legs do not have feet, instead being pointed from the knees down. He has twelve wings of golden metal, eight at his back pointing upwards and resembling a sun, two wrapped around his waist, and two attached to his legs. His face is statuesque with the golden eyes of a Nahobino. When in his second phase, all white coloration turns to black, with all other aspects of his design remaining identical. Lucifer states this design is his true form, but it is unclear if this has always been his true form or if it is a new form he ascended to after consuming the God of Law's knowledge.

In the Devil Children series, Lucifer has a red humanoid body with a muscular build, black hair, yellow eyes, horns, and a black scar along his face. His chest is marked with a wing tattoo, and his ribs, arms, and waist-down are covered in impaling chain links. His clawed hands are smeared black, while his legs appear to be melting. He also has six wings, three black and three red, as well as black and red tails. In his human form, Lucifer has mahogany hair, a brown fur coat, and a chain choker.

Gameplay

For complete gameplay information, see Gameplay:Lucifer.

Compendium

Compendium Entries
Shin Megami Tensei IV:
Apocalypse 		Fallen angel of light, lord of Hell, and leader of the fallen angels, demons, and fiends.

Name means the "light-bearer." Once a seraphim--the highest choir of angels--he led a rebellion against God in an effort to replace Him. He was cast to the depths of Hell as punishment.

Shin Megami Tensei V The Lord of Chaos who leads the fallen angels and is equated with Satan, according to Christian traditions.

His name holds the meaning of "one who brings light," indicating that he was once the most beautiful of the archangels. However, it is said that he rebelled against the almighty Creator and chose to become a fallen angel.

After defeating the Creator during Armageddon, he ended up not assuming the Throne of Creation, and instead transcended to a higher plane of existence.

Shin Megami Tensei V:
Vengeance 		Doi: The Lord of Chaos who leads the fallen angels and is equated with Satan, according to Christian traditions.

His name holds the meaning of "one who brings light," indicating that he was once the most beautiful of the archangels. However, it is said that he rebelled against the almighty Creator and chose to become a fallen angel.

After defeating the Creator during Armageddon, he ended up not assuming the Throne of Creation, and instead transcended to a higher plane of existence.

Kaneko: The Lord of Chaos who leads the fallen angels and, according to Christian tradition, is equated with Satan.

His name holds the meaning of "one who brings light" indicating that he was once the most beautiful of the archangels. However, it is said that he rebelled against the almighty Creator and chose to become a fallen angel.

Liberation Dx2 The one who rules hell and all its inhabitance, formerly known as the archangel of light. His name means "morning star" and before he fell, was the chief of the Seraphim. With a third of Gods angels on his side, Lucifer rebelled against God. He was defeated by Gods superior forces however, and in hell awaits his chance to strike again.
Raidou Kuzunoha vs.
King Abaddon 		He is the great fallen angel of Judeo-Christian lore, and his name means "Morning Star."

Once second only to God, his pride drove him to revolt. He and his rebel cohort were cast down into Hell.

Persona 2: Innocent Sin One of the seven Overlords of Hell who presides over the deadly sin of Pride.
Persona 3 Portable A fallen angel, and the lord of demons in Judeo-Christian lore. His pride led him to revolt against God, taking a third of the heavenly host with him. He now waits for a second chance to challenge God.
Persona 3 Reload Lucifer: A fallen angel and the lord of demons in Judeo-Christian lore. His pride led him to revolt against God, taking a third of the heavenly host with him. He now waits for a second chance to challenge God.

Helel: A fallen angel in Judeo-Christian lore whose name means "morning star." Primarily known for defying God, but also worshiped as a bringer of light to mankind.

Persona 4 Lucifer: A fallen angel, and the lord of demons in Judeo-Christian lore. His pride led him to revolt against God, taking a third of the heavenly host with him. He now waits for a second chance to challenge God.

Helel: A fallen angel in Judeo-Christian lore whose name signifies "Morning Star." Primarily known for defying God, but also worshipped as a bringer of light to mankind.

Persona 5 A fallen Judeo-Christian angel, he led a rebellion with an army of angels against God and lost. He waits in Hell for his chance to challenge God once more and strike Him down.
Persona Q:
Shadow of the Labyrinth 		A fallen angel in Judeo-Christian lore whose name signifies "Morning Star". Primarily known for defying God, but he is also worshipped as a bringer of light to mankind.
Persona Q2:
New Cinema Labyrinth 		A fallen angel in Judeo-Christian lore whose name signifies "Morning Star". Primarily known for defying God, but he is also worshipped as a bringer of light to mankind.
Persona 5 Strikers A fallen Judeo-Christian angel, he led a rebellion with an army of angels against God and lost. He waits in Hell for his chance to challenge God once more and strike Him down.
Devil Children
Black Book and Red Book 		全ての天使と　ダテンシの中で　最もいだいな　力を持つを　言われるデビル
Translation: A Devil said to have the most immense power among all angels and fallen angels.
Devil Children
White Book 		すべてのテンシと　ダテンシのなかで　もっともいだいな　チカラをもつと　いわれる　デビル
Translation: A Devil said to have the most immense power among all angels and fallen angels.
Devil Children
Light Book and Dark Book 		This six-winged lord of Dem is feared far and wide for his devastating power.
Devil Children
Fire Book and Ice Book 		この世の果てまで　光り　かがやく　６枚の　ツバサを　持つ　魔界の王　魔界で　もっとも　おそれられている
Translation: The Lord of Makai who has six wings that shine until the end of the world. He is the most feared in Makai.
Devil Survivor A fallen angel and the lord of Hell and all its demons in Judeo-Christian lore.

He was once the highest-ranking Seraph, second to God, whose name means "Light-Bringer." His pride led him to revolt, taking a third of the heavenly host with him. He now awaits a second chance to challenge God.

Devil Survivor 2 A fallen angel and the lord of Hell and all its demons in Judeo-Christian lore.

He was once the highest-ranking Seraph, second to God, whose name means "Light-Bringer." His pride led him to revolt, taking a third of the heavenly host with him. He now awaits a second chance to challenge God.

Game Appearances

Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei

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Shin Megami Tensei

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The contents of this section cover major plot and/or character spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.

In the game's Chaos ending, after the Hero defeats Michael, he is beckoned to the top of the Basilica where he is greeted by Louis Cyphre, who quickly drops his disguise and reveals his true identity as Lucifer. He says that now that the God of Law's plans have been thwarted, the various gods he demonized and cast down have been revived and will lead to a golden age. He proclaims that Chaos is the world's true nature, and that as the cycle of birth and destruction continues, more stronger and beautiful beings will come forth from the Chaos. He does warn that God is still a threat and is himself a master of destruction, as he will one day bring silence to the world. As he reveals that he himself is but a portion of God, he asks the party to reflect on the meaning of his words and flys off into the dark moon-filled night.

Shin Megami Tensei II

This section contains spoilers. (Skip Section)

Lucifer meets Aleph in Keter Castle in the Makai once Gemori has brought him there. He first appears in the guise of Louis Cyphre, before revealing his angelic form. He explains that Tokyo Millennium was built by the Archangels under the belief that it was the will of God, when in reality, it was in opposition to his will, so he simply waited for God to cast His judgment on them without intervening, but was surprised to find out it was Aleph who defeated them instead. While he knows that the YHVH in the Center was nothing more than an illusion conjured by the Archangel's fervent belief, he is still unsure of how Aleph was able to defeat him, questioning if Aleph could be Satan, God's tool of judgment, but based on Aleph's surprised reaction, realizes that he is not Satan after all. He mentions, however, that Seth is beginning to awaken, a sign that Satan is drawing near, noting that Seth is half of Satan and will eventually find his other half leading to his appearance. As Satan will lead to the destruction of the Makai and its residents, he declares he intends to fight Satan and wants to test Aleph's strength to see if he is capable of aiding him in his battle. He then sends Aleph away, telling him that if he has the strength and will to defeat Satan, he will return to Keter Castle and join him.

After Aleph defeats Astaroth, he appears as Louis Cyphre once more, greatly impressed with his strength and asking him to join his cause.

If Aleph declines, he will be set on the Neutral route and Lucifer will find it amusing that Aleph did not pick a side, saying that the next time they meet will be their last. Once Aleph arrives in Keter Castle, he decides that humans are weak for being unable to decide between joining him or joining Satan. He believes that Aleph is simply killing anything in his way, and exclaims he will remind him of true fear before transforming into his demonic form. After his defeat, he states that death is all that is left for him, but tells Aleph that humanity is not strong enough to live without help. He reveals he was also using Moloch to collect Magnetite, to give that energy to the mountains, which are the body of the dragon Kuzuryu, under the orders of YHVH. He was ordered to use the Kuzuryu to destroy the world, but in reality, only pretended to obey, as the destruction would harm the Makai as well. His true plan was to set the Kuzuryu onto Tokyo Millenium, but when God learned of his disobedience, he had Gabriel create a new weapon, which is in Eden. As he dies, he tells Aleph that if he is strong enough to defeat him, then he must destroy the Kuzuryu and Eden as well, but reminds him that even if humanity prospers, great destruction will come to them again and again.

If Aleph agrees to join Lucifer, he will be set onto the Chaos route, where Lucifer will be pleased with his decision and teleports back to Keter Castle to wait for his arrival as he tackles the challenge of besting his Divine Generals and other underlings situated across the Makai. Upon Aleph's arrival at Keter Castle, he orders him to spy on Satan in Eden, and when Aleph returns from the brief mission, Lucifer unleashes the Kuzuryu onto Tokyo Millenium and formally joins the party just in time to infiltrate the Megiddo Ark to stop Satan. When confronting Satan, the demon lord and angel get into a brief argument before Satan has had enough and attacks the party. After this, they are called to confront YHVH directly, where Lucifer rejects His cycle of destruction and creation and claims that with YHVH's defeat, an unknown future in Chaos awaits. After YHVH's death, Lucifer congratulates and praises Aleph and Hiroko for their help in stopping the Ark and destroying Millennium alongside the other residents of the Underground, with the two following after Lucifer as he returns to the Makai right after.

If Aleph is on the Law path, Lucifer does not appear after the fight with Astaroth at all and is only met again at Keter Castle where he briefly clashes heads with Satan and then transforms into his demonic form. Upon his death, he unleashes the Kuzuryu in a last-ditch effort to stop Satan's plans.

Visionaries

Lucifer is featured in one Visionary cutscene in the Game Boy Advance and iOS versions of the game.

In "Black Menorah", Lucifer is in an unknown spiritual realm, as a result of having been killed by Aleph. He admits his folly in assuming that he, and by extension demonkind, were superior to Aleph's party, for they are the main players of the world, which makes him wonder if demons then are nothing more than supporting characters. He then comments on the immortal nature of demons, saying that while he and YHVH have definitely been killed by Aleph, this state of death is temporary, and in their eyes will last for just an instant before they will return to life, so one could consider it impossible to truly kill them. In a way, they will always exist, and so Lucifer settles on continuing to remain inside Aleph for a little while longer, reassuring him that he won't stay there forever; it will just be for an instant, a mere blink of an eye.

End of spoilers.

Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Maniax

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Lucifer has an expanded role in the Maniax edition of the game. After the Demi-fiend first accesses the Amala Labyrinth, Lucifer encourages the Demi-fiend to defeat the Fiends and strengthen his power. Should the Demi-fiend successfully defeat all the Fiends, Lucifer will challenge the Demi-fiend himself. Should the Demi-fiend defeat him, Lucifer gives him command over his demonic forces to fight against the Great Will and forever stop the cycle of creation of destruction.

Shin Megami Tensei IV

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Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse

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Shin Megami Tensei V

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Lucifer serves as the final boss of the game. 17 years before the start of the game, Lucifer slew the God of Law in the battle of Armageddon and took his knowledge, evolving himself into a Nahobino. However, instead of taking the throne himself, he chose to leave the seat empty. Following the defeat of the other Nahobino, the protagonist is challenged by Lucifer in order to prove his worthiness for the throne.

Novel Appearances

Digital Devil Story 3: Tensei no Shūen

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Anime Appearances

DeviChil

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Lucifer is the main antagonist of the first half of DeviChil. With the help of his henchmen Abaddon and Fenrir, he plans on conquering Makai by brainwashing the Demons that inhabit it, which also begins to the Real World in strange ways. To protect both worlds, the Devil Children Setsuna Kai and Mirai Kaname go on adventures in which they save Demons from Lucifer's control.

Nomenclature

Names in Other Languages
Language Name Meaning
Japanese ルシファー Rushifā
ルシフェルLast Bible
Last Bible II
Shinyaku Last Bible
Persona 3 FES (Helel)
Persona 3 Reload (Helel) Rushiferu		 Lucifer
Lucifer
Simplified Chinese 路西法 Lùxīfǎ
路西菲尔Persona 3 Reload (Helel) Lùxīfēi'ěr		 Lucifer
Lucifer
Traditional Chinese 路西法 Lùxīfǎ
路西菲爾Persona 3 Reload (Helel) Lùxīfēi'ěr		 Lucifer
Lucifer
French Lucifer
Helel		 Lucifer
Helel
German Luzifer Lucifer
Italian Lucifero Lucifer
Korean 루시퍼 Rusipeo
루시펠Persona 3 Reload (Helel) Rusipel		 Lucifer
Lucifer
Polish Lucyfer Lucifer
Brazilian Portuguese Lúcifer Lucifer
Russian Люцифер Lyutsifer
Гилель Gilel’		 Lucifer
Hillel
Spanish Lucifer Lucifer
Turkish Lucifer Lucifer

Gallery

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 In Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, Lucifer is able to be fought as a boss and used as a demon. The boss version of Lucifer has the Matter race and a Neutral-Neutral alignment. The summonable demon version of Lucifer has the Devil race and a Dark-Chaos alignment.
  2. ↑ ルシフェル Rushiferu in Japanese, an alternate spelling based on the Portuguese Lúcifer.

References

  1. ↑ Isaiah 14:12. Retrieved October 31, 2024. Bible Gateway.
  2. ↑ Luke 10:18. Retrieved October 31, 2024. Bible Gateway.
  3. ↑ "Astarte in the Bible and her Relation to Asherah", Transformation of a Goddess: Ishtar – Astarte – Aphrodite (2014), Stéphanie Anthonioz. Published by Academic Press Fribourg. pp. 125-139. ISBN-13: 978-3-7278-1748-9.
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