Symbolic and iconographic meanings (sword, scales, dragon)
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1.6 Symbolic and iconographic meanings (sword, scales, dragon)
1.6.1 - The sword: justice, authority and spiritual struggle
• Biblical origins and theological references
The sword is one of the most distinctive attributes of the Archangel Michael. In Revelation (12,7-9), Michael leads the heavenly hosts in the battle against the dragon, symbol of Satan, wielding a sword that represents divine justice and the victory of good over evil. This instrument also symbolises the discernment between good and evil, as highlighted in the Letter to the Hebrews (4:12), where the Word of God is described as "sharper than any two-edged sword".
Eastern and Western iconography of the sword
In Christian art, the representation of Michael with the sword varies between East and West:
• Western tradition: Michael is often depicted as a warrior in armour, sword drawn, in the act of defeating the dragon or Satan. Famous examples include the statue of St Michael on the Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome and numerous Renaissance paintings.
• Eastern tradition: In Byzantine iconography, Michael is depicted in the garb of a court dignitary, with the sword symbolising spiritual authority and divine protection, rather than military action.
Symbolism of the sword in Christian spirituality
Michael's sword takes on various symbolic meanings in the Christian tradition:
• Justice and authority: It represents divine authority in judging and separating the good from the bad.
• Spiritual struggle: Symbol of the inner battle against sin and temptation.
• Protection: Emblem of the defence of the faithful against the forces of evil.
In some traditions, the sword is also seen as an instrument of purification and spiritual liberation.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• Statue of St Michael with sword and shield - AmatoArteSacra
• Byzantine icon of St. Michael with sword - Antonianum Cantual
• St Michael Archangel with flaming sword
Video
Sources and references
Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia
Here is the true meaning of the 'sword of St Michael' - Aleteia
1.6.2 - The scales: discernment and judgement
Tradition of 'psychostasy' (weighing of souls)
The term 'psychostasy' comes from the Greek ψυχοστασία meaning 'weighing of the soul'. This practice, found in several ancient religious traditions, represents the judgement of the soul of the deceased by weighing its actions. In ancient Egypt, for example, the god Anubis weighed the heart of the deceased against the feather of the goddess Maat, symbol of truth and justice. In Christianity, this tradition has evolved into the figure of the Archangel Michael who, on the day of the Last Judgement, weighs souls to determine their eternal fate.
Michael in the Last Judgement
In Christian iconography, the Archangel Michael is often depicted as the one who weighs souls on the Day of Judgement. With scales in his hand, Michael weighs the actions of the deceased, determining whether they deserve salvation or damnation. This depiction emphasises Michael's role as judge and guardian of divine justice. In some depictions, Michael is seen holding the scales while the devil attempts to influence the weight, trying to tilt the needle towards damnation.
Artistic representations of the scales
Numerous works of art depict the Archangel Michael with scales, the symbol of judgement and justice. Among the most significant are:
• Triptych of the Last Judgement by Hans Memling (1467-1473): preserved in the National Museum in Gda?sk, it shows Michael at the centre weighing souls, determining their eternal fate .
• Fresco in the Church of San Michele in Riva Valdobbia: painted by Melchiorre d'Enrico, it depicts Michael separating the righteous from the damned, emphasising his role in the final judgement.
• Fresco in the Basilica of San Michele in Oleggio: depicts Michael with the scales, emphasising his function as judge of souls .
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Images
• Fresco of St Michael with sword and scales - Romanesque Church of San Michele in Oleggio
• Statue of St. Michael with scales
• St Michael weighing souls - Meisterdrucke
• Fresco of St. Michael weighing a soul - St. Katharina Church in Breien, Val di Tires
Video
Sources and references
Psychostasy - Encyclopaedia Treccani
St Michael Archangel: the heavenly warrior and defender of the faith
1.6.3 - The dragon: evil defeated
The dragon in Revelation and myth
In chapter 12 of Revelation, the dragon is described as "an enormous red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns and seven diadems on its heads" (Rev 12:3). This dragon represents Satan, the "ancient serpent", who attempts to devour the son of the woman clothed with the sun, symbol of the Church or the people of God. The battle that follows between Michael and the dragon symbolises the cosmic conflict between good and evil, culminating in the defeat and expulsion of the dragon from heaven.
In Christian myth and symbolism, the dragon embodies chaos, iniquity and demonic forces that oppose the divine order. Its defeat by Michael represents the definitive victory of good over evil.
Apotropaic and demonological symbolism
The dragon, in Christian tradition, is often associated with the devil and the forces of evil. Its image is used apotropaically, i.e. as a symbol to ward off evil.
Depictions of Michael defeating the dragon are common in churches and holy places, serving both as a warning against sin and as a symbol of divine protection.
Moreover, the dragon is present in many legends and hagiographic tales, as in the case of St. George, where its defeat symbolises the victory of the Christian faith over pagan beliefs and dark forces.
Medieval and Baroque Representations
The iconography of the dragon and its defeat by Michael was widespread in medieval and baroque art. In the Middle Ages, the dragon is often depicted as a monstrous creature, with elements of snakes and other animals, symbolising evil in all its forms. In Baroque art, the scene of the dragon's defeat becomes more dramatic and theatrical, with Michael depicted in heroic and dynamic poses.
Notable examples include:
• "Saint Michael the Archangel Defeats the Dragon" by Guido Reni (1635), where Michael is depicted in an elegant pose while piercing the dragon with his sword.
• "St Michael and the Dragon' by Raphael (1505), showing a young Michael in armour defeating the dragon, symbol of evil.
• "Saint Michael Archangel Slays the Dragon" by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1337), a Gothic panel depicting the struggle between the saint and the demonic creature.
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Images
• Guido Reni - 'St. Michael the Archangel Defeats Satan' (1635) An Italian Baroque masterpiece, preserved in the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione in Rome. Michael is depicted in an elegant and victorious pose while piercing Satan.
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Part of the Polyptych of the Abbey of Rofeno, this Gothic panel shows Michael in the act of defeating the dragon, flanked by Saints Benedict and Bartholomew. The work is preserved in the Museo Civico di Arte Sacra of Asciano (SI).
• Raphael Sanzio - 'St Michael and the Dragon' (c. 1505)Conserved in the Louvre Museum, this Renaissance painting depicts a young Michael in armour defeating the dragon, symbol of evil.
• Antonio del Pollaiolo - 'St Michael the Archangel and the Dragon'. A work that shows Michael defeating the dragon, highlighting the victory of good over evil.
Video
• The 7-Headed Beast (Dragon of the Apocalypse) - The Terrible Truth
A video exploring the symbolism of the dragon in Revelation.
Sources and references
1.6.4 - Michael as a symbolic synthesis
Connection between the three symbols
The Archangel Michael is often represented with three main iconographic attributes:
• The sword: symbol of divine justice and the fight against evil.
• The scales: represent judgement and discernment between good and evil.
• The dragon: embodies evil and chaos, often identified with Satan, whom Michael defeats.
These three symbols, when present together, offer a complete representation of Michael's role as defender of the faith, judge of souls and victor over evil.
The Trinitarian iconography of Michael: sword, scales, dragon
In Christian art, especially since the 15th century, the Archangel Michael is frequently depicted with all three symbols:
• Sword: wielded to defeat the dragon, symbol of evil.
• Libra: held to weigh souls on the day of judgement.
• Dragon: trampled or pierced, it represents Michael's victory over evil.
This Trinitarian iconography emphasises the Archangel's multifunctionality as warrior, judge and protector.
Mystical and spiritual readings in the Christian tradition
In the Christian tradition, Michael is seen as a model of spiritual virtues:
• Spiritual fighter: the sword symbolises the inner struggle against sin.
• Fair judge: the scales represent discernment and divine justice.
• Victory over evil: the defeat of the dragon indicates the victory of good over evil.
These mystical interpretations reinforce Michael's role as a guide and protector in the spiritual life of the faithful.
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Images
• Fresco of St Michael with sword and scales - Romanesque Church of San Michele in Oleggio
This fresco depicts the Archangel Michael with sword and scales, symbols of divine judgement and justice.
• Statue of St Michael with sword and scales - Amazon.co.uk
A statue representing the Archangel Michael with sword and scales, symbols of the judgement of souls.
• Sculpture of St Michael Archangel with sword and scales - Alamy
A sculpture depicting the Archangel Michael in the act of trampling the devil, holding a sword and scales.
