The role of the Archangel in the struggle between Good and Evil
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1.4 The role of the Archangel in the struggle between Good and Evil
1.4.1 - The battle in heaven: exegetical reading of Revelation 12
The war between Michael and the dragon
In chapter 12 of Revelation, a heavenly war between the Archangel Michael and the dragon is recounted:
"A war then broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon. The dragon fought together with his angels, but they did not prevail and there was no more room for them in heaven. The great dragon, the ancient serpent, he whom we call the devil and Satan, and who seduces the whole earth, was cast down to the earth, and with him were also cast down his angels."
In this vision, Michael leads the angelic hosts against Satan and his followers, representing the victory of good over evil.
Symbology of cosmic conflict
The dragon, described as having seven heads and ten horns, symbolises Satan and the forces of evil. Its tail dragging a third of the stars from heaven represents the fall of the rebellious angels. The woman clothed in the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars, is interpreted as symbolising Mary, the Church or Israel. The male child she gives birth to, destined to rule all nations, represents the Messiah. The woman's flight into the desert indicates divine protection during persecution.
Patristic and theological interpretations
The Church Fathers offered different interpretations of this passage:
• St Irenaeus: sees in the woman the Church that generates the faithful, while the dragon represents persecution.
• St Augustine: interprets the battle as the spiritual struggle between good and evil within the human soul.
• Eugenio Corsini, a contemporary theologian, suggests that the woman symbolises humanity created by God, the son represents the divine promises, and the dragon is the allegory of evil attempting to thwart the plan of salvation.
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Images
• St. Michael the Archangel slays the dragon - Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1337)
• St Michael defeats Satan - Raphael (ca. 1505)
• St. Michael fighting the dragon - Albrecht Dürer (1498)
• Battle between Michael and Satan - Tintoretto, 16th century
Video
Sources and references
Revelation 12 (CEI)- BibleGateway BibleGateway
1.4.2 - St Michael as defender of God's people
• The protective role in biblical and apocryphal texts
St Michael is mentioned in the Bible as the protector of God's people. In the Book of Daniel, he is described as the 'great prince' who watches over the children of the people of Israel, especially in times of great tribulation. In the New Testament, Revelation presents him as the commander of the heavenly militia who fights against the dragon, symbol of Satan, and defeats him, reinforcing his role as defender of divine justice .
Patron of the righteous and endangered souls
Christian tradition venerates St Michael as the protector of souls, especially at the moment of death. He is considered the angel who accompanies souls to judgement and defends them from the wiles of the evil one. The prayer to St Michael, introduced by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, invokes his protection against the forces of evil and emphasises his role as defender in the spiritual struggle .
Liturgical tradition of 'invocations of protection
St Michael has been the subject of numerous liturgical invocations over the centuries. In addition to the prayer dedicated to him, the hymn 'Te Splendor et virtus Patris' is traditionally sung at Vespers and Matins on his feast day, 29 September. These prayers and hymns reflect deep devotion and trust in his intercession as a defender against evil.
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Images
• St. Michael the Archangel - Symbolic illustration of protection and defence
• Traditional Icon of St Michael - Iconographic Commentary
• St Michael - Devotional image from the Catholic tradition
Video
• "Archangel Michael: Divine Protector and Warrior of Faith" - Documentary
• "Prayer of Protection to Saint Michael the Archangel" - Invocation
Sources and references
Michael (archangel) - WikipediaWikipedia
St Michael in the Catholic Church - WikipediaWikipedia
Prayer to St Michael - WikipediaThe Esoteric Portal+2Wikipedia+2
1.4.3 - The figure of the Adversary: evil in sacred texts
Satan, the dragon, Leviathan: representations of the enemy
In the Bible, Satan is described with various symbolic images:
• Satan: Hebrew term meaning 'adversary' or 'accuser'. In the Old Testament, he appears as the one who tests the faith of men, as in the Book of Job.
• The dragon: in the Apocalypse of John, Satan is represented as a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, symbolising chaos and destruction.
• Leviathan: a sea monster mentioned in the Psalms and the Book of Job, it represents the forces of evil and disorder that God defeats to establish cosmic order.
Michael as 'judge' and 'executor
St Michael the Archangel is often depicted as the defender of God's people and the leader of the heavenly militia. In the New Testament, he leads the angels in the battle against the dragon, symbol of Satan, and defeats him, reinforcing his role as judge and executor of divine judgement.
- The good/evil dynamic in early Christian thought
Early Christian thought addresses the question of evil in relation to the goodness of God:
• Augustine of Hippo: argues that evil has no existence of its own, but is a deprivation of goodness. According to him, God created everything good, but evil entered the world through man's free will.
• Thomas Aquinas: takes up the Augustinian view, stating that evil is the lack of good and that God allows evil to bring about greater good.
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Images
• St. Michael defeats the dragon - Luca Giordano (1666)
• Cover of the book 'The Devil's Portrait' - Elisabetta La Vista
• Satan in the Bible and the World - Cover (Louis-Chevrillon)
Video
Sources and references
Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia
1.4.4 - Iconographic representations of combat
The iconography of Michael victorious over the devil
St Michael the Archangel is frequently depicted in the act of defeating the devil, symbolised as a dragon or monstrous figure. This iconography is mainly based on chapter 12 of Revelation, where Michael leads the angels in the battle against the dragon, identified with Satan. Artistic representations show Michael armed with a sword or spear, often with outstretched wings, as he tramples or pierces the demon, emphasising the victory of good over evil.
Stylistic differences between East and West
In Byzantine art, St. Michael is usually depicted as a court dignitary, wearing the loros, symbol of imperial authority, and carrying a rod or crucigerous globe. This depiction emphasises his role as a high celestial official.
On the contrary, in Western art from the Middle Ages onwards, Michael is often depicted as a warrior in armour, armed with a sword or spear, in the act of fighting the devil. This iconography emphasises his role as defender of the faith and fighter against evil.
Icons, frescoes, sculptures: comparative analysis
Representations of St Michael vary through different artistic forms:
• Icons: In Byzantine art, icons of St Michael show him in hieratic poses, often wearing imperial robes, emphasising his heavenly authority.
• Frescoes: In the West, frescoes such as those by Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua depict Michael in armour, in the act of defeating the devil, highlighting his military and protective role.
• Sculptures: In the sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo on the Gargano, the sculptures of St Michael reflect the influence of local traditions and show the evolution of iconography over time.
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Images
• St. Michael the Archangel defeats Satan - Guido Reni (1635)
• St. Michael triumphs over the devil - Bartolomé Bermejo (1468)
• St. Michael driving out the devil - Leonardo da Pistoia (1542)
Video
Sources and references
Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia
1.4.5 - The spiritual symbolism of inner combat
Michael as a model in the fight against sin
St Michael the Archangel is often regarded as a model for believers in the fight against sin. His victory over the dragon, symbol of evil, represents the victory of good over evil and inspires believers to fight their sinful inclinations. The sword that Michael wields is a symbol of discernment and spiritual strength, tools needed to face temptations and inner challenges.
Presence in ascetic texts and monastic tradition
In the monastic tradition, St Michael is venerated as a protector and guide in the ascetic life. Monks invoke him to obtain strength in the practice of virtues and to resist temptations. His figure is often found in ascetic texts as an example of obedience and faithfulness to God.
The idea of the 'spiritual sword' and vigilance
The 'spiritual sword' of St Michael represents the word of God and the truth that separates good from evil. The faithful are called to wield this sword through prayer, meditation and adherence to the divine commandments. Vigilance is another virtue associated with Michael, who invites believers to always be ready to recognise and repel the snares of evil.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• St. Michael the Archangel - Symbolic illustration (protection and vigilance)
• The sword of St Michael - Symbol of spiritual strength
• St Michael Archangel - A stronghold of spiritual fortitude (article)
Video
• Invocation to the Archangel St Michael: Divine Protection and Spiritual Guidance
Sources and references
1.4.6 - St Michael in Christian eschatology
Role in the final judgement and weighing of souls
St Michael the Archangel is traditionally depicted as the one who weighs souls on Judgement Day. This representation, found in numerous medieval and Renaissance works of art, symbolises Michael's role in discerning the eternal destiny of souls, balancing their good and bad deeds. The scales he often holds in his hand symbolise this function as judge and guide in the afterlife.
The Dies Irae tradition and the psychopomp archangel
The Dies Irae, a medieval liturgical sequence, describes the Day of Judgement as a time of great terror and divine justice. In this context, St Michael is invoked as the one who leads souls to the presence of God, acting as a psychopomp, i.e. a guide to souls in the afterlife. This function is also recognised in the Catholic tradition, where Michael is seen as the angel who accompanies souls to their particular judgement after death.
The link with death and eternal salvation
In Catholic theology, St Michael is considered the defender of souls at the moment of death. His intercession is invoked to obtain eternal salvation and protection against the wiles of the evil one. Prayers and devotions, such as the 'Angelic Crown', emphasise Michael's role in guiding souls towards divine light and protecting them during the transition from earthly to eternal life.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• St. Michael weighing souls - Fresco in Breien, Val di Tires (BZ)
• Saint Michael with scales and sword - Fresco in Oleggio (NO)
• St. Michael in the Last Judgement - Hans Memling (detail)
• St. Michael weighing souls - Guariento di Arpo (c. 1350)
Video
• St Michael and the Weighing of Souls - Fresco in St Francis, Montefalco (PG)
• The role of St Michael in the Last Judgement - Theological Insight
Watch on YouTube
Saint Michael in the Catholic Church - Wikipedia
The Last Judgement in Christian Art - Diocese of Pistoia (PDF)