Demon, fairies, angels, and the dead in Dark Magi (My literary universe)

First of all, I am trying to get away from the traditional literary device that light/order=good and dark/chaos=evil. In the dark magi universe, Light is all things normal, known, and represents the powers that be that maintains the status quo. The force of Order is that brings form and function to creation. Darkness is the absurd (regarding absurdism or simply anything unconventional), the unknown, and represents the powers that rebel against the status quo and creates change. The force of chaos is that which creates and destroys, however what it creates must be molded by order. Both sides are innately necessary for the universe to exist.

Angels are celestial spirits that exist to maintain order in the cosmos. Their society is run by a caste system. Each angels is put into one of three orders and given a specific job. Each order is divided into three sub orders. Each angel exists to fulfill the role it is placed in and thus must follow the rules set by the order it exists in. To disobey, and worse abandon, one’s order is to “fall from grace.” Fallen angels achieve a level of freedom other angels don’t have but are shunned by their former brethren.

Angels believe the universe is concrete. One’s destiny is written in stone. Each being has its place in this universe and must abide by it. Angels believe individuality is a luxury. One must adhere to the role it plays in society. If necessary, one must sacrifice one’s sense of self for the benefit of the greater whole. Angels teach that there is an objective divine truth in the universe, and that to achieve this level of enlightenment, one must forego the ego and achieve henosis (melding with divinity). Though to us this may sound absolutist, however this is what every angel accepts to be real. Non-angels have the right to make the choice to seek this enlightenment, but for angels of whom are burdened with the responsibility of maintaining the universe, they do not have such right.

The celestial realm is a place seen in the dreams of the faithful, a place above the clouds where one may gaze into the heavens, beholding the rising and setting of moons and suns. Those in life who have reached enlightenment are raised to this realm. Here they provide counsel for seekers of divine wisdom. They mingle with other enlightened ones, guiding the pathways of fate, and serving under the most holy seraph. It is an afterlife of purpose and meaning, till one’s next incarnation.

Demons, however, are infernal spirits who create change. While there is little word in Dark Magi as to how demon society is run, it is safe to say that demons usually act on their own or work under a greater demon. There are four demon lords, ruling a different region of the infernal realm. Lucifer/Samyaza (East), Asmodeus (South), Lilith (West), and Belial (North). Demons are independent by nature. They recognize no divine authority over them and thus only serve through some agreed deal for due payment. The demon lords, however, exist to maintain order by establishing some system of government. Believe it or not, demons respect and desire social order like anyone else, so long as their independence is not infringed.

Demons believe the universe is fluid. Destiny is not set in stone but can be molded and shaped. Each being can manipulate the reality around them and evolve past their current position. However, there will be many forces standing in their way. Demons consider the notion of an objective divine truth to be a laughable farse. The only truths in the world are personal and subjective. Demons believe angels know this to but still spread this lie to pacify the irresponsible masses. They allow this lie to be spread among mortals as not everyone can handle the truth, so long as it isn’t forced upon them or those under their protection. They see the universe as an arena. The universe is by nature chaotic and apathetic towards every event and endeavor. There is no cause that is more righteous or holy than it’s opposition. Even among the bickering of gods. The only reason something is, was, or ever will be is because something or someone desired it and managed to fight against those that tried to suppress it. If there is any reason to do anything, it is because one desires it. They then become competitors in this arena, aided by some, threatened by others, and ignored by the rest. The universe is naturally in motion, and that motion has to come from something. All beings have the right to cause the motion they desire, whether they be mortals or gods. No one has the right to monopolize creation, and demons would not have it any other way. Though, while anyone may try and assert their desires, it is not the wise who make the rules, but the strong and the cunning.

As anyone, each demon has their beliefs as to what is right or wrong. They may get along with others, develop friends and enemies. However, the ultimately see themselves as nothing more than competitors in the universal arena.

The infernal realm is a nightmarish hellscape, a place that bellows with the mixed desires of the living. Here concepts of good, evil, reality, fantasy, and self become challenged as the world twists the mind’s perceptions. While it doesn’t cause one to lash out in a maddened fit, it can be for many uncomfortable, even painful. Though, the mind eventually sets its self and gets used to this power. The infernal realm is a place where one can find the three most primal desires, knowledge, power, and pleasure. There are many arcane teachings hidden, opportunities to see the world differently, and there’s a party anywhere you turn. However, it is also a place of torment as it is the destination for those who were enslaved by their desires in life, existing in an afterlife of self induced torture till a realization sets them free. Neither the faithful nor skeptical are spared.

While demons and angels fight over the nature of the universe, the fairy folk maintain the balance of nature, niether celestial nor infernal. Just worldy. They are the closest to our world, and because of which are our spiritual neighbors. There are different types of fairies, each holding power over an element, from the classics of fire, water, earth, and air, to more metaphysical elements like day, night, or even death.

Fairies agree on both sides between angels and demons. Each and every being has some room in the universe to control to their desires. However this room is limited. At the end of the day, all there is is nature. Neither side realizes how arrogant they both are, thinking they can define, and even control nature. Nature exists independently from either of them, independently from all beings. And yet, no entity exists independent from nature. The only meaning in life is that one lives and dies as the natural circle and should find some way to enjoy their time. The fairy folk value experience and the sensations each experience offers. From joys to sorrows. Even after death does one continue experiencing as they reincarnate. Unlike demons who only value the self, and angels who value some vague greater whole, fairy folk hold to value one’s own personal circle. Whether it be friends, family, or the strangers who walk into one’s life, each individual is valued as each brings along some new experience.

The fae lands is one of dreams. It is a place where nature holds absolute domain. Vast forests of skyscraper trees, mountains the reach the heavens, fruits of healing and beasts of imagination. It is place where that which is dreamed becomes real and that which was once real is but a dream. During the dawn, the fae lands experience spring. Trees regain their leaves as flowers sprout from the grounds. As midday rolls around there is summer. Sundown marks fall as the gates to the land of the dead loosen. Midnight brings a cold winter till dawn. Those who exist in nature, or give themselves to nature, go to the fae lands after death. All manner of non-sentient animal and beast go to the fae lands till their next incarnation. However, because most mortals prefer civilization, therefore separating themselves from nature’s energies, they go to the land of the dead. However, those who choose to re-discover their link to the natural world will one day join the fairy folk, and spend their afterlives playing in the forests till their next incarnation.

All things die. Even spirits. When a spirit dies, they simply reincarnate. When a mortal dies, his spirit is released and led to a world of endless night, the land of the dead. The land of the dead goes by many names through out the ages, sheol, helhiem, xibalba, or erebus. The land of the dead is ruled by the various gods of the dead. From Hades, to Osiris, Baron Samedi, Yama, and many more. It is a dark misty realm of endless night of who’s only light is a bright pale full moon shining above the dead trees who raise their branches up like churchgoers in praise. Here, the spirits of the dead slumber. They dream and dream of times they knew in life. Even in their awakened state, they display a dreamy look, as if they still remain asleep yet completely aware of their surroundings. Eventually, their time comes for their new incarnation. In which case they are escorted out of this shadowy world.

To those living magicians who soul travel, entrance to the land of the dead is allowed. Those who do go find out that much can be learned and experienced in this dusty world. The land of the dead is resting place of all mortal history. Knowledge on the past may be given from the lips of the sleepy dreaming dead or found by other means. Though to enter this realm is to come face to face with death. There is always the feeling of being watched and observed, but never seeing your observer. The gods of the dead are served by fairy folk who appear as skeletons draped in black robes wielding scythes and are called Ankou. These servants are served as well by ghostly black dog like creatures called lougarou, barguests, black shucks, or simply hell hounds. These things act as the eyes and ears of the gods of the dead and will take note of every move one makes. There’s always the fear that one of these spectral hounds will one moment…pounce.

The gates of the dead are best opened at night, preferably at midnight or under the full moon. The moon acts as the gate way to this shadowy realm. Though one must be careful as so the dead do not escape. For a spirit of the dead to escape may at best mean mischief. At worst mean terror. However, the sun’s rise gives pause to their antics. Though once the sun sets, they are free to continue in their grim merry making.

7 Likes

I actually enjoy this world I’ve built. I’ve made the battle between angels and demons go from a religious war between good vs evil to a petty squabble of beliefs between order and chaos over how the universe’s nature is to be defined. Then there are the fairy folk who simply choose not to get involved. If given the choice of two sides between these 3, I’d choose demons and fairies. While I’m glad I could separate angels from Aldonai, I can’t say I’d feel comfortable around them and their way of being. I much agree more with demon and fairy philosophy. I can see myself learning from the infernal realm while resting in the fae lands. Course I guess I’m bias against angels, so I struggled in presenting their ideology in an alluring manner. However, I am very proud in how I wrote the demonic one. I wanted to show it as harsh but truthful. I’d even say deep down its agreeable in that it presents absolute freedom while acknowledging the chaotic nature of the world. It basically states “You can follow your dreams but it will not be easy.” I’m not sure if it’d be considered existential, nihilistic, or absurdist. It was left hand path inspired, though.

I’ve designed this cosmology in how I personally interpret the spiritual world. I’d even go so far this is my belief of what it’s like. I may not be fully correct, but until I can prove my interpretation, I feel as if the best place to express it is in fiction.

3 Likes

Yeah this could be true. I’m interested in what you write, if you end up putting it online you should tell me! A writer’s tip for you would be to NOT put this exposition in the story ^ Even if you want to just put a paragraph in or have an angel or demon explain part of this to the protagonist. It is better to keep it a secret and only reveal parts of this that directly relate to the immediate situation. It’s better to keep the mystery and let the protagonist/readers discover this truth in increments as the story progresses. Even if the reader never finds all this out. Cause this is only the set-up, not the plot.

As for the angel ideology, it looks good even if you don’t feel good about it. Looking at the ideology from the perspective of an angel that follows the ideology, you would look at how there is truth to it. The angels in your world know that they can’t make THEIR ideology absolute for the whole universe, but they believe their path is a way to liberation and that it creates peace for all those who get there and that it harms none. So they would see it as the best way of liberation and power because of their perspective of the holiness of all, loving all and stuff like that.

I plan on the protagonist contacting Azazel. Azazel tells him the idea of good and evil, from a monotheistic standpoint, originated as being about primitive man’s survival in the otherwise harsh and unforgiving environment. So demons were portrayed as part animal, particularly predators. As mankind thrived, this concept was reinterpreted with every age, each new idea fighting back against the old. Dante asks what is truly good and evil. Azazel states there is no such thing. Each entity has their own idea of what they want and don’t want. They use the idea of being right to justify their desires, claiming they are supported by some unknown force that governs the universe. But while they may be supported by something, it doesn’t mean the universe its self supports them.

He then shows the protagonist a vision. Thousands of warriors fighting on a battlefield over seen by a dragon. It was crimson red with seven horns, ten horns, and seven crowns. (I’m well aware where it comes from). This battlefield represents the clashing of desires, the consequence of free will. However, demons would have it no other way.

In fact, I’ve realized why the idea of multiple gods scares most people. The idea that one god exists and rules the universe allows people to believe that the entire universe supports them, and anything that threatens them is on the wrong side and shall be vanquished. The notion of multiple gods takes away from this idea because it removes the notion of the universe supporting you. One god may support you, but another god may act against you. And thus returns us to the primitive fear of a harsh and unforgiving environment. Something bad can happen to you, and you can barely do anything about it. I know how scary that is, but as weak as I often feel, I accept that to be the reality.

4 Likes