The Revolt of the Angels · Chapter
Chapter XX explained
Nectaire recounts the history of the ancient demons and their interactions with humanity from the time of the Gauls through the barbarian invasions and the rise of Christianity, describing how they preserved knowledge and subtly guided peop
What happens
Nectaire recounts the history of the ancient demons and their interactions with humanity from the time of the Gauls through the barbarian invasions and the rise of Christianity, describing how they preserved knowledge and subtly guided people away from blind faith in Iahveh.
Themes in this chapter
Knowledge and Enlightenment
The demons preserve and teach ancient wisdom, letters, and sciences to barbarians and monks.
Religion and Blind Faith
Critique of the blind acceptance of Iahveh's fable and the violent practices of the Church.
Human Nature and Folly
Humanity's tendency toward violence, superstition, and irrational fear, as seen in the barbarian invasions and witch hunts.
Characters to notice
- Nectaire
Narrates the history of the demons and their role in human civilization.
- Ialdabaoth
Referenced indirectly as part of the demonic tradition.
- Iahveh
Mentioned as the God whose fable was adopted by barbarians and whose pastors instituted burnings.
- Archangel Michael
Not directly present but implied in the celestial hierarchy.
Key passages
“The poor wretch thought that there were certain forms of words wherewith to put to flight the deathless spirits that dwell in the cool groves...”
The foolish man believed he could banish immortal spirits with specific words and gestures.
Nectaire mocks the exorcist's ignorance of the true nature of spirits.
“The fable of Iahveh and his son pleased them, and they believed it all the more easily in that it was taught them by the Romans whom they knew to be wiser than themselves...”
The barbarians accepted the story of Iahveh because it came from the Romans, whom they admired.
Highlights how cultural authority facilitated the spread of Christianity.
“We taught them letters and sciences. A mouthpiece of their god, one Gerbert, took lessons in physics, arithmetic, and music with us, and it was said that he had sold us his soul.”
We instructed them in knowledge; even Gerbert, a pope, learned from us, though people accused him of selling his soul.
Demonstrates the demons' role in advancing learning despite being misunderstood.