Raziel - in Fiction

In Fiction

Raziel is mentioned in The Mortal Instruments series of novels as having created the Shadowhunters, by mixing his blood with mortals and having them drink the mixture from a divine cup. This cup, known as the Mortal Cup, is one of three items, collectively known as The Mortal Instruments. The other two are a sword and a mirror. Also seen in Michele Lang's Lady Lazarus series of urban historical fantasy novels (Tor 2010)

Raziel is also a recurring character in Christopher Moore's novels, having been featured to a large degree in both Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal and is the titular character of The Stupidest Angel, in which his efforts to grant a child's Christmas wish go awry. Raziel, as may be gathered from the latter title, is portrayed as being of limited intellect. As his charge in Lamb implies, Raziel is too dim and his attention span too short to follow most verbal argument to the conclusion, so he can't be tricked with words, and he's too implacable to intentionally shirk his duty, making him the perfect watchman.

Raziel is a central character in Eidos Interactive's Legacy of Kain series of video games, the protagonist of the Soul Reaver story arc. Initially appearing in Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, the character was created by a team of storywriters at Crystal Dynamics, notably series director Amy Hennig, and conceptualized by various Crystal Dynamics artists, with his in-game appearance directed and designed by Daniel Cabuco. In all of his English-language appearances, he has been voiced by Michael Bell.

Portrayed as both an anti-hero and tragic hero, Raziel is a soul-devouring vampire-turned-wraith, introduced in Soul Reaver as one of six lieutenants raised to serve series eponym and protagonist, Kain. Upon evolving beyond Kain through growing wings, Raziel is executed for his transgression, but is revived by The Elder God as a reaver of souls, bent on avenging himself by slaying his brothers and former master. Over the course of his journey, his history is revealed in reverse, and his motivations and loyalties gradually shift as he unearths the truth behind his cyclic destiny.

Raziel is also a key character in the young adult novel "Of Darkness and Light" by Lily Crussell. In this book Raziel meets and falls in love with a human girl, Nora, who is hunted and harassed by evil nephillim. After a sweet and romantic few chapters Raziel is stolen by Nora's attacker. Nora continues to be protected and comforted by Raziel's 'brother' Barachiel.