Samael, derived from the Hebrew סַמָּאֵל (Sammāʾēl), meaning "venom of God", is a name of an archangel in Abrahamic traditions, particularly within Jewish mysticism and folklore. The name combines the Hebrew words sam (poison or venom) and El (God), reflecting the angel's role as a destructive force of divine origin. In Jewish tradition, Samael is a complex figure, often identified as the angel of death, the chief of the satans, and the accuser in the heavenly court. He is closely associated with the serpent in the Garden of Eden and is frequently linked to eschatological and punishing roles. Unlike the Christian conception of Satan, Samael in Jewish texts is not inherently evil but serves divine purposes, such as destroying sinners or testing the faithful. The Talmud and Midrash contain numerous references to Samael's duties, including executing the Adam's punishment after the Fall and bringing plagues upon Egypt. Notable bearers of the name in modern times include Samael, a Swiss industrial black metal band formed in 1987, and Samael Aun Weor, a German-born spiritual teacher and founder of the Universal Christian Gnostic Movement. The name has also been used for characters in literature, film, and video games, often with sinister connotations. Although Samael appears in Islamic texts—in Arabic often as Samāʾīl or Samsamāʾīl—he is less prominent there than in Jewish lore. In Christian tradition, the figure of Samael is sometimes equated with Lucifer or Satan, though this alignment is not universal. Related names include Belial, Beelzebub, and Azazel, all of which inhabit similar roles in angelology and demonology. The name Samael itself appears in various spellings and transliterations worldwide. Cultural and Religious Significance Samael's dual nature—as both a holy angel and an adversary—makes him a key figure in Kabbalistic and Gnostic systems. His connection to poison emphasizes the ambivalent power of the divine, capable of both creation and destruction. Meaning: "Venom of God" (Hebrew)Origin: Hebrew traditionType: Archangel in Jewish loreUsage: Judeo-Christian-Islamic