Where Do Angels In Dnd Come From

Waren Burn

2 min read

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02-12-2024

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The celestial beings known as angels in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) hold a significant place in the cosmology of the Forgotten Realms and other D&D settings. Unlike a simple "creation" story, their origins are complex, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the divine in the game's lore. There's no single, universally accepted answer, as different editions and even individual Dungeon Masters (DMs) may interpret their origins differently. However, we can explore the common threads woven throughout the various D&D editions.

The Source: The Great Cosmic Powers

The foundation of angelic origins lies in the powerful entities that represent the fundamental forces of good and order within the D&D multiverse. These include deities like:

• The various Good-aligned deities: Many gods of good actively create and empower angels, often as extensions of their own divine power. The specifics vary widely depending on the pantheon. For instance, an angel serving Tyr might embody justice, while one serving Lathander represents light and hope.

• The Upper Planes: The Upper Planes, celestial realms representing ideals like good, law, and order, are considered the primary spawning grounds for angels. These planes are imbued with divine energy, and angels are, in essence, manifestations of this energy, taking on physical (or semi-physical) forms.

Types of Angels and Their Origins

The diversity within the angelic host reflects their diverse origins:

• Celestials: The term "celestial" encompasses a broad range of divine beings. Angels represent just one of many types within this larger category, encompassing beings that vary in power and purpose. Some celestials might originate directly from the gods, while others emerge from the raw energies of the Upper Planes.

• Specific Angel Types: Each type of angel within D&D (like Deva, Planetar, etc.) often has specific origins tied to particular deities or planes. For example, a Deva, a powerful angel often associated with beauty and grace, may be directly created by a god of beauty, whereas a Solar, a warrior angel, may be born from the intense light and energy of a specific plane.

The Role of Divine Intervention

It's crucial to understand that the creation of angels isn't always a singular event. Many D&D sources suggest that gods continuously create and empower angels, often as needed to maintain balance in the multiverse, or to answer prayers or fulfill specific divine purposes.

The Shifting Sands of Lore

The specifics of angelic origins have evolved across different editions of D&D. What was established lore in 3.5 edition might be subtly different, or even contradicted, in 5th edition. The key takeaway is that the origins are not meant to be rigidly defined but rather flexible enough to allow for creativity and interpretation within the context of a specific campaign. This reflects the evolving nature of the game itself, and it's the DM's prerogative to establish the most appropriate background for angels within their world.