Literary notes about Abaddon (AI summary)
In literature, Abaddon is often portrayed as a symbol of ultimate destruction and chaotic force. It appears both as a personified entity—the angel or king of the abyss, synonymous with the forces of punishment and ruin—and as a metaphor for the insatiable nature of human suffering and evil ([1], [2], [3], [4]). The name, which in Hebrew denotes destruction and in Greek is identified as Apollyon, is invoked to evoke dark imagery ranging from hellish landscapes to demonic adversaries, as seen when it is depicted as the unseen power behind ruin or termed the bottomless pit itself ([5], [6], [7]). The repeated allusions in varied contexts—whether setting the stage for metaphoric battles or emphasizing the inevitability of decay—underscore Abaddon’s persistent presence as an archetypal force of annihilation in literature ([8], [9]).
- They have over them as king the angel of the abyss: his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek tongue he hath the name Apollyon (ix.
— from The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Revelation by William Milligan - He is termed Abaddon, the angel of the bottomless pit—the prince of darkness.
— from Ophiolatreia
An Account of the Rites and Mysteries Connected with the Origin, Rise, and Development of Serpent Worship in Various Parts of the World by Edward Sellon - And they had a king over them, who is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon.”
— from Legends of Lancashire by Peter Landreth - As Abaddon or Apollyon he is the king of the abyss, or “Bottomless Pit,” and when he appears it is with purpose and equipment for destruction.
— from Is the Devil a Myth? by C. F. (Charles Franklin) Wimberly - ( c ) The name Abaddon , or Apollyon — Destroyer , ver.
— from Notes on the New Testament, Explanatory and Practical: Revelation by Albert Barnes - The name Abaddon means literally destruction , and is the same as Apollyon.
— from Notes on the New Testament, Explanatory and Practical: Revelation by Albert Barnes - 11 Abaddon ((Abaddon) is used of hell personified, the prince of the underworld.
— from The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia
Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg - Now his desire should be satisfied, but no, "Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and the eyes of man are never satisfied."
— from The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Proverbs by Robert F. (Robert Forman) Horton - After that, they settled down to planning the Battle of Abaddon.
— from Space Viking by H. Beam Piper