How Archangel Michael Defeated Satanael - an Apocryphal Story

A celestial battle described in a Bogomil document

7/17/20255 min read

Today, we're diving into the enigmatic world of the Bogomil movement. For those unfamiliar, the Bogomils were a dualist sect that flourished in the Balkans during the Middle Ages, holding beliefs that often put them at odds with mainstream Christianity.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Bogomil movement is the enduring mystery surrounding their central religious text. To this day, the Bible of the Bogomil movement has never been found. Imagine that – a major religious movement with no central, defining holy book that we can examine. It leaves us with so many unanswered questions about their precise doctrines and practices.

Whispers of a Divine Conflict

However, while the main bible remains elusive, a few religious stories have been attributed to the movement, offering us glimpses into their spiritual narratives. And one of the most compelling of these tales tells of a cosmic showdown: how Archangel Michael defeated Satanael.

This story, though perhaps a thousand years old in its origins, only truly came to the attention of researchers in the modern era. It was in 1930 that a Bulgarian scholar made a remarkable discovery. He retrieved the story from a 1796 codex and another one dating from 1820. Think about that: a narrative preserved for centuries, hidden away in old manuscripts, finally brought to light.

Following this initial discovery, other variants emerged. A Serbian version, though fragmented, was later uncovered, and even more recently, in 2006, a Greek version was revealed. Researchers have published numerous studies based on these different manuscripts, piecing together this fascinating narrative.

But here’s another twist in this historical detective story: it seems none of these researchers were aware that the exact same story was gathered in a Romanian collection way back in 1907! This manuscript is part of the Bianu collection, specifically the third chapter from manuscript 281, purchased in 1889 from an antiquarian in Bucharest. It just goes to show how often historical discoveries can be duplicated or overlooked in different academic circles.

The Plot Unfolds: Creation, Rebellion, and Deceit

So, what is this ancient, intriguing story all about? Let’s delve into the plot, a dramatic saga of creation, rebellion, and a daring act of divine deception.

The story begins with Jesus Christ (!) – yes, Christ in the role of creator – bringing forth the world, the angels, paradise, and man. Everything is harmonious, but then enters Satanael. He becomes consumed by envy for man, who is made master of all creation. What truly incenses Satanael is the fact that even the angels are commanded to bow down to man. His refusal to humble himself before Adam becomes the catalyst for his ultimate fall.

Driven by this pride, Satanael resolves to sever his ties with the Lord. He attempts to win over other angels to his side, and in a bold act of defiance, tries to steal “the robe woven for God, the widely worshipped wreath plaited for God, and the sceptre of the angelic armies.” His ambition knows no bounds; he aims to set a throne above the clouds and make himself like the Most High. And here's where we see Satanael as a demiurge, a creator figure in his own right. After his downfall, he creates his own heavens: a dark sun, a dark moon, and his own stars.

Michael's Courage and a Divine Blessing

Seeing this transgression, God the Father summons four archangels: Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael. He reveals Satanael's betrayal and commands Gabriel to descend to earth and retrieve the stolen divine regalia: the robe, the wreath, and the sceptre. But Gabriel, understandably, recoils in terror. The text describes Satanael as a truly monstrous figure: “one hundred ells long, and fifty ells broad; his lips like a great table, his gaze like a viper’s, and with three heads.” Faced with such a terrifying foe, Gabriel refuses.

It's at this crucial moment that the Lord turns to Archangel Michael. Even Michael, we're told, feels fear when contemplating Satanael. Yet, he agrees to undertake the perilous mission. But Michael is not just brave; he's cunning. He asks the Lord for permission to use deceit to outwit Satanael. His reasoning is simple and pragmatic: “if I do not lie to him, how am I going to outsmart him?” God grants Michael this extraordinary license, even promising him divine aid: He would make the earth incredibly hot, but place a cooling cloud directly above Michael’s head.

The Deception Begins

Armed with divine permission and a clever plan, Michael descends to the second heaven. He sharpens his sword, unfurls his enormous forty-ell broad wings, and plunges towards earth. The very heavens and earth begin to tremor, the sea recedes, and Satanael's servants are filled with dread. The stage is set for a confrontation.

Michael’s deception is masterful. He approaches Satanael, lavishly praising his “artful” creation – the heavens, the bright sun, the shining moon, the beautiful stars, and the blowing wind. He claims to have run away from God, lured by the irresistible power of Evil. Satanael, delighted and perhaps a little flattered, falls for the trick. He orders Michael to be seated on a second throne, right beside his own, and even takes him by the hand, believing he’s gained a powerful new ally.

The Lake and the Oath

Just as Michael intended, God sends an unbearable heat down to earth, while maintaining that cool cloud over Michael. The unclean forces, including Satanael, are overcome, almost fainting from the intense heat. Michael seizes the opportunity, proposing they all go to a nearby lake to cool down. The Archangel is overjoyed, sensing his chance to capture Satanael and reclaim God’s insignia.

As they make their way to the lake, Satanael, despite his earlier delight, remains somewhat suspicious. He orders his minions to keep a close watch on Michael. When they reach the lake, Satanael suggests Michael enter the water first. But Michael, ever the strategist, refuses, declaring that no servant is greater than his master. So, Satanael removes the stolen robe and wreath, and puts down the sceptre, warning Michael not to betray him. He then dives into the lake. After his first dive, he makes Michael swear that he will not run away. Michael, recalling God’s permission to lie, utters the oath. Satanael then dives again, this time reaching the bottom of the lake to combat an enormous beast.

Victory and Reward

This is Michael’s moment. He prays to the Lord, makes a sign over the lake, and miraculously covers it with ice. He swiftly kills Satanael’s minions, grabs the divine robe, wreath, and sceptre, and flies towards the heavens. Up above, the angels burst into praise for the Lord, and the earth trembles with the power of the moment.

Satanael, still battling the monster at the bottom of the lake, hears the angels' praises. He realizes instantly that he’s been deceived. He abandons his fight, desperately trying to return to the surface, but the ice holds firm. In a rage, he takes a huge rock, smashes through the ice, and flies up, pursuing Michael.

The chase is on. Satanael, now identified as the Antichrist, follows Michael, who prays to the Lord for help. God answers, opening the heavens and leaving the gates to paradise ajar. But Satanael is relentless. He catches up to Michael and grabs him by the leg. Michael, with a final, decisive strike, casts Satanael down into the chasms of hell.

Finally, Archangel Michael reaches the heavens. He bows before the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, returning the divine angelic robe to the Lord. And for his courage, cunning, and victory, God bestows upon him an incredible reward: Michael is appointed as the second God and judge, helper, and commander of the armies.

A Glimpse into Belief

This powerful and dramatic narrative provides us with a rare and vivid glimpse into the cosmology and theological beliefs that may have circulated within or around the Bogomil movement. It speaks of a cosmic struggle, the cunning of good against the pride of evil, and the ultimate triumph of divine will. While the Bogomil bible may still be lost to us, stories like these continue to echo through time, reminding us of the rich tapestry of human faith and imagination.