 Mephistopheles flying over Wittenberg, in a lithograph by Eugène Delacroix. Source [1] Image by Eugène Delacroix, via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed Public domain |
MephistophelesMephistopheles is a demon from German folklore, notably recognized as the chief devil in the Faust legend. Emerging during the medieval and Renaissance periods, he became a significant character in literature, representing temptation and the consequences of overreaching ambition. Initially appearing as a stock character, his portrayal evolved, notably in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust" and Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus," where he is depicted as a complex figure embodying both charm and cynicism. Mephistopheles symbolizes the darker aspects of human nature and moral conflict, reflecting the duality of good and evil throughout various artistic interpretations. (Source: Wikipedia)
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