Raziel

SPOILER WARNING: Plot details follow. Caution is advised!

Raziel is the patron angel of the Shadowhunters.

History[]

Creating the Nephilim[]

Raziel is credited as the creator of the race of Shadowhunters to combat the demons in their world. Raziel bestowed upon them the Mortal Instruments,^[1]^[2] along with a hidden country and the ability to use certain angelic runes. Among this is the Mortal Cup, from which he had them drink his blood, letting all Shadowhunters, even those descended from the first ones, have a bit of his blood running through their veins.^[3] The first Shadowhunters who drank his blood had a special connection with him that gave them visions, a form of distant communication with the angel.^[4] Raziel granted their kind the ability to once again summon him through a ritual involving the Mortal Instruments, and promised to grant one wish—any wish—they asked of him then.^[5]^[6]

Summoned by Valentine[]

“	That is not Heaven's wish. But thou who spills thy blood, thou shalt compel from me an action.	”
–Raziel, Beside Still Water

For centuries after he created the Nephilim, he was undisturbed, with the Shadowhunter's ruling body the Clave decided to save the wish for dire times.^[7]

In 2016, Raziel was summoned by Valentine Morgenstern with the Mortal Instruments to compel the one granted wish from him. Valentine demanded the immediate destruction of all demon-blooded creatures, demons and Downworlders alike, along with their protector Shadowhunters. Though Raziel made it clear that Heaven did not agree with Valentine's ideals, he had been compelled and would be forced to comply. When Clary killed Valentine, however, Raziel granted the wish to Clary instead. The girl asked Raziel for Jace Herondale, who had just been killed by Valentine, and Raziel granted the request, bringing him back to life.^[8]

Punishing Clary[]

Despite Clary Fairchild’s ability to create runes being advantageous to Shadowhunter’s, Raziel sent her mother to warn her that he did not approve of her actions. Her mother warned her that if she abused her ability once more, Raziel would strip her of her abilities.

Despite this warning, Clary uses her ability to kill Jonathan, and Raziel begins to de-rune her gradually, and during Alec and Magnus’ wedding celebrations, Clary becomes human, loosing her sight, runes and memories.

However, one year later, Jace begins checking up on Clary, and one night, under the impression he is glamoured, visits her art store. Unbeknownst to him, Clary has began to develop her sight, and is able to notice him, and her memories begin to return. Finally, she is able to see Jace’s runes.

Appearances[]

Season One appearances: 0/13
The Mortal Cup: Absent	The Descent Into Hell Isn't Easy: Absent	Dead Man's Party: Absent	Raising Hell: Absent
Moo Shu to Go: Absent	Of Men and Angels: Mentioned only	Major Arcana: Absent	Bad Blood: Absent

Rise Up:
Absent

This World Inverted:
Absent

Blood Calls To Blood:
Absent

Malec:
Absent

Morning Star:
Mentioned only

Season Two appearances: 1/20
This Guilty Blood: Absent	A Door Into the Dark: Absent	Parabatai Lost: Absent	Day of Wrath: Absent	Dust and Shadows: Absent
Iron Sisters: Mentioned only	How Are Thou Fallen: Absent	Love is a Devil: Mentioned only	Bound By Blood: Absent	By the Light of Dawn: Absent
Mea Maxima Culpa: Absent	You Are Not Your Own: Absent	Those of Demon Blood: Absent	The Fair Folk: Absent	A Problem of Memory: Absent
Day of Atonement: Absent	A Dark Reflection: Mentioned only	Awake, Arise, or...: Mentioned only	Hail and Farewell: Mentioned only	Beside Still Water: Appears

Season Three (3A) appearances: 0/22
On Infernal Ground: Mentioned only	The Powers That Be: Absent	What Lies Beneath: Absent	Thy Soul Instructed: Mentioned only	Stronger Than Heaven: Mentioned only
A Window Into an...: Mentioned only	Salt in the Wound: Mentioned only	A Heart of Darkness: Mentioned only	Familia Ante Omnia: Mentioned only	Erchomai: Absent

Etymology[]

Raziel (Hebrew: רזיאל) is an Aramaic name meaning "God is my secret", or "Secret of God". It is also the name of an archangel within the teachings of Jewish mysticism.

Trivia[]

He was voiced by Anthony Head in the Season 2 finale episode (and the character's only appearance so far), Beside Still Water.

References[]

[1] 1x06: Of Men and Angels

[2] 2x06: Iron Sisters

[3] 1x03: Dead Man's Party

[4] 2x08: Love is a Devil

[5] 2x11: Mea Maxima Culpa

[6] 2x17: A Dark Reflection

[7] 3x07: Salt in the Wound

[8] 2x20: Beside Still Water

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]