by JR Cook - 9 years ago     show comments

Throughout the years, Diablo and the world around him have continued to change and evolve. With each new era, we are introduced to a brand new vision of what Hell and Sanctuary really are. Now, we fight in a world so extensive and complex that it is hard to believe that we started our journey in tiny little Tristram. Let us glance back into the past and remember that which was forgotten and realize the path it has taken to the reality of today.

Here we are once again, to take our nostalgic look back at the past of Diablo. This week we shall feature who is personally my favorite character of the whole series, Tyrael. He is a winged warrior for heaven, the (former) Archangel of Justice has been our link to heaven throughout the last two games, giving us a glimpse of the might and power it controls.

“You cannot judge me. I am Justice itself! We were made for more than this! To protect the innocent! But if our precious laws bind you all to inaction… then I will no longer stand as your brother“

At the beginning of Diablo 3, Tyrael argues with Imperius, trying to defend his actions from Diablo II. Through this fight, Tyrael makes the decision to become mortal and join us here on earth. The quote above embodies everything that is Tyrael, showing his devotion to his aspect, and exhibits the distance he will go to ensure that Justice is given. Now without further ado, let us examine his evolution:

The Original:

In Diablo II, they gave us a new image of an angel, breaking away from the stereotypical feathery wings and halo, and giving us a more ethereal, mysterious look, defining a holy warrior, rather than a peaceful, pious being. Let us take a look at some of the defining characteristics:

• Glowing, flowing wings that sometimes act as extra arms while also allowing flight.
• A hood hiding his true face, making him mysterious, and leaving us to wonder, where does that voice come from?
• And on that note, his echoing, piercing voice that sent chills down my spine the first time I heard it.
• His sword, El’Druin, has immense power, allowing him to cut through any substance or being, however it cannot be used to harm a being of righteous will, and in turn can only be wielded by one with a noble heart.
• In the story, he gives you the Soulstones, giving you the means to capture and contain the spirits of the three Prime Evils.
• Destroys the Worldstone, preventing the corruption of Sanctuary, but throwing all of creation out of balance. This sets up the conflict at the beginning of Diablo 3.

The Evolved:

• Finally! We get to see Tyrael’s face. After falling from the High Heavens and becoming mortal, he appears without his angelic gear, donning simple leather armor.
• El’Druin makes a reappearance, following Tyrael into his mortality. It appears to have all of the same properties, making him one of the most powerful beings in Sanctuary (next to the Nephalem).
• Has the ability to create a portal to the High Heavens, allowing us to follow Diablo and seal him into the Black Soulstone.
• At the end of Act V, he rejoins the Angiris Council and becomes the Aspect of Wisdom, however decides to still maintain his mortality.

Throughout the games, Tyrael is one of few constants, guiding us towards our destiny and providing us the path of the Just and Good that we are called to follow. Let us look upon him fondly and have him lead the way to our future crusades through Pandemonium and Sanctuary.