Eleleth
Eleleth is a significant luminary within Sethian Gnosticism, acting as an angelic being or a celestial dwelling place. As one of the four primary emanations of the supreme divine triad, Eleleth plays a crucial role in descending from the Pleroma to aid humanity, particularly in saving Norea from the Archons and revealing divine knowledge.
Key Facts
- ›Eleleth is identified as a luminary in Sethian Gnosticism.
- ›Luminary beings are considered emanations of the supreme divine triad: Father, Mother, and Child.
- ›Eleleth is one of four Sethian luminaries, listed in hierarchical order.
- ›In the Hypostasis of the Archons, Eleleth descends to rescue Norea from the Archons.
- ›Eleleth's intervention involves informing Norea about her true origin and the world's creation.
- ›Eleleth may be referenced in the Gospel of Judas as El.
El
Savior, Revealer of Divine Knowledge
Hypostasis of the Archons, Apocryphon of John, the Three Forms of the First Thought, Gospel of Judas
Norea, Archons, Monad, Barbelo, Autogenes, Father, Mother, Child
About Eleleth
Eleleth is a prominent figure within Sethian Gnosticism, identified as a "luminary." In this Gnostic cosmology, luminaries are understood as angelic beings or celestial dwelling places that emanate from the supreme divine triad, which comprises the Father (Invisible Spirit), the Mother (Barbelo), and the Child (Autogenes).
Eleleth is consistently listed among the four primary Sethian luminaries, positioned in a hierarchical order. The texts that detail these beings, such as the Secret Book of John and Zostrianos, place Eleleth as the fourth in this sequence.
Role in Gnostic Narrative
A significant narrative involving Eleleth is found in "The Hypostasis of the Archons." In this scripture, Eleleth descends from the Pleroma, the divine fullness, to rescue Norea. Norea had cried out to the Monad for assistance against the Archons, malevolent entities who sought to seize her. Following Eleleth's appearance and intervention, the Archons are compelled to withdraw from Norea. Subsequently, Eleleth plays a crucial role in imparting knowledge to Norea, revealing her true divine origin and the genesis of the world.
Eleleth's presence is also noted in other key Gnostic texts, including the Apocryphon of John and "The Three Forms of the First Thought," both of which were part of the significant Nag Hammadi library discoveries. There is also a possibility that Eleleth is referenced in the Gospel of Judas under the name El.
Parallels and Significance
Scholars have observed potential parallels between the Sethian luminaries, including Eleleth, and certain figures in Mandaeism. Some Mandaean prayers list groups of four "uthras" (angels or divine beings) referred to as the "sons of peace" or "sons of light." These Mandaean beings are described as kings of the North Star, contributing strength and life to the sun, and are considered part of the "five primal beings of light" when counted with Hayyi Rabbi. This suggests a shared conceptual framework for divine intermediary beings across different esoteric traditions.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eleleth's role in Sethian Gnosticism?
Eleleth is a luminary in Sethian Gnostic cosmology, considered an angelic being and a celestial dwelling place. As one of the four primary emanations of the divine triad, Eleleth's role includes descending from the Pleroma to assist Norea.
In which Gnostic texts does Eleleth appear?
Eleleth appears in important Sethian Gnostic texts such as the Hypostasis of the Archons, the Apocryphon of John, and The Three Forms of the First Thought. These texts were discovered in the Nag Hammadi library.
What is Eleleth's specific action in the Hypostasis of the Archons?
In the Hypostasis of the Archons, Eleleth descends from the Pleroma to save Norea when she calls out to the Monad for help against the Archons. After Eleleth's appearance, the Archons withdraw from Norea.
What knowledge does Eleleth impart to Norea?
Upon appearing to Norea, Eleleth informs her about her true divine origin and the origin of the world. This revelation occurs after Eleleth intervenes to protect Norea from the Archons.
Is Eleleth mentioned in other religious traditions?
While primarily a figure in Sethian Gnosticism, Eleleth might be referenced in the Gospel of Judas as 'El'. Parallels to the Sethian luminaries have also been drawn with certain Mandaean uthras.
Related Angels
Daveithai
Daveithai is a luminary in Sethian Gnosticism, considered an angel-like being and an emanation of the supreme divine triad. As one of the four Sethian luminaries, Daveithai occupies a significant hierarchical position within this cosmology, originating from the spiritual realm known as the Pleroma.
Harmozel
Harmozel is a luminary, an angel-like being within Sethian Gnosticism, considered an emanation of the supreme divine triad. As the highest of the four principal luminaries, Harmozel plays a role in the divine order and is part of a celestial hierarchy that includes Oroiael, Daveithe, and Eleleth. These beings are central to Sethian Gnostic cosmology.
Oroiael
Oroiael is an angel-like being, specifically a luminary, within Sethian Gnosticism. These luminaries are considered emanations of the supreme divine triad and play a role in the cosmic order. Oroiael is one of four such beings, ranked hierarchically, and is associated with divine emanations and spiritual guidance.