Today, we’re going to immerse you in the mysteries and legends surrounding the Grim Reaper, the most famous representation of death. She’s often depicted as a skeleton wrapped in a long veil, holding a worn-out old scythe in her hand. She’s a terrifying “fictional” character who’s come to take poor mortals away!
Between theories and realities that can sow doubt, here’s plenty to make your evening of horror even scarier than expected! 👻
🔥THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS🔥
1) The History of the “Grim Reaper of Death”
A. Who is the Grim Reaper?
The Great Reaper is a frightening creature who embodies the God of Death. She is depicted as a skeleton dressed in a long black robe. This entity appears when your time has come and harvests your soul before sending you to the afterlife. Although his personality and work are as mysterious as death itself, one thing’s for sure: he’s not someone you’ll want to meet any time soon! 😱
This allegory of death exists in every culture, throughout all the history we know. Our ancestors took a friendlier approach to death. For example:
- Thanatos (Greek god of death) was an attractive young man with a noble heart.
- The Valkyries (Norse mythology) were beautiful, heroic women who decided which Norse soldiers should die in battle.
B. Origins of the Middle Ages: the Black Death
The change in attitude towards death came in the 14th century, when Europe was ravaged by the Black Death. In some cities, one in five people died of the plague. Decomposing corpses piled up in the streets, and everyone mourned the loss of their loved ones…
During the Black Death, artists began to depict death as a horrific figure coming from a mysterious sanctuary. Skeletons armed with deadly tools danced among plague victims in the streets or rode white horses with carts full of corpses. 💀
Finally, a black-cloaked figure (the first recognizable Grim Reaper) began to appear at the head of these sinister processions. His black robe and curved scythe may have been inspired by the plague doctors. The latter wore black shrouds and bird-shaped masks to protect themselves from contamination.
The name “The Grim Reaper” didn’t appear until the 19th century, although “La Faucheuse” had been the nickname for death since the 13th century.
2) Characteristics of the “God of Death”
A. Long Black Cape and Scythe
Unlike previous personifications of death, the Grim Reaper has a macabre appearance. In fact, many Halloween costumes were inspired by him! The first distinctive features of the Grim Reaper include a long black cape. The cape envelops the specter’s entire body, as well as his face under a deep hood. It’s usually loose and tattered, so that black pieces float in the wind as he moves. 💨
In his hand, the reaper holds a scythe, a long pole with a curved blade attached to the top (also known as a “sickle”). The specter of death can also carry an hourglass, which he uses to measure the time remaining in a life. Finally, he can travel on the back of a ghostly white horse or in a chariot pulled by white horses.
Few people saw the figure under the black cloak and survived to tell the tale. Most legends describe the Grim Reaper (English nickname) as a skeleton (white bones and an empty skull), but some claim that nothing lurks beneath that dark hooded cloak.
B. Personification of Death
The Grim Reaper’s appearance is frightening, but she’s not as demonic as she looks. Above all, she’s a hard worker. Her job is to collect souls when they reach the end of their life on earth. She’s extremely diligent and always meets her deadlines! ⏱
Some might think that the Reaper, like an assassin, is obnoxious because it kills people without batting an eyelid. But there’s an important difference. Assassins kill people without a care in the world. The Grim Reaper kills people because it’s their destiny to die. In many ways, his work is beneficial. It puts an end to the suffering of the elderly or sick and prevents overpopulation.
C. Why does Death have a Scythe?
The Grim Reaper has an important job and special skills. Her signature, and most mysterious skill, is her ability to separate the soul from the body. Most stories claim that the mere presence of this specter prompts the soul to leave the body. With a flick of her finger (or her scythe), she harvests souls.
Once the reaper has harvested your soul, he will act as your guide through the next realm. Some stories describe heroes who managed to trick the Reaper or convince him not to take their souls. In some cases, the Reaper even gave people talismans that made them immortal! 😳
3) Myths and Beliefs around Death
A. Legend of the Grim Reaper
The days of silly superstition and magic are over. However, many people still adhere to this ancient belief, especially in modern Western folklore. When people don’t understand something or are afraid of it, they tend to create more manageable and tangible explanations. 🤔
When death takes the form of a “human” entity, it humanizes one of humanity’s most abstract concepts. In the same way, primitive peoples have created stories that personify the moon, thunderstorms, meteor showers, eclipses and every other natural phenomenon. Even the most advanced cultures still preserve certain traditions that protect them from the fear of death.
The Grim Reaper appears in religious texts from the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, lending credibility to the legend (or at least reinforcing its popularity). Religion thrived for centuries on people’s fears. It pointed the finger at demons, witches… and practiced exorcisms as well as many other dark and occult subjects. 😰
From then on, it’s no surprise that the image of death, represented physically by the Grim Reaper, has become an iconic symbol of mythology and popular culture.
B. The Fear aroused by the Spectre of Death
Today, the image of the Grim Reaper doesn’t inspire the same level of fear as it once did. It has even taken root in our collective culture! Today, it entertains us and many people use it to express part of their personality.
At the end of the day, there’s no denying that the Grim Reaper has deep roots in the Black Death of the 14th century. Nevertheless, death has always been a fascinating and frightening subject for human beings! From Anubis, the Egyptian god of death represented by a jackal’s head, to all that has followed, humans will always find a way to overcome their fear and anxiety about death.
Death is the great social equalizer. That’s why everyone would be afraid to see a cloaked figure in the distance, holding a scythe, slowly approaching… and counting the last grains of sand! ⏳
4) The Grim Reaper in Modern Western Folklore
You’ve certainly come across this personification of death in many aspects of our society, whether in art, music, films or even video games. It’s no surprise that the Grim Reaper is often featured in TV series, horror games, punk rock bands and morbid works of art.
We’ve put together a little list for you, where you can find indirect or direct references to the Grim Reaper! 🤗
A. The Grim Reaper in the Movies 📽
Although the American horror film “Grim Reaper” released in 2007 is entirely devoted to her, she can be found repeatedly in numerous films, such as:
- Skinwalkers: a thriller by James Isaac released in 2007.
- Death Takes a Holiday: an excellent drama by Mitchell Leisen released in 1934.
- The Seventh Seal: Ingmar Bergman’s famous Swedish drama released in 1957.
- The Book of Life: a 2014 animated fantasy film directed by Jorge Gutierrez.
- Date VS Death: a 2011 horror film by Patrick Hagarthy.
B. The Grim Reaper in Art 🖼
Many paintings, like this Grim Reaper painting, can be found in different eras, often associated with war or misfortune. Present in every generation and in the four corners of the world, you can find art representing this entity very often :
- The Triumph of Death: an oil painting by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, painted in 1562. It is now on display at the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
- Death Plays Chess: a painting by Albertus Pictor dating from 1480, now on view at Taby Church, Stockholm.
- The Vision of Death: France is in the spotlight with Gustave Doré and his 1868 painting. However, the painting is now in the hands of a private collector.
- La Mort du Fossoyeur: painted between 1895 and 1900 by Carlos Schwabe, this painting of the grim reaper is on display at the Musée d’Orsay.
C. The Grim Reaper in Video Games 🎮
Being associated with the specter of death, the Grim Reaper is often featured in video games. She’s usually an enemy or final boss, but sometimes a playable character too! Maybe you’ve already played some of them?
- “Grim Reaper” in The Sims: when a character dies, she appears to collect his soul.
- “Black Sprinter” in Justice League Superheroes: when the famous hero Flash’s life is too low, the specter starts chasing him!
- “Thanatos” in God of War: we’ve already talked briefly about this earlier, and we’ll see more about this character later, but you can meet this Grim Reaper during battles against the Gods.
- Final Fantasy’s Bones: when a death spell is used, a skull appears to symbolize the punishment inflicted on the opponent.
- “Reaper” in Kingdom Hearts: a boss who lives up to his name. He collects souls to turn them into ghouls, which you’ll have to fight later. In short, a tough battle awaits you!
D. The Grim Reaper in Music 🎵
In a lot of music, whether modern or ancient, you can find references to the Grim Reaper. It’s not always a sad reference. In fact, each artist can give it any meaning they wish.
- “Grim Reaper of Love” by The Turtles: a pop track from the 60s.
- “Lucky to be Alive” by Cheap Sex: music somewhere between hard rock and punk rock from 2004.
- “Storm” by Pete Tong: a house music DJ who evokes death in one of his tracks.
- Grim Reaper, Soul Reaper, White Reaper,… many bands (often punk rock) have names that include the grim reaper. We’ll let you discover all this for yourself, the list is long!
E. The Grim Reaper in Books 📚
As in music, the soul-collecting specter can be found in literature. However, it’s more often present in films or video games. We’ve found for you a series of little-known books (available in electronic format) that will introduce you to another vision of death.
- “Grave Witch” by Kalayna Price: a story mixing black magic, death and investigations led by a private detective.
- “Existence” by Abbi Glines: by dint of rubbing shoulders with a macabre world, you end up meeting and falling in love with the Grim Reaper!
- “First Grave on the Right” by Darynda Jones: the author, an expert in macabre stories, writes about a part-time employee investigator and part-time soul collector.
- “Cemetery Employment” by Angela Roquet: the perfect love story between an apprentice Grim Reaper, an Angel and Death itself.
5) Other Forms of the Grim Reaper
As we mentioned earlier, the goddess of death can be represented in different forms depending on folklore and civilizations. However, the principle of collecting souls and sending them to the afterlife is always present. Each form of the Grim Reaper is accompanied by tales and legends, so all you have to do is choose your favorite story!
A. Great “Mexican” Reaper: Santa Muerte
The Mexican Grim Reaper is known as “Santa Muerte”. This tradition dates back to pre-Spanish colonial times, when Mexico’s indigenous tribes practiced a death cult similar to the Day of the Dead celebration. Like the Western Grim Reaper, Santa Muerte has a skull for a head and holds a scythe.
B. Breton Grim Reaper: Ankou
In Lower Britain, the Breton Grim Reaper is called “Ankou” (meaning “anxiety, pain” in Breton). Rather than representing death itself, Ankou is generally believed to be a servant of Death and Fate. He acts as a psychopomp, fetching the souls of the dead and guiding them to the afterlife. For some, he was the King of the Dead, an entity reigning over an otherworldly kingdom hidden in the mountains.
Ankou is often depicted as a tall, thin old man with long white hair, or as a skeleton or shadowy figure. He wears a black coat and a wide-brimmed hat that covers his noseless face. Like the Grim Reaper, he holds a scythe with its blade turned outwards. In his skeletal cart, his head continuously rotates 360 degrees so he can see everything, and he drives a creaky wagon pulled by black horses, known as the “chariot of death”.
C. Greek” Grim Reaper: Thanatos
The Greek God of Death is a version of the Grim Reaper that has its origins in ancient Greece: Thanatos. According to mythology, he is the god of non-violent death and is depicted as an old man (or young boy) with a gentle demeanor. He is considered benevolent and is the twin brother of Hypnos, the God of Sleep.
His mission is to escort the souls of the dead to the mythical Charon to lead them into the underworld. The Greeks did not consider this form of the Grim Reaper to be evil, but rather inescapable. Thanatos’ sisters, known as Kères, are goddesses of violent death!
D. Grim Reaper in Religion: Azrael, the Angel of Death
The God of Death in religion is known as Azrael. Islamic texts refer to him as the Angel of Death. He is an archangel generally described as a servant of Allah charged with sounding the famous Day of Resurrection of the Dead! This servant of God is also present in Hebrew and Sikh tradition.
E. Norwegian” Grim Reaper: Pesta, the Black Death
The goddess Pesta comes from the time of the Black Death. She is depicted as a hideous old woman carrying a broom or rake. If you see this other form of the Grim Reaper and she’s carrying a rake, it means that members of your family will die. And if she’s using a broom, it means everyone in the house will die! She’s associated with death and illness.
F. The “Japanese” Grim Reaper: the Shinigami
The Japanese Gods of Death, known as “Shinigamis”, share some similarities with the Western version of the Grim Reaper. However, one notable difference is that these death spirits generally work in duos. Their role is to ensure that each individual dies at the appropriate time, but they do not commit murder themselves.
Once death has occurred, they are responsible for escorting the soul to the underworld. Shinigami are often described as dark and malevolent, and can only be seen by those about to die.
G. Nordic” Grim Reaper: Hel and the Valkyries
Hel, the Nordic Goddess of Death, reigns over the underworld. She is the daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, which puts her in a fearsome and disreputable family! Hel is generally portrayed as greedy and cruel, always wearing a sinister, ferocious expression on her face.
In Scandinavian mythology, the Valkyries’ mission is to distribute death on the battlefield, like the Grim Reaper. They collect the souls of fallen warriors and bring them to Odin. These souls will be used to support the gods in the final battle, the Ragnarok. The Valkyries are very selective in their choice of souls.
H. Great “Egyptian” Grim Reaper: Anubis
Anubis is considered the Egyptian God of Death responsible for guiding the departed through their judgment. Usually depicted as a jackal-headed man, he is also responsible for funeral rites and embalming. Unlike the Grim Reaper, he does not wield a sickle, but a flail.
His mother, Nephthys, is the Protectress Goddess of Death.
I. Chinese” Grim Reaper: Yama and Heibai Wuchang
The Chinese God of Death is considered the lord of the underworld. Sometimes called King Yama or Emma, he decides whether a person will go to heaven or hell by referring to a scroll he keeps close to him. Yama is a popular myth found in Chinese, Japanese, Hindu, Buddhist and Indian culture. He is often depicted with an ogre-like face or similar appearance, evoking anger.
In Chinese religion, two gods, Hei Bai Wu Chang, work for Yama. Their role is to escort the dead to the underworld. They are depicted in black and white, symbolizing Yin and Yang, with fierce faces and prominent red tongues to scare off evil spirits.
J. Scottish” Grim Reaper: Cu Sith
The Scottish God of Death is represented by a huge green dog. His mere appearance is considered a bad omen, heralding imminent death. He is said to be able to capture souls and take them to the afterlife.
He usually moves silently when hunting. However, according to legend, he always warns of his presence with three terrifying, gut-wrenching barks. If you’re not in a safe place when those barks sound, the terror will cost you your life. That’s the very definition of being “scared to death”!
6) Routine of a Soul Reaper (History)
To conclude this article on the Great Reaper, here’s a captivating story written by Terri Kue, an English blogger, which we’ve adapted into a French version. Dive into the routine of death, a perfect story to tell for Halloween :
7) The Grim Reaper in our online shop
If you’ve read to the end of this article, it’s because you’re really passionate about all those myths and legends surrounding this unique spectrum. Guess what? Our online store offers a whole host of Grim Reaper-themed merchandise: tattoos, T-shirts, jewelry… a truly comprehensive range!
- The Death’s Head Grim Reaper T-Shirt: a classic with a provocative look!
- The Death’s Head Grim Reaper Ring (Steel): a finely crafted piece of jewelry featuring the famous scythe you now know better than anyone, in a unique 3D style that makes all the difference!
- The Death’s Head Grim Reaper Ring (Silver): an exceptional style with even more detailed engravings than those you’ve seen before! What’s more, it’s made of solid silver, enough to impress everyone around you.
🔥THE MOST POPULAR PRODUCTS🔥
