Good Omens Season 2 focuses on the emotional bond between Aziraphale and Crowley, giving fans the long-awaited relationship they desired. Crowley is largely associated with nature and plant-life in the show, similar to Raphael who is also largely associated with nature and plant-life. The creator of Good Omens, Neil Gaiman, has admitted that he took inspiration from the show and named his own King of Hell character Crowley after him.
The popular fan theory that Crowley was the Archangel Raphael before his fall is a trope in Good Omens fandom. Crowley is an angel of very high rank and fell for asking questions, which is literally what Lucifer fell for, for questioning God. The idea that Crowley is the archangel Raphael, patron saint of travelers, the sick, the blind, and the archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa, is a favorite among fans.
Season 2 only hints at Crowley’s true identity, never revealing which Archangel he is. Crowley is an angel of very high rank who fell for asking questions, which is similar to what Lucifer fell for, for questioning God. There are several theories in the Good Omens fandom after season two, including about Crowley’s previous angelic identity. Crowley has been trying to make it through each day since Aziraphale left, finding some company in Muriel but not the same without his companion.
📹 Crowley’s Angel Identity || Good Omens 2 Theory
Who was Crowley before the Fall? I’ve gathered as much information as I can to present in this video. Enjoy! Please check out my …
📹 Crowley Is Raphael? Fallen Archangel!!
Good Omens has been going through a fandom surge particular in ineffable husbands content/ thanks to Amazon Prime’s series …
It is possible that Crowley was a Seraph which, in fact, means: burning but also fiery serpent. A description that suits him. In this case he would be superior to the Archangels themselves. Furthermore, the leader of the seraphim, in tradition, is Metatron who seems to particularly hate Crowley for his rebellion.
One more piece of evidence to place with the rest: When Gabriel turns up without his memory, only when Crowley commands him to remember does any access to the past return to him. And it happens every time Crowley demands that he remember. This indicates an erstwhile rank of some importance. And, if this is the case, it would explain why Crowley would not remember the people who worked under him but is remembered by them. He remembers humans he met briefly centuries before, without any difficulty.
I think a big reason the fandom latched on to Raphael is because he’s a pretty well known archangel. Even people who aren’t super familiar with angelic lore know the name Raphael as an angel. Like I had to look up Sandalphon and Uriel and Saraquel… but Raphael, I knew that name right off the bat. So I think the fandom(myself included) finds it pretty sus that we have all these uncommon, to the average joe, angel characters flying around, and one major player suspiciously absent. And oh look over there! A demon of incredibly high levels of power with evidence pointing towards their former rank… and we conveniently have yet to hear their former angelic name.
Am I the only one who noticed that Aziraphale isn’t wearing his pinky ring in the “Before the beginning” scene, but he does when he meets Crowley again on the wall of Eden? We do know that angels can store their memories and personalities in tiny objects (like Gabriel did with the fly) and since Crowley was a starsmith he could have easily created a ring, put his essence into it, and passed it on to Aziraphale before his Fall for safekeeping. But maybe Aziraphale and him were somehow made to forget about that, because of some kind of angelic memory wipe… 🤔 A bit like Professor Yana in Doctor Who, I guess, so maybe a bit too obvious with both David Tennant and Sir Derek Jacobi involved… but it somehow bothers me, the ring and the fly…
Can’t be Lucifer. Crowley specifically mentions Lucifer by name in his comment about falling and “Lucifer and the guys” This would imply that he is NOT, himself, Lucifer, as he seems to blame Lucifer and “the guys” for why and how he ultimately fell. I’m not sure who he was before, but I’m putting my bet on someone First Order, whoever he turns out to be (if it ever even matters, since it doesn’t matter to Crowley). When he and Aziraphale perform their “surreptitious half a miracle” to hide Gabriel, it’s later mentioned by Shax that it had the kind of power “only the mightiest of Archangels” could muster, and it’s also mentioned that the miracle had enough energy to have raised 25 people from the dead. Now, this could just be because Crowley and Aziraphale are so much in sync, miracle-wise, that their combined miracle had that much juice, or it COULD be because Crowley was a very high order angel. When Shax makes her comment, Crowley responds with “How do you know I didn’t do it?” and when Beelzebub mentions the “extreme sanctions” Crowley says that was “just a story we used to tell to scare the Cherubs” — which would imply he had to have some significant rank, before.
Also interesting to note that Heaven didn’t actually wipe Garbriel’s memories, he put them in the fly before that could happen. That seems to have been overlooked by some. I think there’s so much going on in S2 that the obvious gets overlooked. Which is exactly what Mr Gaiman wants…it’s a massive game of spot what’s missing or what furniture is missing – which Crowley actually says in one episode. I’m tying myself up in knots over this but keep coming back to – you’re missing the obvious, keep it simple.
My favourite theory is Kokabiel by far ive been keeping a list of the theories and reasons why i think theyre likely Kokabiel – Considered ‘Angel of the stars’, Crowley created the stars – Generally considered to be fallen, Crowley fell – ‘ Kokabiel taught constellations to his associates.’ Crowley to Aziraphale? – ‘The fair and childlike Kokabiel saw things in the stars that his brother Watcher’s did not.’, Crowley seems childlike in the Opening scene of S2 Ep1, and seeing things in the stars could be connected to how he didnt see the point in making something so gorgeous just for it to be destroyed later on
I think Crowley was as high an angel as he could be, which seems to be Seraphim? I think it’s important to the plot as it’s clearly shown that he is very powerful and that with Aziraphale they could be unstoppable. A clear threat to the Heaven & Hell, if they were pitted against all humanity and A&C…which has already been suggested in the show, think it was S1.
You didn’t mention the bit of editing that had Gabriel saying he’s the only Archangel of his rank in the universe and the cut straight to Crowley, which, to me at least, pretty much confirms he used to be that high up. Also, an interesting bit I found on the Wikipedia page for Archangel is that Gabriel, Michael, Uriel and Raphael were referred to as princes, but not Lucifer, so the institutional problem line has another interpretation. Of course, everything is up to Neil’s interpretation in the end, but I’m still basically Crowley was Raphael trash, I’ve been a fan of that theory since 2019, so I’d just love to see it be true, if we ever find out.
Why doesn’t Archangel Michael recognise the Metatron but Crowley does? When Crowley recognises Metatron I’m left wondering if he recognises the face from the screen or weather he recognises the being of Metatron and the face is irrelevant. Michael who was in that “conference call” didn’t recognise Metatron. We have some subtext here too, we have the look from Metatron to Crowley, we have the musical sting, and thanks to the medium we have meta moment of The Doctor and The Master (Yana) facing off
When I had been doing my own little bit of independent research on this stuff, I almost couldn’t believe how strong of a contester Kokabiel seemed to be, because he really marked off all the most fundamental checks of who Crowley really is. I think that, to Crowley, it never really mattered how high-ranking of an angel he was, because he always did just march to the beat of his own drum. When I found that Kokabiel was the name of “an angel who taught the stars to the other angels”, I was shocked at how such a specific detail that was… In episode 3, we saw how Crowley explained gravity to Jimbriel. Crowley may not ever want to remember anything about who he was before as an angel, it’s all moot to him. But he never stopped caring about the stars. That still mattered to him. Kokabiel might fit the bill as the truest to whom Crowley is to himself
It’s so funny how the Raphael theory for me has gone from one of the fandom’s wackiest headcanons to something I’m almost certain is going to get confirm. I mean that line about how “If it happens twice it’s an institutional problem”, at least two examples of Crowley not remembering stuff from before the fall, how he immediately understood what Gabriel was saying when he explained his amnesia. Why even show Crowley be able to open the documents if Saraquel was going to help them anyway? It really feels like there’s going to be a revelation about Crowley’s identity and having his memory wipe and if that’s the case… then he HAS to be Raphael right? Any other name simply wouldn’t be as evocative, it’s less of an impactful reveal if the show has to stop itself to explain an obscure Hebrew angel and why it matters Also I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the Lucifer theory, Neil has been known to straight up lie in asks on occasion and this is the same guy that created DC’s Lucifer and wrote for John Constantine, I KNOW he knows the difference between Satan and Lucifer. Ultimately I don’t believe that one will be canon (it does feel a bit clunky) but I put it more in the “unlikely” camp than the “confirm untrue” one
This is great stuff! Re: Shax’s reference to Crowley as “arch traitor”, you could be right as far as Neil’s clue-giving process, but at the time I assumed that Shax used it in the sense of his betrayal being great/major, like how in superhero context, there’s “nemesis” (regular opponent) and then there’s “ARCHnemesis” (major/ultimate opponent).
1/Aziraphale was basically asked to take over after Gabriel. He is to become Supreme Archangel. When he says to Crowley “I don’t think you understand what I’m offering” Crowley answers “Oh, I understand, and a lot better than you do”, made me wonder if Crowley wasn’t the supreme archangel, with Gabriel taking over after the fall. 2/About the miracle Crowley performed with Aziraphale, Shax states that “only the mightiEST of archangelS” could have performed it. Is it because Crowley was, the mightiest of archangels? Supreme Archangel? Of course, it could be because Aziraphale and Crowley are special together, love and everything…
This is super interesting! After perusal this, I have to say my money is on Kokabiel (thanks for bringing him to my attention). At the very least, I think that’s probably who Neil and Terry might have been using as their model for Crowley’s backstory. But I agree that Crowley’s pre-Fall identity is probably not going to be very significant, if it’s ever canonically revealed. Because Crowley isn’t that angel anymore. And he doesn’t want to be. He is Crowley, and would like to remain himself, thank you very much.
Personally I like to go with the idea of Aziraphale changing his name to Raphael since I think it could play into his character arc if he does recognize how Heaven’s treatment of him and others has affected them. Plus I think it could be a callback to Furfur being unable to pronounce his name, so Aziraphale would choose to shorten it. (Also I think I recall Neil Gaiman saying on Tumblr that the reason Raphael wasn’t shown in Season 1 was simply because he liked the name Sandalphon more because of how funny it sounds 😂) I think either Baraqiel or Kokabiel could be Crowley’s old name. As for why he’s forgetful about things, I think it was simply due to time or because he used to be in a position where he felt he didn’t need to recall people. I also recall him telling Jim that he doesn’t recall why gravity exists in the episode where Jim drops books because he couldn’t understand why it exists. (Side note: i think it would be interesting if Crowley played a part in humans discovering gravity considering that an apple falling sparked the question, and Crowley had ties to the Tree of Knowledge as the one who convinced Eve to eat the fruit. I think it could have been a way for him to explain to someone why it exists while he still remembered its purpose.)
More clues: he can stop time (and I haven’t seen anyone else ever do that), the Metatron clearly remembers him (and not fondly), and even as a demon, he was tasked with important stuff, like stirring up trouble in Eden and delivering the Antichrist – you don’t give these kinds of jobs to a nobody. I, for one, am definitely on the Raphael train. I mean, apart from Gabriel, Uriel and Michael, that is one of THE four archangel names – and he’s conveniently missing in Good Omens. Lucifer has been debunked by Neil Gaiman, and also, Crowley did talk about “Lucifer and the guys”, so that’s easily dismissed. As for Baraquiel, that also makes little sense in my opinion, because that angel was mentioned AS AN ANGEL in a book for demons that mentions Crowley as a demon. Baraquiel was only the next angel mentioned after Aziraphale, that’s why we saw that entry. There’s another interesting option, though: Jophiel, which might explain the “just a J, really”…I sort of hope that we’ll never really find out, though – it’s nice to keep speculating!
Great article. For a big reveal the only ones that make sense to me for general audiences to be shocked is Lucifer or Raphael. They are names everyone knows. I had never heard of the others before this fandom. But I agree that Aziraphale is Raphael or about to be. I haven’t ruled Lucifer out because Neil could very well be fibbing. Why tell the truth if this is meant to be a plot twist? And honestly I think Lucifer fits Crowley most. The snake, tempting Jesus, let there be light, tempting Aziraphale to eat/drink, the arrangement, rebel against the Great Plan. Crowley is prideful in his appearance, his flash car, posh flat, he has a damn throne, other demons agree that Crowley thinks he’s better than them, he questioned and equated himself to god when he said, “if i was running it all.” Then there’s the envy of humanity and Crowley’s subconscious decision to live like them. The ability to have choice, create and be proud, make mistakes and seek forgiveness, fall in love and devote yourself to them rather than love the whole universe the same. I think a story where Lucifer wasn’t the epitome of evil but a scapegoat used to cover up how corrupt heaven was makes a good deal of sense for the show. A Lucifer who rejects heaven and hell and buried his own name out of shame. And the kingdom to rival heaven is actually earth, he doesn’t want to rule it (he’s anti authority). But he does want to be left alone with His angel and the 7.8 billion humans they’ve been co-parenting for 6000 years.
after all the hints about who Crowley was and his lack of memory, its going to be a big downer if Crowley is a nobody and none of that mattered. come on…..I want high drama. I want a powerful angel.who writes a battle with wimps as the warriors? this is fiction ffs!!!! and thinks for this article. was looking forward to it
I feel like Crowley and Gabrial don’t remember the “lesser” agents of heaven is because they are so high above them. As in rank and frequency, they are aware of the lesser levels beings, but so high above it may be difficult to see them individually. Azi is the only one Crowley actively remembered when he runs into him again.
I think he would probably be a mix of multiple angels similarly to aziraphale. But if they end up using it as a big reveal it’s more likely that they would choose a specific/more recognizable angel. Really it could go multiple ways. Any of these things are possible. And personally, who he used to be (regardless of what theory is right) wouldn’t change the story up until now in any meaningful way. It’s just something we as fans would find interesting. Whether it becomes important later remains to be seen.
also theres this “clue” that hinted crowley was a higher rankings angel, it was the whole 25 lazari/lazarii and Neil elaborate more on the miracle measurement like 2 days ago in his tumblr ask. personally i still havent fully understand 25 lazarii bit but from what i gathered what was supposed to be the tiniest joint miracle by both him and aziraphale turned out worth 25 lazari or (almost?) powerful enough to ‘bring back the dead’. Neil said small miracle’s worth from mililazari-centilazari or something along the lines, so the ‘tiny’ joint miracle ended up alerting heaven due to how big it actually was could be a clue how high crowleys rank was and possibly outranked aziraphale
On the premise that at the end of the day it all depends on what Neil has in his head, I always enjoy looking these things up. In my opinion Crowley is indeed a Throne: the description is that of two intersecting toothed wheels, one spinning back and forth and one moving sideways, and they also possess innumerable eyes. Crowley made the stars by spinning two intersecting wheels and his characteristic feature is his snake eyes. In a list of Thrones angels I found, there’s an angel with the initial I: I noticed that the letter J often becomes I or Y and Crowley in S1 has Anthony J. Crowley as his name. Aziraphale asks him what the J stands for and Crowley just says that it’s placed there at random. But what if it’s not? If one considers the change of letters between J, I and Y, the only Throne angel with one of these initials is Yeiayel, meaning “The Right Hand of God”, a guide to discovery, a guardian angel (Crowley always protects Aziraphale and eventually humanity as well), the most human of the Thrones, protects from storms along the way and in life in general, among other things… Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, I would like the Raphael idea so much because it’s like he doesn’t exists, but I don’t think this is the case (because no fallen), but I’m SO curious where they will go with Crowley!! As for Aziraphale, I too thought that he might become Raphael, because he wants to ‘cure’ evil, in the most generic way possible (including the work of Paradise). It’s in the name. It depends on whether angels change their names like demons seem to do.
This was a fun watch, I wonder if Crowley was ever a named angel, but Im way more interested in what actual rank he had. From the scene with him opening Gabriels file onward I’ve been convinced he was very high up originally. He even spoke the words ‘let there be light’ usually attributed to God, so he must be important. Very much looking forward to a new season
The big thing to remember with Gaiman is that he loves all the apocripha. To the point of putting Adam’s un-named second wife in “The Sandman” which is a deep-DEEP cut from the abandoned texts. With Gaimin, the question is, which high ranking fallen angel would be the least known, and have the most story elements to them.
Oh man i really believed Crowley could be Lucifer, since Lucifer means the one who ignites the light, and we see Cowley in the opening of seasons 2 turn on a small Fire and he says “let there be light’ so im puzzeled ! I think aziraphale might find out in season 3 by accident since he now has acess to all the files 👀 we find out trough him
Could be Ariel? He represents pretty much all elements in the show. He controls his plants with an iron fist, he clearly has no issues with fire, he can summon a downpour, and when he’s frustrated, he brings the lightning down. Plus Ariel is commonly known as a female mermaid with red hair, so there’s your scales.
The thing I keep thinking about is the multiple times that Crowley says that he didn’t mean to fall…. There are three instances where he says this or similar. I guess that swings me into the Raphael camp. I think season three will be an exciting reveal of several things, not just Crowley’s original identity.
Before perusal this i did like the idea of Crowley being Raphael, the name roles off the tongue. Now I’m open to anything. I do think he was of a higher rank, one that would have had impossible standard to meet in a flawed society. The amount of power he wields along with how extensive his knowledge of heaven seems at time gives weight to that theory as well.
I’m a bit late on this but, i saw an interview with Neil and David recently where they talked about the writing and that Crowley and Aziraphale were once one character. Now, going off of how Neil and Sir Terry write, i have a theory that they were both a single character made up of a mix of Azazel and Raphael both.
I don’t know if someone has mentioned this before, but when I rewatched the last episode yesterday, I stumbled across something: When Crowley accesses Gabriels file, Gabriel says at one point that he is the only archangel of the 1. order in the universe. At that exact moment the perspektive changes and we see Crowleys pondering face. Could be coincidental of course, since the perspektive switches several times, but the timing seemed certainly interesting.
Alternate interpretation to him not remembering Furfur and Saraquael… he remembers them just fine but is pushing their buttons. Furfur wants to social climb but he’s bad at it at his own admission. When he presents as a threat to Aziraphale and Crowley, Crowley uses his previous knowledge of Furfur to get under his skin and distract him long enough for Aziraphael to come up with something. Saraquael is a second order archangel and seems to actually work, unlike the others, but is often overlooked and underestimated. Gabriel didn’t remember her name even after he got his memories back. Crowley could have just been annoying her because that’s what he does. He definitely seems to have memories from before the fall… Aziraphale, Lucifer and the guys.., maybe Gabriel, Michael and Uriel. Crowley likes pushing buttons.
Crowley also can be Archangel Jophiel . Archangel Jophiel and fallen angel name meanings are similar. Both are angels who represent the forces of justice and mercy. Their powers may be enhanced or unlocked through love. Jophiel is also associated with the highest form of beauty, infinite beauty, which is higher than any other form of beauty. Jophiel can use people to get what she wants. Also Crowley’s full name is “Anthony J Crowley”, he said that j stand’s for nothing, but what if J is Jophiel?
I think it‘s also very interessant, that eventhough Crowley is now a demon, he can still perform things that one might think online in angels are capable of (like opening Gabriel‘s file). Same goes for Aziraphale being able to posess a Human, eventhough this skill is only expected to be executed by Demons. That is then explained by the fact that Angels and Demons are of the same origin. Makes me wonder: What else are they capable of, that is only expected to be capable of doing from one side? It‘s so interesting because technically, Demons ARE Angels, but they are just „fallen”. They are changed in some ways (can‘t survive holy water) but some things stay (like apparently the influence of their former rank on files). Where are the limits? Where do things cross? Also – something that somehow slipped my mind for a while – it’s worth noting that Crowley is actually a pretty special demon (not just talking about his morals and behavior in general, although they are also outstanding for both Angels and a Demons). For example: Crowley is the only demon who has an imagination – which by the way he can use to literally change reality. When he drove in his burning Bentley together with Hastur, the latter discorporated and dissapeared. Why? Because he couldn’t Imagine surviving something like this. Crowley on the other hand didn‘t discorporated. If it was Crowley simply performing a miracle, Hastur technically could have done it too. But no. It is explained that Crowley – and his car – were only capable of surviving this, because he imagined it to be that way.
From just the show (didn’t read the books) I’m wondering if Crowley is more special than just a former high ranking angel. He seems to stand somewhat apart from both angels and demons, he has all this independence and agency, over the millennia Aziraphale was seemingly the only other somewhat like-minded being he could connect with. If he had a prominent role in creating the universe, I think he is even more powerful than he has revealed yet. I can’t help but speculate that the god on the show would find Crowley a worthwhile being to watch and maybe he’s doing exactly what he was intended for without knowing it.
Ok, so Crowley originally helped create the galaxy and remembers going into battle in heaven and may be a commander of armies. His fall sounded very sudden, and since then he’s been creating trouble here and there. He knows the next battle will be humanity vs heaven/hell. We know he negotiates creatively and leads civilians to safety (Shax and the ball), and he hates the idea of children getting hurt (flood, Job). What if instead of running away to Alpha Centauri, he realizes he has to stay and help humanity in the next great conflict. He leads human armies as things go weird (What’s that Queen song about “hopes of the young in troubled graves”? The Prophet’s Song. ), then he uses his associations with both heaven and hell to negotiate a settlement for the next 1000 years of peace. There may be some parallel between his going into battle before and now, but now he makes a different choice at a crucial point that results in a more positive outcome, especially with a habitual forgiver in charge in heaven. With everything Crowley and his imagination can do with computer hacking, travelling in phone lines, shape-shifting, changing his size, controlling the weather, fire, and time…, season three could be really intense.
All but one thing indicates he was one of the highest ranking of angels. His power, metatron’s hatred, his fame with other beings, his elegant confidence in the face of power, and how comfortable he is in wielding his own greater power. What I get stuck on is that he didn’t know about Earth. I think that removes him from first ranking archangel. BUT It seemed to me that the Angel Saraqael is shown focusing on more specific tasks and didn’t have much to say at Gabriels hearing. Perhaps second archangel’s are more hyper focused on tasks. If that is so it would explain why Crowley did not know about earth. He was too focused on creating star factory’s and physics. Also remember the highway from the first season? It was considered too unique and elaborate a plan by the other demons. It could be second archangels are responsible for complex tasks that need a high attention to detail. The other demons reactions could be due to most of them were lower in ranking when they fell. It also explains why hell for a long time gave him so much leeway and freedom to do his own thing. It also explains why he would’ve been picked for the important task of delivering the antichrist.
It’s also interesting that when Aziraphale and Crowley do their “half miracle,” Shax tells Crowley that a miracle was detected that only the most powerful of Archangels could have performed. Since we know Aziraphale is a principality, maybe we can deduce the power for the miracle came from Crowley? Of course, there are some theories suggesting that because a demon and angel did the miracle together that may have super charged it. But I think taken with the scene of Crowley accessing the files in Heaven and interacting with Saraquel, that these scenes are shown to the audience to demonstrate that Crowley was Archangel.
In season two, when Beelzebub tells Crowley about the Extreme Sanctions as a consequence to helping Gabriel he tells them those don’t actually exist and “we just used to joke about them to frighten the Cherubs”, therefore implying that the Cherubs were inferior to him in some way, probably because of lower status or less knowledge. Both of which would imply that Crowley is an Archangel and since Lucifer is out of the question it is most likely that he is Raphael. It would also make it interesting to find out who Beelzebub was before their fall; does Crowley mean to include Beelzebub in the “we” he’s talking about or is Beelzebub one of the Cherubs that he made fun of, which they indicate by believing in the possibility of Extreme Sanctions. Anyway, that’s why I think Raphael makes most sense for Crowley but I also think that when the book of Good Omens was written that Gaiman and Pratchett hadn’t really thought about his previous angelic self and now that a season two was possible and a season three might be, too, it might become relevant. So that might be a reason (in my opinion) why the answer to this question is not totally obvious from the start or doesn’t add up to 100%.
I have always assumed he was a fallen Archangel … with a capital A. I noticed that Raphael was missing and wondered about that. Baraqiel and Kokabiel are also ones I think about. The beacon sent out after the Gabriel-hiding miracle, I definitely assumed was him forgetting how strong he can be. I’m putting my money on Baraqiel after seeing Furfur’s book up close.
I’m hoping that Crowley is the angel Samael. There are some iterations of samael being the serpent that tempted eve in the garden and he was depicted at times as a serpent and not always ‘righteous’ but not always ‘evil’. Could relate to aziraphales comments to Crowley about his inherent ‘goodness’. That’s just my theory
Despite how fun the theories of where in the hierarchy Crowley stood, I don’t think his previous name or angelic identity matters. They’re always Crowley. What does his deadname matter? He’s defined himself as Crowley and that scene before Azi goes back to heaven outlines ot perfectly. Crowley is Crowley and isn’t defined by heaven
Sendarya: thanks so much for creating this article. It is so well done and gives a great deal for one to think about. I have pondered Crowley’s identity ever since Season One; and have considered after perusal Season Two that he is in fact Raphael. That being said, the ideas you present here – and the additional named angels – provide some great food for thought. I will look forward to seeing the additional content you create here. You are correct that it will be some time before we get a Season 3 what with the various strikes underway; so having more material from great content creators such as yourself will be greatly appreciated. Like you I have been thinking about Good Omens alot and most especially after the heartbreaking (in my opinion) Season 2 finale. The relationship between Crowley and Aziraphale was wonderful to behold in its complexity and tenderness. It was very clever and a good strategy of Neil Gaiman and the writers to allow for the ending to be as it was because it creates a wonderful dramatic tension and basis for plot of an additional season (or more). Fantastic content here, again … thank you for creating it.
I love all this, because the possibilities are truly endless! I mean, he could be Raphael, and then you get a chance for Remiel and Duma (who Gaiman has used before in Sandman) to make an appearance. I mean, Remiel is sometimes described as a Fallen Watcher, and Duma as the Angel of Silence, and a Prince of Hell. Remiel is also a possible fit for Crowley – Remiel is the Angel of visions, dreams and watcher over the suffering – it’s not the worst choice, and Neil has already put him in charge of Hell along with Duma before. We will seriously just have to wait and see!
Reasons for Raphael that I don’t think you covered at all: 1. Raphael was said to create birds (Crowley is shown to care about and know the ducks as well as turn the goats to crows, also CROWly) 2. Raphael had to do with healing (Book Crowley healed Aziraphale’s dove (another bird) as well as joked about Aziraphale healing the bike) 3. Raphael is most often shown with black wings and dark/red hair. (You chose one of the very few and more modern images without that look) 4. Raphael also had to do with snakes(His staff was related to snakes and his Isralie symbology was a snake itself). 5. There are stories about Raphael seeing the other archangels give an answer to god and get punished and he said a different answer which is a very Crowley thing to do to learn from others mistakes and LIE. 6. Raphael in another culture is the patron saint of seafarers because of his relation to the stars, being one of the ones who is said to have placed them in order to assist humanity. 7. Raphael was the ONLY Archangel to disguise himself and walk amongst humans pretending to be them amongst all the angels. The rest always did the whole ‘be not afraid thing’. Now while I love the Raph theory and think it has the most promise FAR surpassing every other angelic theory (since almost all of them have far less to go off of) I for one don’t think Gaiman will ever give us an answer because it’s considered a deadname. I personally think Crowley STOLE the password as an angel at some point. He remembers things that are important to him.
I need there to be The Annunciation, when Gabriel tells Mary that she is pregnant. And he A and C point out how her husband will be upset and how this will look for poor Mary. And have A and C convince Joseph that he should marry Mary right away to avoid being stoned. Loved to see Joseph super upset but have Crowley coming him down and offer him something to make up for it.
Two things I will never understand about popular theories amongst the fandom: 1) the fact that Aziraphale LITERALLY means “of Raphael” makes it pretty clear that Crowley isn’t Rachael. And 2) in season 1, when Crowley references “Lucifer and the guys” that’s a pretty huge enough clue that Crowley isn’t Lucifer. But God, I love your website and how you explain everything and the research you do! Colour me surprised on just how many fallen angels there are!
I also wonder why crowly recognized the floaty head guy while al the other angels (who should know him) didn’t and even aziraphale (who had just spoken to him last season) didn’t realize until crowly said it and he wasn’t even there when azi talked to him in that portal so how would crowly be so familiar with that head he could recognize him after all that time when even the other Archangels didn’t 🤔 and also he knew crowly would recognize him
I’ve given quite a bit of thought to Crowley’s previous identity before he “sauntered” downwards. At first, after getting hooked on “Good Omens” through Fanfiction, I was convinced that Crowley was a Fallen Raphael. Then I actually watched the series. (Yes, I got things a little backwards.) I briefly considered Lucifer as well, but tossed that theory out after perusal your theory breakdown in this article. I really like your theory about Kokabiel. It really makes sense, but for most they’re an unknown. I also considered angels whose names start with “J”, but J-named Angels don’t appear to be Fallen from what I’ve seen (I could be wrong since I only really did a cursory search). However, there’s actually ONE name that we may have overlooked. One that Crowley himself gave us in the first season. I found a list of Fallen Angels on “Angelicpedia” and imagine my surprise when right there under “A” was a familiar name. Astaroth. (Not a perfect fit, but strikingly close and I thought it might be worth mentioning.) Anyway, according to Angelicpedia, Astaroth is a Fallen Angel who just happens to also be a Grand Duke in Hell. He’s also referred to as the Lord of Wrath who looks down on the other Sin Lords and doesn’t actually make any effort to recruit mortals to his cause, “confident that those who have been profoundly wronged will speak his name”. Astaroth is pretty big on revenge and according to Miniprinten “revenge is his ultimate goal and unwavering fury is his instrument”. (Admittedly this seems more based on games, but I thought the information interesting since Crowley has shown that he has quite the temper.
I’ve never wanted to know Crowley’s angel name and it was my head canon that he forgot his Angel name. Not because of a memory wipe but just because in season 1 when Aziraphale says you were an Angel once, he says “That’s a long time ago.” I wanted him to have just forgotten, but if he remembers meeting Aziraphale as an angel, he must remember. It was a fanfic head canon of mine because I thought Crowley changed his name during the war and no demons ever asked him for his name during the war. That’s why he’s been feeling lonely and isolated since the war and started to bond with Aziraphale when he asked his name. Then moreso when he finds out Aziraphale gave away the flaming sword. I didn’t really want Aziraphale and Crowley to remember each other from before Eden, but I guess they do. Personally I don’t think his angel name is important, but I think Crowley was a Throne, based on the chair in his flat in season 1.
there’s a clue that could point at the Starmaker being a Seraph. I don’t think it should be taken with any seriousness, but it’s a fun detail to consider: when Beelz tells Crowley about the “Extreme Sanctions”, he says, “That isn’t actually a thing?.. That’s just something we used to joke about to frighten the Cherubs”, which might imply 3 things: 1) neither Crowley nor Beelz used to be Cherubim 2) Crowley and Beelz used to joke around together, and likely had the same rank 3) it’s very older sibling style behaviour (you’d need access to more information to pull a joke like that), so their rank was above the Cherubs, which in the traditional hierarchy leaves only the Seraphim. It would make a lot of sense too, since Beelz has such a high rank in Hell. The Metatron is a Seraph and, as of now, clearly outranks even the Supreme Archangel, but it might not have been true in the old days. That is to say, it’s also possible that Angel Crowley and Angel Beelz did not have the same rank and played those pranks on Cherubs just before the Fall, when they ran with Lucifer’s gang of misfits.
I love all of this, and every comment too. I’m leaning towards Raphael because of the power he displays and because he’s not as brainless as the other demons. However, there is one ‘but’. A big one in my mind. In Eden Aziraphale asks Crowley ( ‘Crawly’ ) to introduce himself. If he had been Raphael, Aziraphale ought to have known. Of course memories could be wiped as we learn in S2, but story-wise I think it’d be something that needs answering (in S3?) if he was indeed a named and high-ranking angel. Lucifer’s name after all isn’t forgotten and no one’s memory of Gabriel (and Beelzebebub) get removed. If I’m missing something in this regard I’m happy to be corrected of course!
I’ve got a theory about the amnesia question. I think Crowley remembers everyone and everything that’s happened to him and only pretend to forget some things/beings in order to a. Infuriate some because it’s easy and entertaining and shows how little he cares about the opinions of others or generally anyone who isn’t Aziraphale and b. Because he has frequently and abundantly made it clear it that he is no longer the angel he’s remembered as by some and that he’s also not the demon he was during the great battle in heaven when he seems to have first joined the demon side, and which he said he remembered. If he’s put that part of his existence behind him, than he would distance himself from that past as much as possible. Plus as someone who doesn’t always communicate his thoughts fully, either intentionally or not, and who also for good reason really doesn’t like to feel vulnerable… I think his “not remembering” is equivalent to just being sick of explaining how and why he’s not that guy anymore and he doesn’t care who gets him, with the only exception being of course Aziraphale (story of his life).
My headcanon is Kokabiel. I hope that S3 will give us insight into what his rank was, and why he fell. I do not want them to give us a name. One option would be to obscure it if it were spoken, much as Mrs. H’s swear was covered up with the piano. While I am an Aziraphale-is-Raphael proponent, I like leaving Crowley’s angel identity open to interpretation.
Did anybody commented about the tv series “Lucifer” on Fox/Netflix. It is slightly based on Neil Gaiman’s work. One of Lucifer’s previous name was “Samael, the light bringer” It’s possible that Neil might used that name as a separate identity from Lucifer and be its own character. It’s also another of my favorite series to watch. it deeps dive into what causes Angels to fall and how people descend to hell or how to ascend to heaven. It’s a ton a fun and quite a ride if emotions. I highly recommend it to anybody who wants to fill in some of the Good Omens’ hole left in their hearts 😂
Remember also Michael – in the traditional hierarchy, the very one who threw the fallen angels down to hell, a point still made in a common Catholic prayer. Yet in this series, the one with a back website to hell and cooperative enough to bring holy water for the purpose of an execution of a demon. They’re clearly trying to make things backwards.
I do believe that Crowley was actually a seraphim who was named Seraphiel. He would have been the highest rank of seraphim. Also Lucifer hand picked him personally to command by his side. This would make since when Crowley said “i just hung around the wrong people.” Also, when seraphim come to Earth they leave behind their serpent appearances behind and perfers tall, thin, clean-cut human embodiments. Crowley is all of these. One of his powers is chronokinests or able to travel through time. Since he can control time. Seraphiel works very closely with Michael and Metatron. Which could explain how he recognized the Metatron.
I’m still quite convinced that Crowley might be Lucifer and Neil is lying. I see his drinking alone scene in s1 as one of the clues to that: “oh looky here, it’s Lucifer and the guys”… might be him quoting what he heard before being cast down. all demons are fallen angels, but the one “prince of heaven” that fell can only be either Satan or Crowley to be relevant. And we know that Satan is a job description more than a proper name. There’s been so much mystery about Crowley’s angelic dead name, that I’d be really surprised and disappointed if it wasn’t properly revealed in S3.
taken from the web “Terry Pratchett has said that while the name (Aziraphale) was invented, it fits into angelic “canon” as it were, which is true in more than one religion.” This kind of supports my thoughts on the matter, that Crowley wasn’t really written as having been/intended to have been any specific angel. I think that rather we are just meant to know that he was a very high up angel. He’d had extra high clearance as we were shown, and he was THE GUY igniting the whole universe for cryin out loud haha, I’d think it’d have to be someone very high up, deeply trusted and viewed as competent to get to be THE angel uttering the iconic phrase “let there be light” and given that specific task for God. He also does show sometimes extraordinary power (I’m still very compelled by how POWERFUL a miracle Aziraphale and Crowley created when they combined their powers. Was this meant to mostly represent that their powers were especially heightened due to their bond/love, or does it also help indicate that Crowley is an ESPECIALLY powerful being that was cast down?) So my money is on Crowley having been just one of the Archangels, but not intended to be one of the more famous ones. Besides, a lot of the humor in the book/show is in following angels and demons as just “employees” of Heaven and Hell, just doing their jobs, and I think our story kinda just shows how two random fellas working as cogs in the machinery for opposing corporations end up being significant in the greater machinations, and finding love along the way.
Oh, I am SO glad I found this article! The “plume of miraculous activity” originally led me to believe that “Jim” gave an unconsious boost to the hiding half miracle that made it work so well. Upon further reflection, I decided it was the combination of Azi and Crowley’s powers that made the miracle more powerful, and that they wanted to promote Azi because he wasn’t just going to be a pushover to get the second coming off and running (my initial thought on first viewing.) But then just yesterday (after my 30th + viewing of S2E6) I decided that maybe the Metatron really DID want Azi to be able to convince Crowley to come back because they need him on their side to finally win the “great” w@r. NOW I’m wondering if maybe Crowley used to be METaTROn?!?!? 🤯 💀 Uuuugh, I definitely need coffee now (but no almond syrup for me, please!) Thank you so so much for making this article! I’ve been a fan of the original series for a while, but didn’t feel the need to dive into fandom until this season, so I’m still a GO fandom bebe (and it’s my first dive back into fandom after about 15 years now, so stuff’s definitely changed a lot lol.)
i think the scapegoat thing might also fit crowley since we know he fell “for a asking a few simple questions” which sounds unlikely even for heaven since aziraphale and even muriel have asked questions/done even worse things so perhaps lucifer and his buddies he talks about when mourning aziraphale ended up betraying him and blaming him for lots of things he had no part in 👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀
When he gives the cup to Jim, it may be a clue to how Crowley’s angelic position goes to Gabriel. (Sorry for my english🤣) If you think about it, it’s a scene that doesn’t seem to have much importance (Crowley giving the cup to Gabriel), unless they wanted to leave us that clue with that scene. I say this in reference to some comments, which say that they took away Crowley’s memory and gave his position to another angel, in this case, Gabriel (?)
There are sooo many things to ponder over their significance. At times I think I’m looking too hard for meaning. Crowley’s inability to remember knowing who he fought with and who he made the stars and nebulas with was just to piss them off. I’d have to watch this article again but I think you made a reference to Neil Gaiman explaining it?
He must have been a Seraphim one of the fiery serpents guarding gods throne and no lower rank. An archangel. Found this on wikipedia: In the Apocalypse of Zephaniah, an apocryphal book which has come down to us in Coptic, the angel referred to as Eremiel tells Zephaniah I am the great angel, Eremiel, who is over the abyss and Hades, the one in which all of the souls are imprisoned from the end of the Flood, which came upon the earth, until this day
Well, back in the book days and before series 2 I thought it would be funny if he’d called himself Anthony as an injoke cos it had been his angel name and I surmised he was clearly pretty chummy with Lucifer when they fell cos the fallen archangel gave him the job of being the serpent in the garden. BUT then series 2 opening pretty much showed us who he was actually. Cos I did some digging and lo and behold, up popped the fallen angel Kokabiel (Wikipedia has a few more spellings and also Kochab) Who according to the book of Enoch (aka Metatron) before he fell was considered the ‘angel of the stars’ due to the fact he taught constellations to his associates. And in Angel hierachy was a high ranking Watcher Angel. Although, in the Good Omen universe obviously our ‘Kocky’ old Kochab still fell alongside Lucifer and not as he’s listed by Enoch some time later for fornicating with human women…Because well Crowley isn’t into either humans or women ;-p BUT one final thing that lends itself to why God does seem to hold a soft spot for our Demon is that Kokabiel translates to ‘The star of God’. Can I get a Wahoo?
Personally, I don’t think it matters much who he was, because he himself says that he’s no longer the angel Aziraphale knew. I know that many people like to think that he must have been someone important, but to me, he is important because we are perusal his story and because of his actions. I don’t usually like stories that make characters important based on who they are born/made as, rather than what are their actions. Like the overdone Chosen One archetype in fantasy. I would rather read or watch stories where characters decide by themselves that they want to help others or save the world, because it’s the actions that matter and define who we are. As for not recognizing angels/demons who recognize him, it might be that he genuinely doesn’t remember them. Angels and demons who spend mst of their time in Heaven/Hell meet relatively few beings for thousands of years, but Crowley spent all that time on Earth and must have met thousands of people with very short lifespans compared to him. It’s understandable that he would not remember someone’s face after 6 thousands of years, IMO. Plus, it makes a good running joke with the end of episode 6 when he is the only one who recognizes Metatron.
He can’t be Lucifer because he said he “didn’t mean to fall” and was just out with “Lucifer and the guys” and bassically got caught up in the rebellion. We do know that Lucifer was the most beautiful angel and uses music to tempt humanity(which might relate to Crowley’s love of Queen) but we also know Lucifer was extremely ambitious and had an inflated sense of self which doesn’t align with Crowley at all. Ofcourse, all his arrogance could have been wiped away leaving his purest self like what happened with Gabriel and his memory wipe.
In my personal opinion, I honestly think that if we were ever going to find out his angel identity, we would have been told it in the opening scene of season 2. The fact that we weren’t tells me that either it’s not important to the narrative or more importantly that we don’t /need/ to know it. I’ve seen the whole thing referred to as being similar to someone who is trans and changed their name. Everyone knows its not cool to deadname someone (or should know at least) and part of me believes that is what’s going on here on Neil’s part. Everyone knows them as Crowley and that’s how it should be. And I think that even if in season 3 we get to see any of the Fall, or find out any more about Crowley’s past we won’t get to find out his name from before.
I like the Raphael theory, and in the Good Omens universe, it’s not like Heaven would likely admit that two archangels were fallen. Since Lucifer was the Supreme archangel and started the rebellion, it makes sense that they would pin it all on him and just sweep Raphael under the rug. The theory that Aziraphale would take the name Raphael as Supreme archangel would be fun, but I still think it would be better if it were Crowley. Also, that means that whatever power is bestowed on Aziraphale as Supreme archangel would make them more equal in power and might give Aziraphale more confidence and allow him to admit his true feelings for Crowley. We all know how they feel, but they have yet to really say how they feel without something getting in the way. I think GO3 is going to give us that moment, and I am so excited for it.
Love all of this! I left a long comment under another article (the smile maybe) but you said at the end you’d answer any question…my question was which one is your favorite? You don’t have to answer that, lol! Unless you will? Just curious. Truly love the Aziraphale/Raphael info…that was a lot of research and investigation to make all these connections. Keep it up! I’ve subscribed. 🤍💞🖤
What is odd for me is…at the trial aren’t they all see each other like in a human zoom meeting? If so, why didn’t the archangel Michael and Uriel recognize the Metatron ? Only Crowly, Muriel and Saraqael ( she is flustered and folds her fingers being very nervious ) recognize him, because they watched the trial in the 3rd person view. 😮
Was Crowley * baraqiel ? a higher ranking angel. suggested by the fact that he created the stars and nebula. The fact that the Metatron classed him as a fallen prince of heaven is solid proof. Thats my summarization of my thoughts. * baraqiel is a name confirmed in the behind the scenes of some props. The book that furfur uses to read Aziraphales name contained information below about a powerful red haired angel. Matching the description of Crowley before the fall. Edit: 6:48, 7:59 Debunked?
When Aziraphale and Crowley joined forces to try to make a tiny, insignificant,whisper of a half miracle.. it turned out so powerful that it was said it could have only been done by the most powerful archangel.. Since that isn’t Aziraphale, (he was identified as a principality) it must have been Crowley. Or the two together are that powerful’ for some ineffable reason
I think he was Raphael. There is a version (I think the Jewish one) where the Archangels are 3: Gabriel, Michael and Raphael, and the last one is not there. But the other options are interesting too. No doubt Crowley was a very powerful archangel, and if in 2×01 we didn’t know his real name, I think we will know it in S3.
We know from Gabriel’s file scene that Crowley was at least least a Throne or a Dominian. We also know he was powerful enough to create star systems and gravity. I like the idea that the Metatron, who is highest next to god, cast Crowley out. Crowley may have not have been merely high ranking but super high up ; his intelligence, bearing and good looks would support that. It could be the Metatron was jealous of Crowley’s power and beauty. So maybe he is Raphael. It could be they were rivals and that god favored Raphael. Possibley the Metatron did someting that got Raphael in trouble with God – some kind of lie – that will be revealed and rectified in the last season. At present none of us know what he did save for “asking a few questions”. It could be that Aziraphale finds out what actually happened, creating a pivot point for him. Finally, Raphael as an arch-angel has not been in the show because he is indeed Crowley, who will ultimately regain his exalted angelic status in heaven. This is why, ultimately, Raphael goes down in history as not-fallen.
When A&C see that God is talking to Job, they are startled. Crowley says “but just to be able to ask questions” as if he did not have this opportunity. On the other hand, he used to say that he got into trouble for asking questions, Metatron says it as well… well, maybe he wasn’t allowed to ask God those questions, only other managers of the institution. Maybe it was not at all God, but other angels that sent him to hell without forwarding the questions to God… while talking to Job, God asks if he set constallations in the sky, showing Job he’s not wise enough to ask questions about anything. Well, Crowley did create the stars, so he should have been at least allowed to ask his questions. Quite chaotic, but I’m rewatching season 2 again and it just came to my mind.
I never thought too hard about the possible narrative significance of his missing memories. I just assumed it was feigned or aloofness. I like to imagine it is it’s own Easter egg for the next series. That’s more massively satisfying. For the same reason that the hierarchy and exact origins of the Christian lo re they drew from I don’t think he will turn out to be a named angel at all. I think that would tie them down too much to a set of historical texts which is not what the vibe has been so far.
Nice article! I agree with others that it doesn’t really matter who Crowley was as an angel but I really hope Neil doesn’t ignore it completely after giving us so much hints. Although, I always find it weird that if Crowley is a high ranking angel how come he didn’t know about earth in the beginning and Aziraphale had to tell him about it. Was he intentionally kept in the dark and therefore always meant to fall for questioning things? Or did he just miss it as it wasn’t his department?
I like to say he’s azazel but just bc i imagine david tennant pronouncing it and it scratches my brain. same with raphael. the thing with raphael is that my grandma is very devote to him (just as her mother) and I grew up hearing about him that I sort of feel like i’m perusal my COUSIN in a comedy show 🤣
I also think it is most likely that Crowley was Raphael before he fell, because of the reasons stated in the article and here in the comments. However, there is another reason why I also think this would fit very well: I think we can say that Crowley and Aziraphale are meant for each other, in one way or another. Meant to save the world together, meant to be together. And it’s also not unlikey that this is all part of God’s ineffable plan. That She created both of them for exactly this. Two angels meant for each other, who will one day save the world and make God’s creation a better one. So when God created them, isn’t it possible, that She wanted to show somehow, in a subtle way, that they are meant for each other, that they are connected in their fate? So she named them Raphael and AziRAPHALE. And yes, I know, it’s not the same spelling, but it is supposed to be subtle and at the same time recognisable. It’s meant to show that they are not the same, they are their own person, but at the same time they are irreversibly connected to each other. I just though this would be a very beautiful easteregg and also very fitting for Good Omens as a show.
I’m a big Crowley is Kokabiel fan and now after this article I’m now also a Crowley could also be Azazel fan, I’m still on the fence about Crowley being Baraqiel and I never got on board with Crowley being Raphael because I personally always liked the whole Aziraphale could become Raphael fan when he becomes Supreme Archangel and I never liked the whole Crowley is Lucifer theory as it never made sense to me even before Neil came out and said that Lucifer = Satan in Good Omens.
I do think Kokabiel is a strong one – but I would like to posit my own casual hypothesis: Jophiel. An archangel often depicted with a flaming sword, frequently portrayed as feminine. Was a teacher of Shem (Oi Shem that unicorn’s gonna run for it), is described as the yellow ray of wisdom; “He Stirs feelings through Radiation of Illumination and into aspiration for spiritual things. He helps in absorbing information, studying for and passing tests, dissolution of ignorance, pride, and narrow-mindedness, and exposure of wrongdoing in governments and corporations” Final point: “Just a J(ophiel)”
I think Crowley was the fallen Archangel Samael. If you don’t know, Samael is the fallen Archangel of death in the Jewish religion, and it’s been believed that Samael is the equivalent to Satan or Lucifer, but unlike the devil Samael is not an evil figure and acts as a test to both the believers and the sinners, and holds the title of the destroyer of sinners, some is Crowley was assisted to kill Job’s animals and his children for Job’s test and Crowley also killed the three nazis back in 1941, and it has been believed that Samael was the serpent of Eden, and Samael’s name translate to the poison of God and the blindness of God which fitting because it is opposite to Aziraphale’s name meaningvwhich is God’s heal which also the same meaning of Raphael’s name.
He might also not be an Angel known in religion/mythology. Maybe they just made up an Archangel like Supernaturals did with Castiel, who is not an Archangel in religion. And I’m pretty sure Crowley introduced himself to Aziraphale as “Crawley” before he fell (in the scene where he created nebula’s). So I don’t think he was one of the Archangels named in your article
I”m sure this will already have been mentioned, but in S2 E6 when Crowley and Muriel are perusal the initial recording of Gabriel and the other archangels Gabriel says “However, I am the only First-order Archangel in the room, or, you know, the Universe.” and the camera switches to Crowley and seems to linger on him. Could this be a Clue (with a capital C 🤔)?
personally i think he lost his memory because he is still an angel….sort of. he was made a demon to overlook the demons and if something serious would happen he would regain his memory and powers. why? well he never really “acts” like a true demon would. compared to the other demons he is almost nice.
I don’t think he is any of those listed angels, but I do think he was a higher angel due to his work creating star systems and his ability to create lightening and rain storms. Also, on a different note, I am wondering why the nazis said he was the Famous Anthony J Crowley. Whhat did he do that made him famous, why did they know of him.
I had heard a theory that the “J” in Anthony J Crowley must stand for an Angel name. Jophiel has been suggested. Really I don’t think it matters what their name was before they fell, they identify with a name that they chose. Aziraphale has a totally made up name . They’re both original characters and tying them to a canonical Angel locks them into a preconceived notion too much. I think the authors preferred to keep it vague for flexibility. We were never supposed to care what their name was
So, before there was any mention of Satan/etc., there was an Angel who asked God questions, he was the tempter. I forget the original name in Hebrew, but after awhile it turned into Satan and Lucifer, demon, beast, etc; they have also split duties into different angels. He was still an Angel, there was no falling in the original texts. This angel gave the apple to Eve and brought the question of Job’s devotion to God, with God’s permission. I have come across this fact a few times in my life, but every time I try to find the details, Google overtakes the search and never brings me to what I have actually read or watched before. I think Crowley is still that Angel, and you bringing up the fact he doesn’t remember too much before the fall, makes me think it might have been his idea, but he had to forget in order for things to fall into place. He probably is a lot of those Angels and Demons you have mentioned, because those were the parts he played in the original texts.