Belial, fictional character, a fallen angel in John Milton’s Paradise Lost (in 10 books, 1667; in 12 books, 1674) who tries to persuade the others to be more discreet so that their unacceptable behaviour is less conspicuous. The Hebrew word bĕlīyaʾal, apparently with the literal meaning “worthlessness,” was used in Old Testament epithets for the wicked and impious, such as the “sons of Belial.” In later traditions it was taken as a proper name, a byname for Satan.
Quiz Getting Into Character Who is the hero of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book? This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper, Senior Editor.
