SATAN, n. In ancient Hebrew mythology, the title ("the Satan", or "the Accuser") of a subordinate immortal charged with bringing human misbehavior to the attention of the celestial court, and executing the decreed penalties; in short, YHWH's Attorney General.

Later, the Israelites having been presented with the concept of an underworld (they didn't have one before and didn't see the need, but the neighbors insisted), the Satan was detailed there – presumably entering into some sort of amicable relationship with Hades, the incumbent.

Later still, it came to be believed that the Satan wasn't delegated to the underworld but was thrown there after a power struggle with YHWH - from which belief comes our present concept of the Devil in Hell.

Given the last millenium or so of human history, in which all sides of practically all conflicts have committed their depravities "in the name of God", it is unclear just who was thrown where.

  - O Ceallaigh

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