Friday Factoid

                      FRIDAY FACTOID

This is a meme that I started.  Every Friday I’ll put a factoid based on a book I’m reading. The book can be fiction or non-fiction If you want to participate, just leave a comment and your website to share.

I’m currently reading Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones. The main character,Charlotte, in the book is a grim reaper. According to Wikipedia,

The concept of death as a sentient entity has existed in many societies since the beginning of history. In English, Death is often given the name Grim Reaper and, from the 15th century onwards, came to be shown as a skeletal figure carrying a large scythe and clothed in a black cloak with a hood. It is also given the name of the Angel of Death or Devil of Death or the angel of dark and light (Malach HaMavet) stemming from the Bible and Talmudic lore. The Bible itself does not refer to "The Angel of Death;" there is, however, a reference to "Abaddon" (The Destroyer), an Angel who is known as the "The Angel of the Abyss". In Talmudic lore, he is characterized as archangel Samael.

In some cases, the Grim Reaper is able to actually cause the victim's death leading to tales that he can be bribed, tricked, or outwitted in order to retain one's life, such as in the case of Sisyphus. Other beliefs hold that the Spectre of Death is only a psychopomp, serving to sever the last ties between the soul and the body and to guide the deceased to the next world without having any control over the fact of the victim's death. In many languages (including English), Death is personified in male form, while in others, it is perceived as a female character (for instance, in Slavic and Romance languages).

Happy Reading!

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