Ariel

The name Ariel carries multiple cultural, literary, and historical associations across religion, mythology, and literature. It has been used as a name for spirits, angels, and characters in various traditions and works, most notably in the Bible, in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and in modern literature. Derived from the Hebrew language, the term literally means “Lion of God”, and has symbolised strength, divine protection, and spiritual illumination across centuries.

Etymology and Religious Origins

The name Ariel originates from the Hebrew words Ari (lion) and El (God), thus meaning “Lion of God.” It first appears in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Book of Isaiah, where it is used poetically as another name for the city of Jerusalem. The term signifies both power and divine favour, reflecting the symbolic role of the lion as a guardian and an emblem of divine authority.
In some Judaic traditions, Ariel is also mentioned as an archangel or a spirit of nature, representing the element of air and acting as a protector of the Earth’s creatures. In mystical writings, such as those found in Kabbalistic texts, Ariel is associated with the protection of the natural world, embodying both celestial strength and earthly compassion.
In Christian mysticism and occult literature, Ariel appears as an angel of healing and divine intervention. He is sometimes linked with Uriel, another archangel associated with wisdom and enlightenment. In this context, Ariel represents the divine force that unites heaven and nature, embodying both the spiritual and material aspects of creation.

Ariel in Literature and Mythology

The most famous literary representation of Ariel appears in William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, written around 1610–1611. In this work, Ariel is portrayed as a spirit of air, bound to serve the magician Prospero on the island where the play is set. Shakespeare’s Ariel is neither human nor entirely supernatural but a liminal being who possesses magical powers of transformation, illusion, and control over natural elements such as wind and fire.
Ariel’s character symbolises freedom, obedience, and transformation. Throughout the play, he yearns for liberation from Prospero’s service, representing the human desire for autonomy and spiritual release. His ethereal nature contrasts with the earthy, rebellious Caliban, creating a thematic balance between intellect and instinct, spirit and matter.
In the closing act of The Tempest, Prospero frees Ariel, a moment that has often been interpreted as a metaphor for forgiveness, enlightenment, and the reconciliation between humanity and nature. This portrayal of Ariel has had a lasting influence on Western literature and art, inspiring countless reinterpretations of the character as a symbol of creativity, imagination, and the human spirit.

Ariel in Later Literature and Art

Beyond Shakespeare, the name Ariel has appeared in several major works of modern literature. One of the most notable is Sylvia Plath’s poetry collection Ariel, published posthumously in 1965. In this context, Ariel refers both to the poet’s horse and to a symbol of creative and emotional transcendence. Plath’s Ariel explores themes of identity, rebirth, and liberation through intense and evocative imagery. The title poem depicts a moment of spiritual and physical exhilaration, suggesting a fusion between self and nature.
Plath’s use of the name draws upon its multiple resonances—spiritual, natural, and artistic—linking her personal transformation to Ariel’s flight and freedom in The Tempest. The collection as a whole came to define a turning point in modern confessional poetry, with Ariel becoming a literary emblem of artistic intensity and psychological depth.
The name also appears in Alexander Pope’s The Rape of the Lock (1712), where Ariel is portrayed as the chief of the sylphs, overseeing the protection of the heroine, Belinda. In this satirical mock-epic, Ariel symbolises purity, lightness, and the fragile world of eighteenth-century aristocratic manners.
In addition, Ariel has found a place in modern culture through the Disney animated film The Little Mermaid (1989), where Ariel is reimagined as a young mermaid princess longing to explore the human world. Although this character bears no direct connection to Shakespeare’s spirit, she retains the essence of curiosity, transformation, and the quest for freedom associated with the name.

Symbolism and Interpretations

Throughout its many appearances in religion, literature, and art, Ariel has consistently symbolised the interplay between freedom and servitude, spirit and matter, and humanity and nature. As a supernatural entity, Ariel bridges the divide between the physical and spiritual realms, guiding human beings toward enlightenment and self-realisation.
In Shakespeare’s interpretation, Ariel’s airy qualities represent intellect, imagination, and creative power—attributes that contrast with the materialism of earthly existence. In Plath’s poetry, Ariel becomes a vehicle for emotional liberation and artistic rebirth, while in biblical tradition, the name evokes divine strength and protection.
The recurring image of the lion, inherent in the name’s etymology, further enriches Ariel’s symbolism. The lion, often regarded as a manifestation of divine courage and sovereignty, aligns Ariel with the themes of vigilance and guardianship. Thus, Ariel embodies a fusion of fierce strength and gentle guidance, representing both the force of nature and the inspiration of the divine.

Modern Usage and Legacy

Today, the name Ariel is used across cultures and genders, maintaining its association with spirituality, creativity, and freedom. It has become a popular given name in various parts of the world, particularly in Israel and English-speaking countries. Its gender-neutral quality and rich historical layers contribute to its enduring appeal.
In popular culture, Ariel continues to inspire reinterpretation and adaptation—from film and literature to theatre and music. Whether as a biblical symbol, a literary spirit, or a modern icon of transformation, Ariel stands as a multifaceted figure embodying humanity’s perpetual search for transcendence, identity, and harmony with the natural world.