"... Oh God... Please forgive your pathetic servant, Michael... Forgive me for being so weak... Forgive me for failing to fulfill your will... For failing to summon you here to Earth... For failing to bring your divine compassion to all those that seek it... "
Michael, also known as Mikail in Islam, is an Archangel, one of the principal 50 angels in Christian lore, and one of the four main archangels of Abrahamic tradition.
In Christianity, he is viewed as the field commander of the Army of God and led it in the war against the Devil and the fallen angels. He is also a saint and thus carries the title "St. Michael The Archangel." He is mentioned by name in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelations. In the book of Daniel, Michael appears as "one of the chief princes" who in Daniel's vision comes to the angel Gabriel's aid in their contest with the angel of Persia, and is also described there as the advocate of Israel and "great prince who stands up for the children of your people." Michael's status in the army of Heaven is seen as a Viceroy or an Archistrage as well, but he's mostly seen as the commander of Heaven's army.
In Hebrew, Michael means "who is like God", "Who is like God?" However, it does not mean that one should confuse him with being like God, instead it implies that no one is like God. In this way, Michael is reinterpreted as a symbol of humility before God.
In Islam, Michael serves as one who delivered bounty and sustenance to all living things as commanded by God, in other words while God design's and creates the souls of all things, it is the duty of Micheal to deliver them to their rightful place. He is also listed in some sources as the Archangel of the Weather and is responible for the change in seasons and the rain.
One of the four archangels in the service of YHVH, usually seen with Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel. Michael often takes the role of leader among the four.
Shin Megami Tensei
"Origin: Israel. One of the 4 heralds, the seraph of fire. He has many titles, and opinions are divided regarding his role. It's said that he led God's army in battle against Lucifer. He is also said to be the guardian of power and the guardian of justice."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS dictionary
As the one responsible in leading the forces of the Messian Church in order to erect the Basilica and bringing forth the Thousand Year Kingdom of God, Michael stands in his chambers located on the heart of the last floor of the Basilica as the last enemy and final boss fight the protagonist must face in Chaos and Neutral alignments; while serving as a non-playable ally if he is Law aligned, providing aid in the attainment of the "Angel Ring:" a valuable item needed for the final showdown against Asura to become available. In contrast to this, Michael's own throne room is inaccessible unless the protagonist has the "Devil Ring" in his possession, but only if he follows the Chaos route. No item is required in the Neutral path.
He poses as the leader of the seraphs angels and serves as the most powerful servant of God on Earth, instructing the Law Hero in his Messiah persona and the other angels from behind the curtains in the completion of the messian fortress, being in the escorting of servants from Shinagawa to aid in the construction, and spreading the messian religion through the television broadcastings on Tokyo Tower.
Michael firmly believes that, as a human, the protagonist has no right whatsoever in deciding what is right and what is wrong for the world while also cursing him for killing his former friend, the Law Hero. He goes on to say that only God has the right to wield such power, and so, judges the protagonist's actions as an arrogant way to proclaim that he is "better than God." Declaring the protagonist too dangerous to be left alive, Michael proceeds to engage them in the final battle, where he is slain. As he fades away, Michael pleads to God to forgive him for his defeat and failure to convert the world to their kingdom. With the fall of Michael, the balance of the world is nearly restored.
Shin Megami Tensei II
Michael appears in the guise of one of the senate elders (the one in the red robe). After defeating Raphael and Uriel earlier, he will reveal himself to Aleph and his party, where he will fight them. After he is defeated, a false projection of YHVH will appear.
Shin Megami Tensei: 20XX Devil Coliseum
Michael is one of the 5 secret fusions of the game. He can be summoned only after defeating Lie by fusing Metatron with another Tennin clan demon.
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
"One of the four major angels. His name means, "Who is like god?". He stands at the top of the angel hierarchy. He carries an unusually long sword that can cut through anything."
—Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne compendium
Michael appears as a Seraph-race demon. Unlike the previous installments, Michael bears the distinction of not fighting the Demi-fiend. Michael, however, can only be summoned by fusing Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel together during a full Kagutsuchi.
In the updated rereleases titled Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne Maniax (Lucifer's Call in the PAL release), the Demi-fiend can gain access to a higher class Seraph race demon, Metatron, who serves as the strongest Seraph race demon, by using Michael and another Divine or Seraph-type demon as a fusion component, while using a Tyrant-type demon as a sacrifice in a sacrificial fusion.
Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE
Michael first appeared in the Judgement Battle event as one of the event bosses. In this event, players were able to loot a summon PG from the end chest to acquire the ability to summon him. He was later added as an obtainable plug-in through the Secret Room instance. He is a special triple fusion of Gabriel, Virtue, and Samael.
Shin Megami Tensei IV
The true identity of one of the masked men at Kagome Tower. He reveals his true form at Shene Duque alongside the other three.
In the DLC Challenge Quest, Clipped Wings 2, Michael appears after Flynn has defeated Gabriel, and tells her to retreat for the time being. Like the other archangels, Michael will ask a question midway through the battle. Answering with anything other than "For my convictions." will have detrimental effects. After his defeat, Gabriel leaves, but not before saying that she won't forget what has happened. After Mastema locks away the three angels, he returns Flynn to his present time. Completing the quest earns the character two Shining Hairs, the summoning mediums necessary for fusing Gabriel and Michael.
Last Bible
Michael can be recruited if the protagonist chooses to continue the game at Nova. Aside from Solion, he is the only demon that has more than three skills.
Majin Tensei II: Spiral Nemesis
Michael is the boss fought in Zebr of Amnesia on all Dark and Neutral Routes.
Michael appears in the 43rd chapter of the manga, summoned by Eriko Kirishima during the fight against Pandora. Unlike his game counterpart, this Michael knows Makarakarn instead of Tetrakarn.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin
"The highest commander of the angels. Lucifer's twin brother."
—PSX profile
Michael can be summoned when the party is at least level 78 by using 332 Judgement cards. He can only be equipped by Lisa, with whom he has Bad Affinity. When returned to the Velvet Room at MAX Rank, Michael produces the Morning Star Material Card, which is required to summon Lucifer. Alternatively, Michael can also mutate into Lucifer, which can save the party the trouble of collecting 396 Devil Cards to summon him.
In the original PlayStation version of the game, Michael is stated to be Lucifer's brother.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
"The highest commander of the angels. Waits for the day when all souls, both good and evil, shall be judged."
—PSP profile
Michael can't be summoned through normal means at first. In order to unlock him, the party must summon Ameretat, who has a 12.5% chance of mutating into Michael (otherwise, she'll mutate into Futsuno Mitama). After successfully mutating Ameretat into Michael, he is added to the list of summonable Personas in the Velvet Room. This event is carried over in a New Game Plus.
Persona 3
"One of the four major angels, he is at the top of the angel hierarchy. Carries a long sword that can cut through anything. His name means, "Who is like God?""
—Persona 3 compendium
Michael appears as a Persona of the Judgement Arcana. The protagonist can summon him after reaching Lv. 72 or above. In reference towards his role as a skilled swordsman among the archangels, Michael possesses his unique Slash-based physical attack, named Heaven's Blade.
FES / Portable
Fusing Michael with a Nihil weapon grants the second strongest rapier-classed weapon, Deus Xyphos (God Sword).
Persona 4
Michael returns as a Persona of the Judgement Arcana. He is available to be summoned once the protagonist reaches Lv. 72 or above. Michael no longer holds the unique distinction of learning the skill Heaven's Blade, as Metatron is able to learn the skill as well.
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
Michael can only be created through special fusion, by fusing Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel together after the current protagonist has reached Level 71 or higher. The Michael Shard, obtained by using Michael as an ingredient in a sacrificial fusion, is one of the materials required, along with a Tangled Thread and Giant Sword, to create the Deus Xiphos, the P3 hero's ultimate weapon.
Persona 5
"One of the four major archangels, he is at the top of the angelic hierarchy. He carries a long spear that can cut through anything, and his name means "one who is like God.""
—Persona 5 background
Michael is the sixth Persona of the Judgement Arcana and can only be obtained by fusion in the Velvet Room. He is unlocked for advanced Fusion once the protagonist reaches rank 5 in the Strength Confidant with Caroline and Justine. The advanced fusion to obtain Michael requires fusing the other three archangels: Uriel, Raphael and Gabriel. Michael is the second of the three Personas that learn the Divine Judgement skill and one of the four Personas to learn the Debilitate skill. Michael is the third of four Personas to learn Sword Dance and the second of two to learn Cosmic Flare. When itemized through Electric Chair execution, Michael produces the Judge of the Dead revolver for Makoto Niijima, which has 380 ATK, 92 ACC and increases all of Makoto's stats by 10.
Michael is one of the Personas needed to perform the advanced fusion to summon Metatron, along with Principality, Power, Dominion, Melchizedek and Sandalphon. He is also required for the advanced fusion recipe to summon Lucifer. In New Game Plus, Michael is one of the six personas needed to create Satanael, the ultimate Persona of the protagonist.
Michael appears in the Qliphoth World as the final guarding along the Path to the Holy Grail, with the title of "Apocalyptic Guide." He uses skills from previous bosses in the area and just like Uriel before him he also summons "Zealous Messengers" into battle to heal or buff him.
When he is fought in the Final Dungeon, the theme is the stage boss theme "Blooming Villain" instead of the generic mid-boss theme "Keeper of Lust."
Devil Children Red/Black Book
Michael is the main antagonist of the game and the Great Angel who rules the others. He is the father of the Angel ChildNagahisa Kai. Believing that humans and demons are beyond salvation, Michael manipulates his son into coming to his side in order to begin Armageddon. He explains God's existence to his son in the Light Palace. If Setsuna Kai or Mirai Kaname reject his goal of Armageddon, then Lucifer will arrive. Where the two debate on whether humans and demons are worth saving. Michael will fight after their discussion as one of his son's demons against either Setsuna or Mirai. After his defeat, he will fade away alongside Nagahisa.
DemiKids Light & Dark
"Drawing his power from the sun, this angel is the leader of the forces against evil."
Michael can perform the Light combo Holy Shield with Marduk and the Dark combo Armageddon with Lucifer. Michael is obtained by ranking up Archangel.
Devil Children Fire/Ice Book
Michael is one of the rulers of Tenkai alongside Enoch. Shocked at the war between Enoch and Zebul, he begins to suspect something is wrong when angels are sent by Enoch to assassinate him. He attempts to reason with Adnachiel, but learns it was a dark demon in disguise once Akira beats him. He gives Akira the King Riser and tells him that demons are gathering in the Tower of Babel. After beating Fire Book Michael will be the final optional boss faced in Highest Peak. Defeating him has him join the party.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2
Michael can be fought as an optional boss, after the events of Sera's awakening, a Karma Facility scientist released four Seraph-based Atma demons, hoping to stop the turmoil and chaos. Should Gale be able to successfully interrogate the scientist, he will reveal the presence of the Seraphs, unlocking the option to challenge them.
Should the party defeat the first three Seraphs: Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel, Michael will await the party in the ground area of the Occupied Sector, where the Sun shines down. The party must then defeat the first three Seraphs in a gauntlet-style fight, with Michael challenging the party at the end. He calls the party fools for ignoring the "Great Will" and asks God to give him the power to destroy the party's ignorance and sins. Michael, along with the three Seraphs' speech reminisce about the events and their role in Shin Megami Tensei II.
The "Dragon Slayer" mantra, which grants several of Michael's skills, as well as the Gospel ammo, will be obtained upon defeating him. Michael goes through stages during the fight, at first, he will simply use single-target -dyne spells, then start mixing in Vanity and Physical attacks, and finally, when he gets low on HP he will start using Omnipotence and Megidolaon. An Attack Mirror is an easy way to ruin his day during the final stage. Another quirk with Michael is that his AI is set to start using Rage along with Omnipotence constantly if the party uses -kaja skills to go +3.
Unlike the Demi-Fiend and most other superbosses, Michael appears in a non-video game adaptation, being featured in Quantum Devil Saga as the transformation of a man named Henry Marcus (who kills Kazuki Homura).
Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2
"His name means "Who is Like God" and is one of the archangels. When Lucifer rebelled against God, the great strategist Michael was the one to defeat and trap Lucifer. He is well known for many other spectacular deeds, and to this day has a strong following in Europe."
Multiplies next physical attack damage of caster by 2.5.
Ragnarok
Heavy almighty-physical damage and debuffs defense on all foes.
Dekaja
Negates all -kaja buffs from all foes.
Dekunda
Negates all -nda debuffs from party.
Gallery
Michael as he appears in Shin Megami Tensei II
Michael as he appears in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Michael as he appears in Shin Megami Tensei IV
Michael as he appears in Majin Tensei II: Spiral Nemesis
Michael as he appears in the Persona series
Michael's artwork as it appears in Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2
Michael as it appears in Devil Children Black/Red Book
Michael as it appears in DemiKids
Michael as he appears in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Michael's sprite as it appears in Last Bible III
Michael as he appears in the Megami Ibunroku Persona manga
Michael as he appears in Persona O.A.
Michael as he appears in Persona O.A. (No Background)
Michael as he appears in Persona 5 Royal
Trivia
The illustration of Michael in Shin Megami Tensei, along with his in-game model continuity, resembles the sculpture of St. Michael's Victory over the Devil by Sr. Jacob Epstein in Coventry Cathedral.
The original Shin Megami Tensei contains data for Michael as a regular demon among the other seraphim, with similar stats but very different resistances.
Even with his signature attack referencing swords, Michael has rarely been seen using a sword.:
He's one of the few superbosses and optional bosses who are featured in non-video game adaptations of a game, with a new role in the plot. In fact, he appears in Quantum Devil Saga Avatar Tuner as the Atma of a man named Marcus.
Judgement
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