Uriel

Uriel appears in Second Book of Esdras (2 Esdras) as the angel sent to Ezra who identifies himself as Uriel (the angelus interpres), and in Ethiopian homiletic narrative he acts at the crucifixion, dipping his wing in Christ's blood and scattering it over Ethiopia, where churches arise where drops fell. Beyond these texts, later apocryphal, Gnostic, kabbalistic and occult sources diversify his origins and roles, sometimes conflating him with other named angels (e.g., Phanuel, Jeremiel) and assigning him functions such as regent of the sun or keeper of the pit.

Descriptions vary by source: Uriel is commonly pictured carrying a book or papyrus scroll (symbolizing interpretation and wisdom), in some accounts stands at the Gate of Eden with a fiery sword, and in Ethiopian iconography is shown carrying a chalice filled with Christ's blood. Taxonomic labels in different texts identify him variously as a cherub, a seraph, or a regent of the sun, reflecting divergent imaginations rather than a single fixed corporeal form.

Attested roles include: interpreter of prophecy (angelus interpres to Enoch and Ezra), guide/protector (instructing Ezra in 2 Esdras; said in some traditions to lead Abraham west; rescuing John the Baptist in certain apocryphal gospel accounts), guardian/warden (standing at Eden's gate with a fiery sword; described in some texts as holding the key to the pit/Tartarus at the end-times), agent of repentance/judgment (called angel of repentance and depicted as pitiless in the Apocalypse of Peter), and patron of wisdom, arts and sciences. Gnostic and related texts attribute to him control over spirits or demons in certain cosmogonic episodes (e.g., Secret Book of John account of demons helping Yaldabaoth).