History of devil's pitchfork?

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Anyone know specifically the symbolism behind the devil and pitchfork imagery? Is it just a middle ages depiction of him with a weapon to torment souls?
 
I did a quick google search and found numerous sites and people in various forums that indicate that the hoofs and horns are related to the pagan deity Pan. The ptichfork seems to be borrowed from Poseiden or Neptune depending on whether you’re a Greek or Roman mythology fan I suppose. There were no histroical or scholarly references except that it seems to have started after the dark ages. Of course, none of this is substantiated. I look forweard to seeing if anyone psosts anything interesting. I, of course, do not believe that the Devil goes around looking like that at all. I think the Bible says that he was pretty good looking or at least human like in appearance.
 
MarcoPolo said:
Anyone know specifically the symbolism behind the devil and pitchfork imagery? Is it just a middle ages depiction of him with a weapon to torment souls?
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Like the “apple” from the Tree of Knowledge, there’s not much to go on beyond the influence of art over theological understanding or speculation. As Catholics we know that eternal separation from God is far more painful than getting poked by a trident. For lack of more information, I’d stand by what you may have found on Wikipedia, although, like other farming instruments and tools-turned-weapons, I’d see what can be found about the history of pitchforks as weapons.
 
Big_Ro said:
I did a quick google search and found numerous sites and people in various forums that indicate that the hoofs and horns are related to the pagan deity Pan. The ptichfork seems to be borrowed from Poseiden or Neptune depending on whether you’re a Greek or Roman mythology fan I suppose. There were no histroical or scholarly references except that it seems to have started after the dark ages. Of course, none of this is substantiated. I look forweard to seeing if anyone psosts anything interesting. I, of course, do not believe that the Devil goes around looking like that at all. I think the Bible says that he was pretty good looking or at least human like in appearance.
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No body; therefore no “natural” appearance.

If he meant to tempt you he could appear to be human. If he meant to frighten you, a much more distorted “physique” could be assumed.

ICXC NIKA
 
I’, going to venture a guess. Our ancestors in the faith were mostly farmers. Not the artists, but they were related to farmers and made art for farmers to look at.

There are two uses for the pitcfork. One is to move manure, which then was mostly soiled straw and animal waste. The other is to move mown hay.

Any farmer knows that collectively, we are like hay: ephemeral, fragile, passing.

Christ likened the souls of the world to grass (Luke 12:28), and this image, I think, may source the devil and his fork. He pitches the lost souls, who are either like soiled straw or mown hay (ie, dead) down into his fiery realm, alluded to by Christ.
 
Warrenton said:
I’, going to venture a guess. Our ancestors in the faith were mostly farmers. Not the artists, but they were related to farmers and made art for farmers to look at.

There are two uses for the pitcfork. One is to move manure, which then was mostly soiled straw and animal waste. The other is to move mown hay.

Any farmer knows that collectively, we are like hay: ephemeral, fragile, passing.

Christ likened the souls of the world to grass (Luke 12:28), and this image, I think, may source the devil and his fork. He pitches the lost souls, who are either like soiled straw or mown hay (ie, dead) down into his fiery realm, alluded to by Christ.
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It is also used to control/guide/persuade animals on their way - especially rambunctious bulls.
 
GEddie said:
No body; therefore no “natural” appearance.

If he meant to tempt you he could appear to be human. If he meant to frighten you, a much more distorted “physique” could be assumed.

ICXC NIKA
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Ok. I can agree with that.
 
I’m kind of disappointed in this thread. I really thought that it would attract some of the more serious know-it-all’s who would regail us with their depth of knowledge. Not that the previous posters are lacking in knowledge but usually there’s at least a few who will come along and provide lengthy and detailed historical and theological explanations for the imagry and symbolism. They would cite articles, books and maybe even a video or two. Then the thread would veer off on some vague argument about some esoteric issue. Then, after some 600 or more posts the moderators would finally step in, hand out some infractions and the whole thing would start over in some other forum. Oh, well.
 
I had a revelation about the pitchfork the other day and found no one else to see the same thing i got.
I saw the middle of the fork as the straight and narrow. The intersection (temptation) is to get people to veer to the right or left to get us off the path of life. This is apparent in religions where lost souls want to know the unknown God and worship Him, but can’t because they don’t know the true way to Him so they invent “ways”. Invented ways contrary to old and new testament lead to death.
The pitchfork therefore a mocking of God, gaining power of death through detouring His people from the true path ( Christ, The Straight and Narrow). Wood, stubble…and Hay…just a thought for the day. Peace in Him, Cheryl D. (as_i_am)
 
Big_Ro said:
I’m kind of disappointed in this thread. I really thought that it would attract some of the more serious know-it-all’s who would regail us with their depth of knowledge. Not that the previous posters are lacking in knowledge but usually there’s at least a few who will come along and provide lengthy and detailed historical and theological explanations for the imagry and symbolism. They would cite articles, books and maybe even a video or two. Then the thread would veer off on some vague argument about some esoteric issue. Then, after some 600 or more posts the moderators would finally step in, hand out some infractions and the whole thing would start over in some other forum. Oh, well.
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Hah! I was thinking the SAME thing!!! 😃
 
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