Abel

**Abel** is a major recurring character in the later volumes of the *Divine Comedy*.

He was the first son of Adam and Eve and the half-brother of Cain. Known for his endless optimism and happy-go-lucky characteristics, Abel embodied the last bit of hope in humanity before it was tragically snuffed out by his brother Cain.

After his death, Abel ascended to Heaven where he would become both the head of the Martyrs in the Fourth Sphere and its cardinal as well as tending to Heaven's libraries. He would also come to write and read stories for young cherubs.

## History

### Background

Abel was born as the first son of Adam and Eve, conceived sometime after Cain. Whereas Cain would rapidly grow, Abel remained a child throughout his brief youth, taking on the best of humanity's traits, particularly those of his parents. This made him the last beacon of light for the later generations of humanity. This also made him the favored son of Adam which created a rift sorts between him and his half-brother Cain. Perhaps a prime example of Abel's golden heart is his unwavering love for his brother for contrary to belief the brothers got along quite well with Abel growing attached to Cain.

Just as Cain learned how to farm Abel would follow suite in learning how to herd animals from their parents, becoming the first shepherd. His cheeriness and charm even drew Heaven's eyes on him to where they accepted his gifts and coldly rejected Cain's. Despite the special treatment he would receive, Abel never flaunted it to Cain nor did it ever make him think of Cain as his lesser. He was also not deterred by Cain's abnormally rapid growth and superhuman attributes. Abel would act as a source of comfort Cain as his "deformities" frightened him. It eventually culminated in him growing anxious, paranoid, and fearful due to Lucifer's machinations in revealing Cain that the reason for his growth is because he is Satan's son and that it would bring him closer to Death.

### Death and Legacy

This was the start of the fallout between Abel and Cain for despite his efforts Abel could not quell Cain's fears for so long and his naivety to the reality of death made Cain deeply frustrated leading to several arguments. After one of their arguments, Abel would be the first to return to Cain to make amends but before he could, Cain took Abel to a remote location where they would have their "discussion" in private. When stopping at their destination, Abel turned only to be met with a piercing stab into his chest, horrifyingly revealing that his own brother killed him to "liberate" him from the jaws of death. However, Cain, in his sheer horror, realized the enormity of what he had done and quickly hid his brother's body then ran from the scene.

After his death, Abel ascended to Heaven, becoming the first ever human to do so and would remain in his child form for the rest of his existence in paradise. It was not long before he would be joined by his father and descendants as well. Abel resides in the Fourth Sphere of Heaven, tending to the libraries and becoming a storyteller for young cherubs. Abel was also aware of the curse that was placed on Cain, and while cruel he hoped that it would teach Cain how to value death being part of life. Abel's occupation as a storyteller would lead him to be a writer with the contents of his books alluding to the immortal life of Cain himself but portrayed in a more positive light.

## Trivia

* He is based on the same Bible figure in the *Book of Genesis* within Abrahamic religions. He was the younger brother of Cain, and the younger son of Adam and Eve. He was a shepherd who offered his firstborn flock up to God as an offering. God accepted his offering but not his brother's. Cain then killed Abel out of jealousy.
* Abel's theme song would be "Son of Man" by Phil Collins
* Cain and Abel are polar opposites in many ways.
	+ Abel was a child while Cain was an adult.
	+ Abel has long golden hair while Cain's was red and short.
	+ Abel was innocent naivety while Cain is harsh reality.
	+ Abel was social and outgoing while Cain is distant and closed off.
	+ Abel was a shepherd while Cain is a farmer.
* The series writer describes Abel as if a golden retriever took human form.
* Abel's ability to manifest as a golden dove on Earth is a nod towards the Holy Spirit.
* It is implied that Nemesis, the goddess of retribution, was "born" from Abel's blood after his death at Cain's hands.
* It is revealed that Abel can assume his adult form but has grown too accustomed to his child form.