The state of truce between Heaven and Hell and the relative power of the two.
General[]
The great balance—usually simply balance—denotes both the uneasy truce between Heaven and Hell, and their relative power. It evolved after the open warfare between angels and demons that followed the Fall which had created Hell.[1] Its goal was to end the violence, but it also placed great limitations on the ability for angels to act, and they instead focused on holding ground rather than any form of proactivity.[2] It is likely that demons were placed under similar constraints, but also possible that individual demons were less aware and caring of it, especially at a lower level. High-level demons, like succuabe, were however aware of it.[3]
The balance had held for centuries. It trembled now and again, in one land or another, but eventually stabilized again. It looked ready to tremble here and now. Lydia knew full well that despite euphemisms, to be at the center of a “tremble” was the gravest of perils.
Good Intentions, chapter 12
The actions of Alex and his friends had a great impact on the balance in Seattle.[3][4] Rachel took advantage of this during her tenure as Dominion, and encouraged angels to be more proactive against demons and other forces of Hell.[2]
Theories[]
There is a pragmatic side to the balance, in that the death of a angel or demon on the mortal plane leads to their rebirth in Heaven or Hell within some time, but could cause great destruction during the fight.[5][6]
Some angels have come view the balance as a positive good, or at least something to preserve for its own sake. Examples of such angels are Vincent and George.[3][7] It also ties in with the idea of intervening as little as possible.[8]
The balance also allows some contact between angels and demons. Lorelei had encountered many angels and was well-known not only in Hell but also in Heaven.[9][5] Rachel recognised Serena’s name immediately.[10] Vincent had made advances towards Lorelei at some unknown point.[1] Rachel heard about many of the princes of Hell looking for Lorelei through guardians active in other dominions.[11]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Good Intentions, chapter 19
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Natural Consequences, chapter 11
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Good Intentions, chapter 12
- ↑ Good Intentions, chapter 18
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Good Intentions, chapter 15
- ↑ Natural Consequences, chapter 17
- ↑ Past Due, chapter 28
- ↑ “Rough Day”
- ↑ Natural Consequences, chapter 3
- ↑ Halloween for Life
- ↑ Personal Demons, chapter 2