Mephistopheles (also Mephisto, Mephistophilus, Mephist and
Mephistophilis as referred to in the original text) is a name given
to one of the chief demons of Christian mythology that figure in
European literary traditions. The name is frequently used as an
alternative form of Satan or the Devil. Because the name
Mephistopheles evolved during the Renaissance, Mephistopheles makes
no appearance in the Bible. However, according to a certain
biblical texts relating to Christian mysticism, and a number of
related works written during the 17th century, Mephistopheles was
the first to join with Lucifer during the rebellion against God at
the beginning of time. When the rebel angels were banished from
Heaven, Mephistopheles was the second to fall, after Lucifer. In
exchange for his loyalty Lucifer granted him power in Hell,
appointing him as his second-in-command.
Mephistopheles appears most prominently in the legend of Faustus, a
man who sells his soul to the Devil. This legend was famously
recorded in Christopher Marlowe's play from the 1590s, The Tragical
History of Doctor Faustus, and in the classic 19th century drama
Faust (Part 1 and Part 2) by the influential German writer and
humanist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Mephistopheles is known throughout Goethe's book as a 'fallen
angel' himself, as he clearly states to Faustus. He rebels against
the authority of God and is thrown out of heaven into hell.
Mephisto is also the title of a book by contemporary Irish writer
John Banville. The novel treats the descent of a young math
prodigy, and burn victim, Gabriel Swann, into a personal hell,
accompanied by various Mephisotopholean characters, including Felix
and Mr. Kasperl.
The meaning, if any, of the name "Mephistopheles" is unknown,
although the historical evidence suggests that it was invented by
the anonymous author of the German chapbook that made the Faust
story famous. Many attempts have been made to construct etymologies
from Greek or Hebrew, but with no plausible results.
Information taken from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephistopheles
