What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “Rebellion”? Some are immediately drawn to the agreed definition “an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler” or even “the action or process of resisting authority, control, or convention” while others are drawn to concepts in pop culture like”Star Wars”. As for me, I think immediately of the “First Rebel”, Lucifer.

Lucifer is the personification of conscientious rebellion. In the story of creation passed down through generations, Lucifer was the most powerful and intelligent of all the angels in the heavens. When Lucifer discovers that god has created humans, he is enraged for two reasons: Satan no longer belongs to the chosen [Angels, prior to humanity] and secondly, that god would create an autonomous race of beings to serve his will.

Lucifer then confers with the other angels and leads the first rebellion, against their tyrannical figurehead, god. Upon losing the battle, Lucifer is cast down from the heavens as punishment for his crimes. Lucifer, hoping to spite god and free humanity, advised the serpent to tell Eve to take the apple that would gift her the knowledge of reason, free-will and intelligence.

God is enraged and curses the serpent to forever crawl in the dirt and then casts humankind out of “Paradise”. Now damned, Adam and Eve would be forced to work the Earth and fend for themselves, free of god’s tyrannical reign. Eve was a tool for rebellion and the beneficiary of knowledge on how to rebel. The first lesson of humankind.

While these are all stories, rebellion has historically brought about change. Not all change is positive and sometimes even devastating. But to stand against oppression, tyranny and outright evil acts is valorous and where true honor lies.