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The personification of death is a recurring theme in artwork, as representation of a thing or abstract concept such as death as an identifiable being often provides ease of discussion, illustration, and/or general comprehension of the entailed concept. Personifications of death vary between cultures throughout time, and may be interpreted such as a singular entity (ex. a deity of death or an afterlife) or various creatures or roles (ex. portents of doom or psychopomps transporting the souls of the deceased). Due to its longevity after death, a skeleton is common imagery for death and thusly its personification, but animals have also been source for personification, as well as more discrete, lively Deaths of mortal appearance.

Just as death may be feared or accepted as a natural process that is unavoidable or necessary, all depending on the culture and its individuals, Death may be characterized as anything from an omnicidal omnipotent force to a compassionate caretaker of the departed, or something in between. Additionally, since there is a dichotomy between life and death as well as some cyclical ideas of spiritualism, a personification of death may also be a personification of life.

Tools such as the scythe or lantern and vehicles such as boats or equine steeds are often attributed to being in Death's disposal.

Fourth Horsemen of the Apocalypses

In traditional interpretations of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, death is attributed to the fourth steed, the Pale Horse, and its rider. ^{Revelation 6:7–8}

• death_(personification)
• famine_(personification)
• pestilence_(personification)
• war_(personification)

External links

• Wikipedia
• Death (personification)
• List of death deities
• Personification
• Psychopomp