A cherub (pl. cherubim) was a divine being who dwelt in the heavenly realm of the gods, either as a servant or a mediator between humans and the divine. The word most likely derived from the Akkadian karabu ("to bless"). The cherubim are often coupled with other beings known as seraphim who guarded and protected the courts and thrones of the gods. Over time, both cherubim and seraphim became denoted as angels, from the Latin angelos ("messenger").
This is a companion discussion topic for the original definition at https://www.worldhistory.org/Cherub/.
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- Why do you think cherubim changed from fierce guardians to cute baby angels?
- How do you feel about religions borrowing ideas from each other about angels and spirits?
- Which description of cherubim in the article seems most interesting to you, and why?
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