Supernatural Apocalypse - The Four Horsemen

The CW Series Introduces the Traditional End of the World Cast

Sep 19, 2009

Supernatural continues its adaptation of the Book of Revelation by introducing War, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

If there was any doubt that Supernatural's season five is focused on a more-or-less Biblically based apocalypse, the appearance of the first of the Four Horsemen in this week's episode (penned by Sera Gamble) removes all doubt. The second episode of the season featured not only cameo appearances by characters from past seasons, but the main conflict was engineered by War. Pestilence, Hunger and Death can't be far behind.

The Biblical Background

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are well-known figures in the Biblical story of the Revelation, though each only receives a verse-long mention. Regarding War, the Bible says: "And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword (Revelation 6:4--KJV)."

Less well-known are references to horsemen in the book of Zechariah, which likely influenced the writer of Revelations. Of the red horse in particular, Zechariah says, "I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white (Zechariah 1:8)," and, "In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses (Zechariah 6:2-3)." This older Biblical reference to horsemen are to "they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth (Zechariah 1:10b--KJV)," with no connection to the plagues mentioned in Revelations.

War, the first of the four to arrive on Supernatural, as well as the first in the Zechariah passages, but the second in the Book of Revelations, rides a red horse. Of course on Supernatural, a show dedicated to its muscle cars, this is translated into modern terms as a red Mustang. His first deed is to set a group of hunters against each other, including Ellen and Jo Harvell (Samantha Ferris, Alona Tal), by convincing each group that the other has been possessed by demons. When Sam and Dean uncover his true identity, he brags about his his activities in war-torn areas of the world. In the end, the Winchester brothers are able to overcome him but not to kill him, indicating he will probably return at some point later in the season.

What Happened to God?

One mystery that has persisted throughout season four as well as the current season is exactly where God has gotten off to. According to the show's cast of angels, including new series regular Castiel (Misha Collins), God has been absent for some time, leading the angels and demons to the standoff now affecting the show's throughline. But in this season's premiere, Sam and Dean (Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles) were mysteriously transported out of harm's way by an undefined force, which Castiel stated was God. He also stated that God pulled Dean out of hell, which was the defining event of last season's storyline.

Castiel, then, has gone off on a quest for God, stating that God is the only power strong enough to fight Lucifer and banish him again from the earth. Toward that end, he took Dean's amulet--a staple of his wardrobe since episode one. Fans have wondered for four seasons about the exact significance of the odd amulet, and last night's episode finally answered that question. The amulet "burns hot" in the presence of God.

Of course, according to most Christian theologies, that would mean it would be burning all the time, since God's presence is everywhere, but in the Supernatural universe, God is apparently more circumscribed. One must wonder who will be tapped to play the Almighty--although those who read spoilers very well might already know.

"Good God, Y'all" added several intriguing bits to an already complex and partially contradictory mythology. It also left viewers on tenterhooks, as Sam and Dean chose to go their separate ways. Fans of the show can be certain the brothers will reunite, but they can also be sure that the road won't be easy. In the meantime, another burning question remains--what kind of car will Pestilence drive?

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