Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mephistopheles

noun

/ˌmɛfɪˈstɒfəlɪz/

Definition

Mephistopheles is a demon featured in German folklore, best known for his role in the Faust legend where he makes a pact with Faust, offering him knowledge and worldly pleasures in exchange for his soul.

Examples

In Goethe’s ‘Faust’, Mephistopheles plays a central role as the cunning demon who leads Faust astray.
Many adaptations of the Faust story highlight the manipulative nature of Mephistopheles, demonstrating how temptation can lead one to downfall.

Meaning

In literature, Mephistopheles represents the archetype of a tempter or a dark figure who entices individuals to abandon their moral values for personal gain.