The Fate of Angel and Archangel Grace in Supernatural: Extraction, Death, and Beyond

In the Supernatural TV series, the concept of grace is central to the existence and power of angels and archangels. This article delves into what happens to these celestial beings when their grace is extracted and after they die, exploring the intricacies and consequences of these events within the show's universe.

Extraction of Grace

Angels and archangels rely heavily on their grace for their powers and abilities. When an angel's grace is extracted, the consequences are significant. They become powerless, unable to perform any angelic tasks. This state is akin to reverting to a human form, stripping them of their inherent magical abilities.

A notable example is Castiel; when his grace is transferred to Humpty-Dumpty, he becomes a regular human with no supernatural powers. The extracted grace can be used for various purposes, such as temporarily granting humans angelic abilities. This highlights the transformative nature of grace and its intimate connection to the essence of an angel.

What Happens to an Angel's Grace After Death

When an angel dies, their grace typically returns to Heaven. However, there are exceptions to this rule. In some cases, an angel's grace cannot return due to specific circumstances, such as being killed by a particular weapon. This loss of grace can have profound effects on the celestial hierarchy and balance of power.

A deeper understanding of the consequences of an angel's death can be seen through the actions of Lucifer. After his grace was nearly depleted, Lucifer had to resort to human survival tactics, such as asking for money when hungry and cold. This moment underscores the crucial role grace plays in an angel's existence.

For archangels, the situation is more complex. Their grace is often more potent, and when they die, their grace can be extracted and used. Notable instances include Gabriel and Michael, whose deaths and the procurement of their grace have significant impacts on the angelic hierarchy and the balance of power.

The Consequences of Grace Loss

When an angel loses their grace, it leads to profound changes in their moral and physical state. Castiel's struggle with his humanity post-grace extraction illustrates the deep connection between an angel's essence and their powers. Without their grace, angels essentially revert to human form or are reborn as human children.

Importantly, losing grace does not necessarily mean losing the ability to hear the Angel Radio or retaining other supernatural skills. However, their connection to Enochian Magic is significantly weakened. The extraction of an angel's grace means that piece of their essence is lost, transforming them from a powerful celestial being into a mere human.

The Afterlife of Celestial Beings

When both angels and demons die, they do not truly perish. Instead, they are sent to the Empty, a state of eternal sleep dominated by a cosmic entity that pre-dates both darkness and God. While they are not killed, this state is indistinguishable from being deceased, given its permanence. Only two beings have ever awakened an angel from this state: God revived Castiel, and later, Jack brought him back from the brink.

Archangels, when they die, also end up in the Empty. This state ensures that the celestial order remains in a perpetual balance, with the potential for revival reintegrating them into the hierarchy.

Conclusion

In summary, the extraction of grace leads to the loss of power and identity for angels, while the death of an angel can have far-reaching consequences. The same principles apply to archangels, with their more potent grace leading to different outcomes. Understanding these dynamics provides insight into the complex nature of celestial beings in the Supernatural universe.