Satan Said Dance (episode 6)

This is not a religious thread but a tribute to all things gothic.

Edit 11/11/2018: Actually, since launch it's morphed into a radio station and has now been renamed accordingly.

Anyone who violates this rule will be severely punished for their wickedness: arrested, flogged, mocked, paraded through the streets and ridiculed, then blocked and mercilessly tossed aside.

Savvy?

No, not you, there's a good lad.

Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester:

York Minster (North Yorkshire) is the largest - some say the finest - gothic cathedral in Europe.

Edit: that should read Northern Europe.

Apart from being hugely impressive in its own right, York Minster also boasts some impressive - and surprising - residents:

There's a website devoted to the York peregrines. The site is in its infancy but still worth a look:

http://www.yorkperegrines.info/wp/

And - fittingly perhaps - there's also a twitter account: @YorkPeregrines

Some of you might be wondering why I'm paying tribute to a gothic cathedral that glorifies God, on a thread that is supposedly about Satan?

That's a good question, I'll get back to you once I know the answer.

Some more views of York Minster, but fom the interior:

And what self-respecting piece of gothic architecture would be complete without tombs and a crypt?

And let's not forget [religious comment removed - David] the treasury:

One doesn't need to 'believe' to appreciate the exquisite design, artistry and craftsmanship:

Ya booo.  I thought this thread was going to be about a character of fearsome reputation.  Apparently he's known for striding around in a red suit and poking people with his pitchfork.  His 'guests', we're told, are those of us who reject religion or have committed acts considered as rule-breaking against various religions and gods. 

I'm really disappointed, I'd hoped for stories of gore and bloodshed and never-ending pain and suffering that this fella excels at, or so some would have us believe.  I've also been told that he's the master of all things we consider 'evil', like booze, sex and rock n roll.  Possibly a political debate with Satan would be enlightening, understanding different perceptions of 'right and wrong', but not on this forum eh!

I'd be interested in a discussion on how and why Satan got this reputation. I'd like to know when he first appeared in history, under his various guises and names according to the many different religions with their different gods.  I've noted that most religions appear to use this fella as 'the whip', to spur on 'none-believers' into being 'believers'.

I'll add that I'm pleased that this isn't a discussion on religion (as the topic is banned), as they tend to become an issue of whether an individual has a faith rather than anything real debate can fathom out.  What I'd like to establish, or rather learn from others, is  more on the nuts and bolts of the techniques used by organised religion over the ages by the introduction of this mythical character to strike fear into the hearts of uneducated and weak individuals. 

So.....who invented Satan, or any other names attributed to the same character?  Remember now, this character is fictional, he doesn't exist so don't be afraid that he'll get you for making disparaging remarks.  It's not a religious debate so please don't venture an opinion based on superstitions.