"It's good to be bad."
Lucifer - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Lucifer's Wings
Lucifer's wings symbolize his true celestial identity, his connection to Heaven, and his self-perception. When he first cuts them off, it's an act of rebellion and an attempt to shed his past. Their state throughout the series—angelic, demonic, absent—directly mirrors his internal struggle between viewing himself as a monster or as the archangel he once was.
They are a recurring visual motif. He severs them before the series begins, regrows them against his will at the end of Season 2, hides them, and eventually embraces them. In the finale of Season 3, he uses them to shield Chloe, a pivotal moment of self-acceptance and protection. The visual effects for the wings were a significant part of the show's budget.
The Pentecostal Coin
The coin symbolizes a second chance, the ability to escape damnation, and the temptation to sidestep guilt. It grants a one-time passage from Hell back to Earth. For Lucifer, it represents a tool and a reminder of his past role, while for others, like Malcolm in Season 1, it represents a desperate and corrupting grasp at life.
The coin is a central plot device in Season 1, used by Lucifer to bribe his way back to Earth. It's later used by Malcolm Graham to escape Hell and becomes a point of contention. The coin reappears in later seasons, always tied to questions of mortality, second chances, and the consequences of cheating fate.
Lux Nightclub
Lux, which means "light" in Latin, is a direct reference to Lucifer's name as the "Light-bringer." The club serves as Lucifer's throne room on Earth, a space of indulgence, desire, and freedom. It is both his sanctuary and a stage for his pain, often expressed through his piano playing. It represents his attempt to create his own kingdom, separate from both Heaven and Hell.
Lux is a primary setting for the entire series. Lucifer's penthouse apartment is directly above it, making it the center of his world. Many key conversations, confrontations, and musical performances happen at Lux, establishing the show's glamorous and decadent visual tone.
Philosophical Questions
Is anyone truly irredeemable?
This is the central question of the series, explored through its protagonist. Lucifer, the embodiment of evil in mythology, is shown to be capable of love, sacrifice, and profound growth. The show argues that redemption is available to everyone, but it must come from within. Hell is not a place of eternal fire but a loop of self-torture fueled by guilt. The ability to leave Hell has always been there; souls stay because they believe they deserve it. Lucifer's final calling as Hell's therapist reinforces this idea: redemption isn't granted, it's achieved through self-forgiveness.
What is the true nature of damnation and evil?
The series dismantles the idea that God is a vindictive punisher. Instead, it posits that humans (and celestials) are responsible for their own damnation through their guilt. Evil is portrayed not as a cosmic force, but as a result of pain, fear, and selfish choices. Characters like God, Lucifer, and even the Goddess are shown to be flawed and capable of making mistakes. The show suggests that evil is a label, and the true struggle is overcoming one's own inner demons and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Does free will exist in a universe with a divine plan?
This question creates a constant tension. Lucifer's rebellion is based on the idea that he is defying God's plan, yet he constantly fears he is playing a part he was always meant to play. The existence of prophecies and "miracles" like Chloe suggests a grand design. However, the series ultimately sides with free will. Characters consistently make choices that defy expectations, and Lucifer's final, pivotal decisions are presented as his own. The divine plan is shown to be more of a suggestion than an inescapable script, with love and choice being the most powerful forces in the universe.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Lucifer" is a profound exploration of redemption, free will, and self-acceptance. The series posits that no one, not even the Devil, is irredeemable and that our choices, not our origins, define us. Through Lucifer's journey, the show deconstructs traditional notions of good and evil, suggesting that these are not fixed states but rather the results of our actions and our capacity for growth and change.
Ultimately, the series argues that Hell is not a place of external punishment but a prison of our own guilt, and that the key to freedom lies in forgiving oneself. Lucifer's transformation from a being defined by rebellion and self-loathing to one capable of ultimate self-sacrifice and love serves as the central message: that anyone can break free from their perceived fate and find their own noble purpose.