Cover of Vondel's Lucifer

Vondel's Lucifer

by Joost van den Vondel

Reading level
Plain English
Price
Free

About the book

"Vondel's Lucifer" by Joost van den Vondel is a tragedy written in 1654 and set in Heaven. When God decrees that humanity will rank above the angels, the high-ranking angel Lucifer leads a revolt against divine authority. After Archangel Michael casts the rebels from Heaven, Lucifer seeks revenge by tempting Adam and Eve in Eden. This Dutch masterpiece explores themes of pride, free will, and rebellion through alexandrine verse, structured in five acts of classical drama. Its controversial premiere led to an immediate ban by Amsterdam authorities.

  • Dutch drama

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #37659. Vondel's Lucifer on Wikipedia.