Heaven has closed its gates, leaving humanity to struggle on alone. This is also the case in Diablo 4, as confirmed by the Blizzard development team in the Blizzcon Lore panel. We are now left with a few questions about the roles of the angels, including one in particular: Tyrael. This fallen, reappointed, and re-fallen angel has been the focus of a lot of the Diablo lore as time has gone on. But who is Tyrael in Diablo 4, and is he even present?
Who is Tyrael in Diablo?
Tyrael is one of the original five angels tasked with protecting Heaven against the evils of Hell. They make up the Aegis Council, who are at war with Lilith and the demons of Hell in Diablo. Tyrael was originally depicted as the representation of Justice and later also picked up the very modest title of Wisdom. He is a conflicted character who is torn between his place in the heavens, and his love for humanity down in Sanctuary.
Diablo 2
Screenshot Via Blizzard
Tyrael has always seen the good in humanity, despite them being the love children of Lilith and Inarius, and has often tried to help them. He believes that they are the answer to the eternal conflict between heaven and hell. He assists them in their defeat of the three prime evils in Diablo 2 but is banned from helping them in their final war against Diablo. This act has him stripped of his wings and made mortal to live amongst the humanity he sacrificed so much to save.
Diablo 3
Diablo 3 sees Tyrael suffering from amnesia in the world of Sanctuary. He regains his memory with the help of the Nephalim and starts, once again, the battle against Diablo. As the demons of Hell begin an onslaught on Heaven, Tyrael convinced the Angels to allow the humans to help in the war. The humans, along with the angels, push back the armies of hell and kill Diablo. Tyrael is once again offered a place in heaven, having his status as an angel given back. He refuses and instead takes on the aspect of Wisdom alongside the aspect of Justice.
Tyrael returns to Sanctuary to live amongst the humans in Diablo 4 and fight against the forces of evil amongst them.
Where is Tyrael in Diablo 4?
Now we have Diablo 4, Tyrael is remarkably absent from the story, but many theories are out there. Heaven is in shambles and, as mentioned before, has closed its doors. One theory states that Tyraels absence from Diablo 4 is due to him being up in heaven trying to figure everything out. However, this theory goes against his promise to stand with humanity in Sanctuary. With Lilith rampaging around, there is more need for Tyrael in Diablo 4 than ever before; it seems out of character for him not to be stood on the side of humans in this case.
Another theory is that Tyrael is dead in Diablo 4. He is mortal, after all, and mortals can become old and die. This is a cheap way out for one of the franchise’s favorite characters. Someone like Tyrael needs a little more than just a subtle hint at a grave in Diablo 4′s cinematics.
