Seraph

The Seraph is a relic used to enter the Catacombs of the Talion from the Barkhang Monastery in Tomb Raider II.

Background

The name 'Seraph' comes from the word 'seraphim' - one of the classes of angel from Judaism and Christianity. This explains the shape of the Seraph having a vaguely humanoid form and two outstretched wings.

The origins of the Seraph are not explained, but it may not be as old as the Dagger of Xian or the Talion, as it is not an integral part of the mechanisms that keep the dagger hidden beneath the Great Wall. It can be supposed that it was created by the Barkhang Monks, whose monastery includes various decorations similar to the Seraph. The Seraph is used in a large circular seal to unlock the Catacombs of the Talion.

This places it at least after the creation of both the dagger and the Talion, at some recorded point in human history. While not being as old as either, it is a precious and rare artefact in its own right.

More recently, the Seraph was stolen by an unknown group several centuries before Lara's time. It was recovered by the Italian cult leader Gianni Bartoli and was then lost in the wreckage of the Maria Doria before he could use it to enter the catacombs in Tibet. It was recovered by Lara Croft during a salvage mission instigated by Marco Bartoli, but Lara acquired it first and restored it to the Barkhang Monks.

Powers

Seemingly, the Seraph is a very complex key that can be used in the seal of the Barkhang Monastery to access the Catacombs of the Talion.

Gallery of Seraph Decoration in Barkhang Monastery

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  Detail of the Seraph on one of the doors of the monastery.

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  Detail of a receptacle in the monastery library.

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  Detail of Seraph design on a sliding door on the roof.

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  The Seraph Seal.