The Four Horsemen

By Crusader1307

A constant in Western Christianity and related Theological beliefs, ‘’The Four Horsemen’’ are allegorical figures used to illustrate what many Christians identify as The ‘’End Times’’ (or final tribulation of Mankind before the assumed return of Jesus Christ to reclaim and redeem The Earth, once more). The Horsemen can be found mentioned three times in The Western Bible. The first two times in The ‘’Old Testament’’ and Their more ‘’infamous’’ arrival found in The ‘’New Testament’’ (Book of Revelation). Each Horseman is seen as a Harbinger of Disaster and are ‘’activated’’ (according to a Vision experienced by St. John), with ‘’breaking of A Seal’’. The Seals themselves are allegorical for a series of events orchestrated by God. These are seen as both beneficial and a form of punishment.

The ’’First Horseman’’ is described as ‘’Conquest’’. He rides a White Horse and carries the symbols of a War Bow and a Crown. He is associated with Christ’s Coming, and well as that of The Anti-Christ – as well as an associated ‘’Plague’’. The ‘’Second Horseman’’ rides a Red (Blood) Horse and welds a Sword. He is associated with ‘’War’’. His goal is to spread wide scale destruction (as Wars do). The ‘’Third Horseman’’ is known as ‘’Famine’’. Astride a Black Horse, He carries a set a Measuring (Weight) Scales. He is representative of Starvation and the resulting death countless millions will suffer as a result. The final and ‘’Fourth Horseman’’ was identified as ‘’Death’’ (personified). Often shown in Medieval Art as a Skeleton, He will be the final Trial of Humanity and has MANY variations as to what His ‘’true meaning’’ is. Often seen as the eventual ‘’end result’’ of the previous three riders. He rides a ‘’Pale colored Horse’’.