The Archangel Michael is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, and in numerous medieval texts. According to medieval writers, there are nine orders of angels; archangels are the eighth level and responsible, along with angels, for protecting and helping humanity.

Archangel Michael's responsibilities were numerous, and focussed on his dual roles of judge and warrior. In this image, it is St. Michael (as he was called in the Middle Ages) as warrior that we see. In the New Testament, Archangel Michael is described as the one who will fight the dragon (Satan) at the end of time. When Lucifer and the other angels rebelled against God and were cast out of Heaven, Michael led the battle against them. During the Middle Ages, St. Michael's protection against the forces of evil were continually invoked.