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When we think of the Grim Reaper, we tend to think of the tall skeletal being in dark robes that comes to collect our souls. Do you really think that is all he/she does - collect souls? Does anyone have any different opinions on this creature? Has anyone actually had an experience with the Grim Reaper? I would love to hear your thoughts on this!

Well that persona has been used through out history to depict the many faces of a "reaper"

In my opinion "Grim" has many faces... don't you think it would be easier to enter the next plane when you see a familiar face guiding your path...

I'd like to think if there is one, it takes you from this realm to the next as a guide.

This is one of misunderstood soul out there,
It usually reap out of grim itself.
Kind one indeed.

The skeletal form has been used over the centuries to depict Death, but there has to be more than that. death just isn't having your soul colleted, and rotting away into a skeleton. For those who believe there is an after life, you go to a place of enteranl paradise. I myself believe in reincarnation. The soul is recycled, and when the soul has learned all the lessons it needs, it is released from the cycle. The Grimm Reaper isn't just there to collect our souls. Every belief system has its own view on death, and what the Grimm Reapers purpose is.

I think of the grim reaper as being like Charon, the boatman who ferries you across the river styxx to the gates of judgement.

purely symbolism.

I believe that the grim reaper also warns us of some horrible things that are happening or going to happen kind of like a watcher over us all.

I hope he is just like on Billy & Mandy

Billy and mandy kicks ass.......I think hes a shadow not a bony dude in a robe......They say a shadow flows through your eyes just befor you die

Thats a good question.

I like the idea that some other people have said about him/her being a guide.

I always think along the white light at the end of a tunnel thing when you're dying. I don't think there's anyone there, no grim reaper or anyone, you have to walk that last part on your own ...

The Grim Reaper, The Ferryman both I guess do the same jobs.
In past centuries they used to leave coins in the mouths of the dead for the Ferryman.

Well I have heard of the Grim Reaper and the Ferry Man as well. Im not sure if there true but I do beleive that someone meets you to guide you to your after life. I have always thought or at least wanted it to be a loved one who has sense passed. Kind of like a spirit guide.

Well that makes sense skylla. You should be the most close to yourself. There are other beleifs and religions that differ. Im native american and we beleive that we have spirit guides and there with us all the time. There with me now and there be with me when I move on past this life.

Well, I personally hope the Grim Reaper looks like Brad Pitt in Meet Joe Black. He can come and take me anytime.

Perhaps the Grim Reapers are like the reapers on "Dead Like Me", which is currently shown on the Sci-Fi Channel, Tuesdays from 7PM-9 PM.

Note, that Cancer wrote a review in Acrimony on the series

I would wish for a guide on the path to the next existance however I believe it is just another story man has come up with to reassure ourselves about what comes after death.

Guess I'll find out when I reach that point...

Maybe it's like a dementor? But seriously, I really don't beleive in any sort of Grim Reaper. When someone dies, they follow a path that is laid out before them, like in life. Except in death, it's already there.

Perhaps, there is for those that need or believe in one. These myths of the idea of a guide into/allowing us into the afterlife stem both from religious and folklore. To view that there is one, is to have a rather organized idea of what occurs after death. Instead of focusing on the will be, I prefer to focus my energies on now.

If I had to give a definite answer, it would be no I view it as a metaphoric ideal of the changes we go through in death.

hmmm i just think of death

Very interesting comments. I hope the Grim Reaper looks like someone I would want to go with and not something that scares the crap out of me.

considering all the different faces of death, why not. If you believe in an angel of death, why not add any face that brings you either comfort or extract retribution, whichever you feel you are head for?

The image of the Grim Reaper has been embedded in people since the dark ages when witch burnings were high. It is still being used today in media, books, art, and so on so naturally people are going to think that this is the true form of "Grim". But I do have a bit of skepticism against this simply because it's popular. I agree with the others who ask "Wouldn't it be easier to cross to the other side with a familiar face guiding your path?". So I think that Death comes for you however you want it subconciously.

I personaly think that the grim reaper is in all of us the grim reaper is a physical being he is a part of all of us that slowly kill others and ourselves

the grim reaper in my opinion is all of us yet none of us simply a fixation on what could be

yea the grim reaper is just s representation of who leads you to the other side that is if there is one

the only grim reaper i know of is the one on the grim adventures of billy and mandy,lol

I guess I'll see what happens when I die. Personally, like Fangor suggested, I think it'd be neat if the Reapers were like Mason and George. It's an interesting concept anyway...that of dead folk still not having any clue what happens after you move on.

Some info courtesy of Wikpedia:

Death has been personified as a figure or fictional character in mythology and popular culture since the earliest days of storytelling. Because the reality of death has had a substantial influence on the human psyche and the development of civilization as a whole, the personification of Death as a living, sentient entity is a concept that has existed in many societies since the beginning of recorded history. In the United States death is usually shown as a skeletal figure wearing a midnight black gown with a hood, while in Europe he is often depicted similarly, but dressed in white, which is the traditional color worn at funerals in many places.

Examples of death personified are:

* In modern-day European-based folklore, Death is known as the "Grim Reaper" or "The grim spectre of death".
* In the Middle Ages, Death was imagined as a decaying or mummified human corpse, later becoming the familiar skeleton in a robe.
* Conversely, Death is sometimes portrayed as a beautiful woman.
* Death is sometimes portrayed in fiction and occultism as Azrael, the angel of death (note that the name "Azrael" does not appear in any versions of either the Bible or the Qur'an).
* Father Time is sometimes said to be Death.
* A psychopomp is a spirit, deity, or other being whose task is to conduct the souls of the recently dead into the afterlife.

I don't believe in the Grim Reaper, but if he /she exists than They would be rather busy taking souls to the plain of existence.There would have to be a lot more than one of them.The little tale of a loved one guiding you through is probably just a fairy tale, but it would be a very awesome thing.

the grim reaper also known as: the grim, death, reaper of souls, reaper, the ultimate darkness, and the shadow of death, he/she is fabled only to transport souls of the shortly departed into the next life, i will read up more on this as, my time becomes available and get back to you

I'd tend to think that the Grim Reaper as we're calling him only comes to those too unprepared to afraid of death to deal with it themselves. Just a thought...

I think the Grim Reaper is just a symbol of how some perceive death.

I don't think I beleive there is such thing as a grim reaper. I think it's symbolic. I don't know if i believe anything happens after death, really. I've never been dead, so i just don't know.

I believe that it is a story made by man over the years Saying Grimm reaper due to the fact that many are not prepared for death therefore it tends to be GRIMM Experience more for the ones left behind.

Say that someone dies suddenly that is close to you that is usually a Grimm experience, therefore over the years man came to call Death the grimm Reaper.

This could just be my own opinon yet it makes sense to me. I believe that when we are ready for death or know it is coming then we are greeted with a familiar to help us cross over to the next Realm. Well just my assumption on it.

ever since humanity has been thinking they beleived in the grim reaper.some think he is not there but i beleive he is all around us.

When I first saw "Dead like me" I was the same person as the heroine. Crappy temp office position and same age. I totally could see myself looking up at the sky at that flaming toilet seat headed straight at me...

I would like to think that someone guides us, or there would probably be alot more paranormal acts going on in the world.
Even if this incarnation of the grim reaper is really another side to our spirit simply meeting back up with us to take us back.

that is like the show i was watching about reapers, they were ppl who took over dead bodies and would go around each day and reap souls. i would find it hard to believe that there are real beings that go around reaping souls, but then again, it could be as well.

the reaper is not a skeleton he or she walks in our world just like we do

iv never had an experience but i believe in greek mythology sorta and i think that the grim reaper is the goddes hectate. notice how hectate carries a lantern to lead souls but so does statues of angels and sometimes the grim reaper? since greek mythology came before christianity did i believe that to be another reason that hectate is actually the grim reaper.

what better symbol of death... than death itself

It's Jessica Alba in her "Dark Angel" outfit. She can come get me anytime!!!

The Grim Reaper is in itself a symbol of death. People connect a skeleton with death thus the grim reaper image is created.

My personal opinion is that the Grim Reaper is a welcoming figure. You want to follow him not fear him.

most of it is all just symbolisms from a superstitious past, and made of a fear of death...
I think the true collector is that which you most need to be able to move on, be it a familiar face, rabid dogs chasing you along, or a little child chasing a butterfly beconing you to follow.
death is not something to fear after all, it is just a change, transferring you on to the next wheel of your journey

He/she just takes us to where we need to go after our body expires. It had to have a face for the books, So the chose a skeleton. And the black is always used when someone dies.

i think the black robe and image that is given to the reaper is just an image that was given to be seen in books and films

I dont like to think of him as someone that takes your soul away. I think of him more as someone that will take you to the unknown, be a guide to you.

The "Grim Reaper" is not a being per say but more a creature that those who as mark can see. They are make the death look like an accident then those who mark the person take the soul to where they go.

in my humble opinion i think that it is simply a guide from life to what ever awaits after death.

As to its form i think it has no true form it just take the form of whatever that particular person exspects to see.

I believe that grim is a guide to the afterlife. He takes you and gets you set for your next life. Although the popular image is that of a skeleton, I think that it would be different for each person.

Well put Daermoon. The grim reaper has become a symbol of death through folklore and symbolism. I don't believe there is an entity that "collects" souls. This may just be a representation of the being that comes to meet you as your soul departs the body. Someone to explain what has happened and guide to the next plane of exsistance.

The Grim Reaper is merely symbolism...much as the Angel of Death is. It is different in many cultures who comes for the dead. It is all about perception and beliefs.

well he cantrols death thats what he does thats what he is the reaper of souls i dont know if he has another purpose or not but i would think so personally.

Id say thats all i think he does, hes like the origanal symobl of fear

I don`t know... my perception is that the grim reaper doesn`t really exist and it`s just a story told by parents to their children to frighten them. Though i don`t believe inheaven or hell, and I wonder about the concept of souls, I mean, if someone takes them away after death, or after we`re done with them, then where do they all go? Wouldn`t the place run out of room? Or are we using the same souls as some person way bask in the stone ages, only with more knowledge?

Boy! Aren't all you doubters going to be surprised when he shows up for you!

Not really. Let me put this into terms I can relate to...Anyone watch Charmed? Remember when Piper became the "Angel of Death"? She learned death was neither good nor bad, but neutral. He takes the souls and delivers them where they are supposed to go. End of story. End of his job.

well.. i think anthony had it right.. mebbe decisions about heaven and hell might play a role in how he operates as well..

I agree with MeowMixLP that the grim need only come for those that can't navigate properly on their own. Most can probably find their way easily, but in death (as in life) there are always some that just don't follow the path laid out for them. Some people are just that way.

the only grim reaper i know is on the grim adventures of billy and mandy

but it is interesting how this creature has become folklore

I think of him as an arch-angel that sent to kill. He changes form when it fits him/her...


also the character on the grim adventure of Billy and Mandy....hes awesome

i like the idea he could be an arch-angel, as it is said about gabriel the archangel and if angels exist how they must be the most vial creatures doing all the dirty work killing and taking lives

I agree with SacredDefiance,people tend to relate and equate things to what's familiar to them.when we die our bodies naturally return to the state it started from.so we view death in this regard-skeletons and bones.death is a mystery cause no one has actually achieved that state and returned to tell the tale .out of body experiences don't apply in this case.

I believe the grim reaper can take any form at all. I also agree that it could be a guide from one exsistence to another in a form that you love and trust to make it easier for you.

I would tend to go with piers anthony's views on the grim reaper being a mortal with a tempoary possistion in a particular "job" and that the skelatal apearance is just part of that job. collecting only souls near the balance

I belive that he haas many faces depending on who he/or she is with...I think that he/or she would have many job's also keep in mind having to do with death, but also life. I think for someone to bealbe to take life you must also must know how to give it.. But that is just me....

If the reaper is real i thank it would be a gide to what ever happens after death.

When we think of the Grim Reaper, we tend to think of a dark shadow that repersents death and if he is real he mite be prity cool to hang out with

I like to think the 'Grim Reaper' isn't a reaper who is grim, but a being who reaps the grimness from death. leaving only peace and comfort for those who die.

In my eyes The Reaper is a guide to help you get to this point in your journey to your next...From Life to the Afterlife...

i think the reaper is someone who can change form.

My point of view is not a tall skeleton. once we die i think that we have a guide to come show us around. it could come in any form. so lets say that your grandmother passed on and you got along great with her. say you die and you really wanted to see her again. she would be the one to come collect your soul from your body and show you what the after life is like. in our school we have this thing called ghost out. its were the "grim reaper" comes and takes kids from classes all day long and "kills" them. they come back to class wearing all black or all white... they are not able to talk to anyone for the rest of the day. the reason im telling of this is because we do not use the skeleton for the grim reaper. one year we had an angel and other years we used a picture of kids who have actually died in our school in memerance of them.

Although it has already been posted as such; I believe if there was a Incarnation of Death, it would be how Piers Anthony described it. Only there to guide those whose balance was too close to move on on their own. As I am an Agnostic though I would rather wait until I die to find out for sure though *winks* Everything in their own time.

i think the grim reaper is a figment of myth, jsut another escuse to follow the rules of the world

My opinion of the "Grim Reaper" is that you can not accurately depict him/her in a picture. Someone up higher in the thread asked if it wouldn't be easier to move on if you were guided by someone you know. I agree with that idea, so if you go by that...well, it's hard to depict a creature/identity that changes with each person who dies.

Very interesting, because my boyfriend has had an experiance with the "reaper" He was at a friends house (Very old house by the way, and was supposidly haunted) Well, he was sleeping on the couch. And he woke up in a chill, the blankets were pulled down off of him, and he seen he seen this reaper thing. Im not sure whether to believe it or not, but I do have an open mind about it, cause I've had some very strange dreams about the reaper. Very strange mystery. Cause I thought he was suppose to come to you for death..obviously not all the time.

i guess in a way the grim reaper is just a way of us wanting to be shown there is still some one there to guide us even after death

he is a guide of sorts.
even though a bit morbid, but knowing that he takes you at death is reasuring to the point that at least you know your not going at it alone.
having someone there with you after crossing over, probably makes the transition a little easier for us.
i know it would for me.

I beleive that the grim reaper is the mortal form of Charon from the Greek myths. Or at least somthing like him, he either takes you to the underworld or to your next life depending on your soul.

My physical health could be better. I ponder my own demise and mortality quite often. I do not know if a Grim Reaper exisits. But sometimes I can hear the whisper of the Owl Calling My Name.

I believe very much in the reaper per say...but I think he is more than a guide...He can warn us, he can harm us, if he choses he can help us.

Well, the grim reaper deffinately has his hands full. Of course thats all he does is collect souls. people die every whatever mili seconds. Also, I have seen the grim reaper, it was quite uncomfortable, I noticed it while I was in a car. His sikkle ripped through the top of the car and was right between my boyfriend and I. Then disappeared.

I believe the grim reaper can take any form he or she wants, but also he or she it could be a guide he and or she can help one move on from one exsistence to another.But one must also remeber it could be just a myth...

i believe that if you are sent to hell but you still want to live you have to beat the grim reaperin a game of his choise and you win, he brings you back to life and is your slave until you die again

I agree with some of what was said, Personally I feel that the "Grim Reaper" will take what ever form you believe in. Many cultures around the world have different entities who emboby "death". So for some it could be the skeleton in the Black Cape. Others may see family, while others still may not see anything at all. What ever it is or is to be expected, I won't see it until my own time.

i think he is whatever we think of him, some want to say he collects souls then he does.

i have not had any experience with him personally so i dont really know

I guess I don't actually believe in a literal Grimm Reaper. From the information they have gathered from people who have had near death experiences. Very few of them have mention any type of Grimm Reaper. Alot of them have seen what they believe are angels or family members that have long passed. Many have experienced the "tunnel" alone even. Although I have to agree with Ghoul, a Jamaican Grimm Reaper would be the best.

i myself would have to agree with some of the above posts, i see the reeper as a guide with a familiar face, someone who when they reach their hand out to yours , you know the time has come, and you are not afraid.

I agree that the reaper is really more of a guide, and a benign force, rather than one intent on evil.

The Grim Reaper , Death, & The Devil are one and the same.. He is out to send the wicked to everlasting hell.

I don't thing that the "grim" have only one face, i believe that he/she take a particular face, depending of the person who he/she visit, and I don't really believe that the "grim" just collect souls, I believe that must do another thing like guide them or jugde them maybe.

the grim reaper is someone thats takes away your soul.

I beleive "The Grimm" is a soul of its own which has been depictied a skull being since a skull is a symbolic meaning of death to most.

i agree with you but isn't there other ways for the sign of death. i find the the grim reaper is something, a soul as you said, but that looks like us and has black wings. since black is death.

I don't know if I believe in a grim reaper per se, but I like idea of some sort of giude or presence with you when you die. LigeiaEvermore, mentioned Piers Anthony. I thought that book had a great version of Death. I also like Stephen Kings ideas in Insomnia. Someone just comes and cuts your cord. Like the 3 fates and the the soul travels back to serve either the ramdom or the purpose. I'm not saying that, that is what I believe, but it's an intresting thought.

I believe the Grim Reaper is very personal. Kind of the philosophy "die by the sword". Your Grim Reaper will be the one you have created by your actions.~CapriAl

The Grim Reaper is the taker of souls and a guide from this relm to the next he's also a very powerful being and should be respected as such

I do not really believe in the Grimm Reaper yet being called that over the centuries I am sure it is not to nice "hence Grimm"

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