I just had a little fun with numerology, and this name. It amused me how close to home this hit the character we know thus far. Here's the results.
(For the actual name's literal meaning, and as a cleverly used pun in Bloodstained lore, skip to the bottom.)
What does "Gebel" mean in numerology?
The name Gebel belongs to people who are introspective, prophetic, philosophical, and soul searching; but these individuals can be analytical, critical and opinionated. They tend to think deeply, clearly and have an air of mystery about them. They can be solitary and secretive, and they usually have an eventful, exciting life. These people are versatile and have the ability to learn easily.
Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded; they are always looking for meaningful work. A career where they can take pride in their work and do the best job they are capable of is paradise. Their prime desire is to build a well protected and secure environment at home and at work. They can be very persuasive in achieving set goals and gaining new objectives. They can also be very detailed, intricate, and generally possess great organizational skills. At times they may appear too stubborn and overly critical to those around them; but their practical approach to life and productivity makes them one of the most beneficial members of any community.
Soul Urge Number
The Number 1 suggests a strong sense of independence. Possessing a desire to excel and to lead; it is the most ambitious number, and can bring those who identified with it to the greatest heights. "Dream the impossible dream" is the deepest motivation of these people, and the hidden motive is self-acceptance. Number 1 promotes masculine energy expressed as action and accomplishment.
Number 1 represents desire. It can be a desire to love; or a desire to gain knowledge, wealth or wisdom. Number 1 isn't usually known for their patience, because they have so much to accomplish in this lifetime and so little time to do it. Because of this, there's no time to stay and look inside themselves, or to keep waiting for others. They may appear selfish at times, but it comes from a compelling urge for freedom or action, and their preoccupation with establishing their identity.
Life path Number
The life path number of Gebel is 22.
Meaning of this life path number:
The master life path number 22 or 22/4 is most powerful and potentially most successful of all Life Path numbers. This number is often referred to as the Master Builder, and they have the unique ability to see the larger picture. They are visionaries with their feet on the ground, and they have the ability to understand and unite many people toward a single goal. The downside of those with a Life Path number 22 is that they can manifest too many challenges, and risk getting overwhelmed by their own potential. Their special path will lead them to turn dreams into reality. They are a born creator of ideas that benefit humanity, and good management principles are generally behind what they do. Common career options could include being a planner, organizer, statesman, diplomat, ambassador, or even president!
Expression Number
Your Expression Number is what you must do in life.
Four represents enclosure, completion, and foundation. It is a symbol of earth, the 4th element. Fours are here to build a firm foundation, to labor with concentration, and secure the right to work out their patterns of freedom from any obstacles - such as poverty, heartache and failure. Fours are a very down-to-earth, and well grounded people. Four is associated with home, stability, security, contentment, and a good supply of things needed in life.
Protection is Four's birthright. All dreams will be fulfilled if the Four is willing to work for things in his or her life. Security is another keyword for number Four. Building a perfect secure environment, at work or home is the natural desire of all Fours. Four's perseverance is applied towards any job that must be done, or honed in on gaining their objectives. Their organizational skills and productivity make Fours the most excellent leaders. Fours are very detailed and organized, and might appear too stubborn and overly critical to someone with a perceiving personality. The qualities of number 4 can be best described as a "judgmental" personality type in psychology.
Personality
The Personality Number is how others see you.
The Number 3 is the number of Trinity. Threes inhibit a naturally creative drive that years for expression. Number 3 is a departure from the Number 2 - the source of balance and harmony; and so it is always looking to find a balance by creating something new. There is an urge for self-expression and a desire for variety. Talkative and highly communicative, Threes can relate to many different cultures and concepts due to the flexibility hidden in this number. Music, and the creative arts are excellent outlets of Threes.
The biggest challenge of all Threes can be found within a deep rooted uncertainty. Easily bored, these individuals can move from one job to another, easily switching projects and lovers alike. The highly creative force of Threes can lead them either to total bliss or complete despair. One who understands his or her goals when making a major decision in life, then follows it directly... straight up without worry and uncertainty; achieves heights other numbers can only dream about. The number Three (3) is the closest number to the Source, but this light may become akin to dynamite when there are deviations in their path, or when Threes give in to the pursuit of temptation.
Hidden passion (innate traits)
The Hidden Passion Number represents your hidden talent. It shapes your personality, and guides your life.
The number 5 represents changes, variety, opportunity, travel, escape and a constantly fluctuating life experience. The number 5 is the "Number of Man" and his original five senses. Fives are restless. They are always seeking freedom, and in this pursuit might never be satisfied with whatever they have now. Every time they get closer to something they want, they are still filled with doubt; and sometimes this makes them fearful of what lies ahead, and so a new change must be made. For them, there is always more freedom just around the corner.
Fives stand in the center of their existence and try to reach all points at the same time. Always seeking new places, new faces, new changes, and new experiences, they are often welcomed by others because of their honesty (unless they are being totally negative). Fives have their 6th sense of being honest to all, in order to expect honesty and justice from others. It doesn't mean Fives are always reliable or responsible. Their growth is vital, and they don't like to be tied up by rules and obligations.
Five's restless spirit might best be controlled by choosing a field of work that meets their demands for action and adventure.
Now I dunno about you all... but this sure sounds like someone who could turn the entire world on its end, if need be. Doubly so if they feel the world is wrong, and not their own stance in life.
A strong desire of any kind (even one meant to protect), can be destructive. Once it has been taken to extremes, these sorts of peoplke can give rise to both an internal and external prison; both figuratively and literally. As such, this prison can become a hellish encampment of torment and agony to those who desire to offer sanctuary, and to those being offered sanctum.
Gebel's desire was to create a place he and Miriam could belong. But somewhere along the way, his visions became clouded; and his desires were perverted by madness. The result is the Gebel that goes out of control and lashes out at the world around him. In his mad desire to protect what he feels is important, he destroys what he once held dear. This is due to his change in perspective, and his priorities.
Literal definition of Gebel, and as a play on words
As for his name's actual origin... Gebel is found used in German history.
Gebel also has roots as a Maltese and Arabic word, one originating from the Arabic word Jabal, meaning "hill" or "mountain".
It's a rather clever jab at the fact that Gebel is the great mountain that Miriam must overcome in her life.
The term "Gebel" can also be tied to Tuna el-Gebel, was the necropolis of Khmun (Hermopolis Magna). It is located in Al Minya Governorate in Middle Egypt. A necropolis is a large ancient cemetery with elaborate tomb monuments. The word is derived from the Ancient Greek νεκρόπολις nekropolis, literally meaning "city of the dead".
This is a play on the fact that Gebel raises a castle of his own filled with the undead, demons, and spirits. A literal citadel of the damned, and a land filled with death. A twisted paradise, only a madman could think up.
Gebel, and its ties to alchemy
Gebel can also be likened to the Gebel Kamil meteorite which struck Egypt about 5000 years ago leaving a crater surrounded by thousands of pieces of iron shrapnel with a total weight of about 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lb).
This link implies that Gebel is destructive and powerful. Further, iron is a a major source material in alchemy; one that is merely two steps away from turning lead into gold (with the one step between that process being copper); therefore making it the source and start of the final phase, Rubedo.
So, if we liken the name Gebel to the comet's material (that being
iron), we glean a bit more depth.
Iron is one of the most abundant elements in the universe; and in alchemy, iron is dominated by the planet Mars. The metal was widely used by the Asian, African and European civilizations.
Iron symbolizes the male energy and is connected to physical power, aggression, growth, dependence and protection. It promotes emotions such as lust, confidence, courage, strength, stamina and resilience. It is considered to be the most ‘human’ metal and so, is distrusted by the ethereal entities and spirits.The three alchemical stages preceding rubedo were nigredo (blackness) which represented putrefication and spiritual death, albedo (whiteness) which represented purification, and citrinitas (yellowness); the solar dawn or awakening.
In Rubedo, we see the finalization of the Great Work of alchemy.
The symbols used in alchemical writing and art to represent this red stage can include blood, a phoenix, a rose, a crowned king, or a figure wearing red clothes. Countless sources mention a reddening process; the seventeenth dictum of the 12th century Turba Philosophorum is one example:
"O Turba of Philosophers and disciples, now hast thou spoken about making into white, but it yet remains to treat concerning the reddening! Know, all ye seekers after this Art, that unless ye whiten, ye cannot make red, because the two natures are nothing other than red and white. Whiten, therefore, the red, and redden the white!"
When rubedo has been realized, the alchemist has accepted his spiritual inheritance. He has become what he always has been, but never knew he was. He has realized his
divine essence while still in his physical body. It is the same as what the gnostici called pneuma, the divine spirit in each man that is concealed in the deep darkness of the world, but can be made conscious again.
When rubedo has been manifested, man is master over both the physical as the spiritual world. He has become a King, and a master over himself.When the unification of all energies of the four aspects of totality has been achieved, a new state of being arises that is no longer subject to changes. Chinese alchemy calls it the ‘
diamond body’ which corresponds with the ‘corpus incorruptibile’ (untouchable body) of the European alchemy. It is also the same as the ‘corpus glorificationis’ (glorified body) of the Christian tradition.So what we have here is the following:
A great destructive force
A citadel of the dead
A "mountain" or "trial" that must be overcome.
A being who is distrusted by the gods and demons alike, yet still "human".
A primarily male energy consisting of physical power, aggression, growth, dependence and protection.
A source of emotions such as lust, confidence, courage, strength, stamina and resilience.
Rubedo is symbolized by blood (as in bloodstained).
Bloodstaind's symbol is a stained glass rose, and a rose represents Rubedo.
An awakening of great spiritual power, and a literal divinity in mortal flesh.
Rubedo ties to mastery over the physical and metaphysical/spiritual worlds.
Gebel, and by proxy, iron and rubedo has ties to kingship. Kings rule from castles, and a castle's king can be called its master.
Gebel wears red clothing, and Rubedo is also symbolized by a crowned king, or a figure wearing red clothes.
Rubedo is also called the diamond body.
The diamond body ties into corpus incorruptibile (untouchable body) of the European alchemy.
Diamond is a form of crystal, and untouchable implies greatness, ascendance and power.
Ladies and gentlemen, here is your alchemical recipe for the core character, Gebel.