The animated series Hazbin Hotel has garnered significant attention for its unique characters and bold themes. Among these characters, St. Peter has sparked considerable discussion, particularly regarding his portrayal compared to the traditional biblical figure. As someone deeply interested in character interpretation within media, especially when it intersects with religious themes, I wanted to delve into the portrayal of St. Peter in Hazbin Hotel and consider what the creator might be conveying through his depiction.
Hazbin Hotel’s St. Peter character icon, a blond, blue-eyed male figure, contrasted with traditional depictions of the biblical Saint Peter.
It’s undeniable that Hazbin Hotel often employs satire and critique, particularly regarding societal structures and even religious institutions. Therefore, when we examine St. Peter in this context, it becomes clear that this character is likely not intended to be a direct, reverent representation of the biblical apostle. Instead, his depiction seems to be a deliberate choice, designed to provoke thought and perhaps even challenge conventional understandings.
One of the most immediately noticeable differences is St. Peter’s visual presentation. Historically and biblically, Saint Peter was a Middle Eastern fisherman. Even in traditional Christian art, while sometimes Europeanized over centuries, there’s an understanding of his origins. However, Hazbin Hotel‘s St. Peter is depicted as strikingly different. He embodies a stereotypical “white” aesthetic: blond hair, blue eyes, and fair skin. This stark contrast immediately signals that this is not a historically accurate or culturally sensitive portrayal in a traditional sense.
To understand this choice, it’s helpful to consider the broader context of Hazbin Hotel and its creator, Vivienne Medrano (also known as VivziePop). Medrano, a Latina queer creator, has often infused her work with themes of social commentary and critiques of power structures. Given this background, it’s reasonable to interpret the depiction of St. Peter as intentional social commentary, possibly addressing the historical whitewashing of biblical figures.
A more ethnically accurate artistic depiction of the biblical Saint Peter, reflecting his Middle Eastern heritage, in contrast to common Westernized portrayals.
Biblical figures, including Jesus, Mary, and the apostles, were individuals from the Middle East, a region often overlooked in Western-centric depictions. Presenting St. Peter as an almost exaggeratedly “white” character in Hazbin Hotel could be a visual metaphor for how historical and religious narratives have been filtered through a Eurocentric lens, often erasing or minimizing the original cultural and ethnic contexts. This visual choice prompts viewers to question why and how these figures are traditionally portrayed in Western cultures.
Furthermore, St. Peter in Hazbin Hotel is not just visually different but also seems to embody a different persona. The biblical Saint Peter was a rugged fisherman, a leader in the early church, and a figure known for his dedication and, at times, his flaws. In contrast, the Hazbin Hotel version appears more delicate and perhaps even naive, a stark departure from the traditionally portrayed robust and weathered apostle. This difference extends beyond mere appearance to suggest a fundamentally different character concept.
A depiction of a younger Saint Peter from “The Chosen” TV series, aiming for historical accuracy in portraying his Middle Eastern heritage and working-class background.
Considering that Hazbin Hotel often satirizes Heaven and Hell, the portrayal of St. Peter could also be interpreted as a critique of institutionalized religion itself. If Heaven in Hazbin Hotel is depicted with flaws or even corruption, then presenting St. Peter in a manner that clashes with his biblical and historical context could be a way to symbolize the distortions and perhaps even the “whitewashing” that can occur within religious institutions over time.
Ultimately, while some viewers might find Hazbin Hotel‘s portrayal of St. Peter controversial or even disrespectful if taken at face value as a direct representation, it’s more productive to consider the character within the show’s satirical and critical framework. The deviations from traditional depictions are likely intentional, serving as a commentary on representation, historical accuracy, and perhaps even the complexities and contradictions within religious institutions. By presenting a St. Peter who is so visually and conceptually removed from the biblical figure, Hazbin Hotel invites viewers to think more critically about the stories we tell and how we choose to tell them.
