Shachath

Shachath is the Aramaic name given to the Angel of Death, or Grim Reaper. This incarnation of Death personified was featured as a recurring character on season two of the FX Network television series American Horror Story. Played by actress Frances Conroy, she was introduced in the episode, "Dark Cousin" and made five appearances in the series in total.

Overview
Shachath is a ghostly angel who is represented as a dark-haired, pale-skinned woman with a black veil and large black wings who would appear before those wishing to die.

Biography
Shachath began appearing before different people at Briarcliff Manor mental asylum in Wasaugee, Massachusetts in January, 1965. She was recognized by a nun named Sister Mary Eunice McKee, who was possessed by a demon at the time.

Shachath visited several characters during the series, offering forth her "kiss", which would result in their deaths. In several instances, the characters would change their mind, finding some inner strength that enabled them to go on. She visited Lana Winters who had been tortured and raped by serial killer Oliver Thredson, but Lana declined her advances. She came to Monsignor Timothy Howard after he too had been tortured by a psychotic maniac, but he also turned her away. When Monsignor Howard pushed the demon-possessed Sister Mary to her death, Shachath laid claim to her soul, and also took hold of the demonic spirit that had inhabited her.

She answered a summons by Sister Jude Martin on more than one occasion. While still possessing her mental faculties, Sister Jude recognized Shachath and turned away from her. She saw her again years later after she been rendered insane and committed to Briarcliff Manor as a patient. In her delusional state, she saw Shachath in the form of a tough-talking prison inmate. Again she denied her. At the end of the season, which took place several years later, Sister Jude found the peace she needed and welcomed Death to take her.

Notes & Trivia



 * Actress Frances Conroy also played the role of Moira O'Hara, a major supporting character from season one of American Horror Story.

Appearances

 * "Dark Cousin"
 * "The Coat Hanger"
 * "The Name Game"
 * "Continuum"
 * "Madness Ends"