Adam’s Second Son in the Hebrew Bible, Killed by His Brother Cain
The Hebrew Bible records that Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd, whose offering of the firstborn and best of his flock was accepted by God — and who thereby drew the envy of his brother Cain and was lured to his death in the field. In the Jewish and Christian traditions Abel is often seen as a symbol of the innocent victim and the devout offering, and the New Testament Letter to the Hebrews says "the blood of Abel" still speaks for righteousness.
Cain offered the produce of the ground to God, while Abel chose the firstborn and fattest of his flock, and God accepted Abel and his offering but not Cain’s; this difference in favor was the direct spark of Cain’s envy and violence.
Below are how modern works borrow or reinterpret this name or story — not the original material. The two differ, so keep them apart.
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