Quickening (Angel)

The Quickening, in Angel mythology, refers to a supernatural phenomenon tied to the Shanshu Prophecy, specifically involving a vampire who has regained their soul. According to Wolfram & Hart's interpretation of the prophecy, when a vampire with a soul, specifically Angel, fulfills a specific series of events and faces extreme personal hardship, he may undergo the Quickening.

The Quickening is believed to result in Angel reverting to his human form. However, unlike a natural aging process, this transition is expected to rapidly accelerate, aging him to the point of his natural death in mere moments. It is therefore considered an apocalyptic event, often viewed with a mix of dread and anticipation by those aware of the Shanshu Prophecy. The circumstances required to trigger the Quickening are obscure and subject to manipulation. Throughout the series Angel, various parties attempt to either hasten or prevent the event, depending on their agendas.

The perceived consequences of Angel's Quickening vary. Some interpretations suggest it is merely the end of Angel, while others suggest it will unleash a more significant, and possibly catastrophic, change upon the world. The Quickening is a major plot point in the latter seasons of Angel, driving many of the decisions made by Angel and his allies.