Also one of the most impressive
angels in the
Judeo-Christian (and at least one other) tradition, though, like
Metatron, his twin brother, little-known in contemporary culture. Depending on the source, he either dwells in the 4th
Heaven, or is the head of the 6th or
7th Heaven. There are claims that he is engaged in "ceaseless combat" with
Sammael, and also that he in some way gathers the prayers of the faithful and makes a garland of them. Sandalphon is exceptionally tall, and takes his name from his preference for sandals when in the presence of
God. There is also a poem by
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with the title, "Sandalphon."
This information was primarily drawn from Gustav Davidson's
A Dictionary of Angels