An "ascended demon" is a mythical and literary trope where a demonic character, such as a demon, cambion, or demonic deity, somehow manages to overcome their intrinsically evil nature to become a force for good.
Ascended demons are common in Islam, Arabian, Persian, and Asian folklore, i.e. Shinto and Dharmic religions.
Ascended demons are not considered canon in either Judaism or Christianity, but are often found in Jewish or Christian inspired works of fiction. Such fictional characters include Merlin from Arthurian Legend.
In arts and fiction, an ascended demon is a specific type of "redemption arc," also known as a "redemption quest," which is a story where a character goes through a series of obstacles and challenges to make amends for something bad they have done.
Redemption arcs are not limited to demonic entities and can include any story, both fiction or non-fiction, where a villainous character becomes good by the end.
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