Men of Letters

Men-of-Letters were 'preceptors, observers and beholders' of mysteries not easily explainable or known to men. They had knowledge of the supernatural works and many arcane arts like alchemy. They considered hunters to be a lower class to them.

The order was led by elders, who held the most protected secrets of the order.

Powers and Abilities
Men-of-letters were powerful humans who knew a lot more than hunters. They had knowledge of different rituals including the exorcism spell. One of the members, Henry, could even tap his own soul for power. They also had knowledge of angels, something hunters only had knowledge during the ushering of the apocalypse. They were also aware of the existence of dragons, and Atlantis, among other things

Up until Henry Winchester's death, they were in possession of a key to every spell known to man. This key passed on to his grandsons, Sam and Dean Winchester.

It is possible that the men-of-letters created the demon killing knife as Henry knew that only a magical knife could kill demons.

Known Members

 * Henry Winchester and his paternal ancestors
 * Albertus Magnus - the most powerful alchemist of the century, according to Henry Winchester
 * unnamed elders murdered by Abaddon