The Darkin Divide: Why Aatrox Despises Varus
Aatrox’s hatred for Varus stems from his perception of Varus’s weakness and perceived betrayal of the Darkin ideals. Aatrox sees Varus as having succumbed to mortal emotions, particularly his need for revenge, and for allowing himself to be fused with and influenced by humans. In Aatrox’s eyes, Varus’s entanglement with the human hosts Valmar and Kai is a degradation of the Darkin’s inherent power and purpose: to bring oblivion to the world. To Aatrox, Varus is no longer a pure Darkin, but a corrupted hybrid, and thus an abomination worthy of his scorn.
The Core of Aatrox’s Disdain
Purity vs. Corruption
Aatrox holds a twisted ideal of Darkin supremacy, seeing them as beings of immense power destined to reshape Runeterra in their image. He views the Darkin as warriors meant to dominate, not be influenced or controlled by lesser beings. Varus’s fusion with humans directly contradicts this ideal. He sees it as a sign of weakness, a loss of control, and a fundamental betrayal of the Darkin’s inherent strength.
The Burden of Mortality
The other Darkin also suffer from the fact they are forced to inhabit weapons and need hosts. But Aatrox’s hatred is fueled by the fact that Varus actively uses mortal emotions like revenge as his driving force. Aatrox seeks oblivion as an end to his suffering as a trapped Darkin.
Shared Goal, Different Methods
While both Aatrox and Varus seek the destruction of the current world, their motivations and methods diverge significantly. Aatrox aims for complete and utter annihilation, hoping that in the chaos, he might finally find his own demise. Varus, on the other hand, is driven by revenge against the Icathians for the Void corruption, the event that eventually led to the Darkin’s downfall. This difference in focus further separates them in Aatrox’s eyes, with Aatrox seeing Varus’s personal vendetta as petty compared to his own grand vision of oblivion.
The Darkin Perspective
Understanding Aatrox’s Motivations
To truly understand Aatrox’s hatred, one must delve into his own tragic history. Once a noble warrior of Shurima, Aatrox was corrupted and twisted by the Void War. He, along with the other Ascended, became the Darkin, beings of immense power but also plagued by a deep sense of loss and despair. Trapped within his blade, Aatrox yearns for release, even if that release comes in the form of utter destruction. Learn more about world building and lore in games through platforms like the Games Learning Society, where the intricacies of narrative design are explored.
The Darkin’s Downfall
The Darkin War was a cataclysmic event that reshaped Runeterra. The Darkin, once heroes, became tyrannical warlords, ultimately leading to their imprisonment. Varus was imprisoned within his bow, while Aatrox was trapped within his blade. This shared fate, however, did not foster camaraderie. Instead, it fueled Aatrox’s resentment, as he saw Varus’s actions as contributing to their collective downfall.
Aatrox’s Self-Loathing
Part of Aatrox’s hatred for Varus might stem from a deeper self-loathing. Aatrox despises his own existence, the curse that binds him to his blade and forces him to inhabit mortal bodies. Perhaps he sees a reflection of his own weakness in Varus, a reminder of the Darkin’s diminished state and the futility of their existence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Aatrox and Varus related?
While both are Darkin, they aren’t explicitly stated to be blood relatives. They are both members of the ancient Ascended warriors of Shurima who were corrupted during the Void War.
2. Why does Aatrox want to destroy the world?
Aatrox seeks to end his own suffering and the cursed existence he endures as a Darkin trapped within his blade. He believes that the oblivion of Runeterra is the only way to achieve this release.
3. Is Varus truly evil?
Varus is a complex character. He is driven by revenge and possesses immense power, making him a dangerous figure. However, his connection to the human hosts Valmar and Kai adds a layer of nuance to his motivations. Whether he is truly evil is a matter of perspective.
4. Who is stronger, Aatrox or Varus?
In terms of raw power, Aatrox is generally considered stronger. He is a formidable warrior with immense strength and skill. However, Varus’s unique abilities as a marksman and his connection to the human hosts make him a dangerous opponent.
5. What are the Darkin?
The Darkin were once Ascended warriors of Shurima, god-like beings who fought against the Void. However, they were corrupted by the Void War and transformed into beings of immense power and destructive intent.
6. How did the Darkin become imprisoned?
The Darkin War ended with the imprisonment of the Darkin within various weapons and objects. They were sealed away by powerful mages, preventing them from wreaking further havoc on Runeterra.
7. What is Varus’s ultimate goal?
Varus seeks revenge against the Icathians, the people responsible for unleashing the Void that corrupted him and the other Ascended.
8. Can Varus be redeemed?
It is uncertain whether Varus can be redeemed. His connection to the human hosts offers a glimmer of hope, but his thirst for revenge and the Darkin influence remain powerful forces.
9. What is the Void?
The Void is a dimension of pure chaos and nothingness that threatens to consume Runeterra. It is the source of the corruption that transformed the Ascended into the Darkin.
10. Who are Valmar and Kai?
Valmar and Kai are two Ionian hunters who stumbled upon Varus’s bow. They attempted to purify the bow, but instead, they were fused with Varus, creating a unique being.
11. What is Aatrox’s weapon?
Aatrox’s weapon is a sentient greatsword that imprisons his essence. He needs mortal hosts to wield the blade and manifest his physical form.
12. How does Aatrox choose his hosts?
Aatrox typically chooses strong, skilled warriors as hosts. He corrupts their minds and bodies, transforming them into vessels for his destructive power.
13. Are there any other Darkin besides Aatrox and Varus?
Yes, there are other known Darkin, including Rhaast, the Darkin inhabiting the weapon used by Kayn. There are presumably others yet to be revealed in the lore.
14. What happened to Shurima?
Shurima was a powerful empire that fell due to a combination of internal strife and external threats, including the Void War.
15. Is there a future for the Darkin?
The future of the Darkin is uncertain. Some may seek redemption, while others may continue their destructive path. Their fate will likely depend on their individual choices and the actions of the champions who oppose them. You can see examples of how game narratives and stories are designed at GamesLearningSociety.org.