Why Are Sirens Only Female in Borderlands?
The burning question for many Borderlands fans, “Why are Sirens only female?”, stems from a fascinating blend of in-game lore, Greek mythology, and design choices. The short answer is: Borderlands’ Sirens are exclusively female primarily due to their direct inspiration from Greek mythology, where Sirens were exclusively portrayed as female beings. This foundational influence shapes much of the identity of the powerful, enigmatic Sirens we encounter throughout the Borderlands series. The developers at Gearbox seemingly chose not to deviate from this established representation, keeping the mystery and power associated with Sirens tightly bound to their female identity. This creative decision establishes a clear consistency with the original mythos.
The Mythological Roots of Borderlands Sirens
From Bird-Women to Borderlands Powerhouses
In Greek mythology, Sirens were initially depicted as bird-women or sometimes as beings with bodies that were partly fish and partly bird. Over time, the male depictions faded away, and the iconic image of the alluring female bird-woman became the standard. These mythological Sirens were infamous for their seductive singing, which lured sailors to their deaths on the rocky shores of their island. They used their bewitching voices to captivate those who dared to listen, making escape impossible.
Borderlands takes this core concept and transforms it into something uniquely its own, while retaining the powerful female identity. The Sirens of the Borderlands universe are not necessarily deadly singers in a literal sense; instead, they are incredibly powerful beings, each possessing a unique set of extraordinary powers. The game series leans into the mysterious, alluring, and dangerous nature that is also associated with the mythological Sirens.
The Impact of the All-Female Archetype
The decision to make Borderlands Sirens exclusively female creates a fascinating dynamic. It immediately establishes these beings as unique and sets them apart from other classes or characters. This allows the developers to explore complex themes surrounding power, destiny, and identity through a solely female lens. It also ties into the long tradition of mythology, allowing players to connect to this fantastical universe via the foundation of the Greek legends. The powerful abilities of the Sirens are a unique factor, creating a sense of awe and respect around these characters.
While the game lore doesn’t provide concrete details on the biological specifics of Siren creation, it is heavily suggested that being a Siren is something one is either born with or that the powers are inherited or transferred after a previous Siren’s death. This is seen when Maya is born with her powers and Lilith inherits her powers from another Siren, although this process isn’t always so straightforward. These factors further enhance the mystical aspect of Sirens. The absence of male Sirens maintains the rarity and specialness of these unique characters within the lore.
In-Game Lore and Character Development
Observation and Jack’s Insights
Much of what we know about Sirens in the Borderlands universe comes from a combination of observation and information provided by characters such as Handsome Jack. Jack, in his twisted way, reveals some details about Sirens during the mission “Assassinate the Assassins.” His explanation highlights the mystery surrounding them, adding depth to the reasons why Sirens are treated differently in the game world. These unreliable narrators and the scarcity of facts give further mystery to the female only siren lore.
The Evolution of Siren Powers
The lore suggests that Siren powers can manifest in various ways, further diversifying the characters within this group. We see this variation in the unique abilities of characters like Lilith, Maya, Amara, Tyreen, and Angel. Each Siren has a distinct set of skills, abilities, and playstyles, showcasing the adaptability and variability of the Siren legacy. This uniqueness, combined with the fact that they are all female, makes each Siren stand out as a major character in the Borderlands narrative.
The Mystery of Siren Inheritance
One of the main lingering questions about Sirens is how their powers are inherited or transferred. The instances of Lilith inheriting her powers after a previous Siren’s death and the unknown circumstances of Tannis becoming a Siren further deepens this. It is suggested that Siren powers can be passed down, but the exact mechanism is not always clear. This leaves room for future expansion in the Borderlands universe and keeps players theorizing.
FAQs: Exploring the Nuances of Borderlands Sirens
1. Can male Sirens exist in Borderlands?
No, there are no male Sirens in the Borderlands series. This is due to the mythological inspiration, as Sirens were exclusively female in Greek myth. The game lore has not contradicted this, so it remains the case within the franchise.
2. Is there a known biological reason for Sirens being only female?
Not in the established game lore. While there are theories and in-game observations, there is no confirmed biological reason why only females can be Sirens in Borderlands.
3. How do Sirens get their powers?
Sirens are either born with their powers or inherit them from a previous Siren after their death. The exact process of this transfer is not fully explained within the established lore of the game.
4. What are some of the unique powers that Sirens have?
Sirens possess a diverse array of abilities. Examples include: Phasewalking (Lilith), Phaselocking (Maya), Phaseslamming (Amara), Energy Leech (Tyreen), and Manipulation of Technology (Angel).
5. Who is considered the most powerful Siren in Borderlands?
Rankings can vary, but often Lilith is considered one of the most powerful Sirens due to her raw power and influence over events in the game.
6. Who was the first Siren introduced in Borderlands?
Lilith was the first Siren introduced to players in the Borderlands franchise, setting the precedent for the powerful and unique characters.
7. Can a Siren fall in love with a human?
Yes, Sirens can and do fall in love with humans. However, like in Greek mythology with the mermaids, this can sometimes lead to heartbreak due to the inherent differences between Sirens and humans.
8. How did Tannis become a Siren?
Patricia Tannis acquired her Siren powers from Angel after she passed away. This was a secret kept for some time, further adding to the mystery surrounding the transfer of Siren powers.
9. What is the origin of the Sirens?
The origins of the Sirens are still shrouded in mystery. While the link to Greek mythology is clear, the game lore only hints at the origins of their existence and powers.
10. Did Sirens seductively lure men in Borderlands like they did in myth?
Not in the traditional way. While Borderlands Sirens are often portrayed as alluring, their powers are more overt and dangerous than the seductive singing of their mythological counterparts.
11. How many Sirens are known to exist in Borderlands?
Currently, we know of seven Sirens: Lilith, Maya, Amara, Tyreen, Troy, Nyriad and Angel.
12. How did Handsome Jack feel about Sirens?
Handsome Jack is fascinated and somewhat fearful of Sirens. He sees them as useful for their power, but also as potential threats. He was obsessed with controlling and exploiting them.
13. Is Rhys a Siren in Borderlands?
No. Rhys is NOT a Siren in Borderlands. There is no evidence to support this. This claim is completely false and is not part of the official Borderlands lore.
14. What is the “Siren’s Kiss”?
The “Siren’s Kiss” is a reference to the mythological deadly allure and is used in Borderlands as the name of a lethal weapon. This illustrates the deadly nature of Sirens.
15. What happens if a Siren dies?
Siren powers do not simply vanish upon death. Instead, they may be passed on to another suitable individual, ensuring the Siren legacy continues in the Borderlands universe, although the transfer method is not always consistent.
By maintaining the exclusivity of female Sirens, Borderlands has created a distinctive and memorable element within its game universe, paying homage to the rich tradition of mythology while forging its own unique identity.