The Tragic Love Story of Keyleth and Vax: A Deep Dive
Keyleth and Vax, two of the most beloved characters from Critical Role’s first campaign, share a romance that’s both deeply beautiful and profoundly tragic. While they do end up together in a sense, their journey is far from a simple love story. Vax’ildan dies protecting his sister and pledges his soul to the Raven Queen, becoming her champion. This act, while heroic, means he cannot live a normal mortal life, and he remains in this role even after the final battle. In the end, Keyleth, after a long and impactful life, steps into her raven tree and becomes one with the earth, her spirit finally joining Vax in the afterlife. Their love story isn’t one of a happily-ever-after on earth, but rather one of enduring love that transcends mortality, finding its culmination in a spiritual reunion. Their relationship, characterized by mutual respect, tender moments, and profound sacrifice, becomes a central emotional anchor for the campaign’s narrative. They navigate external threats, personal growth, and the ever-present threat of death, creating a love that is as potent as it is heartbreaking.
The Beginnings of a Romance
Their relationship isn’t a fairy-tale beginning. Keyleth, the stoic and somewhat awkward druid of the Air Ashari, and Vax, the rogue with a mysterious past and a flirtatious nature, aren’t an obvious match. Vax’s initial interactions with many characters, including the flirtatious NPC Gilmore, make their eventual coupling a surprise to some. However, as they spend time together, fighting side-by-side and sharing intimate moments, their connection deepens. Keyleth sees past Vax’s bravado, recognizing his hidden vulnerabilities, while Vax is drawn to Keyleth’s strength, sincerity, and unwavering devotion.
Obstacles and Challenges
Their romance is not without its challenges. Keyleth’s initial naivety and Vax’s troubled past create moments of uncertainty and tension. Vex’ahlia, Vax’s twin sister, also initially holds some resentment towards Keyleth due to her growing relationship with Vax, a common theme in the group’s interpersonal dynamics. However, Vex eventually comes to accept and support their bond, recognizing its importance to her brother’s happiness. The most significant obstacle, however, is death itself. When Vax makes a pact with the Raven Queen to save his sister Vex, it becomes clear that their future is inextricably intertwined with the realm of the afterlife, setting the stage for their bittersweet ending.
The Sacrifice and Afterlife
Vax’s sacrifice for his sister, solidifying his role as the Raven Queen’s champion, is the crux of their tragic love story. Despite this separation, their love is portrayed as something that transcends the physical. They communicate beyond the mortal realm, and while they cannot share a life together in the traditional sense, their souls are shown as being fundamentally connected. Keyleth’s life after Vax’s death is filled with purpose, she becomes the leader of her people, but her longing for Vax is always there, shaping her choices and influencing her leadership. When Keyleth steps into her raven tree in her old age, it’s depicted not as an end but as a reunification, finally bringing their love story to its conclusion. They achieve an eternal union not in life, but in the afterlife, emphasizing that even in the face of death, love can endure.
FAQs: Keyleth and Vax
1. Did Keyleth and Vax have a happy ending together on Earth?
No, they did not have a traditional happy ending together on Earth. Vax dies and becomes the Raven Queen’s champion, and while they remain connected, their physical relationship ends with his death. Keyleth lives a long life before joining him in the afterlife.
2. What did Vax’ildan do for his sister that led to his death?
Vax offered his life to the Raven Queen to save Vex’ahlia from death after she was killed by the Deathwalker’s Ward. This pact turned him into the Raven Queen’s Champion, an immortal role that separated him from the mortal world.
3. How did Keyleth eventually join Vax?
Keyleth, at the end of her very long life, stepped into her raven tree to become one with the earth. This act was symbolic of her spirit finally uniting with Vax in the afterlife.
4. Did Vex approve of Keyleth and Vax’s relationship?
Initially, Vex held some resentment towards Keyleth due to her growing relationship with Vax. However, she eventually accepted their relationship and became supportive.
5. Did Vax ever return to life after becoming the Raven Queen’s champion?
Vax returned to the Material Plane only briefly to help defeat Vecna. After that, he returned to his role as the Champion of Ravens.
6. What happened to Keyleth after Vax’s death?
Keyleth became the leader of the Air Ashari and lived a long, impactful life. She is portrayed as deeply affected by Vax’s death but carries on with her duties.
7. What role does the Raven Queen play in their story?
The Raven Queen is a pivotal figure in their story. Vax pledges himself to her in exchange for his sister’s life, which ultimately changes the course of his and Keyleth’s relationship.
8. Did Keyleth and Vax ever marry?
No, Keyleth and Vax were not shown to have married within the timeline of Critical Role’s Campaign 1. Their relationship was deep and meaningful but did not include a marriage.
9. Is Keyleth a half-elf?
Yes, Keyleth is a half-elf. Her heritage is important in understanding her connection to nature and her role within her tribe.
10. Did Vax ever flirt with anyone else besides Keyleth?
Yes, Vax’ildan had flirtations with several characters, including the popular NPC Gilmore. However, his relationship with Keyleth is the most significant and enduring.
11. Was Keyleth ever resurrected?
Yes, Keyleth dies in episode 97 of the campaign after a reckless swan dive off a cliff and was then brought back to life. However, the article is specifically addressing the ending where Keyleth joins Vax in death.
12. Was there a time that Vex was dead?
Yes, Vex died in Season 2, episode 3 of the The Legend of Vox Machina. She was struck down after Percy touched the Deathwalker’s Ward. She was later resurrected.
13. Was Vax’s actor, Liam, also involved in another Critical Role campaign?
Yes, Liam played Orym in both Exandria Unlimited and Campaign Three. The initial idea for Orym was as a druid-monk from the Air Ashari, sent to aid Keyleth in her grief.
14. What is “The Legend of Vox Machina”?
The Legend of Vox Machina is an animated adaptation of Critical Role’s first campaign. It portrays the events and relationships of the characters, including Keyleth and Vax, for a wider audience.
15. What happens in Season 3 of The Legend of Vox Machina?
Season 3 of The Legend of Vox Machina is said to be the longest part of the campaign so far, but the specific plot points of the adaptation differ from the original campaign, so what happens is not completely known.
Keyleth and Vax’s love story remains one of the most poignant and memorable aspects of Critical Role’s campaign, resonating with audiences because of its blend of romance, tragedy, and the enduring power of love that transcends even death itself.