Is Aatrox a God Killer? Unpacking the Lore of the Darkin Blade
The question of whether Aatrox is a “God Killer” is central to understanding his character in the League of Legends universe. The simple answer is yes, Aatrox has indeed killed a god, and the ramifications of this act resonate throughout the lore of Runeterra. However, the context and nuances behind this label are crucial. He isn’t just a brute wielding a powerful sword; he’s a fallen Ascended, a being of immense power warped by tragedy and driven by a nihilistic desire for oblivion. Let’s dive into the details.
The Fall of an Ascended: From God-Warrior to God-Killer
Originally, Aatrox was one of the Ascended of Shurima, powerful beings empowered by the Sun Disc. These Ascended were considered god-warriors, protectors of their empire, and revered for their strength and abilities. Aatrox, even before his corruption, was considered the strongest of the Ascended. He was a paragon of martial prowess and leadership. However, the fall of Shurima and the Great Darkin War changed everything.
The war was a cataclysmic event that warped the Ascended, turning them into the Darkin – beings consumed by hatred, bloodlust, and a desperate desire to regain their former glory. Imprisoned within their weapons, the Darkin became a blight upon Runeterra. Aatrox, trapped within his greatsword, emerged as one of the most formidable and terrifying of his kind.
Aatrox’s Defining Act: The Murder of Pantheon
The most significant act that cemented Aatrox’s title as a God Killer was his murder of Pantheon, the Aspect of War. Pantheon, a celestial being embodying the concept of warfare, was a pivotal figure in the fight against the Darkin during the Great Darkin War. Their clash was not merely a battle between warriors, but a confrontation between celestial power and Darkin rage.
During their battle, Aatrox’s blade pierced Pantheon’s chest. This wasn’t just a mortal wound. It was an act of cosmic significance, a strike that yanked the War constellation from the skies, resulting in the death of the Pantheon aspect. This act solidified his reputation as a being capable of not just injuring gods but outright killing them. Aatrox’s weapon, infused with Darkin magic, possesses the ability to sever divine connections and shatter celestial beings.
The Motivation Behind the Carnage
Aatrox’s motivation isn’t simply wanton destruction, though it manifests that way. His goal is far more complex and rooted in his agonizing existence. The Darkin are cursed to be trapped within their weapons, forced to possess mortal hosts. Aatrox, in his despair and loathing, believes that the only escape is the complete annihilation of all existence.
He believes that if he can bring about an apocalyptic final battle that destroys everything, even the Darkin and their weapons might be extinguished. This desperate desire fuels his relentless march across Runeterra, making him a force of pure chaos and destruction. This tragic motivation paints a complicated picture of a once-noble being consumed by pain and the perceived injustice of his fate.
Aatrox’s Hatred: Celestials and Ascended
Aatrox’s animosity is particularly focused on celestials and Ascended, particularly Pantheon. This isn’t just a rivalry; it is a deep-seated rage against those who represent the powers that created, then seemingly abandoned, him. His hatred for Pantheon stems not just from the fact that Pantheon fought against him but also because Pantheon represented everything he had become: a tragic reflection of his lost glory. Aatrox also harbors a deep grudge towards Xolaani, another Darkin, which points towards more nuanced and deep-seated conflicts within the ranks of these fallen Ascended.
The Implications of Being a “God Killer”
The label of “God Killer” isn’t just a title, it speaks to Aatrox’s immense power and the cosmic implications of his actions. His ability to kill a god illustrates the perilous state of Runeterra, where the lines between mortal and divine are blurred, and where beings of immense power can threaten the very fabric of existence. Aatrox isn’t just a threat to mortals but a direct challenge to the cosmic order itself. He embodies the terrifying potential of unchecked power and the corrupting influence of hatred and despair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Aatrox’s lore and capabilities:
1. Is Aatrox actually a god himself?
Aatrox is not a god in the traditional sense, although he was originally an Ascended of Shurima, beings considered god-warriors. However, he is now a Darkin, a corrupted version of his former self, trapped within a weapon. He does wield immense power, but he is not a deity.
2. Who are the Ascended, and how are they related to Aatrox?
The Ascended were powerful warriors in ancient Shurima who were empowered by the Sun Disc. They possessed immense strength and were revered. Aatrox was one of the first Ascended, but the Great Darkin War twisted him and others into the Darkin.
3. What exactly is a Darkin?
Darkin are corrupted Ascended who were trapped within their weapons during the Great Darkin War. They are now driven by hatred, bloodlust, and a desire to regain their former glory. They must possess mortal hosts to exist.
4. Can Aatrox kill other gods besides Pantheon?
While Aatrox has demonstrated the power to kill Pantheon, his ability to kill other gods isn’t entirely confirmed. However, his weapon is capable of severing divine connections, suggesting that he may be able to threaten other deities with similar cosmic powers.
5. Why does Aatrox hate celestials so much?
Aatrox hates celestials because they represent the powers that granted him his initial power as an Ascended, and then seemingly abandoned him to his fate as a Darkin. He feels betrayed and seeks to destroy the source of his suffering.
6. What is the purpose of Aatrox’s existence now?
Aatrox seeks to bring about a final, apocalyptic battle that will destroy all of existence. He believes that only through complete annihilation can he and his blade find peace.
7. Is there any hope of Aatrox ever finding redemption?
Aatrox’s current lore heavily emphasizes his despair and nihilism, making his redemption appear unlikely. However, the League of Legends universe is always evolving, so future stories might present new possibilities for his character.
8. How old is Aatrox?
Aatrox is between 4396 – 5996 years old, being one of the first Shurimans to become an Ascended.
9. Is Aatrox a good guy or a bad guy?
Aatrox is a villain. He is driven by his desire to end all life and is not considered a good person within the lore.
10. Who is Aatrox’s archenemy?
While Aatrox has many adversaries, his most prominent enemies are Pantheon, Tryndamere and perhaps Xolaani.
11. Does Aatrox fear anything?
Aatrox seems to fear the idea of being trapped in his weapon. He also unleashes a demonic form when his ultimate is active, causing nearby minions to flee from his monstrous appearance.
12. Who can defeat Aatrox in lore?
In terms of raw power, beings like Aurelion Sol and potentially Kindred are among the few with the potential to defeat Aatrox. The darkin Rhaast, Xerath and Varus could be close in terms of power as well.
13. How did Aatrox lose an arm?
Atreus, the mortal host of Pantheon, managed to reignite the aspect’s power and slice off Aatrox’s arm during a battle, resulting in Aatrox losing his possessed form.
14. Why does Aatrox hate Varus?
Aatrox considers Varus weak and corrupted by human emotions, believing that Varus has become too reliant on his human hosts.
15. Is Aatrox a strong champion in the game League of Legends?
While Aatrox has periods of being considered overpowered, and is generally regarded as a powerful late-game threat, he is also vulnerable to certain champions that can capitalize on his cooldowns. His abilities are very complex to use and it takes skill and time to master him.
Conclusion
Aatrox is more than just a powerful Darkin; he’s a tragic figure whose actions have redefined the landscape of Runeterra. Yes, he is a God Killer, but that title is just one facet of a complex and compelling character. He embodies the destructive potential of unchecked power, the corrupting nature of despair, and the profound consequences of divine conflict. His story continues to unfold, and his impact on the world of League of Legends remains significant and terrifying.