Does Sylens Care For Aloy? A Deep Dive into Their Complex Relationship
The question of whether Sylens truly cares for Aloy is a complex one, often debated among fans of the Horizon series. The straightforward answer, based on in-game actions and dialogue, is yes, but not in a conventional, altruistic way. His care is deeply intertwined with his own self-serving goals, his insatiable thirst for knowledge, and a grudging respect that evolves over time. It’s not a nurturing or selfless love, but a form of calculated, albeit sometimes genuine, concern that makes their dynamic so compelling.
Sylens: A Pragmatic Interest, Not a Pure Heart
Initial Interactions: A Means to an End
Initially, Sylens views Aloy primarily as a tool. He recognizes her unique connection to the Old World technology and sees her as the ideal candidate to unlock the secrets he desperately seeks. His interactions in Horizon Zero Dawn are marked by a distinct callousness and manipulation. He guides her, providing crucial information and resources, but always with an agenda that benefits his research into the Old Ones and his pursuit of HADES. He pushes her towards danger, knowing she is capable, but showing little concern for the risks involved. He uses spyware on her Focus device without her consent, indicating his readiness to sacrifice her personal security for his gain.
A Gradual Shift: Recognition and Respect
However, as the series progresses, a subtle shift occurs. Sylens begins to acknowledge Aloy’s capabilities and her strong moral compass. He witnesses her dedication to protecting others and her uncanny ability to overcome impossible odds. This develops into a reluctant form of respect. He sees in her not just a tool, but a formidable individual capable of significant influence. This doesn’t mean he suddenly becomes altruistic; he continues to operate from his own motivations, but he becomes less dismissive and perhaps more willing to acknowledge her value.
Calculated Assistance, Occasional Concern
Even when seemingly assisting Aloy, his motives are not purely benevolent. For example, he helps Regalla by providing her with technology in order to create a rebellion, but this is done so that the Tenakth can fight the Zeniths, which ultimately aligns with his goals. This highlights his tendency to use people as chess pieces in his own intricate plans. Nevertheless, there are instances where his actions suggest a concern that extends beyond simple manipulation. He warns her of dangers, sometimes provides her with information when he doesn’t stand to directly benefit, and even shows moments of something akin to protectiveness. These actions, however ambiguous, do suggest that his interest in Aloy has moved past a purely utilitarian one.
The Unconventional “Care”: A Complex Conclusion
In conclusion, Sylens’ care for Aloy is not the typical caring that is seen between friends or family. He is an anti-hero, driven by his curiosity. He may care for her well-being, but it’s entangled with his own self-interest and his larger plans. He is not “good” in a conventional sense, as he is willing to make choices that endanger or harm other people. However, this complexity is what makes him such a compelling character, and that complexity extends to his relationship with Aloy. He respects her, needs her, and probably cares for her, but his care is on his own terms. He is never malicious, nor does he want to cause harm without a reason, and often, those reasons involve furthering his quest for knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sylens and his relationship with Aloy, expanding upon the insights above:
1. Is Sylens a villain in the Horizon series?
Sylens is best described as an anti-hero, rather than a straightforward villain. He’s self-serving and manipulative, but his goals are not primarily malicious. He has his own agenda, and he will use people to achieve those goals. However, he is not evil for the sake of evil and has even been shown to be helpful to Aloy and her team.
2. Why does Sylens help Aloy in Horizon Zero Dawn?
Initially, Sylens helps Aloy primarily because she has the potential to unlock Old World secrets that he covets. She is a means to an end for him, but his respect grows over the course of the game.
3. Does Sylens ever apologize to Aloy?
Sylens is not the type to offer genuine apologies. He acknowledges his mistakes, as seen when he admits that he was foolish to serve HADES, but he doesn’t typically express remorse or ask for forgiveness.
4. What is Sylens’ motivation for seeking knowledge?
His primary motivation is a deep, almost obsessive desire to understand the Old Ones. He wants to uncover their secrets and their technology, even if it means bending the rules or manipulating people. His motivations go deeper than that however, it also involves his desire to prove himself and go against those who doubted him.
5. Is Sylens a Banuk?
Yes, Sylens was originally a Banuk shaman, as revealed in The Frozen Wilds DLC. He was part of the Banuk tribe, but has been estranged from them. He has a custom of the Banuk shamans, with the blue cables stitched into his face.
6. Why is Aloy often frustrated with Sylens?
Aloy is frustrated by Sylens’ manipulative behavior, his secrecy, and his tendency to use her. She is also annoyed by the fact he does not physically show up, and rather uses spyware on her Focus, to talk to her. She doesn’t trust him, and her skepticism is often justified.
7. Why did Sylens help Regalla with her rebellion?
Sylens helped Regalla because he saw her as a potential ally against the Zeniths. He provided her with technology, including machine overrides, in exchange for her support in fighting the Zeniths. He manipulated this relationship for his own ends.
8. Does Sylens have a moral compass?
Sylens does not operate on a traditional moral compass. He is primarily driven by his own goals and desires. His actions are not motivated by goodness or malice, but rather by pragmatism.
9. Is Sylens leaving Earth at the end of Forbidden West?
Initially, Sylens intends to leave Earth, seeing the impending Nemesis threat as insurmountable. However, he ultimately decides to remain, though his reasons are still nebulous, and probably involve Aloy.
10. Is Sylens in the Burning Shores DLC?
Yes, Sylens does appear briefly in the Burning Shores DLC, contacting Aloy after the main events conclude. This suggests he will be a factor in future storylines.
11. Is Sylens’ use of technology unethical?
Sylens’ use of technology is often ethically questionable. He doesn’t hesitate to use people as resources to serve his desires. This is highlighted by his use of spyware on Aloy’s Focus and his manipulation of Regalla.
12. Does Sylens respect Aloy’s abilities?
Over time, Sylens develops a grudging respect for Aloy’s abilities, especially her fighting prowess, her problem-solving skills, and her strong moral conviction.
13. Does Sylens want to use HADES again?
While Sylens initially manipulated HADES for his own purposes, it does not appear he has any interest in reviving HADES or using it again.
14. Does Sylens ever act altruistically?
Sylens’ actions are typically self-serving, but at times, there are instances where he demonstrates what could be interpreted as altruism or genuine concern for Aloy’s well-being. However, these acts are still often intertwined with his own aims.
15. What are the blue cables on Sylens’ face?
The blue cables are a traditional custom of the Banuk tribe’s shamans. They are not technology, but rather a part of Sylens’ heritage.