The Treachery of the Witch Queen: How Savathûn Betrayed Nezarec

The story of Nezarec, the Final God of Pain, is intertwined with betrayal and ambition, most notably by the cunning Hive God, Savathûn. The question of how Savathûn betrayed Nezarec is central to understanding their complex relationship and their roles in the broader Destiny universe. In short, Savathûn mortally wounded Nezarec after he led the Black Fleet’s assault on Earth during the Collapse. She then cursed his consciousness to remain bound to his physical remains, preventing his true death and trapping him in his own Pyramid on the Moon. This act was not random; it was a calculated move in her grand plan to undermine the Witness and protect the Traveler.

The Sequence of Betrayal

The Collapse and Nezarec’s Fall

During the Collapse, Nezarec led the Black Fleet, carrying the Veil, a crucial artifact of the Darkness, aboard his Pyramid. The Traveler, in a desperate act of self-preservation, pushed the Witness and his Pyramids out of the galaxy with a powerful wave of Light. This massive surge slammed Nezarec’s Pyramid into the Moon. It is in the aftermath of this crash that Savathûn saw her opportunity.

Savathûn’s Calculated Assault

Savathûn boarded the incapacitated Pyramid and confronted Nezarec. Instead of aligning with her fellow Disciple of the Witness, she turned on him, mortally wounding him. This wasn’t simply an act of violence; it was strategically designed to both remove a powerful pawn of the Witness and to further her own agenda.

The Curse of Eternal Binding

Following her attack, Savathûn took an extra step. Rather than letting Nezarec simply die, she cursed his consciousness. This curse bound his essence to his physical remains, preventing him from projecting into the Darkness to cheat death. Instead, he was condemned to a sort of agonizing half-life within his wrecked Pyramid, a prisoner of his own vessel.

Savathûn’s Motives

Savathûn’s betrayal wasn’t a personal vendetta; it was part of her elaborate plan to defy the Witness. She had come to understand the true nature of the Witness’s desire to impose the Final Shape, a universe devoid of choice and change. This conflicted with her own desire for freedom and survival.

By killing and binding Nezarec, she simultaneously weakened the Witness’ forces and potentially gained valuable knowledge from his trapped consciousness. Additionally, her betrayal ensured that the Veil would remain hidden on Neptune, away from the Witness’s grasp, further hampering their plans. This action demonstrates the lengths to which Savathûn was willing to go to undermine the Witness, even turning against one of its most powerful Disciples.

The Aftermath

Nezarec’s death and subsequent entombment on the moon set the stage for the events of the Root of Nightmares raid, where players are forced to confront his power. The ramifications of this betrayal continue to ripple through the Destiny universe, highlighting Savathûn’s complex character and her long-term strategies. Her actions solidify her status as a master manipulator, whose goals often appear paradoxical but are rooted in a desire to preserve the Traveler and, ultimately, ensure the survival of humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Was Nezarec always a follower of the Darkness?

One theory suggests that Nezarec was once gifted the Light, perhaps even by the Traveler, but for some reason, he turned away and embraced the Darkness. This would make him a betrayer in the eyes of the Light, but the lore on this specific point is unclear.

2. Why did Savathûn betray the Witness?

Savathûn’s primary goal was to protect the Traveler and prevent the Witness from realizing the Final Shape. She worked from the inside, undermining the Witness’s plans while appearing to be a loyal servant. She also learned about the Witness’ deceit and trickery towards her race.

3. Is Savathûn really a “good guy” now?

While Savathûn’s actions often seem to align with the preservation of humanity and the Traveler, her motives remain self-serving. She has been directly responsible for immense death and destruction in the past. Therefore, labeling her a “good guy” is not entirely accurate; she is more of a pragmatic anti-hero.

4. Why do Nezarec and Rhulk look similar?

Nezarec and Rhulk’s similar appearance can be attributed to them being chimeras, beings that are a fusion of multiple different elements. This “mix-mashed” aesthetic is a common visual theme among the Witness’ creations.

5. Was Nezarec turned into tea?

Yes, in a cutscene, the essence of dead Nezarec is converted into a potion that is then brewed and served like a tea. This act was performed by Mithrax and the Fallen.

6. How was Nezarec revived?

Nezarec was revived by the Traveler, unintentionally granting him light powers which added to his darkness abilities.

7. What is the curse of Nezarec?

The curse of Nezarec binds his consciousness to his physical remains, preventing his spirit from moving on and trapping him in an agonizing state. Additionally, it is said that using Relics connected to Nezarec can drain one’s life force.

8. What is Nezarec’s species?

Nezarec is a Qugu, a species that seems unique to him. Rhulk, on the other hand, is the last of the Lubraeans.

9. Who would win in a fight between Oryx and Rhulk?

Rhulk is considered much stronger than Oryx. Rhulk controls the mother worm that grants the Hive their power, and Oryx’s power is ultimately derived from that same worm. Thus, Rhulk holds a higher position in the hierarchical chain.

10. Was Savathûn responsible for Cayde’s death?

While Savathûn may have set the events into motion, Uldren Sov was ultimately responsible for the direct killing of Cayde-6.

11. What is the Root of Nightmares raid about?

The Root of Nightmares raid centers on the location where Nezarec’s Pyramid crashed on the Moon. Players must contend with his power and defeat him, confronting the consequences of Savathûn’s betrayal.

12. Can Nezarec come back?

The lore tab for Nezarec’s Sin states, “He shall rise again,” suggesting that he is not permanently defeated, especially given the Traveler’s accidental revival of him.

13. How did a Ghost choose Savathûn as a lightbearer?

Savathûn was chosen as a Lightbearer eons before the events of the game. The Witness, however, deceived her and she chose to protect the Traveler during the collapse.

14. Why can’t Immura revive Savathûn?

The lore states that Ghosts use templates from timelines where their Guardian survived to resurrect them. If those timelines are scarce, the process of revival becomes much harder. This would apply to Savathûn, making her resurrection challenging.

15. Did Mara Sov ever stab Savathûn?

Mara had planned to stab Savathûn to kill her but Savathun escaped. Mara did not get to stab Savathûn as she intended.

By examining Savathûn’s calculated betrayal, we gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of alliances and conflicts that drive the narrative of the Destiny universe. Her actions with Nezarec serve as a testament to her cunning and her dedication to her own unique vision of the future.