The Untimely Demise of Sundance: Unraveling the Mystery of Cayde-6’s Ghost’s Death
Sundance, the Ghost of the beloved Hunter Vanguard Cayde-6, met her end at the hands of Pirrha, the Rifleman, during the infamous Scorn breakout from the Prison of Elders. Pirrha used a Devourer Bullet, a type of ammunition tainted by the Darkness and reminiscent of the infamous Weapons of Sorrow like Thorn. This bullet inflicted a single, devastating wound that was specifically designed to be ontological, meaning it targeted Sundance’s very existence, preventing her from performing her Ghostly duties and irrevocably ending her life. This act effectively severed Cayde-6’s connection to the Light, rendering him vulnerable and ultimately leading to his own demise.
Understanding the Mechanics of Ghost Deaths
Ghosts, as beings of pure Light, are typically incredibly resilient. They can withstand immense damage and regenerate, making them seemingly unkillable. However, Weapons of Sorrow and other Darkness-infused technologies are specifically designed to bypass these defenses. A Devourer Bullet doesn’t just inflict physical damage; it unravels the Ghost’s Light at a fundamental level.
The ontological classification of the projectile means it doesn’t simply destroy the Ghost’s form, it attacks its very being, its connection to the Light, making resurrection impossible. This makes the death of a Ghost a permanent and devastating event for both the Ghost and their Guardian.
The Legacy of Sundance’s Death
Sundance’s death was more than just a plot point; it was a catalyst that ignited the events of the Forsaken expansion. It showcased the true threat of the Scorn and the malevolence of Uldren Sov. Furthermore, it highlighted the devastating consequences of the Weapons of Sorrow and their ability to permanently extinguish even the most resilient beings of Light. Her death was a permanent loss for Cayde-6, the Vanguard, and the Guardians alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sundance and Cayde-6’s Demise
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sundance and the circumstances surrounding her death:
How do Devourer Bullets differ from normal bullets?
Devourer Bullets are fundamentally different from standard ammunition. They are imbued with the Darkness, specifically designed to corrupt and unravel Light. They don’t just cause physical damage; they inflict ontological damage, targeting the very essence of a Light-based being like a Ghost. This corruption prevents regeneration and makes death permanent.
Could anyone have saved Sundance?
Unfortunately, no. The nature of a Devourer Bullet means that only Sundance herself could heal from it, and once the corruption took hold, it was irreversible. Neither another Ghost nor even the most powerful Light abilities could have undone the damage inflicted.
Why couldn’t Cayde-6’s Light protect Sundance?
The bond between a Guardian and their Ghost is powerful, but it’s not a shield against everything. While Guardians can often channel their Light to protect themselves and their Ghost, the ontological nature of the Devourer Bullet bypassed this protection. It attacked Sundance directly, leaving Cayde-6 powerless to intervene.
Was the Drifter involved in the creation of the Devourer Bullet?
The lore surrounding the Drifter is deliberately ambiguous. While never explicitly stated, there are strong implications that he possessed knowledge of Weapons of Sorrow and may have had some degree of involvement in their creation or modification. The Drifter vs Vanguard questline hints at his connection to the entities that empower these weapons, leaving his role in Sundance’s death shrouded in suspicion. He is definitely knowledgeable about the Darkness.
What was the significance of using a Scorn launcher to fire the Devourer Bullet?
The Scorn, beings resurrected and twisted by the Darkness, are naturally attuned to wielding corrupted technologies. Using a Scorn launcher to fire the Devourer Bullet likely amplified its destructive potential, ensuring that the shot was fatal. It symbolized the growing influence of the Darkness and the desperation of Uldren and his followers.
Is it possible to revive Sundance now?
Due to the ontological damage inflicted by the Devourer Bullet, it’s highly improbable that Sundance can be revived. Ghosts are deeply connected to the Light, and once that connection is severed in such a profound way, it’s generally considered permanent. While Destiny’s lore is always evolving, current understanding suggests that Sundance is gone for good.
What were Cayde-6’s final thoughts after Sundance’s death?
Cayde-6 was devastated by Sundance’s death. Her destruction left him vulnerable and forced him to confront his own mortality. His final words, “You tell Zavala and Ikora…the Vanguard…is the best bet… I’ve ever…lost…”, reflected his loyalty to the Vanguard and his regret at failing to protect them.
How did Sundance and Cayde-6 first meet?
Like all Guardians, Cayde-6 was resurrected by his Ghost, Sundance. She found him in the Cosmodrome, a region of Old Russia, long after the Collapse. She brought him back to life and began their journey together as Guardian and Ghost.
What made Sundance unique as a Ghost?
Each Ghost has its own personality, and Sundance was known for her playful and supportive nature. She shared Cayde-6’s wit and sense of humor, making them a formidable and entertaining duo. Her loss was felt deeply by the entire Destiny community.
Did Cayde-6 blame Uldren for Sundance’s death?
While Uldren Sov was ultimately responsible for Cayde-6’s death, Pirrha, the Rifleman, fired the Devourer Bullet that killed Sundance. Cayde-6 certainly held Uldren accountable for his actions and the actions of his followers, as he sought justice for both Sundance’s and his own death.
Why couldn’t our Ghost revive Cayde-6?
A Ghost can only have a connection with one Guardian at a time, focusing on their abilities. They cannot heal or revive other Guardians, meaning that after Sundance was killed, our Ghost was unable to heal Cayde.
Can exos be resurrected multiple times?
Yes, Exos, like Cayde-6, can be resurrected multiple times by their Ghosts, but each time they are brought back, they experience a “reboot.” This reboot can cause memory loss and personality changes. Cayde-6’s number indicates he had been rebooted six times.
What is the significance of Weapons of Sorrow?
Weapons of Sorrow are instruments of the Darkness, forged from corrupted Light and designed to inflict ontological damage. They represent a perversion of the Traveler’s Light and pose a significant threat to Guardians and humanity. The weapon that killed Sundance came from here.
Is there any hope for Cayde-6’s return in future Destiny content?
Bungie has stated definitively that Cayde-6 is dead and will not be resurrected in the same way. However, the Destiny universe is vast and complex, and there are always possibilities for characters to return in different forms, such as through flashbacks, simulations, or even as echoes of their former selves. For now, his “appearance” in The Final Shape seems to be that of a memory or echo. Furthermore, back in 2018, Bungie insisted to Eurogamer it had definitely killed Cayde for good, and that we wouldn’t get a Cayde-7, but things change.
Why did Bungie kill off Cayde-6?
The decision to kill off Cayde-6 was a controversial one, but Bungie cited the desire to create a significant emotional impact and elevate the stakes of the Forsaken storyline. They aimed to shock players and generate more interest in the game’s narrative. They wanted players to seek revenge for their fallen friend.
Continuing the Discussion
The death of Sundance and Cayde-6 remains one of the most impactful events in Destiny history. It serves as a reminder of the constant struggle between Light and Darkness, the fragility of even the most powerful Guardians, and the importance of camaraderie in the face of adversity. To delve further into the educational aspects of games and their impact, consider exploring resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org for valuable insights and research. You might also enjoy the Games Learning Society website where you can explore the connections between gaming and education.