Is Angel a Siren in Borderlands? The Definitive Answer and FAQs
Yes, Angel is unequivocally a Siren in the Borderlands universe. She is a prominent character in Borderlands and Borderlands 2, playing a crucial, albeit manipulative, role in the overarching narrative. Her Siren abilities are central to the plot, making her more than just a supporting character; she’s a key player whose powers directly influence events and the fates of other characters. She is the daughter of Handsome Jack, an antagonist in the game, and she’s ultimately manipulated by him to use her Siren powers for his own nefarious purposes. Understanding her role as a Siren is essential to understanding the core conflicts and lore of the Borderlands franchise.
Understanding Angel’s Role and Siren Powers
Angel’s Siren ability revolves around digital manipulation and communication. She can interface with technology on a profound level, allowing her to control systems, transmit information, and project her consciousness. This unique ability is vital to opening Vaults and manipulating events within the game. Unlike other Sirens, Angel’s powers are primarily expressed through her connection to the digital world, setting her apart from Sirens like Lilith or Maya who directly manipulate physical elements. Her abilities also mean she’s uniquely positioned to act as an overwatch character, guiding the Vault Hunters through their quests.
FAQs About Sirens in Borderlands
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) that explore the intricacies of Sirens in the Borderlands universe, helping to deepen your understanding of these powerful beings.
Who are the known Sirens in Borderlands?
At the beginning of the Borderlands timeline, the known Sirens were:
- Lilith: Known for her Phasewalk ability (short-range teleportation and invisibility).
- Maya: A playable character with Phaselock, allowing her to suspend enemies in mid-air.
- Angel: (As established above) Possesses the ability to manipulate technology.
- Commandant Steele: Her Siren powers are unknown, but she dies at the end of Borderlands.
- Tyreen Calypso: The primary antagonist of Borderlands 3 with the power to leech powers from other beings.
- Amara: A playable character in Borderlands 3 with the ability to manifest ethereal fists.
- Nyriad: A forgotten Siren, who possessed the ability to contain other Siren powers (though she wasn’t initially known).
- Patricia Tannis: A scientist in the games who becomes a Siren when Angel dies.
Is there a 7th Siren?
While the lore initially suggested only six Sirens could exist at any given time, the existence of Nyriad challenges this understanding. She locked away her powers long ago, remaining unknown until Tyreen’s actions. This hints at the possibility of previously unknown Sirens or a reinterpretation of the “six Siren” rule.
Who is considered the strongest Siren in Borderlands?
Power rankings are subjective, but Lilith is often considered the most powerful due to her extensive use of Phasewalk and her central role in the franchise. Her feats, especially the ability to teleport entire cities, suggest a command over her powers that surpasses many other Sirens.
Are Sirens always female in Borderlands?
Yes, Sirens in the Borderlands universe are exclusively female. This is a departure from some mythological interpretations where male sirens exist. The Borderlands lore specifically establishes the Siren powers as being passed down through female lines.
What happens when a Siren dies?
When a Siren dies, their powers are transferred to another individual. This transfer can be intentional, where the dying Siren chooses their successor, or random, where the powers find a new host on their own. The circumstances of the transfer are not always fully understood, adding a layer of mystery to the Sirens’ legacy.
How did Tannis become a Siren?
After Angel’s death in Borderlands 2, her Siren powers were transferred to Patricia Tannis, a scientist who had been studying the Sirens and the Vaults for years. This transfer was unintentional, and Tannis subsequently spent considerable time secretly mastering her newfound abilities.
What are the Siren tattoos and what do they signify?
Siren tattoos are unique markings that appear on a Siren’s body, signifying their status and powers. The patterns and locations of these tattoos can vary between Sirens, possibly reflecting the nature and strength of their abilities. They glow when a Siren uses their powers, acting as a visual indicator of their abilities being engaged.
How does Handsome Jack manipulate Angel?
Handsome Jack manipulates Angel by controlling her physical environment and exploiting her dependence on him. He keeps her locked away in a Hyperion facility, using her Siren powers to control the Hyperion network and further his own agenda. He also uses emotional manipulation, convincing her that her powers are too dangerous for her to be free.
How are the Vaults connected to Sirens?
The Vaults and Sirens are intrinsically linked in the Borderlands universe. Sirens are often required to open Vaults or manipulate the technology within them. The Eridians, an ancient alien race responsible for creating the Vaults, seem to have a specific connection to the Sirens, possibly having engineered them as a way to control or access the Vaults.
What are the limitations of Angel’s powers?
While Angel’s ability to manipulate technology is potent, it also has limitations. She requires specialized equipment and a stable connection to digital networks to fully utilize her powers. Her physical confinement also restricts her ability to directly influence events, making her reliant on others to carry out her plans.
What makes Sirens special compared to regular humans?
Sirens possess extraordinary abilities beyond the scope of normal human capabilities. These powers grant them immense control over elements, technology, or even space-time. They also have a unique connection to the Eridians and the Vaults, setting them apart as a special class of beings within the Borderlands universe.
Did Lilith lose her powers permanently?
In Borderlands 3, Lilith’s powers are stolen by Tyreen Calypso. While the full implications of this loss are explored within the game’s storyline, it effectively renders Lilith powerless for the duration of the game, significantly changing her role in the narrative. Whether she can regain them is a question for the fans and the potential future games.
Who are the Calypso Twins and what are their Siren powers?
The Calypso Twins, Tyreen and Troy, are the main antagonists of Borderlands 3. Tyreen has the power to leech the powers and life force from other beings, including Sirens. Troy is a unique case, as he is the first male Siren. He gained his powers by attaching himself to Tyreen, essentially becoming a parasite who feeds on her powers.
How many Sirens can exist at once?
The longstanding assumption was that only six Sirens can exist simultaneously. This rule is challenged by the emergence of Nyriad and Troy, suggesting that the initial understanding was incomplete or that the rules themselves have changed. The lore surrounding Siren numbers remains somewhat ambiguous.
Where can I learn more about the lore of Borderlands and similar games?
For a deeper dive into gaming lore, educational aspects of games, and the impact of games on society, explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org. This community is an excellent resource for researchers, educators, and gamers alike, providing valuable insights into the world of games and learning.