Is Azir an Ascended? A Deep Dive into the Emperor of Shurima
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Yes, Azir is indeed an Ascended being. He is a central figure in the lore of the popular online game League of Legends, and his transformation into an Ascended is a pivotal moment in the history of Shurima. To fully understand his current state, it’s essential to look into his past, his tragic fall, and his eventual rebirth as a powerful demigod.
Azir’s Mortal Life and the Path to Ascension
From Emperor to Tragedy
Azir was once a mortal emperor of Shurima, a proud and ambitious ruler on the cusp of achieving immortality. He was a leader of immense vision, poised to guide his empire to new heights. His closest confidant was Xerath, a slave whom he treated as a brother, though this brotherhood was tainted by Xerath’s ambition and hidden resentment.
The Betrayal at the Ascension
The pivotal moment in Azir’s life was during the Ascension Ritual. This sacred ceremony was intended to grant Azir, as Shurima’s ruler, immortality and immense power through the magic of the Sun Disc. However, Xerath, consumed by his own desire for power and fueled by a deep-seated bitterness towards his enslavement, betrayed Azir. Xerath usurped the ritual, claiming the power of the sun for himself and leaving Azir to perish. Azir was murdered at the very moment he was meant to become immortal. This betrayal not only cost Azir his life but also shattered the Shuriman Empire.
Rebirth as an Ascended
Resurrected and Transformed
Millennia after his death, Azir was reborn. The exact mechanism of his resurrection remains somewhat mysterious, but it’s clear that the latent magic of Shurima and its ancient connection to the Sun Disc were instrumental. This rebirth was not a return to his mortal form. Instead, Azir was resurrected as an Ascended being, infused with immense power from the sun itself.
The Falcon-Emperor
As an Ascended, Azir has a distinctive appearance. He is a tall, humanoid figure with avian features, primarily resembling a falcon. His head is that of a golden falcon, adorned with sapphire blue eyes that seem to shine with celestial light. This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it represents the power of the celestial magic that now flows through him. He also has the ability to control the very sand of Shurima itself.
The Meaning of Ascension
The term “Ascended” in League of Legends lore refers to mortals who have been altered by powerful magic, particularly celestial magic. These individuals gain immense power through their connection to celestial entities. However, it’s important to note that Ascended do not become celestial beings themselves. They act as conduits for that power, wielding it in service of their own goals and beliefs.
Azir’s Role as an Ascended
Emperor of Sand
As an Ascended, Azir’s ambitions have not diminished. He seeks to restore Shurima to its former glory and rebuild his shattered empire. He commands his soldiers made from the sand of the desert and fights to reassert his authority as the rightful Emperor of Shurima.
A Complex Character
Azir’s journey is a complex one, filled with themes of pride, betrayal, and redemption. His transformation into an Ascended is a testament to his resilience and the powerful magic of Shurima. Despite his tragic past, Azir stands as a figure of immense power and potential within the League of Legends universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How did Azir become an Ascended?
Azir was intended to undergo the Ascension ritual, but he was betrayed by Xerath who stole the ritual’s power. Azir was resurrected through Shuriman magic after millennia and imbued with the power of the Sun Disc, transforming him into an Ascended.
2. Is Azir actually a bird?
No, Azir is not a bird but an Ascended being with avian features, resembling a falcon. His head is that of a golden falcon, and his gauntlets have feathery tassels to emphasize his regal appearance.
3. Who are the Ascended in League of Legends?
The Ascended are mortals empowered by celestial magic. They are also known as God-Warriors or Sunborn. Ascended beings are conduits of celestial power, not the celestial beings themselves.
4. Which God is Azir based on?
Azir is based on the Egyptian god Horus, the hawk-headed god of vengeance. His fellow ascended, Nasus, is based on Anubis, and Renekton on Sebek.
5. Is Azir alive in the lore?
Yes, after being killed in his mortal life, Azir is alive in the lore as an Ascended being. He was resurrected after thousands of years.
6. Are Azir and Xerath brothers?
Azir and Xerath are not blood brothers. Xerath was once a slave who Azir treated like a brother, although their relationship was ultimately one of betrayal and resentment.
7. How did Xerath betray Azir?
Xerath stole the Ascension ritual by pushing Azir aside. Xerath then claimed the power intended for Azir for himself.
8. Is Leona an Ascended?
No, Leona is not an Ascended. She is the Aspect of the Sun, a title that signifies being the living embodiment of the celestial magic of Mount Targon. She is a powerful warrior empowered by celestial magic but does not follow the same process as Ascension.
9. Who is the strongest god in League of Legends lore?
Aurelion Sol is considered the strongest and oldest known being in the League of Legends universe.
10. Is Azir still a human?
Azir was originally a human, but now is an Ascended being with enhanced powers and a transformed physical form.
11. Why is Azir so buggy in the game?
Azir’s coding is complex. Some of the bugs were because of the complicated structure of the Shurima related event and some issues related to his kit.
12. Who killed Azir?
Azir was not killed directly by Xerath, but he was left to die after Xerath stole the Ascension and the power of the sun. This caused the destruction of the Shuriman empire.
13. Is Sivir a descendant of Azir?
Yes, Sivir is a descendant of Azir. The royal bloodline of Azir runs through her veins.
14. What race is Azir?
Azir is an Ascended being, previously a human, but empowered by the Sun Disc. He’s often described as belonging to the “Ascended” race rather than just human.
15. Is Nasus an Ascended?
Yes, Nasus is an Ascended being, along with Azir and Renekton.