Is Eris Morn the Witch Queen? Unraveling the Dark Destiny of a Guardian
The question of whether Eris Morn is the true Witch Queen has sparked considerable debate and speculation within the Destiny 2 community. While the title is primarily associated with Savathûn, the Hive god of cunning, there are hints, especially within the lore, that suggest a much darker path for Eris Morn. The answer, in short, is nuanced. No, Eris Morn is not the Witch Queen in the primary timeline of the game. However, there is compelling evidence to suggest that in alternate timelines or a potential future, Eris succumbs to the lure of the Darkness, becoming the ultimate antagonist, a Witch Queen far more terrifying than Savathûn.
The Dark Future and Eris’s Descent
A Twisted Trajectory
The primary reason for the confusion is rooted in a chilling potential future, as outlined in several lore entries and fragments. In this dark timeline, Eris Morn, weary and broken by endless battles, embraces the Darkness completely. Stripped of her allies and haunted by the loss of her own Light, she ascends to become a Witch Queen, commanding a legion of Darkness-corrupted Guardians. This isn’t a mere transformation; it’s a complete corruption, where her past experiences and her knowledge of the Hive are perverted into tools of destruction.
A Cycle of Failure
This alternate future is often portrayed as a time loop, a grim cycle where the Light always fails and the Darkness always triumphs. Eris, in this scenario, isn’t merely an antagonist; she’s the embodiment of despair and the ultimate consequence of unending struggle. This vision highlights a critical fear within the Destiny universe: that even the most resilient heroes can fall to the seductive power of the Darkness when pushed too far.
Not the Primary Villain
It is crucial to emphasize that this is NOT Eris Morn’s current arc in the main story. She remains, for now, a valuable and complex ally. The Witch Queen we confront in the primary storyline is Savathûn, the true architect behind the Hive’s machinations. However, the lore surrounding the corrupted Eris Morn acts as a chilling foreshadowing, reminding players of the precarious balance between light and darkness.
Eris Morn: The Expert and Survivor
Knowledge of the Hive
Before diving into her potential as a villain, it’s important to remember that Eris Morn is primarily a Guardian known for her unparalleled expertise on the Hive. Her years spent within the Hellmouth on the Moon, her survival against impossible odds, and her study of the Hive’s dark magic have made her an invaluable asset to the Vanguard.
A Former Hunter
Interestingly, she was not always the somber, Warlock-like figure we know. Eris was originally a Hunter, specializing in the Bladedancer subclass. Her transformation, loss of her fireteam, and subsequent survival through unconventional means have dramatically changed her. The loss of her Ghost, drained of light, and the loss of her eyes, replaced with those of an Acolyte, illustrate the dark path she walked to survive.
Alliance with the Queen
Eris has a long-standing connection with the Awoken Queen, Mara Sov. While Eris’s pale skin and her ties to the Queen do not explicitly make her Awoken, they do further emphasize her enigmatic nature and her complex allegiances. This loyalty further complicates her character, as the Awoken have often walked a fine line between light and darkness.
The Role of the Darkness
A Constant Temptation
The temptation of the Darkness is a recurring theme in Eris’ story. She has always been fascinated by the darker forces, never fully trusting the rigid doctrines of the Light. Her ability to wield Hive tactics against the Hive, while a powerful tool, has always carried the risk of corruption.
Tithes and the Hive God
Some lore suggests that Eris has become a type of Hive god to strengthen herself. This involves taking “tithes” from guardians who act as her acolytes, a concerning departure from traditional Guardian behavior. This path, though seemingly motivated by a desire to face a powerful Hive god, could lead her down a dark and dangerous road.
A Glimpse of Alternate Realities
Ultimately, Eris Morn’s potential to become a Witch Queen arises from the narrative’s exploration of alternative timelines. These snippets of possible futures serve as cautionary tales, exploring what could happen to a Guardian when the line between light and dark becomes blurred, and the constant battle against the forces of darkness takes its toll. Her story is a reminder that even heroes are not immune to corruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eris Morn part of the Hive?
Eris is not a member of the Hive, but she is an expert on them. She has studied their tactics and magic extensively and has even adopted some of their practices to survive.
What happened to Eris Morn’s Ghost?
Eris Morn’s Ghost was drained of light during the events on the Moon, effectively killing it. This is a significant reason why she is considered “lightless”.
Is Eris Morn blind?
Yes, Eris Morn is blind. She lost her eyes to the Hive but replaced them with those of an Acolyte, the third eye included.
Why does Eris ask for tithes?
Eris asks for tithes from Guardians as a way of gaining power and, in some lore, to help her transform herself into a Hive god. It is a form of dark magic, a departure from traditional Guardian practice.
Was Eris Morn a Warlock before?
No, Eris Morn was originally a Hunter specializing in the Bladedancer subclass before the events that led to her change.
Is Savathûn dead for good?
No, Savathûn is not permanently dead. She could return as long as her Ghost is not destroyed.
Is Eris Morn Awoken?
While Eris’s pale skin and loyalty to the Queen suggest a link to the Awoken, it is not explicitly confirmed she is one. She is often considered a mystery in this regard.
Why didn’t Immaru revive Savathûn immediately?
The lore suggests that Ghosts need stable timelines to reassemble a Guardian. Savathûn’s circumstances make this difficult.
What did Eris take from Oryx’s sword?
Eris took the crystal from inside Oryx’s sword after witnessing the weapon crumble, a mysterious relic of power.
Is the Drifter a Guardian?
Yes, the Drifter is a Guardian who was revived in the Dark Age, often operating outside the norms of the Vanguard and City.
Is Cayde-6 alive?
No, Cayde-6 is dead and cannot be revived as his Ghost, Sundance, was destroyed.
Is Ana Bray related to Cayde-6?
No, Ana Bray is not related to Cayde-6. Ana Bray was adopted into the Bray family and is actually the biological daughter of Clovis Bray II.
Is Ana Bray LGBT?
Yes, Ana Bray is canonically lesbian and is in a romantic relationship with another character, Camrin Dumuzi.
Was Savathûn a bad person?
Yes, Savathûn is considered a primary antagonist and has a history of manipulation and deception, she’s responsible for some of the greatest atrocities in the lore, turning Oryx into the being that we fought in The Taken King, and is indirectly responsible for countless deaths and devastation.
Why did a Ghost choose Savathûn?
Savathûn had a Ghost prior to becoming a Hive god. She was chosen eons ago and was tricked by the Witness, she protected the Traveler during the Collapse.
In conclusion, while Eris Morn is not the Witch Queen we face in the main Destiny 2 narrative, the potential for her descent into darkness is a constant, chilling possibility, explored through lore, visions, and alternate realities. This makes her one of the most complex and fascinating characters in the Destiny universe.