Is Hordak Evil-Lyn’s Father? Unraveling the Complex Lore of She-Ra
The question of whether Hordak is Evil-Lyn’s father is a fascinating one, steeped in the complex lore of the She-Ra universe. The short answer, based on the information available from various She-Ra series, is no, Hordak is not Evil-Lyn’s father. While the concept of Hordak as Evil-Lyn’s parent exists in some fan theories and creative interpretations, the canonical narratives consistently point to a different origin for the powerful sorceress. The idea arises due to a specific twist in one iteration where Hordak claims to be Evil-Lyn’s father, but this is contradicted by other, more established sources, including the original cartoon series, which explicitly identifies her father as The Faceless One.
The Faceless One: Evil-Lyn’s Canonical Father
In the original Filmation He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and She-Ra: Princess of Power cartoons, Evil-Lyn’s backstory is tied to a mysterious sorcerer known as the Faceless One. This character lives in isolation among the ruins of Zalesia and is the guardian of the Ram Stone. The Faceless One’s identity is never fully unveiled, adding to his enigmatic nature. He’s depicted as a powerful but solitary figure, quite different from the ambitious and tyrannical Hordak. This canonical portrayal establishes that Evil-Lyn’s lineage comes from this powerful, magic-wielding entity, not the Horde’s ruthless leader.
The Shifting Sands of Retcon and Fan Theories
The confusion about Hordak’s potential paternity of Evil-Lyn largely stems from fan theories and an instance in a later comic, where the creators introduced an alternative narrative. This shift in lore creates a temporary uncertainty regarding Evil-Lyn’s origins. It also highlights a common practice in long-running franchises where writers might play with established narratives to introduce dramatic twists or to reinvigorate interest in the characters. Although these creative decisions can be intriguing and fuel fan discussions, the core narrative still stands by the Faceless One as her father.
Understanding Hordak’s Character
To further understand why Hordak is not Evil-Lyn’s father, it’s important to look at his established character. Hordak is primarily portrayed as a ruthless tyrant who rules Etheria from his stronghold, the Fright Zone. His main focus is domination and control, not forming familial bonds. He sees his minions, including those in the Horde, as tools to further his objectives. His motivations revolve around conquest and proving his worth to his creator, Horde Prime. Hordak’s drive is primarily ambition and a desperate need for approval, not personal relationships or family.
The Complex Relationship with Entrapta
Interestingly, Hordak’s most complex relationship is with Entrapta, the eccentric princess and skilled inventor. Their connection centers around their shared fascination with science and technology and their experiences as outsiders. This bond shows a different side of Hordak, one capable of caring, albeit in his peculiar way. However, this relationship is vastly different from the traditional parent-child dynamic, highlighting Hordak’s focus on pragmatic and intellectual connections rather than familial ones. This relationship solidifies Hordak’s character as not one to engage in relationships purely based on familial love.
Why the Confusion Persists?
The occasional confusion about Hordak’s and Evil-Lyn’s relationship often stems from the fact that the She-Ra and He-Man franchises have been rebooted and retold multiple times, leading to variations in character backstories and relationships. This is normal for long-running franchises; however, it can also cause conflicting information. While some interpretations might suggest a different connection, the most widely accepted and established canonical narrative consistently points to The Faceless One as Evil-Lyn’s father. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating the complex world of She-Ra lore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to Hordak, Evil-Lyn, and their complex relationships within the She-Ra universe:
1. Who is the Faceless One?
The Faceless One is a mysterious and powerful sorcerer who lives in isolation amongst the ruins of Zalesia. He is the guardian of the Ram Stone and is revealed to be Evil-Lyn’s biological father. He is characterized by his solitude and potent magical abilities.
2. Is Hordak a good character?
Hordak is typically portrayed as an antagonist, a ruthless tyrant who delights in the suffering of others. While later iterations show glimpses of his vulnerability and capacity for care, he is primarily depicted as a villain. He’s the main antagonist in She-Ra: Princess of Power.
3. Who is Hordak’s creator?
Hordak is created by Horde Prime, a cosmic overlord and a central antagonist in the She-Ra universe. Hordak is constantly trying to earn Horde Prime’s approval, driving many of his actions.
4. How did Hordak find Adora?
Adora was found by Hordak after she came through a portal. Mara tried to hide the sword of power to prevent another portal from opening. Hordak took her in to become a Horde soldier.
5. Is Evil-Lyn related to Skeletor?
In some iterations, Evil-Lyn shares a romantic connection with Skeletor, and there was a version where she was married to him, but they are not depicted as being blood-related. She is often portrayed as his ally and a powerful sorceress in his inner circle.
6. Is Entrapta Autistic?
Yes, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018) Showrunner ND Stevenson confirmed that Entrapta was written as autistic. Her character traits include an intense focus on her work and unique social interactions.
7. Who does Hordak end up with?
Hordak ends up with Entrapta in the 2018 reboot series after regaining his mind and finding a connection with her unique way of seeing the world.
8. What happened to Hordak’s face?
Hordak’s face is never damaged in the series and the damage is part of his design. However, Skeletor (originally Keldor) lost his face after an acid attack which splashed back onto him, not Hordak.
9. What did Horde Prime do to Catra?
Horde Prime implanted a Horde Chip into Catra, enslaving her mind and turning her into one of his drones, using the same ritual he had used on Hordak.
10. Is Hordak asexual?
Hordak and Horde Prime are likely asexual due to their method of reproduction through cloning. Entrapta, Hordak’s partner in the later series, is implied to be asexual as well.
11. What is the relationship between Scorpia and Perfuma?
Scorpia and Perfuma end up in a romantic relationship. Initially hinted at in the series, this relationship has been confirmed by the show’s creator, becoming a popular ship among fans (“Scorfuma”).
12. Why doesn’t Entrapta have a Runestone?
Entrapta did have a Runestone that her family experimented with but that experiment destroyed it and corrupted the Fire Runestone. This is also the reason her family died and orphaned her.
13. Does Catra have autism?
While not officially confirmed, many fans believe that Catra displays traits consistent with both ADHD and autism, similar to her friend Entrapta. These readings are often supported by her social challenges and sensory sensitivities.
14. Is Evil-Lyn good or evil?
Evil-Lyn is typically portrayed as a villain and a powerful sorceress, although some incarnations portray her with more nuanced motivations. Overall, she is an antagonist who frequently assists Skeletor.
15. Who is Catra and Adora’s child?
Finn is the non-binary child of Catra and Adora. Finn’s character is a result of the series’ commitment to representation and inclusion.
By understanding the established lore and the complex dynamics between these characters, we can see that while creative interpretations and fan theories may suggest alternative connections, the definitive answer, based on the core canon, is that Hordak is not Evil-Lyn’s father; the Faceless One is. This understanding enriches our appreciation of the intricate storytelling within the She-Ra universe.