Is Varus the Person or the Bow? Unraveling the Enigma of League of Legends’ Darkin
The question of whether Varus is the person or the bow is central to understanding the complex lore of this popular League of Legends champion. The answer isn’t straightforward, as Varus is neither solely the person nor just the bow, but a unique fusion of both, along with two other individuals. This makes him one of the most intricate and fascinating characters in the game’s vast universe. In short, Varus is a composite being, born from the merging of a Darkin spirit trapped within a sentient bow, and the bodies and souls of two Ionian hunters, Valmar and Kai.
The Origins of Varus
The Darkin Entity
Before the events of his current iteration, Varus was a powerful member of the Darkin, an ancient race of Ascended god-warriors who were corrupted and ultimately imprisoned within their weapons. The Darkin were initially noble beings, but their exposure to dark magic and a prolonged war turned them into vengeful, destructive forces. Varus, as a Darkin, was a deadly killer who enjoyed tormenting his foes with his arrows before finishing them off. He was trapped within his bow at the end of the Darkin War.
The Ionian Hunters
Centuries later, two Ionian hunters, Valmar and Kai, inadvertently stumbled upon the sealed Darkin bow. Valmar, desperate to save Kai’s life, surrendered himself to the bow’s ancient spirit. The spirit, a Darkin, agreed to save Kai’s life, but instead took it as its own, and in doing so fused with Valmar. This cataclysmic event merged Valmar, Kai, and the Darkin into a single, tormented entity: Varus.
The Transformation
As the three beings swam within the well of Pallas, the Darkin’s influence reshaped their physical forms. Varus broke down and remade the bodies and souls of Valmar and Kai, resulting in a hybrid form – a being with pale, inhuman beauty that is a unique mix of human and Darkin traits. This transformation solidified Varus as a singular entity, where the original Darkin’s rage and thirst for vengeance are mingled with the memories and experiences of Valmar and Kai.
Varus: A Composite Being
Therefore, to consider Varus solely as a person or a bow is inaccurate. He is:
- The Darkin spirit: The malevolent essence of the ancient warrior trapped within the bow. This entity drives the thirst for vengeance and the desire for destruction.
- Valmar and Kai: The two Ionian hunters who were consumed and remade into Varus’ form. Their personalities and memories still linger, at times surfacing and vying for control.
Varus is a constantly shifting struggle for dominance between these three entities. While the Darkin spirit largely controls the body and its actions, Valmar and Kai can sometimes communicate with Varus or even take temporary control. This internal conflict makes Varus a deeply complex and tragic figure.
He is not just a weapon, nor is he just the humans merged with the Darkin. He is a new being entirely, born of an incredibly unfortunate series of circumstances.
Understanding the Complexity
Understanding the nature of Varus requires acknowledging the multi-layered personality he possesses. He’s not merely an evil Darkin in possession of a body; he’s a tragic, conflicted entity battling for control of his very being. The interplay between these three consciousnesses within one body is what makes Varus such a compelling and morally ambiguous character in the lore of League of Legends.
He is a testament to the devastating power of Darkin corruption and the horrific consequences of deals made out of desperation. Varus stands as a constant reminder of the price of power and the enduring impact of past conflicts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Inside Varus?
Varus is composed of three entities: a Darkin spirit trapped within a bow, and the merged forms of two Ionian hunters, Valmar and Kai.
2. Why Does Varus Look Human?
Varus has a hybrid form because, when the three beings merged in the well of Pallas, the Darkin spirit remade the bodies of Valmar and Kai, resulting in a new form with both human and Darkin traits.
3. What is the Lore Behind Varus?
Varus was a powerful Darkin warrior imprisoned within a sentient bow. Centuries later, he was freed when two hunters fused with the bow, creating the composite being known as Varus.
4. Why is Varus Considered Three People?
Varus is considered to be three individuals due to the fusion of the Darkin spirit, Valmar, and Kai into a single, cohesive entity. Their individual consciousnesses still exist within Varus, creating a constant struggle for dominance.
5. What Race is Varus?
Varus is a Darkin, an ancient race of fallen god-warriors. However, he now exists as a hybrid, incorporating the essence of two human hunters into his being.
6. Is Varus a Good Guy?
Varus is not a good guy. As a Darkin, he is inherently driven by vengeance, rage, and a desire to torment his enemies. He is a villainous character in the game’s lore.
7. Is Varus a Darkin?
Yes, Varus is a Darkin. He is one of the few remaining members of this ancient race.
8. Who is the Weakest Darkin?
According to lore, Rhaast (Kayn’s scythe) is often considered the weakest Darkin, not Kayn himself.
9. Are Varus and Aatrox Brothers?
Varus considers Aatrox his brother and is said to have fought alongside him during the war. They are bound by their shared Darkin heritage and a desire to bring ruin to the world.
10. Who is the Strongest Darkin?
Aatrox is generally considered the strongest Darkin in lore, even before his corruption.
11. Who Does Varus Want Revenge On?
As an Ascended, Varus grew bitter and vengeful, particularly against the Icathians who killed his family. He also wants revenge on the world for his imprisonment and suffering.
12. Who Controls Varus?
The Darkin spirit primarily controls Varus’ body, but Valmar and Kai can communicate with him and even take temporary control, leading to an internal conflict.
13. Who is Varus’s Sister?
Varus fought alongside his Darkin sister, Valeeva, who also shared his desire for revenge.
14. How Old is Varus?
Varus is approximately 3,496 years old, having become an Ascended during the Icathian rebellion.
15. What is Varus’ Bow Called?
Varus’ bow is referred to as “The Arrow of Retribution” or “The Darkin Bow.” It has not been given an individual name outside of these.
In conclusion, Varus is not just a person or a bow, but a unique, conflicted entity created from the merging of three distinct consciousnesses. This complex origin story is what makes him a memorable and intriguing character in League of Legends, a tragic figure doomed to be torn between his ancient rage and the remnants of his human hosts.