Was Dormin Evil? Unpacking the Morality of Shadow of the Colossus’ Entity
Dormin, the enigmatic entity at the heart of Shadow of the Colossus, is perhaps one of the most debated figures in gaming morality. The simple answer? No, Dormin was not inherently evil. While the entity performs actions that could be perceived as malevolent, the circumstances surrounding Dormin’s existence and the motivations behind those actions paint a far more complex picture, one that challenges simple notions of good and evil. Dormin represents a force of nature, a powerful entity fragmented and sealed away, whose desire for reunification, while dangerous, stems from an inherent drive for wholeness, not a lust for destruction.
Understanding Dormin’s Nature
Dormin isn’t a singular being in the traditional sense. It is a powerful, fragmented entity, a collective consciousness that was once whole but was divided into sixteen separate pieces, each residing within a Colossus. These fragments were scattered across the Forbidden Lands and suppressed to prevent Dormin from regaining its full power.
The Motivation for Reunification
Dormin’s primary goal throughout Shadow of the Colossus is reunification. When Wander, guided by Lord Emon’s instructions, defeats each Colossus, he releases a fragment of Dormin’s essence, which then merges with him. This process gradually reconstructs the entity, leading to its eventual resurrection. This desire for wholeness, while potentially devastating for the surrounding world, isn’t necessarily driven by malice. It’s an inherent instinct for self-preservation and a return to a natural state of being.
The Ambiguity of Dormin’s Words
Throughout the game, Dormin communicates with Wander, offering guidance and encouragement. However, the entity’s words are often cryptic and ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation. It’s never entirely clear whether Dormin is manipulating Wander for its own purposes or genuinely trying to help him achieve his goal of resurrecting Mono. This ambiguity contributes to the overall moral complexity of the game and makes it difficult to definitively label Dormin as evil.
Analyzing the Consequences of Dormin’s Actions
While Dormin’s motives might not be purely malevolent, the consequences of its actions are undeniable. The entity’s resurrection unleashes a powerful force upon the world, potentially disrupting the natural order and causing widespread chaos.
The Corruption of Wander
As Wander defeats each Colossus, he becomes increasingly corrupted by Dormin’s essence. His physical appearance changes, and his behavior becomes more aggressive and detached. This corruption is a direct consequence of Dormin’s influence and suggests that the entity’s power is inherently dangerous, even if its intentions are not purely evil.
The Threat to the World
The culmination of Dormin’s resurrection results in a massive, destructive entity that poses a significant threat to the surrounding world. Lord Emon and his warriors recognize this threat and take decisive action to prevent Dormin from fully manifesting. This suggests that Dormin’s power, regardless of its intentions, is ultimately incompatible with the well-being of humanity.
Examining the Player’s Role in the Narrative
The player’s actions in Shadow of the Colossus are crucial to understanding Dormin’s moral ambiguity. By choosing to follow Dormin’s instructions and defeat the Colossi, the player becomes complicit in the entity’s resurrection.
The Ethical Dilemma
The game presents players with a complex ethical dilemma. On one hand, Wander is driven by a noble desire to resurrect Mono, a woman he loves. On the other hand, achieving this goal requires unleashing a potentially destructive force upon the world. This dilemma forces players to confront the moral implications of their actions and question whether the ends justify the means.
The Lack of Easy Answers
Shadow of the Colossus doesn’t offer easy answers to these questions. The game deliberately avoids portraying Dormin as a purely evil villain. Instead, it presents the entity as a complex and multifaceted force, whose actions are driven by a combination of instinct, desperation, and perhaps even a misguided desire to help. This lack of clear-cut morality forces players to grapple with the complexities of the narrative and draw their own conclusions about Dormin’s true nature.
Dormin: A Force of Nature, Not a Malevolent Entity
Ultimately, Dormin is best understood not as a being of inherent evil, but as a force of nature. Like a powerful storm or a raging fire, Dormin possesses immense power that can be both destructive and transformative. Its motivations are driven by a fundamental instinct for self-preservation, not a desire to inflict pain or suffering. While the consequences of Dormin’s actions are undeniable, judging the entity by human standards of morality is ultimately a futile exercise. Dormin exists beyond the confines of good and evil, representing a primal force that transcends human comprehension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dormin
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Dormin to provide a deeper understanding of the entity and its role in Shadow of the Colossus:
1. What exactly is Dormin?
Dormin is a collective consciousness, a powerful entity composed of fragmented souls, that was sealed away long ago.
2. Why was Dormin split into pieces?
Dormin’s power was deemed too dangerous, leading to its fragmentation and the imprisonment of its essence within the sixteen Colossi.
3. What are Dormin’s motives in Shadow of the Colossus?
Dormin primarily seeks reunification, to restore itself to its original, powerful form.
4. Is Dormin manipulating Wander?
The extent of Dormin’s manipulation is ambiguous. While offering guidance, Dormin’s ultimate intentions remain unclear, blurring the line between assistance and exploitation.
5. Are the Colossi evil?
The Colossi are presented as guardians or protectors of the sealed fragments of Dormin, not inherently evil entities. They are simply fulfilling their programmed purpose.
6. What is the significance of Wander’s corruption?
Wander’s corruption signifies the inherent danger of Dormin’s power and the price he pays for utilizing it.
7. What is the Forbidden Land’s connection to Dormin?
The Forbidden Lands serve as a prison and graveyard for Dormin’s fragmented essence, preventing its escape and resurrection.
8. Why does Lord Emon want to stop Dormin?
Lord Emon recognizes Dormin’s power as a threat to the world and seeks to prevent its destructive potential.
9. What happens to Dormin at the end of the game?
Dormin is defeated and its essence is contained, although not entirely eradicated. A newborn infant emerges, hinting at a potential rebirth or reincarnation.
10. Is Dormin truly dead at the end of Shadow of the Colossus?
While suppressed, the final scene suggests Dormin’s essence lingers, hinting at a potential for future revival.
11. How does Dormin communicate?
Dormin communicates through a disembodied voice that only Wander can hear.
12. What is the significance of Dormin’s physical form during the final battle?
Dormin’s final form reflects its chaotic and destructive power, showcasing the immense threat it poses.
13. Can Dormin be considered a victim?
Some argue that Dormin is a victim of circumstance, having been unjustly fragmented and imprisoned.
14. What is the symbolism of the light in the final scene?
The light suggests hope and renewal, even after the chaos caused by Dormin’s resurrection.
15. Does the game support a singular interpretation of Dormin’s morality?
No, Shadow of the Colossus intentionally leaves Dormin’s morality open to interpretation, encouraging players to engage in critical thinking and form their own conclusions.