Unraveling the Enigmatic Ending of Shadow of the Colossus
The ending of Shadow of the Colossus is a poignant blend of tragedy, rebirth, and ambiguous hope. After defeating the sixteenth and final Colossus, Wander’s body is completely consumed by the essence of Dormin. Then Lord Emon and his men arrive, casting a spell to banish Dormin back into the sword that originally contained him. Wander is seemingly destroyed in the process, but a small, horned baby is later found in the shrine where Mono was laid. Mono awakens, finds the infant, and appears to begin caring for him, leaving players with a bittersweet conclusion that hints at the game’s connection to Ico.
Thematic Resonance and Narrative Significance
The game’s conclusion is far from a simple “happily ever after.” It explores profound themes of sacrifice, consequence, and the cyclical nature of good and evil. Wander’s descent into darkness, the corruption of his physical form, and ultimate demise serve as a stark reminder that even noble intentions can pave the road to ruin. The rebirth as a horned child provides a glimmer of hope but also raises questions about the future and the legacy of Dormin’s influence. This cyclical nature hints at the unending struggle between light and darkness, a theme prominent in both Shadow of the Colossus and Ico.
Lord Emon’s Arrival and the Banishment
The Arrival of Lord Emon
As Wander defeats the last Colossus, and his body becomes completely overtaken by Dormin, Lord Emon and his warriors appear. Having sensed the release of Dormin’s power, they arrive to ensure the entity is once again contained. Their arrival is both a relief and a condemnation of Wander’s actions.
The Banishment Ritual
Lord Emon casts a powerful spell to reseal Dormin’s essence back into the sword that initially held him. During the ritual, Wander’s corrupted body is enveloped in light and seemingly destroyed. This act ensures the immediate threat of Dormin is neutralized, saving the world from potential destruction.
Rebirth and the Legacy of Dormin
The Emergence of the Horned Baby
Following Dormin’s banishment and Wander’s apparent death, a new life emerges. In the very shrine where Mono was laid, a small baby with horns is discovered. This infant is heavily implied to be a reborn Wander, purged of the evil that consumed him, but bearing the mark of Dormin’s influence.
Mono’s Awakening and Acceptance
Mono, revived as Dormin promised, witnesses this scene and accepts the baby. The final shot of her cradling the child is a symbol of hope and redemption, suggesting that even after such devastating events, life can find a way to continue. This also establishes a narrative link with Ico, where horned children are ostracized but ultimately prove to be integral to the balance of the world.
Connection to ICO
The presence of horns connects the character to the world of Ico, in which Ico is persecuted for having Horns. This connects the two games, with the ending of Shadow of the Colossus setting up the events that would take place in Ico.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many endings does Shadow of the Colossus have?
Shadow of the Colossus has one primary ending, although there are some minor variations depending on the difficulty level and optional challenges completed. There was a planned happier ending, but the developers felt it didn’t fit thematically with the game’s tone.
2. Why did Wander turn into a baby?
Wander turns into a baby as a result of being consumed and then purged by Dormin’s essence. The act of banishing Dormin effectively cleanses him of the evil corruption, leaving him reborn but with the physical mark of horns, symbolizing the lasting impact of Dormin’s influence.
3. What happens to Mono at the end of Shadow of the Colossus?
Mono is revived by Dormin’s power, as promised. She awakens in the shrine to find the horned baby, presumably a reborn Wander, and takes on the role of caring for him.
4. Is there a secret ending in Shadow of the Colossus?
While there isn’t a drastically different ending, completing Time Attack challenges unlocks items that can slightly alter gameplay. However, the core narrative ending remains consistent.
5. Was Dormin evil?
Yes, Dormin is portrayed as an evil entity. He was once a powerful being who was sealed away by splitting his essence into the sixteen Colossi. His desire for resurrection and control drives the events of the game.
6. Why does ICO have horns?
In the world of Ico, horns are a sign of a cursed lineage. The horned individuals are often ostracized and seen as a threat. The origin of this curse is implicitly linked to the events of Shadow of the Colossus.
7. Is Mono the Dark Queen?
There’s a fan theory suggesting Mono becomes the Queen in Ico, due to her resurrection and potential acquisition of dark powers. However, this is speculative and not explicitly confirmed in the games.
8. Are the Colossi evil?
The Colossi themselves are not inherently evil. They are guardians, living prisons containing fragments of Dormin’s essence. They act as a seal to prevent Dormin’s return, and are only acting to defend themselves when Wander attacks.
9. Is ICO a prequel to Shadow of the Colossus?
No, Shadow of the Colossus is a prequel to Ico. Shadow of the Colossus provides the backstory and sets the stage for the events and world seen in Ico.
10. What does killing lizards do in Shadow of the Colossus?
Killing lizards with white tails increases Wander’s grip strength, allowing him to cling to surfaces for longer periods of time, making climbing the Colossi easier.
11. Is Wander evil?
While Wander’s initial motivation is to save Mono, his actions lead to the release of an ancient evil. As he kills the Colossi, he becomes increasingly corrupted, suggesting that he is not entirely innocent and becomes a pawn in Dormin’s plan.
12. Why was Dormin sealed away?
Dormin was sealed away because he was considered a dangerous and evil entity. Lord Emon and other shamans separated his essence and imprisoned it within the Colossi to prevent him from wreaking havoc on the world.
13. What is the black stuff in Shadow of the Colossus?
The black substance that appears on Wander as he defeats the Colossi is a manifestation of Dormin’s essence. It represents the absorption of Dormin’s power and the gradual corruption of Wander’s being.
14. What happens to the horse in Shadow of the Colossus?
Agro, Wander’s loyal steed, plays a crucial role throughout the game. While the horse may get injured, Agro always finds a way to return to normal.
15. Why was Mono sacrificed Shadow of the Colossus?
Mono was sacrificed due to a cursed fate. All that’s known is that she was sacrificed due to a cursed fate and is cared for by Wander very much. It is possible that Lord Emon played a part in the ritual that claimed her life, but there is no solid evidence.
Conclusion
The ending of Shadow of the Colossus is deliberately ambiguous, prompting players to contemplate the consequences of their actions and the complex relationship between good and evil. It provides a sense of closure while also leaving room for interpretation and speculation, making it a truly memorable and thought-provoking conclusion to an iconic game.
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