What Happens When a Fiend Dies? Unraveling the Fate of Infernal Beings
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The question of what happens when a fiend dies is complex, varying significantly depending on the specific type of fiend and the circumstances of its demise. Fiends, encompassing both devils and demons, are creatures of infernal origin, and their post-mortem fates are as intricate and terrifying as their existences. Understanding the nuances of their demise requires a deep dive into the lore that underpins their nature. In essence, a fiend’s death is not the end, but rather a transformation or a return to its source. Let’s dissect the various possibilities.
The Reincarnation of Devils
The Devil’s Rebirth in Hell
When a devil is killed outside of its home plane, the Nine Hells, its essence is not truly destroyed. Instead, it dissipates and reforms within the infernal realms. This is akin to a return home, a reabsorption into the fiery fabric of the Hells. However, if the devil was inhabiting a mortal body as a Fiend, the process is somewhat different. The devil that possessed the body generally reincarnates once they reappear in Hell. Crucially though, because the possessed body is destroyed in the process, they suffer total memory loss of their previous life, effectively starting anew with no recollection of their past actions or experiences. This is a profound reset, ensuring that each rebirth is not burdened by the past.
The True Death of Devils
The true end for a devil comes when it is destroyed within the Nine Hells itself. This is a permanent annihilation, a terrifying fate even the mighty Asmodeus fears. Unlike death on other planes, which results in reformation, death in the Nine Hells means the complete erasure of the devil’s essence. This fear is the ultimate deterrent, making devils cautious within their own infernal domain. This is the one way devils can truly die, ceasing to exist in any form.
The Chaotic Resurgence of Demons
Rebirth in the Abyss
Demons, beings of the chaotic and infinite Abyss, have an even more peculiar relationship with death. They are fundamentally woven into the fabric of the Abyss itself. If a demon is killed outside of the Abyss, its essence returns to the chaotic plane to be reborn. They are, in essence, a part of the Abyss, so their demise simply means a return to their source. The demon’s core essence then reconstitutes into a new form. Their individual personality and memories often get lost in this chaotic process.
Absorption into the Abyss
If a demon is killed within the Abyss, a different phenomenon occurs. Instead of being reborn, the demon’s essence is absorbed into the chaotic matter of the plane. The demon is not resurrected but rather merges into the ever-changing essence of the Abyss, becoming a part of its formless landscape. They cease to exist as individual entities, becoming part of the primordial chaos.
The Nature of Fiends and Their Demise
The Reforged Souls of Fiends
Fiends are often described as reforged souls. This concept implies that these creatures were once mortal beings, their souls twisted and transformed into the demonic or devilish beings they are now. This connection to mortality explains why, while they are very difficult to destroy permanently, they are not truly eternal. Their “death” often involves a return to their respective plane of origin.
Fiends and Their Immortality
Fiends are not immortal in the sense that they can never be destroyed. They don’t die of old age, or natural causes. They are also tied to their respective home planes and are only truly vulnerable to permanent destruction when on those planes. This relative immortality contributes to their dominance and makes them a constant threat to the mortal world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are Fiends Immortal?
Fiends are not truly immortal. They don’t age and can regenerate if killed on other planes, but they can be permanently destroyed on their home plane.
2. Can a Fiend Be Revived?
In general, devils will reincarnate in the Nine Hells with a loss of memories, while demons are reborn in the Abyss, if killed outside their home planes. However, if a devil is killed in the Nine Hells, it is destroyed forever, and demons merge with the Abyss if killed in the Abyss.
3. What Happens to a Devil’s Memories When It Reincarnates?
Devils that die outside of the Nine Hells generally return to the Nine Hells with no memories of their previous lives if they died while possessing a body as a fiend.
4. Can a Fiend Turn Back into a Devil?
Some fiends, specifically those who were formerly devils, might temporarily revert to their devil form. However, this is often a temporary ability, and they are generally weaker than full-fledged devils.
5. How Long Do Demons Live?
Demons have a nominal lifespan of around 10,000 to 20,000 years, although this can vary greatly. Their existence is often a tumultuous series of battles and rebirths.
6. Who Is the Most Powerful Demon?
Many consider Demogorgon to be the most powerful demon in the Abyss, an ancient being who has survived countless battles.
7. What Happens When Orcus Dies?
Upon his death, the soul of Orcus journeys to Pazunia in the Abyss, where he begins his afterlife as a lowly larva. This demonstrates a cycle of rebirth even for powerful demon lords.
8. Who Is the Strongest Fiend?
While there is debate, many consider Tiamat to be the strongest fiend whose stats have been published. Asmodeus, though without printed stats, is likely just as strong, and holds more power.
9. Is a Tiefling Considered a Fiend?
Tieflings are not fiends but rather mortals with fiendish ancestry. They are not automatically evil and can be individuals of good, evil, or neutral alignment.
10. Is a Succubus a Fiend?
Yes, succubi are generally considered fiends. In earlier editions, they were demons, but in later editions, they have been classified as devils or fiends of neutral evil alignment.
11. What Is the Weakest Devil?
Lemures are the weakest type of devil, with a very low armor class, often used as fodder in the hellish hierarchies.
12. Can a Human Become a Devil?
Yes, a human soul can be recruited in the Fugue Plane and transformed into a devil, usually through service or an agreement with devilish entities.
13. Is Demogorgon Stronger than Asmodeus?
Historically, Demogorgon was regarded as the most powerful demon lord, while Asmodeus was seen as the most powerful archdevil. The two are the apex of their respective domains, making a direct comparison difficult.
14. Do Demons Suffer From Sunlight?
Generally, demons are vulnerable to sunlight, which can cause them to combust and turn to ashes. Sunlight is one of their biggest weaknesses, even though it is not a problem in their home plane.
15. Is The Angel Devil a Fiend?
In Chainsaw Man, the Angel Devil is classified as a fiend, despite the name, as he is a devil in the form of a possessed human.
Conclusion
The death of a fiend is not a simple ending. It is a complicated process dictated by the nature of the fiend, the plane in which it dies, and its connection to its infernal source. Whether it is the reincarnation of a devil, the rebirth of a demon, or a permanent destruction, the fates of fiends provide a unique and fascinating aspect to the infernal planes. Understanding these intricacies can greatly enhance your understanding of the creatures that populate those fiery realms and the challenges they pose.