The Story of Sundance: Cayde-6’s Loyal Ghost in Destiny Lore

The answer to the burning question, “What is Cayde-6’s ghost name?” is Sundance. This is not merely a piece of trivia for Destiny fans; it’s a vital part of Cayde-6’s identity and, ultimately, his tragic story. Sundance wasn’t just a Ghost to Cayde; she was his companion, his guide, and the key to his connection to the Light. Their bond, although sometimes humorous and lighthearted, was deep and fundamental to who Cayde-6 was as a Guardian.

Sundance’s Role in Cayde-6’s Existence

The Initial Resurrection

Sundance played the pivotal role of resurrecting Cayde-6, initiating his journey as a Guardian. Cayde-6, already having been rebooted six times before (as indicated by his designation), had no memory of his past life. It was Sundance that brought him into the fold of the Light and introduced him to the ongoing conflict between the forces of good and evil within the Destiny universe. Without Sundance, Cayde-6 would not have been the charismatic and beloved Hunter that players know.

More Than Just a Ghost

Sundance wasn’t simply a tool for resurrection or a provider of information. She had a personality of her own, often engaging in witty banter with Cayde. This established a unique dynamic unlike many other Guardian-Ghost relationships. While she may not have had the complex, troubled history of some Ghosts, her loyalty and dedication to Cayde were unwavering. This made her death all the more impactful, not just for the characters in the story but for the player base as well.

A Tragic Fate

Sundance’s death at the hands of Pirrha, the Rifleman, during the Scorn breakout from the Prison of Elders, was a brutal moment that served as a catalyst for much of the story in the Forsaken expansion. Pirrha used a Devourer Bullet, reminiscent of the Weapons of Sorrow, which meant Sundance was not merely injured but completely destroyed, thus making Cayde-6’s subsequent death permanent. The loss of Sundance left Cayde vulnerable, with no possibility of resurrection, and fueled a vendetta across the Guardian world.

The Importance of the Ghost-Guardian Bond

Sundance’s story underscores the profound bond between a Guardian and their Ghost. Ghosts are not just the vessels of the Light; they are companions who share the Guardian’s journey. When a Ghost is destroyed, the Guardian’s connection to the Light is severed permanently, and there is no chance for resurrection. This makes the Ghost-Guardian relationship arguably one of the most critical components of the Destiny universe.

A Contrast to Other Relationships

Looking at the other prominent Ghosts in the game further emphasizes the significance of Sundance’s relationship with Cayde. While some Ghosts, like Ophiuchus (Ikora Rey’s Ghost), have had strained relationships with their Guardians, Sundance and Cayde were presented as a more balanced pair. This allowed their loss to resonate even more with the audience. Even Targe (Zavala’s Ghost), while steadfast, has a more serious and stoic personality than Sundance, further showcasing her unique presence in the game.

The Emotional Impact of Loss

The loss of Sundance was a turning point in the narrative of Destiny 2. The destruction of a Guardian’s Ghost has long been understood to be a permanent event within the game, but Sundance’s death had a unique impact on players. It cemented the stakes for characters within the game, while also making fans feel the genuine consequences of loss in the world of Destiny.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ghosts and Cayde-6

Q1: What is the significance of a Ghost’s name?

A1: A Ghost’s name is part of its individual identity and the connection it forms with its Guardian. While the name itself does not carry any magical properties, it serves to establish the unique bond between the Ghost and the Guardian they chose to revive.

Q2: Can a Ghost be revived?

A2: No, once a Ghost is completely destroyed, it cannot be revived. This permanent loss is why the deaths of Ghosts in Destiny are so significant.

Q3: Why are Ghost’s vulnerabilities important to the story?

A3: Ghosts are a Guardian’s lifeline, and their vulnerability underscores the risk and stakes of the battles in the game. It also adds tension and meaning to the Guardian-Ghost relationship.

Q4: How are Ghosts connected to the Traveler?

A4: Ghosts are extensions of the Traveler, the mysterious entity that provides Guardians with the Light. They are created by the Traveler and possess a spark of its power, which they use to revive and empower Guardians.

Q5: Can Ghosts choose their Guardian?

A5: Yes, Ghosts are said to actively seek out Guardians and choose who to resurrect based on certain criteria. This is a crucial element in the Destiny lore, as it highlights the agency and purpose of each Ghost.

Q6: Who is Glint and why is he important?

A6: Glint, originally called Pulled Pork, is a Ghost who resurrected Uldren Sov, who became Crow. He is important because his story shows that Ghosts can choose even those considered morally questionable for resurrection, highlighting the complex nature of the Light.

Q7: What is a “Weapon of Sorrow”?

A7: Weapons of Sorrow are weapons crafted using dark magic and imbued with the essence of death. They were used by the Hive and other dark entities and are incredibly dangerous. The Devourer Bullet that killed Sundance was based on this same deadly technology.

Q8: Did Cayde-6 have other companions besides Sundance?

A8: While Cayde-6 was a popular figure among many, Sundance was his only constant companion. He had a close relationship with other Guardians, but his bond with Sundance was unique.

Q9: Is it possible for Guardians to lose their Light without their Ghost being destroyed?

A9: Yes, Guardians can lose their connection to the Light through various means, such as being captured by those who can sever that connection. This vulnerability was demonstrated when Zavala’s Ghost, Targe, was trapped, leaving him cut off from the Light.

Q10: How does the destruction of a Ghost affect a Guardian?

A10: If a Ghost is destroyed, a Guardian is no longer connected to the Light, rendering them vulnerable and permanently dead upon their next death.

Q11: Is Cayde-7 possible after his death?

A11: According to Destiny lore, there will be no Cayde-7. Despite his popularity, his character’s demise is a permanent part of the Destiny universe.

Q12: Who is Brya?

A12: Brya was the Ghost of Eris Morn. She sacrificed herself to save Eris.

Q13: Why was Cayde-6 so popular?

A13: Cayde-6 was a popular character due to his witty personality, humor, and relatable flaws. His death was impactful because players had grown attached to his character and felt invested in his story.

Q14: Who will voice Cayde-6 in The Final Shape expansion?

A14: Nathan Fillion, the original voice actor, will return to voice Cayde-6 in the The Final Shape expansion.

Q15: Can Cayde-6 be revived?

A15: While Cayde-6 cannot be revived in the traditional sense due to Sundance’s destruction, there is still the possibility that a backup of his mind before he was a Guardian might exist in the Deep Stone Crypt. However, this does not mean a full return of Cayde-6.