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Unraveling Destiny: What is the Canon Ending of Baldur’s Gate 2?

The question of the canon ending of Baldur’s Gate 2: Shadows of Amn is a complex one, shrouded in ambiguity and left largely to player interpretation. However, by examining the lore established in subsequent games, particularly Baldur’s Gate 3, as well as supplementary materials, a strong argument can be made for a particular narrative path. The generally accepted canon ending sees the protagonist, Abdel Adrian’s Bhaalspawn descendant, rejecting their Bhaal heritage and choosing a mortal path, neither ascending to godhood nor embracing evil. This involves defeating Irenicus, resisting the urges to embrace the Slayer form, and ultimately severing the connection to the Bhaal essence. This choice sets the stage for a future where the protagonist lives a mortal life, potentially even finding peace and contributing positively to the world, instead of becoming a destructive force.

Deciphering the Canonical Path: Evidence and Implications

While BioWare has never explicitly declared a single, definitive canon ending, clues are scattered throughout later works that lend credence to the “rejection of Bhaal” ending.

Baldur’s Gate 3: The storyline of Baldur’s Gate 3 focuses on the Dead Three (Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul) and their plans, which are disrupted. The Bhaalspawn crisis is presented as a past event with lasting consequences, but it’s assumed that the immediate threat of a new God of Murder has been averted. An evil Bhaalspawn ascending would create a drastically different political and magical landscape than the one portrayed in BG3.
Companion Dialogue in Baldur’s Gate 3: Certain companions in Baldur’s Gate 3, such as Jaheira and Minsc (returning from Baldur’s Gate 1 & 2), allude to the events of the previous games. Their reactions and dialogues suggest a protagonist who ultimately chose good over evil. While their memories can be influenced by player choices in BG2, the most consistent and positive reactions align with a heroic, mortal-path Charname (Player Character).
The Nature of Choice: The core philosophy of the Baldur’s Gate series, particularly Baldur’s Gate 2, revolves around player agency. Choosing to reject the Bhaal essence represents the ultimate triumph of free will over predetermined destiny. It reinforces the themes of self-determination and the ability to rise above one’s lineage.
Narrative Consistency: An evil or divine ascension ending, while valid player choices, creates significant challenges for establishing a compelling narrative for Baldur’s Gate 3. A powerful evil god or an ascended divine Bhaalspawn would likely have a more direct and pervasive influence on the events of the Sword Coast than what is depicted.

The rejection ending allows for a more nuanced and thematically resonant narrative across the entire Baldur’s Gate saga. It acknowledges the potential for darkness within, while ultimately celebrating the capacity for good.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Canon Ending