The Sin of Nezarec: Betrayal, Power, and a Legacy of Pain
Nezarec’s sin is multifaceted, but at its core lies his betrayal of the Light. Originally, it’s theorized that Nezarec was directly gifted the Light by the Traveler. Instead of embracing this gift and aligning with the Traveler’s principles, Nezarec turned to the Darkness, aligning himself with the Witness and its nihilistic vision. This act of rejecting the Light, particularly after having potentially been chosen by the Traveler, makes him a profound betrayer in the eyes of those who follow the Light. This fundamental choice set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately lead to his downfall and the immense suffering he inflicted upon the universe. Further amplifying his sin, Nezarec embraced his newfound power in the darkness, becoming a powerful Disciple of the Witness. This transformation fueled his actions during the Collapse, leading the Black Fleet’s assault on Earth. His actions directly contributed to the near annihilation of civilization, cementing his place as a figure of utter devastation and terror. Even after being betrayed by Savathûn, his legacy is one of immense pain and destruction. Finally, there’s the sin of hubris, evidenced by his apparent disregard for even the Witness’ will, by gifting his power to Warlocks and his seeming desire for something more, for example, his resurrection.
Nezarec’s Path to Darkness
A Fallen Light
The narrative suggests that Nezarec’s origins are entwined with the Light, making his turn to the Darkness all the more significant. The idea that he might have been directly blessed by the Traveler, before abandoning this path, puts him in a unique and tragic position. The potential for greatness, twisted into a vessel for destruction, is a common theme in storytelling, but the context of the cosmic struggle between Light and Dark in the Destiny universe makes Nezarec’s journey particularly poignant. This initial choice of rejecting the Light defines his later actions as a conscious betrayal of that which is considered good and nurturing.
Disciple of the Witness
Nezarec, after his fall from grace, became a powerful Disciple of the Witness. His actions were not merely those of a disillusioned individual, but of a being fully committed to the Witness’s goal of the final shape and an end to all suffering (by ending the universe). As a Disciple, he wielded immense power and was instrumental in the Black Fleet’s advance. He was not a passive follower but an active participant in the Witness’s plans, responsible for much of the horror of the Collapse. His leadership and the power he commanded underscore the gravity of his betrayal.
The Betrayer Betrayed
Even in service of the Darkness, Nezarec was not safe. Savathûn, the Witch Queen, betrayed him by killing him and cursing his remains, further revealing that even amongst the most vile, treachery and deceit can and will persist. Her actions highlight the chaotic nature of the Dark, where alliances are temporary, and power struggles are constant. Nezarec’s own betrayal is met with another, adding layers to his tragic tale. He was ultimately entombed in his own Pyramid on the Moon, a prisoner of his past and the machinations of others, further showcasing his sin’s karmic consequences.
The Legacy of Pain
Nezarec’s influence extends far beyond his physical death. His relics are said to drain the life force of those who use them. Additionally, the Tormentors, beings resembling Nezarec, bear his name, signifying his continued impact on the universe. Even in his defeat, his power continues to corrupt, suggesting that the sin of betrayal has lasting, far reaching consequences. Nezarec’s legacy serves as a warning against abandoning one’s principles, especially when faced with the allure of power.
Nezarec’s Hubris
Nezarec, even as a Disciple, seemed to show an independent streak and a level of ego, not often seen in the servants of The Witness. By giving the Warlock’s the means to transmute Void Damage into Energy shows an obvious disloyalty to The Witness’ ideals. Moreover, the fact that Nezarec’s lore states that “He shall rise again” shows that he doesn’t believe that Death is the final shape of the universe. This shows, that even in service to evil, Nezarec was still trying to forge a different path for himself, making him a unique figure in the game’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Was Nezarec a Lightbearer?
There is a suggestion in lore that Nezarec was reincarnated as a Lightbearer under the name Seraphim, becoming one of the first in the Dark Age. This would make his betrayal all the more profound, as it would mean he turned from the Light not once, but twice. This information however, is potentially unreliable.
2. What did Nezarec do during the Collapse?
Nezarec led the Black Fleet in their assault on Earth during the Collapse. He was instrumental in carrying The Veil aboard his Pyramid and was a major force of destruction, which would forever cement his sin into the history books.
3. Why does Nezarec look like Rhulk?
Both Nezarec and Rhulk share a “chimera” appearance, which means a fusion of multiple different things. This design reflects their unique and powerful nature and the cosmic forces they represent, but it also points to the nature of the Darkness being transformative, even if the beings involved are fundamentally different.
4. Was Nezarec an Eliksni?
Nezarec is a Disciple of the Witness who became a part of Eliksni legend. This association shows how his influence was widespread, even reaching those who were not directly part of the conflict between Light and Dark.
5. How do you tell if Nezarec is Light or Dark during a fight?
During encounters, Nezarec releases colored light. Blue light indicates the need for the Light Refuge buff, and orange light signifies the need for the Darkness Refuge buff. Understanding these cues is key to surviving encounters with him.
6. Was Nezarec a Tormentor?
Tormentors appear to be related to Nezarec. Many Tormentors bear the title “Imprint of Nezarec” or “Cavum of Nezarec”. Nezarec himself strongly resembles a large Tormentor, suggesting that they may be the same species.
7. Can Nezarec come back?
Lore suggests that Nezarec will “rise again.” This is significant since the Witness views death as the final shape. This suggests that Nezarec has his own agenda, which separates him from the will of The Witness.
8. What did Savathûn do to Nezarec?
Savathûn killed Nezarec, cursed his remains, and entombed him in his own Pyramid on the Moon. This highlights her manipulative nature and desire for power, even at the expense of her Dark allies. She also used Nezarec’s death in her plans to steal the veil and hide it on Neptune.
9. How do you stop “Nezarec’s Hatred”?
To dispel “Nezarec’s Hatred,” the affected player must shoot Nezarec in the shoulder to trigger an explosion. The color of this energy blast indicates where other players need to seek refuge.
10. Is Nezarec the final boss of pain?
Nezarec, as the “Final God of Pain,” is the end boss of the Root of Nightmares raid. This title highlights his central role in the raid and the challenging nature of the encounter.
11. How do you farm Conditional Finality?
Conditional Finality, an exotic shotgun, can be farmed by repeatedly defeating Nezarec in the Root of Nightmares raid. This allows players to obtain this powerful weapon through repeated encounters.
12. Who is Rhulk in Destiny?
Rhulk is a major antagonist in Destiny 2, and the final boss of the Vow of the Disciple raid. He commands a Pyramid Ship and is part of the Witness’s fleet. He is an ancient, exceptionally powerful being.
13. Did Rhulk create the Hive?
Rhulk played a significant role in the creation of the Hive, by subjugating the Worm Gods and creating the worm larvae that infested the Krill, transforming them into Hive.
14. Is Savathûn good or bad?
Savathûn is generally considered a bad actor in Destiny’s story. While she has engaged in some actions that have benefited the player’s cause, these are always undertaken with self interest in mind, rather than altruism. She is a complex antagonist with her own goals.
15. What is the Cataclysm in Root of Nightmares?
The Cataclysm is a major challenge in the Root of Nightmares raid, which requires the use of teamwork and skill to clear totems and progress further into the raid. The Cataclysm shows the players the importance of teamwork and cooperation, crucial components of the raid.