The Divine Demise: Unraveling the Mystery of Mystra’s Killers
The question of who killed Mystra is central to understanding the tumultuous history of the Forgotten Realms in Dungeons & Dragons. The answer isn’t as simple as a single villainous act, but involves a complex series of events, resurrections, and ultimately, a tragic murder at the hands of Cyric.
The original Mystra, the Goddess of Magic, was not killed outright, but rather sacrificed herself in -339 DR. This sacrifice was to prevent the catastrophic fallout from Karsus’ Folly, a magical attempt to usurp divinity. This initial death and subsequent reformation is crucial to understanding her later demise. The Mystra that was murdered by Cyric was not the original, but a powerful goddess who had reformed from the essence of the sacrificed Mystryl. So while Mystryl died as a martyr to the world, Mystra died at the hand of Cyric. Let’s unpack the details of her death and the impact it had on the world of Toril.
The Fall of the Second Mystra
The Catalyst: Cyric’s Jealousy and Ambition
The final death of Mystra is one of the most significant events in the timeline of the Forgotten Realms. It occurred in the Year of Blue Fire, 1385 DR, long after the original Mystryl’s sacrifice and subsequent reformation. In this period, Cyric, a newly ascended god, harbored a deep resentment towards Mystra. He was a former mortal who had risen to godhood by cunning and violence. Cyric’s main issue was that Mystra controlled the Weave, the fabric of magic that encompassed Toril, effectively holding much of the power in her domain. She also, for a time, stripped him of his magical powers because he tried to force himself access to the Weave without permission. This denial fueled his hatred and desire to usurp her power, culminating in his decision to murder her.
The Assassination: A Betrayal and Its Aftermath
Cyric didn’t confront Mystra in an honorable, direct way; he employed subterfuge. Using his position as a deity of lies and murder, Cyric carefully orchestrated her downfall. The specifics of the method vary slightly depending on the source material, however the common theme is that Cyric utilized a powerful magical weapon and an advantage to finally kill Mystra. Cyric’s actions caused the Weave, the vital magical field maintained by Mystra, to shatter. This caused the Spellplague, a chaotic magical cataclysm that reshaped the world and brought about significant changes to both the landscape and the use of magic. It is important to note that this second death, the one caused by Cyric, is considered Mystra’s murder and is the most commonly referred to when discussing the death of Mystra.
The Implications: A World Shaken
The death of Mystra was more than just the demise of a powerful goddess; it was a tragedy that destabilized the entire fabric of reality. The Spellplague resulted in widespread devastation, altered the physical geography of Toril, and mutated creatures. The very nature of magic was fundamentally altered, affecting everyone who relied on it. The ripple effect of Mystra’s murder reshaped the Forgotten Realms and served as the catalyst for major changes in later editions of Dungeons & Dragons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mystra’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mystra’s deaths, her history and the impact they had on the Forgotten Realms.
1. Who was the original Mystryl?
Mystryl was the original Goddess of Magic who predated Mystra. She sacrificed herself in -339 DR to prevent the chaos unleashed by Karsus‘ failed attempt to steal divinity. Mystryl’s essence then reformed into the goddess we know as Mystra.
2. When was the first Mystra (Mystryl) killed?
The original Mystryl died in -339 DR, sacrificing herself to save the world from the chaotic magic unleashed by Karsus.
3. When was the second Mystra killed by Cyric?
The second Mystra was killed by Cyric in the Year of Blue Fire, 1385 DR.
4. What is the Spellplague?
The Spellplague was a cataclysmic event caused by the destruction of the Weave after Mystra’s murder by Cyric. It resulted in magical chaos, physical mutations, and widespread devastation across Toril.
5. Who replaced Mystra after her murder?
After Mystra’s death, Ao, the overgod of Toril, chose a mortal woman named Midnight to ascend and become the new Mystra. Midnight inherited Mystra’s mantle and restored order to the Weave.
6. Is Midnight still Mystra?
Yes, Midnight ascended to become the new Mystra, the goddess of magic. The goddess’s original name is no longer commonly used.
7. Why did Cyric hate Mystra?
Cyric hated Mystra for several reasons, primarily because she controlled the Weave and denied him access to its power. This denial, coupled with his desire for absolute power, drove him to assassinate her.
8. How powerful was Mystra?
Mystra was one of the most powerful deities in the Forgotten Realms. She had the ability to control magic, deny magic to others, including other gods, and even shape reality to some extent. It was well known that a lot of her power was channeled through her chosen as well.
9. Did Mystra have children?
While she did not birth them naturally, Mystra possessed a powerful sorceress named Elué, and in seven years, she had seven daughters known collectively as the Seven Sisters.
10. What is Mystra’s holy symbol?
Mystra’s holy symbol varies, but common representations include a circle of seven blue-white stars, a circle of nine stars with red mist flowing from its center, or a single blue-white star.
11. Was Gale a chosen of Mystra?
Yes, Gale was one of Mystra’s chosen, a mortal infused with some of her divine power. He was also her lover and muse for some time.
12. What did Mystra look like?
Mystra was a shape-shifter, appearing in various forms. Some described her as a multicolored will-o’-wisp, others as a beautiful woman, or as any number of other forms.
13. How did Karsus contribute to Mystra’s history?
Karsus attempted to usurp divinity through powerful magic, which led to Mystryl’s initial sacrifice and reformation. Thus, although he did not directly kill Mystra, his role is crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding the initial death and reformation of Mystra.
14. Who killed Kelemvor?
Cyric, while still mortal, killed Kelemvor using the magical sword Godsbane.
15. Can Gale become a god in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, at the end of Baldur’s Gate 3, Gale can potentially try to become a god. This would anger Mystra, potentially leading to his death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of who killed Mystra has two answers, depending on which Mystra is being referred to. The original Mystryl sacrificed herself to save the world. The second Mystra was murdered by Cyric in his insatiable lust for power and control of the Weave. Cyric’s actions lead to the Spellplague and a period of great upheaval in the Forgotten Realms, cementing Cyric as one of the greatest villains in Dungeons & Dragons history. Understanding the complexities of Mystra’s deaths is essential to grasp the history, politics, and magical fabric of the Forgotten Realms.