Who is Inside Varus? Unraveling the Darkin’s Twisted Fusion
The question of “who is inside Varus?” is far more complex than it first appears. It’s not simply a matter of one being inhabiting a body, but rather a bizarre and tragic fusion of three distinct entities: the ancient Darkin warrior, Varus, and two Ionian hunters, Valmar and Kai. These three souls are locked in a constant struggle for control, creating a being that is both immensely powerful and profoundly conflicted. The resulting entity is a twisted amalgamation of rage, vengeance, and a desperate yearning for control, all wrapped in a guise of terrifying beauty. Varus isn’t just a Darkin; he’s a testament to the horrors of forced fusion and the lasting scars of war.
The Unholy Trinity: Varus, Valmar, and Kai
The Darkin Varus
At the core of this twisted being is the Darkin Varus, a fallen god-warrior of immense power. During the ancient Darkin War, Varus was a fearsome killer, known for tormenting his foes with arrows and driving them to madness before delivering the killing blow. Imprisoned at the end of the war within his sentient Darkin bow, Varus slumbered for centuries until he was rediscovered. This ancient hatred and bloodlust are the driving forces behind Varus’ actions. He is a being of pure, unadulterated vengeance, consumed by the desire to inflict pain and suffering on those he deems responsible for his imprisonment.
The Ionian Hunters: Valmar and Kai
The other two components of this fusion are Valmar and Kai, Ionian hunters who stumbled upon Varus’ prison. Intrigued by the power within the well of Pallas, they swam within it, unknowingly giving Varus the opportunity to escape his confinement. However, he didn’t simply take over their bodies; he broke down and remade them. Their flesh and souls were repurposed, creating a brand new body that is a horrific hybrid of human and Darkin. Valmar and Kai are not entirely gone, they exist within Varus, their memories, personalities, and desires still flickering within him. Occasionally, they can even wrest control of the body, though these moments are usually brief.
The Struggle for Dominance
The relationship between Varus, Valmar, and Kai is far from harmonious. It’s a constant struggle for control of the body. While Varus is generally dominant, he is far from a single entity. Valmar and Kai are not mere passengers; they can communicate with Varus and, at times, even take full control for short periods. This ongoing struggle is a major element of Varus’s internal conflict and the source of much of his erratic and unpredictable behavior. He is a creature simultaneously driven by ancient Darkin hatred and haunted by the memories and feelings of the two men whose bodies and souls were torn apart to create him. This multi-faceted identity is what makes Varus such a tragic and compelling character within the League of Legends universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Varus
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the complexities of Varus and his unique existence:
1. What is a Darkin?
The Darkin were once Ascended beings, god-warriors of immense power who served in the ancient Shuriman Empire. However, they were eventually corrupted by their own power and the Void, becoming twisted and violent. They were eventually defeated and imprisoned within their weapons.
2. Why does Varus look human?
Varus doesn’t entirely look human. He appears as a hybrid, exhibiting pale, inhuman beauty. This is because his body is a reconstruction of the mortal forms of Valmar and Kai, their flesh and souls repurposed by Varus. The resulting entity is a warped combination of human and Darkin features.
3. How did Varus escape his prison?
Varus was imprisoned within his Darkin bow. Valmar and Kai, intrigued by the power within the well of Pallas, unwittingly released Varus when they swam within it. He broke down and remade their bodies and their souls, merging the three into one.
4. Can Valmar and Kai control Varus?
Yes, while Varus is usually in control, Valmar and Kai can communicate with him and, on occasion, take control of his body for brief periods. These moments are often marked by a shift in Varus’s behavior and dialogue.
5. Is Varus a hero or a villain?
Varus is portrayed as a villain within the League of Legends lore. Driven by vengeance and hatred, he is primarily focused on inflicting pain and suffering. While there are shades of tragedy in his origin story, his actions are ultimately malevolent.
6. How old is Varus?
Varus was an Ascended during the Icathian rebellion, making him approximately 3496 years old. This great age contributes significantly to his understanding of violence and the world.
7. What weapon does Varus wield?
Varus wields his sentient Darkin bow, the very instrument of his imprisonment, that also acts as the vessel for his being. The bow is a constant reminder of his past and a tool for his current wrath.
8. Who is Varus’s sister?
Varus fought alongside his Darkin sister, Valeeva, who shared the same desire for revenge against those who wronged them. Her existence adds to the lore of the Darkin and their complex relationships.
9. Why is Varus named Varus?
The name Varus has Latin origins, meaning “bent outwards, bow-legged.” This name was chosen by the developers because of how the Darkin bow warps and twists the form of his body.
10. What is Varus’s goal?
Varus’s primary goal is to enact his twisted form of vengeance against those who imprisoned him and any perceived enemies. His motivations are rooted in ancient Darkin hatred and a desire to reclaim his former power.
11. Are there other Darkin in League of Legends?
Yes, other Darkin characters in League of Legends include Aatrox (imprisoned within a sword) and Rhaast (imprisoned within Kayn’s scythe). All are fallen god-warriors with their own unique stories and motivations.
12. Is Kayn a Darkin?
No, Kayn is a mortal wielder of shadow magic who carries the Darkin Rhaast’s scythe. During a match, one of them will eventually take over the other, representing the ongoing struggle against the corruption of the Darkin.
13. Who is the weakest Darkin?
In lore, Rhaast is often considered the weakest of the Darkin, not Kayn himself. The idea is that he is slowly being consumed by Kayn, making him weaker with each encounter.
14. Is the historical Roman General Varus connected to the Darkin Varus?
No, there’s no direct connection between the Roman general Varus and the Darkin Varus. The use of the name is purely coincidental and based on the Latin definition of the name. The historical Varus is primarily remembered for a devastating defeat of the Roman legions in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
15. Where is the Darkin Varus from?
The Darkin Varus is originally from Shurima, though the lore surrounding them is intertwined with the conflicts in Runeterra. The Shuriman Empire is where they once existed, before their transformation into Darkin and their imprisonment.
By exploring these questions and understanding the complex nature of Varus’s existence, one can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate lore and character development that defines League of Legends. Varus is far more than just another villain; he is a tragic symbol of forced fusion, eternal vengeance, and the enduring struggle for control that resides within the Darkin and his unwilling hosts.