Who is the Bad Guy in Destiny 2: Beyond Light? Unraveling the Darkness
The central antagonist in Destiny 2: Beyond Light is arguably Eramis, Shipstealer, a Fallen Kell (leader) of House Salvation. Driven by a desire to restore her people to their former glory and fueled by a deep-seated resentment towards the Traveler, she wields the power of Stasis, a manifestation of the Darkness, to achieve her goals. However, it’s crucial to understand that Eramis is not a mustache-twirling villain. Her motivations stem from the suffering and displacement of the Eliksni (Fallen) race, making her a complex and ultimately tragic figure. While Eramis is the immediate threat, the Darkness itself serves as a much larger, more insidious force looming over the events of Beyond Light.
Eramis, Shipstealer: A Fallen Kell Driven by Desperation
Eramis is more than just a simple villain. She’s a product of her environment and a representation of the Eliksni’s long and painful history. Once a proud and technologically advanced civilization, the Eliksni were decimated by the Whirlwind, a cataclysmic event that forced them to flee their homeworld. They pursued the Traveler, the celestial being that had blessed them with prosperity, only to find it had abandoned them for humanity. This abandonment fueled a burning resentment in Eramis and many other Eliksni.
In Beyond Light, Eramis discovers Stasis on Europa, a frozen moon of Jupiter. This powerful new weapon, a manifestation of the Darkness, offers her a chance to unite the scattered Fallen Houses and reclaim what she believes is rightfully theirs. She sees Stasis not as a destructive force but as a tool of liberation, a way to break free from the Traveler’s “false promises.”
Her motivations, while understandable, do not excuse her actions. She is willing to sacrifice countless lives, both Fallen and human, to achieve her goals. Her methods are ruthless, and her pursuit of power ultimately leads her down a path of corruption.
The Darkness: A Force Beyond Understanding
While Eramis is the visible antagonist, the Darkness plays a much more significant role in Beyond Light. It is a primordial force, the antithesis of the Light wielded by the Traveler. The Darkness offers power, but it comes at a cost. It corrupts and twists those who embrace it, leading them down a path of destruction.
In Beyond Light, Guardians are given the opportunity to wield Stasis, to harness the power of the Darkness. This raises profound questions about the nature of good and evil, and the potential consequences of embracing forbidden power. The Darkness is not simply a villain; it is a fundamental aspect of the universe, a force that challenges our understanding of morality. This moral ambiguity invites players to consider the long term ramifications of using such power.
Beyond Light: A Story of Morality and Consequence
Ultimately, Beyond Light is a story about morality, consequence, and the choices we make in the face of adversity. Eramis is a tragic figure, driven by desperation and a desire to protect her people. The Darkness is a powerful and seductive force, offering a tempting shortcut to power. The Guardians are caught in the middle, forced to make difficult choices that will shape the future of the solar system. This complexity makes Beyond Light a compelling and thought-provoking addition to the Destiny universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Eramis truly evil, or is she just misunderstood?
Eramis is a complex character driven by a desire to save her people from what she perceives as the Traveler’s abandonment. While her methods are often ruthless and her actions have devastating consequences, her motivations are rooted in genuine suffering and a yearning for a better future for the Eliksni. She’s not inherently evil but rather a product of circumstance, making her a tragic figure who’s driven to extreme measures by her desperation.
2. What exactly is Stasis, and where did it come from?
Stasis is a manifestation of the Darkness, discovered by Eramis on Europa. It’s a power that allows its wielder to manipulate cold and ice, freezing enemies and controlling the battlefield. Its origins are tied to the Darkness entities themselves, representing a fundamental force of the universe that is the antithesis of the Light.
3. How does wielding Stasis affect Guardians? Does it corrupt them?
Wielding Stasis doesn’t immediately corrupt Guardians, but it does present a moral challenge. The power of the Darkness is alluring, and embracing it too fully can blur the lines between right and wrong. Guardians must exercise caution and maintain their connection to the Light to avoid succumbing to the Darkness’s influence. This is explored further in subsequent Destiny 2 expansions and seasons.
4. Is the Traveler truly benevolent, or does it have its own agenda?
The Traveler’s motivations remain largely mysterious. While it has granted humanity the Light and defended them from the Darkness, its actions are not always easily understood. Some believe it has a hidden agenda, while others see it as a benevolent force simply trying to protect life in the universe. The Traveler’s true nature is a recurring theme in Destiny 2, leaving room for speculation and future revelations.
5. What is House Salvation, and how does it differ from other Fallen Houses?
House Salvation is Eramis’s faction, formed from remnants of various other Fallen Houses. What sets them apart is their dedication to wielding Stasis and their belief that the Darkness is the key to the Eliksni’s salvation. They are more unified and aggressive than other Fallen Houses, posing a significant threat to the Last City.
6. Will Eramis return in future Destiny 2 content?
While Eramis was seemingly defeated at the end of Beyond Light, the Destiny universe is full of surprises. Given her popularity as a villain and the ambiguity surrounding her ultimate fate, it’s certainly possible that she could return in a future expansion or season.
7. What are the long-term consequences of Guardians wielding the Darkness?
The long-term consequences of Guardians wielding the Darkness are still unfolding. It raises questions about the nature of good and evil and the potential for the Light and Darkness to coexist. It could lead to new alliances, new conflicts, and a fundamental shift in the balance of power in the solar system. This is a central theme being explored in the continuing Destiny 2 story.
8. Is there a way to redeem Eramis?
The possibility of Eramis’s redemption is a topic of debate within the Destiny community. While she has committed many acts of violence, her motivations are rooted in genuine suffering. Whether she can overcome her past and find a path to redemption remains to be seen.
9. How does Beyond Light connect to the larger Destiny 2 narrative?
Beyond Light is a pivotal point in the Destiny 2 narrative. It introduces the Darkness as a tangible force, challenges the traditional notions of good and evil, and sets the stage for future conflicts and alliances. It also expands the universe by introducing new locations, characters, and lore.
10. What role does Europa play in the events of Beyond Light?
Europa is the primary setting for Beyond Light, serving as the source of Stasis and the location of Eramis’s base of operations. It’s a frozen wasteland, home to ancient secrets and powerful artifacts, making it a crucial location for both the Light and the Darkness.
11. What is the relationship between the Exo Stranger and the events of Beyond Light?
The Exo Stranger, also known as Elsie Bray, plays a significant role in Beyond Light. She guides the Guardians towards wielding Stasis and warns them about the dangers of the Darkness. Her motivations are complex, and her connection to the Darkness is still being explored. She has knowledge of alternate timelines and is attempting to prevent a catastrophic future.
12. How does the story of Beyond Light resonate with real-world themes?
Beyond Light explores themes of desperation, displacement, and the consequences of unchecked power. These themes resonate with real-world issues such as poverty, immigration, and the dangers of authoritarianism. The story encourages players to consider the complexities of these issues and the importance of empathy and understanding. You can learn more about the educational value of video games at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
13. Are the Vex involved in the events of Beyond Light?
While the Vex are present on Europa, they are not a central focus of the Beyond Light storyline. They are more of a background threat, adding to the dangers of the frozen moon. However, their presence hints at a deeper connection to the Darkness and the events unfolding on Europa.
14. What happened to Variks after the events of Beyond Light?
Variks, the Fallen betrayer, plays a complex role in Beyond Light. While he ultimately aids the Guardians in defeating Eramis, his loyalties remain ambiguous. His fate after the expansion is left somewhat open-ended, hinting at future involvement in the Destiny 2 narrative.
15. How can new players catch up on the story of Beyond Light?
New players can experience the Beyond Light campaign by purchasing the expansion. Additionally, various resources online, such as lore videos and summaries, can help players catch up on the story and understand the context of the events unfolding in Destiny 2. This expansion is crucial for understanding the ongoing narrative of Light vs Dark.