Who Killed Birkin? Unraveling the Fate of a Resident Evil Antagonist
The question of who ultimately killed William Birkin, the tormented scientist and tragic antagonist of Resident Evil 2, is multifaceted and depends on which of his monstrous forms we’re referring to. The first and arguably most relevant death of Birkin occurs during the train escape sequence. In this scenario, Birkin, in his final monstrous mutation, is brought down when Leon and Claire, working together, activate the train’s self-destruct mechanism. This effectively neutralizes him, seemingly ending his reign of terror. However, the G-Virus is far from predictable, and Birkin’s mutated forms appear in multiple stages.
Before this final defeat on the train, Birkin also suffered significant damage when he was gunned down by Alpha team members after trying to resist their mission. This confrontation was about retrieving the “t” and “G” virus samples, and was not a direct effort to kill Birkin, yet it was a vital part of the narrative that led to his later mutations. To summarise, in simple terms, the final fatal blow was a result of the train’s self destruct.
The Multiple Deaths of William Birkin
The story of William Birkin is one of tragic obsession and monstrous transformation. His relentless pursuit of power and scientific acclaim leads him down a dark path, ultimately resulting in his demise. However, the concept of death is rather elastic when considering Birkin’s multiple mutations.
Birkin’s Initial Downfall
Birkin’s first major encounter with death is not directly at the hands of a protagonist. He is fatally wounded by Alpha team who were under orders to retrieve the G-Virus samples. He deliberately injects himself with the G-Virus in an attempt to save his life and gain its power. This self-inflicted mutation marks the beginning of his transformation into the monstrous creature known as “G.” This initial encounter leaves him in a weakened state, paving the way for his later, more destructive forms.
Birkin’s Transformations and Rebirths
After his initial mutation, Birkin goes through multiple stages of transformation. Each form, more monstrous than the last, represents the G-Virus consuming him. While it’s accurate to describe the Alpha Team incident as a kind of “death” in the traditional sense, Birkin’s subsequent transformations mean that he didn’t truly die here, and continued to plague the protagonists.
The Train Sequence: Birkin’s Final End
The final confrontation with Birkin takes place on the train as Leon and Claire attempt their escape from the doomed Raccoon City. In this final form, Birkin is a grotesque and formidable foe. The protagonists ultimately overcome him by triggering the train’s self-destruct system. This final act is what neutralizes Birkin permanently, bringing his terrifying arc to an end.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Birkin and His Demise
To further understand the complex circumstances surrounding Birkin’s fate, here are fifteen related frequently asked questions (FAQs):
1. Why did Birkin betray Umbrella?
Birkin’s betrayal of Umbrella stemmed from his growing frustration with the company’s unwillingness to grant him an executive position. Combined with his observation of the Queen Leech, which spurred him towards seeking independence in his research and led to his and Wesker’s mutual desire to leave Umbrella, Birkin made the decision to break away from their grasp.
2. What was the G-Virus?
The G-Virus, also known as the Golgotha Virus, was created by Dr. William Birkin in 1988. It was intended to rival the T-Virus, producing a more intelligent, powerful, and controllable bio-weapon.
3. How did Birkin infect himself with the G-Virus?
After being critically wounded during his confrontation with the Alpha Team, Birkin deliberately injected himself with the G-Virus to survive and gain its power.
4. Did William Birkin impregnate Sherry?
Birkin, in his mutated form as “G,” implanted Sherry with an embryo because she was genetically compatible, aiming to make her a vehicle for the virus.
5. Why did Birkin want Sherry?
Birkin wanted Sherry because she was a viable carrier for his parasitic larvae due to their biological relation. Her genetic compatibility made her the ideal host.
6. Did Birkin save Sherry?
Yes, Birkin does save Sherry twice in Resident Evil 2, once from Chief Irons and again from Mr. X, shortly after his identity as her father is revealed.
7. What happened to Sherry after RE2?
After Resident Evil 2, Sherry was placed in government custody and became a state secret due to her exposure to the G-Virus.
8. What virus does Sherry have?
Sherry has the G-Virus within her, which she was cured from due to Claire’s effort. This virus is now dormant in her and as a result of its effects her aging process is slowed down.
9. How did Sherri get infected?
Sherry was infected when her father, William Birkin, implanted an embryo within her in his mutated G form.
10. How was Birkin able to mutate?
Birkin was able to mutate because he injected himself with the G-Virus. This virus caused rapid cellular mutation, transforming him into the monstrous forms seen throughout the game.
11. What was Alpha Team’s role in Birkin’s death?
Alpha Team, tasked with retrieving the G-Virus, played a crucial role in Birkin’s death. Their gunning down of Birkin wounded him so severely that he resorted to the G-Virus.
12. Why were the samples so important?
The “t” and “G” samples were critical for bio-weapon research and were highly sought after by both Umbrella and other parties, including Alpha Team.
13. Who is the main antagonist of Resident Evil?
While Birkin is a significant antagonist in Resident Evil 2, Albert Wesker is often considered the main antagonist of the Resident Evil franchise overall.
14. What is Mr. X’s weakness?
Mr. X’s weakness is his heart. Players can inflict significant damage by targeting this vital area with weapons like the handgun and magnum.
15. Was Birkin’s death truly permanent?
Birkin’s death by self-destructing the train was permanent in terms of his body, but the G-Virus’ legacy and presence in Sherry would be a long lasting part of the series. His constant mutations make it clear that death is complex for those infected with the G-Virus.