Why Couldn’t Cayde-6 Be Revived? Unraveling the Destiny 2 Lore
The death of Cayde-6, the beloved Exo Hunter Vanguard from Destiny 2, sent shockwaves through the community. His demise was not just a narrative twist; it was a pivotal moment that propelled the events of the Forsaken expansion. But amidst the grief and the calls for revenge, a fundamental question arose: Why couldn’t Cayde-6 be revived? The straightforward answer lies in the destruction of his Ghost, Sundance. Guardians in the Destiny universe are resurrected beings empowered by the Light, granted to them by their Ghosts. These small, sentient machines are not just companions; they are the literal keys to a Guardian’s existence, their anchor to life. Sundance, Cayde-6’s Ghost, was utterly destroyed by a Devourer Bullet fired by the Rifleman during the events leading to Cayde’s ultimate fate. Unlike a simple death, where a Ghost can revive its Guardian, Sundance’s destruction was permanent. No Ghost, no Light, no revival. This is why Cayde’s death in Forsaken was so significant; it wasn’t just a dramatic moment, it was, for all intents and purposes, final.
The Significance of Ghosts and Devourer Bullets
The Crucial Role of Ghosts
Ghosts are essential to the very concept of Guardians. They are the ones who initially find and resurrect a chosen being, imbuing them with the Light and the power to fight back against the Darkness. They heal wounds, revive from death, and serve as a vital link between the Guardian and their power. When a Ghost is destroyed, the Guardian effectively loses their immortality, reverting to a normal, mortal state, though Exos seem to maintain a form of their Light and even be able to use it for a period of time after their Ghosts’ destruction. This is why Ghosts are often a target by those who seek to harm Guardians – eliminating the Ghost means eliminating the Guardian’s ability to come back.
The Lethality of Devourer Bullets
The weapon that ended Sundance was no ordinary projectile. Devourer Bullets are classified as “ontological,” meaning they don’t just inflict physical damage; they fundamentally target and unravel the very fabric of existence. These bullets are associated with the Weapons of Sorrow, and their nature is to not merely destroy but to corrupt, consume and permanently obliterate. When one of these bullets strikes a Ghost, the consequences are devastating and irreversible. Sundance was not simply destroyed; she was eradicated, leaving no means for Cayde’s resurrection through his usual methods.
The Finality of Cayde-6’s Death and Its Narrative Impact
The death of Cayde-6 served not only as a devastating narrative point in Forsaken but also as a stark reminder of the stakes within the Destiny universe. His demise highlighted that, despite the incredible power wielded by Guardians, they are not invincible. The loss of Sundance made it clear: there would be no convenient revival, no miraculous return through the Light. This made the player’s quest for revenge that much more palpable and the loss that much more painful and real. The story driven by this event was the direct result of the finality of Cayde-6’s death, pushing the narrative in a dark and revenge-driven direction, that had never been seen in the game before.
The Surprising Return in The Final Shape
Despite his seeming permanent death, Cayde-6 is confirmed to return in The Final Shape expansion. However, this return will not be through traditional resurrection. How he returns and what form he takes are still a mystery, but what is clear is that he is not coming back as a Guardian, as he had lost his Ghost. This return has generated excitement and speculation among fans, raising questions about the nature of his reappearance and its implications for the ongoing story. While this return will be with Nathan Fillion reprising his role, the return is not the result of a traditional resurrection and won’t be a simple re-integration of the character back into normal game lore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cayde-6
1. What were Cayde-6’s last words?
Cayde-6’s last words were, “You tell Zavala and Ikora…the Vanguard…is the best bet… I’ve ever…lost…”
2. Who killed Cayde-6?
While several individuals played a role, Uldren Sov fired the final shot that killed Cayde-6. Uldren Sov was corrupted by Riven, a Taken Ahamkara.
3. Was Cayde-6 killed by a Devourer Bullet?
No, Cayde-6 himself was not directly killed by a Devourer Bullet. His Ghost, Sundance, was killed by a Devourer Bullet, and that made the final shot Uldren fired fatal.
4. Who was Cayde’s Ghost?
Cayde-6’s Ghost was named Sundance.
5. Who is carrying Cayde’s body after his death?
The Guardian took Cayde’s body back to the Tower.
6. Did Cayde have a son?
Cayde had a child named Ace before the Collapse. The name was discovered from a journal.
7. Is it true that there won’t be a Cayde-7?
Yes, it has been confirmed that even if Cayde-6 is brought back, there will not be a Cayde-7.
8. Who is voicing Cayde-6 in The Final Shape?
Nathan Fillion will return as the voice of Cayde-6 in The Final Shape.
9. Is Cayde coming back as a Guardian?
It appears Cayde-6 will be returning, though not as a Guardian, to help his former comrades-in-arms in this climactic battle.
10. Can Exos be revived?
Yes, Exos can be revived by their Ghosts, just like other Guardians. However, once a Ghost is destroyed, there is no resurrection unless the Ghost is somehow revived.
11. Is Cayde inside the Traveler?
It’s speculated that Ikora and Cayde are inside the Traveler, raising questions about their state of being and the nature of the afterlife in Destiny lore.
12. Was Cayde permanently dead?
According to the Forsaken storyline, Cayde-6 was permanently dead due to the destruction of his Ghost, Sundance. However, he is returning in The Final Shape but not as a resurrected Guardian.
13. What was Cayde’s Dare?
Cayde’s Dare was that if he was killed by another Hunter, that Hunter would take his riches and become the new Hunter Vanguard.
14. Who is Cayde’s daughter?
Ana Bray is Cayde’s daughter. This information was revealed later in the story of the Destiny lore.
15. Will The Final Shape be the end of Destiny 2?
No, Destiny 2 is not ending with The Final Shape. The game will continue to explore new stories and conflicts with other factions after The Final Shape.