Why Was the Doom Slayer Sealed Away? Unraveling the Mysteries of the Sarcophagus
The Doom Slayer, a figure of unrelenting rage and demonic annihilation, is often portrayed as an unstoppable force. Yet, throughout the Doom franchise, he has been sealed away on multiple occasions. The core reason for these sealings boils down to a complex interplay of factors: containment of an immense threat after a specific purpose was fulfilled, the wielding of immense power that was potentially destabilizing, and strategic preservation for future conflicts. Ultimately, sealing the Doom Slayer was a calculated risk, a necessary measure to maintain a fragile balance in the cosmos.
The Doom Slayer’s Various Entombments: A Chronological Look
The Doom Slayer’s history is replete with periods of activity followed by enforced slumber. Each sealing carries its own distinct circumstances and justifications.
The First Sealing: The Priests and the Cursed Sarcophagus
This first sealing, as detailed in Doom (2016) and Doom Eternal, occurred after the Doom Slayer’s rampage through Hell following the death of his pet rabbit, Daisy. Fueled by unbridled rage, he decimated legions of demons, becoming a near-unstoppable force of nature. The priests of Argent D’Nur, witnessing his power and the sheer carnage he unleashed, realized that his rage, while effective against Hell, was uncontrollable. They brought down a temple upon him, entombing him in a cursed sarcophagus marked with runes designed to contain his power. This wasn’t necessarily a defeat; it was a strategic containment. He was too dangerous to be left unchecked, even to the Argenta themselves.
The Sealing After Doom Eternal: A Purpose Fulfilled
The events following Doom Eternal present a different scenario. After defeating the Dark Lord Davoth, the source of Hell’s power and essentially its “god,” the Doom Slayer had effectively severed the link between Hell and the mortal realm. He had achieved his immediate goal: to protect humanity and restore balance. However, the Slayer possessed a portion of Davoth’s power, granted to him through the Divinity Machine. Losing this power caused him to faint. The Seraphs, recognizing that his rage was still a volatile force, and his purpose momentarily achieved, sealed him away once more, this time in a chamber remarkably similar to the one where he was found at the beginning of Doom (2016). This sealing wasn’t about stopping a threat; it was about preserving a weapon until it was needed again.
Common Threads: Power, Purpose, and Preservation
Across both sealings, certain themes emerge. Firstly, the immense power of the Doom Slayer is a constant factor. He is not merely a skilled warrior; he is a force of nature, capable of decimating entire armies of demons. This power, while effective against Hell, presents a risk if left unchecked.
Secondly, purpose plays a crucial role. In the first sealing, his purpose was warped by rage. In the second, his immediate purpose was fulfilled. Without a clear objective, the Doom Slayer becomes a loose cannon, a potential threat to all.
Finally, both sealings represent an act of strategic preservation. The Doom Slayer is not killed; he is contained. This suggests a recognition that his power will be needed again in the future. He is a weapon to be deployed only when the situation demands it.
The Broader Implications of Sealing the Doom Slayer
The decision to seal away the Doom Slayer is not taken lightly. It represents a significant gamble, acknowledging the immense threat posed by Hell while simultaneously recognizing the risks associated with unleashing such power. The act of sealing him reveals the complex moral and strategic considerations that underpin the Doom universe, demonstrating that even the most righteous warriors must sometimes be contained for the greater good. Learn more about gaming and its implications at the Games Learning Society, located at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Doom Slayer’s Sealing
1. Who sealed Doomguy initially?
The priests of Argent D’Nur were responsible for the initial sealing of the Doom Slayer. They feared his rage and the uncontrolled power he wielded after his rampage through Hell.
2. How was Doom Slayer entombed the first time?
The priests brought down a temple upon him, entombing him within a cursed sarcophagus. This sarcophagus was inscribed with runes designed to contain his immense power.
3. Why did the Seraphs seal Doom Slayer at the end of Eternal?
The Seraphs sealed him away because his immediate purpose – defeating the Dark Lord and severing Hell’s connection to other realms – was fulfilled. They also needed to contain the power he absorbed through the divinity machine. He fainted from losing the power that Davoth had granted to him via the Divinity Machine.
4. Is Doomguy immortal?
The Doom Slayer is considered canonically immortal. He is not invincible, as he can be hurt and even temporarily incapacitated. However, he always returns, often stronger than before. He is resistant to reality warping.
5. Does Doom Slayer remember being sealed?
While not explicitly stated, it is implied that the Doom Slayer retains some level of awareness during his periods of slumber. The anger and frustration he displays upon awakening suggest a lingering memory of his confinement.
6. Can the Doom Slayer be killed permanently?
While the Doom Slayer can be defeated and contained, he cannot be permanently killed. His immortality ensures his eventual return.
7. What are the runes on the sarcophagus for?
The runes on the sarcophagus are designed to contain and suppress the Doom Slayer’s power. They act as a magical barrier, preventing him from escaping his imprisonment.
8. How long was Doomguy sealed away the first time?
The exact duration of his first sealing is not explicitly stated but it was implied to be many eons. It was long enough for the sarcophagus to become a legend and for the UAC to discover it on Mars.
9. Does Doom Slayer age while sealed?
It is likely that the Doom Slayer’s aging is either slowed or completely stopped while he is sealed. He emerges from his entombments with the same physical appearance and capabilities.
10. Is there a way to break the seal on Doom Slayer’s sarcophagus?
While the exact method is never fully explained, it’s clear that the seals can be broken or weakened. The UAC’s activities on Mars in Doom (2016), inadvertently awakened the Doom Slayer from his slumber.
11. Was Doom Slayer a willing participant in his sealings?
No. The Doom Slayer was never a willing participant in his sealings. He was either overpowered or his purpose was subverted, leading to his forced entombment.
12. What would happen if Doom Slayer woke up without demons to fight?
If the Doom Slayer woke up without demons to fight, he would likely seek out new threats or find a new purpose. His inherent nature is to combat evil, so he would be driven to find a worthy cause.
13. Is the sealing of Doom Slayer a recurring event in the Doom universe?
Yes, the sealing of the Doom Slayer is a recurring event, reflecting the cyclical nature of the conflict between Heaven, Hell, and Humanity.
14. Does Doomguy have any weaknesses?
While incredibly powerful, the Doom Slayer is not without weaknesses. His uncontrolled rage can sometimes cloud his judgment. He can also be overwhelmed by sheer numbers or by enemies that exploit his vulnerabilities. Also, his reliance on his armor could be exploited.
15. How does the Divinity Machine affect the Doom Slayer’s sealings?
The Divinity Machine enhanced Doom Slayer and his already present powers from Argent D’Nur. When sealed after Doom Eternal, the power Davoth gave him left the Doom Slayer making him temporarily comatose.