Why Did Nasus Seal Renekton? A Brother’s Sacrifice and a Dark Betrayal
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The question of why Nasus sealed Renekton is central to understanding one of the most tragic relationships in the lore of Runeterra. The answer, however, is not a simple act of betrayal but a complex tapestry woven with brotherly love, desperate sacrifice, and insidious manipulation. Nasus, a figure of wisdom and scholarly pursuit, did not seal his brother, Renekton, out of malice. Instead, he did so reluctantly, as a final act of obedience to Renekton’s own desperate plea.
Renekton, consumed by a rage he could barely contain, had wrestled the malevolent sorcerer Xerath into the Tomb of the Emperors. Knowing that neither he nor Xerath could be destroyed in that moment, Renekton instructed Nasus to seal them both inside. It was a choice born of desperation, a last stand to protect the world from the immense power of Xerath and his potential for utter chaos. Nasus, understanding the dire circumstances, and with a heart heavy with grief, followed his brother’s command and entombed them both within the ancient structure. This act was not a betrayal, but a forced commitment to prevent further catastrophe.
The crux of the tragedy lies in how Xerath used the millennia spent imprisoned alongside Renekton to twist the warrior’s mind. The sorcerer fed Renekton a steady diet of lies and poisonous whispers, convincing him that Nasus had seized the opportunity to get rid of his brother and enjoy immortality alone. This carefully cultivated paranoia and delusion became the driving force behind Renekton’s eventual emergence and the deep hatred he now harbors for Nasus.
The Brothers’ Pre-Cataclysm Relationship
Early Life and Divergent Paths
Before the tragic sealing, Nasus and Renekton, both inspired by Egyptian deities — Anubis and Sobek, respectively — shared a bond forged by brotherhood, although their personalities differed starkly. Nasus was drawn to scholarship and the pursuit of knowledge, eventually becoming a member of the prestigious Collegium of the Sun. In stark contrast, Renekton was a fierce warrior, prone to street fights and valuing strength above all else. While Nasus disapproved of his brother’s brawls, Renekton reveled in them. These differing values created friction between the brothers, but did not erode their core affection for one another.
Renekton’s Escalating Conflict
As time passed and Nasus departed to pursue his scholarly pursuits, Renekton’s skirmishes grew more dangerous and his anger more volatile. This escalating rage was a precursor to his eventual downfall, making him more susceptible to the manipulation that followed his imprisonment. However, prior to their sealing in the tomb, Nasus and Renekton, despite their differences, still acted as brothers, with Renekton often deferring to Nasus.
The Sealing and its Aftermath
The Tomb of the Emperors: A Desperate Solution
The sealing of the tomb was a direct consequence of Xerath’s treachery and the destructive power he wielded. Renekton, realizing that a direct conflict with Xerath would lead to untold devastation, took it upon himself to restrain the sorcerer. He sacrificed his own freedom, and arguably his sanity, to imprison Xerath, knowing that a more secure containment was needed.
Xerath’s Manipulation and Renekton’s Descent into Madness
The true tragedy unfolded during their long imprisonment. Xerath, with his malevolent intelligence, poisoned Renekton’s mind, using the time to plant seeds of doubt and paranoia. He convinced Renekton that Nasus was envious of his strength and had willingly left him to rot within the tomb. This psychological warfare transformed Renekton from a proud warrior into a vengeful monster, his perception of reality warped by Xerath’s vile lies.
Emergence and the Renewed Conflict
When Renekton finally emerged from the tomb – aided indirectly by Sivir who unknowingly broke its seals – he was no longer the brother Nasus knew. His mind was a fractured landscape of fabricated memories and simmering rage, driven by a desire for revenge against the brother he now believed had betrayed him. The manipulation from Xerath and the influence of Xolaani further fueled his warped conviction, leaving him an aggressive force of destruction.
The Tragic Outcome
The sealing of the tomb, and the subsequent events, transformed two loving brothers into bitter enemies. This act, born from a moment of ultimate sacrifice, became the catalyst for a devastating conflict that continues to this day. Nasus, burdened by the weight of his brother’s hatred and the knowledge of his suffering, must face a warped reflection of the bond they once shared.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Renekton want to be sealed?
Yes, Renekton actively made the choice to be sealed inside the Tomb of the Emperors with Xerath. He realized that containing Xerath was crucial, and he willingly sacrificed his own freedom to ensure it.
2. Why did Xerath want Renekton to hate Nasus?
Xerath wanted Renekton to hate Nasus to further weaken him and break his spirit. By sowing discord between the brothers, Xerath achieved two things: he further corrupted Renekton, and ensured that when the opportunity came to break free he would have a powerful ally, albeit an unstable one, against anyone who might oppose him.
3. Was Nasus also corrupted?
No, Nasus was never corrupted like his brother. Despite the pain of sealing his brother and knowing Renekton now sees him as an enemy, Nasus retains his wisdom and his desire to protect the world.
4. Why didn’t Renekton become a Darkin?
Renekton, alongside Nasus, were sealed away and in exile, meaning they did not participate in the Darkin war. This also meant that Xolaani could not perform blood magic on them. Therefore, Renekton was never turned into a Darkin.
5. Who was Xolaani and what was her role?
Xolaani was a powerful Darkin who further cemented Renekton’s twisted views upon his escape from the tomb. Her influence added to the existing hatred Xerath had cultivated.
6. Is Renekton really a crocodile?
In the lore, Renekton clarifies that he is indeed a crocodile, not an alligator. This is highlighted by the fact he has a visible lower jaw and by his aggressive nature.
7. What gods are Nasus and Renekton based on?
Nasus is based on the Egyptian god Anubis, with his jackal-like head, while Renekton is based on Sobek, the crocodile-headed god.
8. Is Renekton a villain?
Yes, in the context of the game, Renekton is portrayed as a villain. His actions, fueled by his manipulated memories and rage, cause destruction and suffering.
9. Is Nasus a good guy?
Yes, despite the difficult decisions he has to make, Nasus is presented as a hero. He acts out of a desire to protect Runeterra, even when it means facing his own brother.
10. Who is stronger, Nasus or Renekton?
In their current state, Renekton is presented as more aggressive and physically stronger in the early phases of the game, but Nasus becomes a late-game powerhouse. In their lore, it’s implied they are both immensely powerful, with their strengths lying in different areas.
11. Who was Varus, and what happened to him?
Varus was an ancient Darkin warrior who loved to torment his foes. In the real world, Roman general Varus was betrayed and killed himself, mirroring some elements in the lore.
12. Who freed Renekton?
Sivir inadvertently freed Renekton. She did not intend to, but her actions during a tomb raiding incident broke the seals that had kept him imprisoned.
13. Who betrayed Azir?
Xerath betrayed Azir when Azir attempted to ascend. This treachery was the catalyst for the destruction of Shurima.
14. How did Azir come back to life?
Azir was revived thousands of years after Shurima’s destruction by the blood of his last descendant being spilled on his ruined temple.
15. Is Renekton weak late game?
Yes, Renekton’s power typically wanes in the late game. He thrives in the early stages of the game as a lane bully, but struggles when matches go on longer.
This article seeks to clarify the events surrounding the complex relationship between Nasus and Renekton. It reveals that the sealing was not an act of malice but a last resort to protect the world, and that Renekton’s hatred is a result of a carefully orchestrated psychological manipulation by Xerath.