| “ | Have you ever wondered, Death, why you are untouched while those around you wither and rot in the grip of Corruption? Could it be that you are already blackened by the sin of betrayal? How can you defeat that which seethes in your own heart? You cannot stop me, without forever damning your soul! — Absalom to Death at the Well of Souls |
” |
Absalom, later known as the Avatar of Chaos, was the former leader of the now-late Nephilim and the first of their kind in existence. After his defeat at the hands of Death, Absalom became the source of all Corruption across the realms and is revealed to be the main antagonist and final boss of Darksiders II.
Biography
Origin
Absalom was the first of the Nephilim, crafted from the mingled dust of Angel and Demon by Lilith herself. All subsequent generations of Nephilim were based on his template. He became the leader of his kind and lead them on a crusade across many worlds, annihilating them entirely. As their leader, he was presumably involved in the creation of the Grand Abominations.
When Mankind was given the prize of Eden, Absalom led his armies against Heaven and Hell in an attempt to take it for themselves as the Nephilim had never had a realm of their own. For this crime, the Charred Council condemned the Nephilim to destruction. The Nephilim that would become the The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse revolted against the rest of their kind and joined the Charred Council, who gave them unimaginable power and charged them with the
Death slaying Absalom, before Absalom became Corruption.
e destruction of their kin.
When the Horsemen rode, Absalom faced Death in single combat and fell at the hands of his brother despite his efforts. Feeling guilty for what he had done, Death clasped Absalom's hand, only for the First Nephilim to be dragged into darkness, becoming the Corruption.
Darksiders II
| “ | If we had taken Eden, none of this would have happened. Yet you rode against us -- slaughtered our flesh, then bound our souls in your amulet! — Absalom reminds Death of his betrayal |
” |
Absalom as the Avatar of Chaos.
Death first encountered Absalom after the purification of the Guardian in the Forge Lands when he approached the Tree of Life. Enveloped by a gooey-black mass, Death was dragged into a shadowy space seething with Corruption, a dark figure towering over him. The figure taunted Death, and asked what he sought. When the Horseman replied with "The return of mankind," the figure taunted Death further, claiming that humanity couldn't survive the resurrection and did not deserve it. The Horseman explained that he was doing it to save War from the wrath of the Charred Council, only to have the figure question him about the Nephilim, asking why Death would spare one but not the rest. Death claimed that they were a threat to the Balance, only to have the figure angrily retort, claiming that none of this would have happened if the Nephilim had taken Eden, angry that Death rode against them and slew them all, entrapping their souls in his amulet. The Horseman questioned the identity of the figure, who said he already knew, being once his brother; Death realized he was Absalom, but the figure said that he had forsaken that name and was now only Corruption, claiming that he soon would be all. As Corruption, Absalom blamed Death for his creation and claimed nothing would escape his grasp.
Absalom slain by Death.
For the rest of his journey to restore humanity, Death encountered Absalom indirectly through the faceless Corruption. Only at the end of his journey did Death encounter Absalom in his true corrupted form. Absalom held sway over the Well of Souls and was the only thing standing between Death and his goal. They engaged in a brutal conflict, with Death the victor, just as he had done before eon's ago. The defeated Absalom asked Death to take his hand once more as his brother. Death paused for a moment's notice, but ultimately ignored Absalom's plea and ripped his scythe from Absalom, killing him once and for all and ending the threat of Corruption.
Personality
Before his fall to Corruption, Absalom cared deeply for his fellow Nephilim. He was consumed by the desire to conquer a realm for them as they lacked one of their own, even if it meant destroying the race that already dwelt on a world. He didn't care for the Balance, believing that "might is right". Because of this, the future Four Horsemen turned against him. After his transformation into Corruption, he forsook his original name, desiring to destroy everything in his path and achieve vengeance for his defeat at Death's hands.
Despite being the Champion of Corruption, he states he isn't its source, but that Death is for his betrayal and slaughter of his kin, the Nephilim. His hatred for the Balance intensified after his transformation, seeking to consume everything and replace it with Corruption.
Powers/Abilities
As the first Nephilim and the leader of his people on their devastatingly destructive crusade, Absalom was extremely powerful. He was known for wielding the axe Absolution in battle to devastating effect. After Absalom became Corruption, his abilities grew tremendously.
- Corruption Manipulation: Absalom is able to use his new powers to corrupt realms such as the Forge Lands and Lostlight and corrupt powerful beings, such as the Archon Lucien. He can even use it in combat.
- Corruption Infusion: After Absalom's corruption, his axe was infused with corruption as well, when he swings his axe he generates a bit of corruption in a certain area.
- Tentacles: As Corruption, Absalom possesses several tentacles that are formed from Corruption and are strong enough to stop the swing of Death's Scythes. They can even carry heavy objects such as his axe for long distance attacks.
- Corruption Land Mines: When Absalom smashes his axe to the ground, he produces land mines that target Death.
- Corruption Bindings: Absalom strikes the ground and generate Corruption that when surfaces, binds Death, allowing Absalom to get close to attack him.
- Enhanced Strength: Absalom possesses immense strength, especially in his deformed left arm, with which he can deliver crushing blows.
- Enhanced Durability: Absalom is able to withstand incredible punishment and continue fighting despite grave injury. He still charged Death even after losing an arm and being stabbed after Death threw his scythe.
Trivia
- He is voiced by Simon Templeman, the same voice actor as Kain from Legacy of Kain and Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir from Dragon Age: Origins, both major characters in their respective games.
- If the player chooses to do New Game+ after killing Absalom, the player will be given his axe as a gift from Vulgrim.
- In the Bible, Absalom was the third son of King David, who rebelled against his father and usurped his throne. He was eventually slain in the battle of Ephraim woods, while fleeing after his army was routed. Despite his rebellion and usurpation, King David deeply mourned his death.
- He is similar to Darth Vader in that both were confronted by relatives of theirs (Absalom by Death, his brother, and Darth Vader by Luke Skywalker, his son), and when reminded of their former identities (Darth Vader being Anakin Skywalker and Corruption being Absalom), they stated that they had forsaken those names for titles.
Gallery
