Mars Returns to Destiny 2
Did Savathun steal the Light?
Tuesday the 30th of December marked the anniversary of Bungie. Inc, and what a journey! So many things have happened in the years gone to this very moment. If you are a recent fan of Destiny, then I’m sure you will join me in wishing a Happy Anniversary to Bungie. I wish them nothing but complete and total success as they continue to tell stories of love, family, and light.
But of course! Welcome back, Guardians. Many of you have questions and ideas, and all are valid in deciphering the special reveal trailer released by Bungie during The Game Awards 2021. If you haven’t seen the trailer, yet then I will leave it below for you to check out! If you have, then feel free to keep on reading.
It was a heavy toll for Destiny fans when the Darkness took our beloved planets in the Sol System. Mercury, Io, Titan, and Mars have been on the minds of all players as the tapestry of the seasonal story unfolds. But the answer to these riddles had been hidden in plain sight, which no one knew.
During Season of The Chosen there had been a report of Hive warships gathering around the Mars anomaly. In the armament lore entry titled Peacebond, Lord Saladin an Iron Lord was summoned to Empress Caiatl’s ship. To keep things brief, Valus Or’ohk (a cabal commander) shared intel with Lord Saladin on some unusual activity. He states; “We are tracking the movements of Hive ships in the vicinity of the Mars anomaly.”
But why is this a big deal? The reason is twofold. When the Darkness “took” Mars, it was believed that the planet along with others were no longer accessible. But if this is the case, then why are Hive ships in the vicinity of it. It would suggest that the Hive knows something we do not.
Truth is a funny thing. Does it live in the world? Or in the mind? Is it constant? Or can it be bent? Who decides what is true? In this universe of light at dark. There is no greater power. — Savathun, The Witch Queen
I believe this quote here provides us with some clues as to how Mars is still accessible. Let me break it down for you.
1. Truth is a funny thing. Does it live in the world?
This opening statement is interesting, why? Because we know that ultimately Savathun is a liar, but she also likes riddles. I believe she is asking if the “truths” we have been presented are honest. Why would say such a thing? In most cases, villains go to great lengths to tell us what they have created, figured out, or claimed great power or untold riches they should not have access to. My belief is that Savathun is throwing her finding in our face because she has the upper hand.
2. Or in the mind? Is it constant?
What if some aspect of the Darkness taking planets is a lie. We as Guardians have always believed it was impossible to push beyond the anomalies surrounding Mars or…the veil. This being the case, it suggests that the planets we thought to be lost are actually in a far better state than we anticipated.
3. Or can it be bent?
Sometimes in life, we are told half-truths in order to protect the ones we love or what’s most important. So Savathun is setting a trap! That the truth or rules can be bent. To sharply curve or have an angle. In other words, “did they really say you couldn’t”? It is all pre-planned.
4. Who decides what is true in this universe of light and dark?
A deliberate attempt to undermine the authority and bait you, me, all Guardians, into doing the impossible when Savathun has been playing her cards since before we knew it.
The Mars Cradle — Points of Interest
During the Witch Queen trailer, some notable locations were breathed to life. The Mars Cradle is one such place. What is it? I am glad you asked.
According to Destiny lore, the Cradle is located in the Meridian Bay in the North. This is where the Traveler first made contact in order to terraform the planet and to bear life, as the nature of the sky is to bring life.
Canonically, this place holds great significance to Guardians, as there is only one other location where the Traveler did something similar. Echo Mesa, Io, as in this location you can also find a cradle which became an integral point for the Black Fleet to stalk our planets in Season of Arrivals.
Terraforming Mars
Imbuing planets with energy has been a concept as old as…well, the oldest sci-fi film that ever talked about a planet being improved compositionally on a planet-wide scale. It is the stuff of wild imaginations and dreams, but in Destiny anything is possible.
In this new teaser, we see various shots of lush vegetation. In particular, we are shown a fireteam of three guardians surveying an open area. Is it being transformed, or even revealed, to show the true state of Mars where life may actually exist?
The importance of life on Mars continuing actually gives us hope for the eventual return of the remaining three planets on Destiny and potentially the return of Asher Muir and Commander Sloane who may have just been surviving this entire time.
Connecting The Dots
You may be wondering how we didn’t realize this? There is one more lore entry I have to share with you called Imperial Needle. This recount comes from a new light (Guardian) who found herself stuck on Mars after the collapse.
Though there is no evident location revealed within this piece, it does paint a very vivid picture of what is happening on the surface of the planet. Though many parts of Mars are overridden with these Darkness zones, it appears that some locations offer solace in the madness of the red planet.
My hope is that when The Witch Queen releases, many important questions in the Destiny story will be rewarded with an answer.
That being the case, Savathun cannot win, and ultimately the Light will prevail. So on February 22nd, The Witch Queen campaign launches for PC, Xbox, PS4, and PS5. The campaign is open-world with weapon upgrades, new locations, new gear, and missions.
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For now, that’s all I’ve got! Remember that no matter what you are facing in life, you can do all things. Stay safe and God Speed!👋🏾
