A Paladin bathed in light
The Light (also known as the Eternal Light[1] or Zakara)[2] is a type of force that can be called upon by individuals aligned with it, most notably angels. It is the opposite of Darkness.
Lore[]
Akarat maintained that the Light is "a manifestation of the cosmic radiance that binds everything together - the foundation of existence itself made visible."[2]
Angels are said to be servants of the Light.[3]
Various mortals are capable of using the Light. Individuals associated with its usage include Paladins,[4] Crusaders,[5] and Templars.[6] Some individuals are born with a natural affinity towards the Light.[7] Usage of the Light grants mortals an array of abilities, including healing, resistance, and even share the Light's power with those around him/her via an aura.[8] The spirits of the Light are ever vigilant, and in times of great need, have been known to aid their loyal disciples in subtle ways.[9] Before using the powers of the Light however, a Paladin must submit to its glory.[10]
The Light rewards conviction, not dereliction.[11] It is said that to look into the eyes of one filled with Light is to see your own cowardice consumed in flame.[12]
Light is anathema to the undead.[9] According to Ellig Barrows, the Light is not a malignant force, but is vengeful against those who transgress against it.[13] The Light cannot be used to harm the innocent. This is used to test true followers of the Light,[14] or the innocence of an accused.[15]
The Light is used by humans in various phrases, such as "go with the Light,"[16] "thank the Light,"[17] etc. The Zakarum faith states that an ember of Light exists in every human heart.[18]
Light can be stored in physical objects.[19]
History[]
- The Chosen(src)
The Light as beheld by Akarat
The concept of the Light was introduced to Sanctuary through Akarat, though accounts differ as to the nature of this revelation. In many accounts, it is said that the Light was introduced to Akarat by the archangel Yaerius. The teachings the angel imparted stressed the necessity of resisting all things evil, and embracing, with total devotion, the Light. The angel appointed Akarat to be the prophet of these new teachings, and bade him take the word to the people of all lands.[20] A theory postulated by Deckard Cain diverged from this account however. He believed that Akarat had instead seen an echo of Uldyssian's sacrifice at the end of the Sin War, as there had been reports of mystics with similar experiences. Thus he theorized that while in meditation, Akarat had seen the same phenomenon and attributed it to a being named Yaerius, which meant "Son of Light" in his native language.[21] Notably, in a letter to his dedicants, Akarat made no mention of a "Yaerius," and described the phenomenon as cosmic radiance without any mention of an angel.[2]
Akarat's teachings of Zakara, or "inner light," eventually gave rise to the Zakarum faith.[21] Thus, worship of the Light became the dominant religion on Sanctuary, with few corners of the world untouched by its influence.[22] The most basic tenet of Zakarum states that the Light exists in all mortals.[7] Akarat believed (or claimed) that the Ancients embraced the Light wholeheartedly.[23] The "sign of the Light" can be made in the air by followers of the Zakarum faith.[24] Zakarum scripture states that an ember of Light exists in the heart of every human on Sanctuary, and only through faith and obedience can one's inner Light fight the darkness.[25] Murder is a betrayal of humanity's inner light. Imprisonment finds those who commit it, either within their souls or without.[26]
The Light is accepted by some, if not all Barbarians.[27]
A Crusader in prayer
Anajinn and her successors took a burden of seeking the Light, and believe that it can be found in anyone.[28]
The Light played a role in the faith of the Cathedral of Light in its Reign of Enmity incarnation. The Light was associated with Heaven, and upon Inarius's ascension, his followers would join him in the Light.[29]
In-game[]
Light-based abilities can be utilized in most Diablo games. The most closely related classes are the Paladin (found in Diablo II) and Crusader (found in Diablo Immortal and Diablo III).
Trivia[]
- The Light similarly exists in the Warcraft universe.
References[]
- ↑ The Tomb of Tal Rasha
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2024-09-26, Diablo Lore | Vessel of Hatred | Akarat's Letter to the Dedicants. YouTube, accessed on 2024-12-24
- ↑ The Veiled Prophet
- ↑ Paladin, The Arreat Summit. Accessed on 2014-02-17
- ↑ 2013-09-12, Deckard Cain was the last living Horadrim. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2013-09-17
- ↑ Templar Relics, Blizzard Entertainment. Accessed on 2013-09-25
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 2014-03-10, CRUSADER LORE AND HISTORY Q&A. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2014-06-30
- ↑ Defensive Auras, The Arreat Summit. Accessed on 2016-10-26
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Offesnvie Auras, The Arreat Summit. Accessed on 2016-10-26
- ↑ Combat Skills, The Arreat Summit. Accessed on 2016-10-26
- ↑ Diablo Immortal, Divine Provocation
- ↑ Diablo Immortal, Gaze of Wroth
- ↑ The Black Road
- ↑ The End of Her Journey
- ↑ Purity's Penance
- ↑ Diablo, Lachdanan
- ↑ Diablo, Ogden's Sign
- ↑ Diablo Immortal, Zakarum Scripture
- ↑ Diablo III, Finery
- ↑ Zakarum Zealot, The Arreat Summit. Accessed on 2013-09-27
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Book of Cain
- ↑ Book of Tyrael
- ↑ Diablo III, Fanaticism
- ↑ The Black Road
- ↑ Diablo Immortal, Zakarum Scripture
- ↑ Diablo Immortal, The Recreant
- ↑ Diablo II, Lord of Destruction
- ↑ Diablo III, Seeker of the Light Set flavor texts
- ↑ Diablo IV, Redemption