Are we evil in Shadow of the Colossus?

Are We Evil in Shadow of the Colossus?

In the critically acclaimed game Shadow of the Colossus, players take on the role of Wander, a young man on a quest to revive his beloved Mono through the ritualistic sacrifice of 16 majestic creatures. But are we, the players, truly evil in our actions, or are we merely misguided in our pursuit of love and longing?

Not Exactly

While we do slaughter a significant number of creatures to achieve our goal, it’s not exactly justifiable to label us evil. The Colossi are not innocent in the sense that they have been holding back the corrupting influence of Dormin, a mysterious entity. By killing them, Wander is effectively freeing the world from their grasp. Dormin, as the true villain, is responsible for manipulating the Colossi into their destructive cycle.

Wander’s Motivation

Wander’s motivations for his quest are rooted in his unconditional love for Mono, whose life hangs in the balance. He is a complex character with a unique moral compass. Wander’s actions, though sometimes brutal, stem from his genuine desire to bring Mono back to life. His compassion and sense of responsibility serve as guiding principles throughout the game.

The Duality of Good and Evil

The concept of morality is multifaceted and context-dependent. In a world where Dormin’s dark influence distorts the natural order, Wander’s actions can be seen as a necessary response to an evil force that threatens to destroy the balance. His actions are driven by love and devotion, not a desire to cause harm for its own sake.

The Futility of Good vs. Evil Dichotomy

Reductive binary categorizations such as "good" or "evil" often ignore the gray areas and context that govern human behavior. The complexity of motivations and the morally ambiguous environment in which we operate cannot be captured by simplistic good vs. evil dichotomies. This nuance is particularly well-represented in Wander’s story, where moral ambiguity reigns supreme.

In Defense of Our Actions

To further emphasize the context in which we act, let’s consider a few key points:

• Wander’s motivation is pure: His intent is not to cause destruction or chaos but to resurrect Mono and save her.
• The Colossi are not innocent bystanders: They are artificially created beings tied to the corrupting influence of Dormin, which has brought about suffering to the land.
• Dormin is the true cause of suffering: The Dark Spirit manipulates the world, driving the Colossi to destroy and control. Our actions aimed at disrupting Dormin’s influence serve to restore balance.

Conclusion

In the game Shadow of the Colossus, we as players are engaged in a narrative that delves deep into the moral complexities of our actions. Our characters are caught in a web of existential dilemmas, forced to confront the gray areas and moral ambiguities that are inherent to the human experience. Rather than simplistically labelling ourselves as "good" or "evil", we should strive to comprehend the nuanced context in which we operate. True understanding requires embracing the multitudes and acknowledging the darkness that can lurk alongside our good intentions.