Dragon Age Inquisition: Corypheus Dark Past

Corypheus, the central antagonist in Dragon Age: Inquisition, is a character with a dark and tumultuous past that reveals much about his motives and the challenges the Inquisition faces. His history is intertwined with ancient secrets, forgotten magic, and a dangerous ambition to reshape the world. Understanding Corypheus’s backstory is key to grasping his motivations and how his actions affect the world of Thedas. From his origins as a Tevinter Magister to his rise as a terrifying figure bent on rewriting the very fabric of reality, Corypheus’s past is as complex as it is tragic. In this blog, we’ll dive into his dark past and how it shaped the formidable foe that players encounter in Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Corypheus’s Origins in Tevinter

Corypheus was once a powerful Tevinter Magister, a part of the ruling class in the ancient and oppressive empire. Tevinter Magisters are known for their mastery of magic and their often immoral dealings with dark forces, and Corypheus was no different. He sought to transcend mortality, believing that the world’s true power lay in the ancient rituals of the old gods and their connection to the Fade. His obsession with unlocking these secrets led him to forsake any sense of morality, as he believed only in the pursuit of ultimate power. As a result, his journey began with arrogance and a thirst for control over the very essence of existence.

The Dark Ritual and the Betrayal

Corypheus’s desire for ultimate power led him to perform a forbidden ritual to gain godlike abilities. This ritual, which involved the sacrifice of his comrades, backfired, resulting in his banishment from the world of the living. He was trapped in the Void, a twisted and nightmarish part of the Fade, where he spent centuries plotting his return. His comrades betrayed him during the ritual, sealing him away in the process. It was this betrayal that fueled his hatred toward both Tevinter and those who dared stand in his way.

The Return of Corypheus

After being trapped for over a millennium, Corypheus was eventually freed and set his sights on conquering the world. His return marked the beginning of his quest to reshape Thedas, not only as a ruler but as a god-like being who could control both the mortal world and the Fade. His first steps in his resurrection were calculated and strategic, targeting areas with deep connections to the ancient magics he so desperately sought. His ultimate goal was to break the Veil, the barrier between the physical world and the Fade, allowing him to manipulate both realms. This ambition made him an increasingly dangerous foe to the Inquisition and the people of Thedas.

The Elven Connection

A significant aspect of Corypheus’s dark past involves his interactions with the ancient Elven civilization. The elves were once a powerful race that ruled Thedas but fell due to their own hubris and dealings with the gods. Corypheus, in his quest for power, sought to tap into the ancient magic of the elves. He believed that by harnessing their lost knowledge, he could gain access to immense magical abilities. His obsession with this ancient magic led him to target the elven ruins and artifacts scattered across Thedas, which he saw as the key to his ascension.

Corypheus and the Old Gods

Corypheus’s understanding of the Old Gods is central to his identity and his plans for world domination. He believed that by resurrecting and controlling these gods, he could become the most powerful being in existence. The Old Gods, who were originally part of the Tevinter pantheon, are a significant part of Corypheus’s ambitions, as he seeks to claim their power for himself. His twisted view of these gods is reflective of his overall approach to magic and power—one rooted in manipulation and control. His desire to be the ruler of both the physical world and the Fade is driven by this belief that the Old Gods hold the key to eternal power.

Corypheus’s War Against the Inquisition

When Corypheus first learns of the Inquisition’s rise, he views it as a threat to his plans. His desire for dominance leads him to initiate a war against the Inquisition, hoping to eliminate any opposition to his goals. His army, composed of darkspawn and corrupted forces, is a reflection of his power and determination to conquer Thedas. This war is not just about physical combat; it is about control over the very nature of reality itself. Corypheus’s forces are relentless, and his mastery of magic makes him a formidable adversary for the Inquisitor.

The Darkspawn Connection

Corypheus’s involvement with the Darkspawn is another chilling aspect of his past. The Darkspawn, a race of corrupted beings originally created by the Blight, have long been a symbol of chaos and destruction. Corypheus, however, does not see them as monsters but rather as a means to an end. He uses the Darkspawn as part of his strategy to overwhelm Thedas and weaken the Inquisition. His ability to control these creatures speaks to his mastery over corruption and his willingness to sacrifice entire civilizations to achieve his goals.

Corypheus’s Personality and Motives

Corypheus’s personality is shaped by centuries of imprisonment and a deep-seated belief in his own superiority. He is arrogant, manipulative, and unyielding in his pursuit of power. His lack of empathy is evident in his interactions with others, particularly when he uses them as pawns in his schemes. His overwhelming sense of entitlement drives him to view anyone who opposes him as expendable. Despite his dark past, Corypheus sees himself as a hero—one who is destined to remake the world according to his vision.

The Veil and His Ultimate Goal

Corypheus’s ultimate goal is to destroy the Veil that separates the physical world from the Fade. He believes that breaking the Veil will allow him to reshape reality, becoming a true god and master of both realms. This desire is not only about control but also about transcendence, as Corypheus views the Veil as a barrier that keeps him from achieving true power. If successful, his plan would fundamentally alter the fabric of Thedas, allowing him to rule over everything. His obsession with this goal makes him a particularly dangerous figure in the fight against the Inquisition.

The Legacy of Corypheus

While Corypheus’s plans were ultimately thwarted by the Inquisition, his dark past and ambition left a lasting impact on Thedas. His actions throughout the game caused significant damage, from the spread of corruption to the destabilization of political and magical systems. Though he was defeated, the scars of his influence remain in Thedas, especially in the aftermath of the war. The lingering effects of his actions will continue to shape the world in the future, whether through his corrupted followers or the destabilized regions he left behind. Corypheus’s legacy is one of power, destruction, and a reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Key Moments in Corypheus’s Dark Past

1. His rise as a Tevinter Magister and thirst for ultimate power.
2. The forbidden ritual that led to his banishment.
3. His return from the Void and plan to reshape Thedas.
4. His obsession with elven magic and ancient ruins.
5. The resurrection of the Old Gods and their manipulation.
6. His war against the Inquisition and relentless attacks.
7. His ultimate goal of breaking the Veil and controlling both realms.

How Corypheus Affected the Inquisition and Thedas

1. Created a war that destabilized Orlais and other regions.
2. Led to the creation of corrupted darkspawn armies.
3. Plunged Thedas into a new age of fear and instability.
4. Exposed the weaknesses of the Tevinter Imperium.
5. Deepened the Inquisition’s role in protecting Thedas.
6. Introduced a new era of magical and political upheaval.
7. Forced the Inquisition to question the nature of power and leadership.

Pro Tip: Always consider the deeper motives of antagonists like Corypheus, as their backstories often reveal larger themes about the game’s world and the choices you make as the player.

“In the end, it is not the gods who determine fate, but those who dare to change the world.”

Corypheus’s dark past is a driving force behind his ambitions in Dragon Age: Inquisition, and understanding his story is key to understanding the game’s broader narrative. His manipulations and complex relationships with power provide valuable insights into the dangerous nature of unchecked ambition. If you found this exploration of Corypheus’s backstory insightful, be sure to share it with fellow Dragon Age enthusiasts. Bookmark this page for a deeper understanding of the game’s lore and the impact of its characters. Let the story of Corypheus remind you of the powerful forces that shape the world of Thedas.