Having played through the Mass Effect campaign more times than I care to admit, I'm surprised at just how few commentators on the saga have explored how Mass Effect's story mirrors the mythology shared by civilizations for thousands of years.
This epic space saga, crafted by BioWare, is more than just a tale of interstellar conflict; it's a rich tapestry interwoven with themes and icons that deeply resonate with various religious mythologies.
On the surface, Mass Effect is the story of humanity versus technology. The conflict between organics and synthetics is the primary mission of its protagonists, though how they approach the challenge is greatly influenced by the player’s choices. Those choices are often based in age-old philosophical quandaries that have fueled eons of human mythology and religious storytelling.
The protagonist, Commander Shepard, is a quintessential example of the messiah archetype. Like many religious figures, Shepard is seen as a savior, destined to deliver the galaxy from the clutches of the Reapers, a race of powerful machines intent on annihilating all advanced organic life.
This narrative mirrors the stories of figures like Jesus Christ, Prophet Muhammad, or Krishna, who are seen as saviors in their respective religions.
The Reapers, in their role as unstoppable forces of destruction, parallel the apocalyptic entities found in religious texts. In Christianity, there is the concept of Judgment Day, while in Hinduism, there's the notion of Kali Yuga, where the world is purged to make way for renewal. The Reapers' cyclical destruction of civilizations echoes these concepts of cyclical or final destruction and rebirth.
The Protheans, an ancient and extinct race in the Mass Effect universe, are akin to the concept of fallen angels or lost civilizations in religious lore.
They once guided the younger races, much like how angels are seen as messengers or guardians in various religions. Their downfall and subsequent mythic status resemble the stories of lost civilizations like Atlantis or the angels cast out of heaven in Christian theology.
The Citadel, a massive space station that serves as the political and economic hub of the galaxy, can be likened to the concept of celestial cities or realms in religious texts, such as the Christian Heaven, the Islamic Jannah, or the Hindu Svarga. It's a place of unity where different races converge, symbolizing a kind of utopian ideal.
The game’s morality system, where players make choices that align with either Paragon (virtuous) or Renegade (ruthless), reflects the dualistic nature of many religions. This system echoes the moral choices faced by individuals in religious contexts, where actions are often seen as good or evil, righteous or sinful.
Expanding Mass Effect's alignment with religious iconography are the characters and roles of Legion, Tali, and the Geth, and how they contribute to the game's rich tapestry of spiritual and mythological themes.
Legion, a unique Geth AI, and the Geth as a collective represent a fascinating parallel to the religious quest for a soul or consciousness. Legion’s very chosen name is a bit on-the-nose given the Geth’s initial introduction as a large mass of single-minded demonic synthetics.
In many religious traditions, the soul is the immortal essence of a being. The Geth's journey towards self-awareness and individuality mirrors humanity's spiritual quest for understanding its place in the universe and the nature of the soul. Legion's famous query, "Does this unit have a soul?" resonates deeply with religious and philosophical questions about what it means to be a sentient being with a soul.
Tali and her people, the Quarians, reflect the themes of exile and the search for a promised land, reminiscent of stories like the Jewish Diaspora or the Islamic Hijra.
The Quarians, forced to live in a nomadic fleet after being driven from their homeworld by the Geth, are on a perpetual pilgrimage. Their struggle and hope to reclaim their lost planet parallel the religious narratives where a displaced people yearn for a return to or discovery of a promised, sacred land.
Interestingly, the Geth also embody themes of religious unity and collective consciousness. In many spiritual traditions, there's a concept of a universal connection between all beings, like the Hindu Brahman or the Buddhist Sangha.
The Geth, operating as a collective consciousness, mirror this idea. Their unity is not just in actions but in thought and purpose, reflecting religious aspirations of communal harmony and understanding.
Legion's ultimate sacrifice for the Geth's autonomy and the betterment of his people aligns with the religious themes of redemption and resurrection. Similar to how figures in various religions sacrifice themselves for a greater cause or for the salvation of others, Legion's act can be seen as a form of digital martyrdom, echoing stories of selfless sacrifice found in many religious narratives.
The longstanding conflict between the Quarians and the Geth can be likened to the religious wars seen throughout history, driven by differences in belief and existence.
However, the potential for peace and reconciliation between these two races, especially through the actions of Tali and Legion, reflects the religious ideal of forgiveness and unity in the face of long-standing enmity.
In Mass Effect, characters like Legion, Tali, and the Geth, and their intertwined stories, add depth to the game's exploration of religious themes. They represent the varied aspects of spiritual and existential quests—be it the search for a soul, the longing for a homeland, or the pursuit of unity and understanding.
These narratives not only enrich the game's universe but also mirror our own world's religious and philosophical journeys, highlighting the universal quest for meaning, redemption, and connection in the vast cosmos of existence.
Mass Effect is more than just a space adventure; it's a modern myth that parallels many religious themes and iconographies. By exploring these parallels, we not only gain a deeper understanding of the game's narrative but also how ancient myths and religious symbols continue to influence and enrich modern storytelling.
This interplay between the old and the new, the mythic and the contemporary, makes Mass Effect a truly profound narrative experience.