In the haunting and mysterious world of Shadow of the Colossus, one name echoes across the Forbidden Lands more than any other: Dormin. As the central force behind the story’s driving narrative, Dormin is both feared and revered, a being of shadow and power, shrouded in myth. The game’s protagonist, Wander, seeks Dormin in a desperate attempt to bring a girl named Mono back to life. But this pact between mortal and entity is not without its price. Understanding Dormin’s role is essential to fully grasping the game’s story, symbolism, and the emotional weight that defines the journey through Shadow of the Colossus.
Who Is Dormin?
The Enigmatic Voice in the Temple
Dormin is introduced early in the game as a disembodied voice that communicates with Wander from within the Shrine of Worship. The voice is both male and female, deep and echoing, suggesting Dormin is more than a single entity it is a composite being. Dormin’s tone is calm, cryptic, and ancient, reflecting a god-like presence that contrasts with the silent and desolate world around it.
The Nature of Dormin
Throughout the game, Dormin is referred to as a forbidden or sealed being. Ancient legends speak of Dormin’s power to bring the dead back to life, which is what compels Wander to seek it out. The key to Dormin’s return lies in the destruction of the sixteen colossi scattered across the Forbidden Lands. Each one holds a fragment of Dormin’s soul, which was split and imprisoned to prevent the being from regaining its full form.
Dormin’s Role in the Story
The Bargain with Wander
When Wander presents Mono’s body at the altar in the Shrine of Worship, Dormin agrees to help but with a warning. The power to revive the dead is forbidden, and the cost may be high. Still, Wander accepts, and thus begins the hunt for the colossi. Each time one is defeated, a black tendril pierces Wander, marking another step toward Dormin’s resurrection and his own transformation.
A Presence That Grows
As the colossi fall one by one, Dormin’s presence grows stronger. After each battle, Dormin speaks again, and Wander’s appearance slowly begins to change. His skin pales, his hair darkens, and his body becomes corrupted by shadow. These changes reflect Dormin’s reawakening within him. By the end of the sixteenth battle, Dormin has fully returned inhabiting Wander’s body and appearing as a towering black creature composed of shadow and wrath.
Symbolism Behind Dormin
Life and Death
Dormin represents the blurred line between life and death. Wander’s mission to defy death is noble in intent but dark in consequence. Dormin is not inherently evil, but represents a natural force that humanity was never meant to tamper with. The idea of reversing death is portrayed as tragic rather than miraculous, and Dormin’s resurrection underscores the danger of disturbing the natural order.
Dormin as a Deity
Many fans interpret Dormin as a god-like being whose powers were divided by the ancient civilization out of fear. The colossi themselves are like guardians of Dormin’s essence, majestic and divine in form. The act of destroying them is not heroic it is sacrilegious. Wander’s willingness to slay these sacred beings shows his desperation and mirrors a classic mythological theme: man versus the gods.
Gameplay Mechanics and Dormin
Post-Colossus Encounters
After each colossus is slain, the screen fades to black, and Dormin speaks cryptic lines. These lines grow more intense as the game progresses, reflecting the growing bond or possession between Dormin and Wander. These sequences reinforce the slow, creeping presence of Dormin within the player’s journey.
Dormin’s Final Form
In the game’s climax, after all colossi have been destroyed, the truth of Dormin’s influence is revealed. Wander transforms into a monstrous shadow being: Dormin reborn. In this form, the player briefly controls Dormin, but this power is short-lived. The ancient tribe that once sealed Dormin returns and performs a ritual to imprison him once more. The game then ends with a sense of poetic justice Wander’s body is gone, but Mono awakens, seemingly resurrected.
Dormin’s Duality
Male and Female Voice
One of the most intriguing aspects of Dormin is the use of both male and female voices layered together. This suggests that Dormin is not a single consciousness but a dual or collective being. The name Dormin is itself interesting it’s often speculated to be a reversed form of Nimrod, a biblical figure known for rebellion and hunting. This aligns with the themes of disobedience and destruction that pervade the game.
Hero or Villain?
Dormin defies the typical definitions of good and evil. It offers Wander what he wants but at a great cost. Some interpret Dormin as a trickster figure using Wander to free itself. Others see Dormin as a neutral force that honors a deal, even knowing the consequences. Dormin never forces Wander; it only warns him. This moral ambiguity is part of what makes the character so compelling.
The Legacy of Dormin
Inspiration for Lore
Dormin’s mythos extends beyond Shadow of the Colossus. The character is frequently discussed in connection with ICO and The Last Guardian, games that share thematic elements and were developed by the same studio. The idea of a mysterious power influencing human lives, for better or worse, forms a thematic bridge across all these titles.
Fan Theories and Interpretations
Over the years, Dormin has inspired countless fan theories. Some believe Dormin was once a god that was shattered by ancient priests. Others think Dormin and the colossi were part of a cycle destroyed and rebuilt over time. The lack of a concrete backstory allows players to fill in the gaps, adding to the game’s enduring mystique.
Dormin is the shadow behind every step in Shadow of the Colossus, a voice of power, temptation, and ancient sorrow. Its presence gives the game its weight, both narratively and thematically. As a character, Dormin represents the cost of desire and the danger of defying death itself. Through haunting dialogue, a deep connection to the environment, and a mythos rich in symbolism, Dormin elevates Shadow of the Colossus from a game about fighting giants to a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and consequence. Whether viewed as a god, a demon, or something in between, Dormin remains one of the most iconic and thought-provoking figures in gaming history.