Saradomin

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Saradomin (Sixth Age) chathead.png
Saradomin chathead.png
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Saradomin (pronounced /ˌsærəˈdoʊ̯mɪn/[8]) also known as the Lord of Light by the White Knights[9] is the god of order and wisdom, and is believed to be the most widely worshipped god on Gielinor. Additionally, he appears to be strongly associated with light as well, with various attributes, such as the Book of Light, referring to him as such.[10] Saradomin was born a human.[11]

In the Third Age, he founded the Ordo Templi Saradominis, a highly secretive, military and espionage organisation based near Falador, from the remnants of the Zarosian order of a similar name. He is even said to give direct orders in person to their current head of operations and second-in-command (after Saradomin himself) - Sir Vey Lance.

Presently, Saradomin has a vast number of followers, most of whom believe him to be the god of good, and there are far more churches dedicated to him than to other gods. Most of his modern followers reside in Misthalin, Asgarnia, Kandarin and Entrana, but there are several groups outside these areas. Unlike those of Zamorak or Guthix, his followers consist almost entirely of humans, though that was not always the case. Saradomin's symbol is a four-pointed star (that is usually coloured gold or silver), which he likely took from his crown. Saradomin was the first god to return to Gielinor in the Sixth Age, after Guthix's death.

The Elder Crown, in possession of Saradomin, during the Third to Fifth Age.

Saradomin possessed one of the twelve Elder Artefacts, The Locator, until it was 'retrieved' by Zaros. This item is used to locate all the other artefacts. However, possessing any of the other artefacts will likewise reveal the crown's location. It is known to have been in his possession for well over 10,000 years.

The Saradominist religion makes heavy use of symbolism and glorification, and thus Saradomin may at times have been portrayed in a different light throughout the history of Gielinor than what may be the case, and although Saradomin is largely benevolent and wants to do things he regards as good, this does not mean that he is the personification of good itself, nor that his methods reflect his goals, as Saradomin is indeed relentless in his pursuit for order and peace.[8] Saradomin has himself expressed a hope that the ends justify the means.[12] Saradomin is also quick to anger, and has according to himself done things in his past that he regards as shameful and now regrets having undertaken them,[13] such as razing the city Askroth to the ground when they angered him by refusing to accept his rule.[14][15]

Although Saradomin is from Teragard, he has little remaining tie to the culture or technology of that world. Saradominist culture is instead based largely on icyene culture, filtered through the interpretation of Saradomin himself and his many human followers. As more and more humans from the former Zarosian Empire joined Saradomin, they brought with them Zarosian cultural mores, some of which were adopted into the culture as a whole. Many of Saradomin's followers and forces are nearly fanatically loyal to him, as he devotes a great deal of effort to making sure this is the case by promising them peace, prosperity, and protection from harm.

Deity info[edit | edit source]

History of Saradomin[edit | edit source]

The Elder Crown in the Sixth Age.

Powers and abilities[edit | edit source]

As a god, Saradomin has been shown to have extreme power and abilities. He can teleport himself, objects, and other beings anywhere on a whim except when another being that also has extreme power that either doesn't allow it, or can't be forced on.[16] He can also enlarge both himself and objects to gigantic sizes and infuse power into weapons and other beings. He is also in possession of the Elder Crown, which makes it possible for Saradomin to locate other Elder Artefacts while exposing him to other gods who are in possession of other Elder Artefacts.[17] However, the Crown can only pinpoint which planet these Artefacts are on, and not their specific locations, much to Saradomin's frustration.[18]

According to Sir Tiffy Cashien, Saradomin is also capable of reviving a fallen Temple Knight with the "Gaze of Saradomin", allowing a fallen Temple Knight to respawn in Falador Castle to begin their adventures again. However, it cannot work in 'evil' places such as the Wilderness.

Despite maintaining a powerful beam while locked in battle with Zamorak, he could still produce area of effect spells that would empower his followers or weaken his enemies.

Furthermore, as evidenced by his interactions in The Death of Chivalry, Saradomin is capable of creating manifestations of himself elsewhere in the world, that can interact with the world and its inhabitants,[19] as well as teleport and cast spells, even while the true Saradomin is focused on other tasks (such as battling Zamorak); a privilege of being a high-tier god.

Saradomin also gained a great deal of power after he won the Battle of Lumbridge, fuelled by Guthix's divine energy.

The Saradomin Godsword, a weapon Saradomin followers fought to regain, donning the Saradomin hilt created by Saradomin priests.

He is capable of summoning lightning around him that is powerful enough to instantly kill armoured knights.[20] He created a force field that isolated himself and Nex from the rest of the battlefield, confining them to a small area to avoid collateral damage. He fought Nex, who was empowered by Zaros's four elemental crystals, to a standstill.[21]

Followers[edit | edit source]

A wise man with nothing may defeat a thousand fully armoured foes before they have even realised they are under attack, for wisdom is one of the greatest gifts I can bestow upon my followers.[22]

Saradomin has a vast following, both on Gielinor and across the Multiverse. Because of all the people and races allied with him, many Saradominists have varying opinions on numerous issues. These opinions may not be shared with Saradomin himself. Some Saradominists believe that there are only three gods, denying the existence of other gods/demi-gods. Others go as far to claim that he is the only true god in existence.

Groups and races[edit | edit source]

Notable followers[edit | edit source]

A statue of Saradomin as the Celestial Archmage.

Animals[edit | edit source]

Relationships with other gods[edit | edit source]

Armadyl[edit | edit source]

Before and during the God Wars, Saradomin frequently allied with the avian god, as many of their ideals were similar, such as desiring peace for the innocent. However, tensions did exist between the two, as Armadyl is more pacifistic and Saradomin strives for order at any cost. The two remain on somewhat uneasy terms, although peace remains between their factions.

Bandos[edit | edit source]

Saradomin and Armadyl willing forged an alliance with the God of War in the hopes of bringing a swifter end to Zamorak, and pooled their powers to create the Godsword, hoping to slay the Mahjarrat deity. However, it is unlikely Saradomin held Bandos's warmongering ideology in any truly positive light, and whether he ever allied with him before or did more than purchase the Saragorgak goblin tribe from him is unknown.

Brassica Prime[edit | edit source]

The vegetable god sees Saradomin in a negative light following his unintentionally burning a dozen cabbages while teleporting into the garden of Edgeville Monastery. In turn, Saradomin looks at Brassica Prime in contempt, believing he has neither power nor followers.

Guthix[edit | edit source]

As the god of balance and enforcer of his Edicts, Guthix was seen as both help and hindrance by Saradomin, as he kept him away from Gielinor and the influence he wished to have. Long before his arrival on Gielinor, Saradomin arrived on the homeworld of the Naragi, Naragun. When he demanded worship owing to his possession of the Elder Crown and the locals refused to bow down, Saradomin grew enraged and attacked many Naragi settlements. He later grew to regret this and then struggled to protect Naragun from Tuska but failed, resulting in its destruction. Upon the death of Guthix, Saradomin returned to Gielinor, going so far as to chastise Commander Zilyana for celebrating the death of the god of balance and revealing he had some respect for Guthix's ideology after all.

On Saradomin's personality, Guthix had the following to say in the God Letters:

Saradomin may truly believe that his motives are pure, and that he doth seek only order upon this land, but order cannot exist without the counterpoint of chaos to define that order.

I view Saradomin differently than he himself perceives things, and all I can see of his desires is the need for control; this is not a pure intention, and to mine eyes makes him little different from his brother Zamorak.

Guthix[24]

Icthlarin[edit | edit source]

Saradomin holds a favourable view of the Menaphite god, respecting him as long as he does not interrupt his plans.

Marimbo[edit | edit source]

Similarly to Brassica Prime, Saradomin sees Marimbo in a contemptuous manner, referring to her as a 'drunken harlot'. Marimbo herself speaks of Saradomin as a 'stick in the mud', possibly because of his inability to avoid conflict with Zamorak, to whom she is equally opposed. It is possible, given Marimbo's past, that she humiliated him at some point.

Seren[edit | edit source]

The crystalline goddess is seen in a somewhat negative light by Saradomin for her efforts to cure the elves of the sickness she mistakenly cursed them with, believing she should spread her care to other races as well. At the same time, the two gods and their factions have never engaged directly in conflict with one another. Upon meeting her in person, they spoke and left on friendly terms, although it is possible Saradomin is afraid of both her and Zaros. Seren believes Saradomin is mostly benevolent because he believes in doing what he feels is right, but also holds the view that he has lost his way. However, she believes he can be redeemed of his past misdeeds.

Zaros[edit | edit source]

Longer even than Zamorak, Saradomin has warred and disputed with Zaros, seeking territory, followers and artefacts from him. Saradomin greatly opposed and possibly even feared Zaros. Following Zaros' defeat at the hands of Zamorak, Saradomin played a key role in the Zarosian Extermination. Both he and Zamorak destroyed Zarosian settlements and culture; ordered the imprisonment, conversion, and deaths of many of his followers; and claimed Zarosian territory for themselves and their followers. Saradomin even founded the city of Saranthium on the ruins of Senntisten.

Following the return of the Gods, Saradomin was very cautious about Zaros, and warned the player to be the same. Nevertheless, Saradomin swore the Demon pact with Zaros prior to Sliske's Endgame in order to get his daughter Adrasteia, who was in Zaros' custody, back. After the loss of the Stone of Jas, Zaros initiated a plan to steal Saradomin's crown as well as "reclaim" most of the Temple Knights as his servants through the use of the Frostenhorn. Following the theft of the Elder Crown and most of the Temple Knights, Saradomin allied with Seren to directly oppose Zaros' plan.

Zamorak[edit | edit source]

Perhaps most famously of all, Saradomin is seen as the polar opposite of Zamorak, light vs dark, good vs evil, and order vs chaos. However, armies of the two gods have even co-operated on occasion to drive away a third party, usually Zarosian. Saradomin usually holds a zero tolerance policy for Zamorak, and vice versa, as is exemplified when they attacked each other in Lumbridge following the death of Guthix.

Dialogue[edit | edit source]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

Graphical updates[edit | edit source]

Update history[edit | edit source]

This information has been compiled as part of the update history project. Some updates may not be included—see here for how to help out!
  • update 19 December 2016 (Update):
    • Saradomin has been graphically updated.
  • patch 13 August 2013 (Update):
    • Saradomin's animation now looks better from a distance.

Trivia[edit | edit source]

  • Saradomin is probably based on the monotheistic God of the Abrahamic religions, especially Christianity.
    • His star symbol resembles the Christian cross.
    • His followers include priests, monks, nuns, and knightly orders analogous to those of the Roman Catholic faith.
    • His appearance as an old man with a white beard is similar to that of common personifications of God in classical and popular art alike.
    • His title "Basileus Basileon" translates from Greek to "King of Kings", a common Biblical description of God.
    • In The Death of Chivalry, one of his possible lines to Sir Owen in the opening dialogue is a quote from God in the 1975 British comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail with the wording slightly changed (likely due to copyright): "If there is one thing I cannot stand, it is people grovelling."
  • Saradomin may also be partially inspired by Zeus, the allfather of the Olympian gods of Greek mythology.
    • Like Zeus, he is strongly associated with lightning, and weapons such as the Saradomin sword and items like Saradomin's Book of Wisdom and its Illuminated counterpart have lightning-based special abilities.
    • His daughter, Adrasteia, is named after a mythic nymph who was charged with nurturing the infant Zeus.
    • One of his most famous followers, Dionysius, better known as the Wise Old Man, may be named for the Greek god of wine and festivals.
    • Elements of ancient Saradominist culture, as evidenced in the Everlight dig site, mirror those of ancient Greek culture and use Greek-language names.
  • A side effect of his apotheosis is his blue skin, though he is unsure why.[25][26]
  • In the FunOrb game Arcanists, statues of Saradomin can be found on the Sky Castle stage.
  • Saradomin is voiced by Voice Actor Stanley Townsend.
  • In Sliske's Endgame, Death can be asked how Saradomin would die. Death cryptically claims that he hears "the crossing of swords and the warmth of light, then the coolness of shadow. These continue, light then shadow, until I pass."
  • It is revealed during Sliske's Endgame that Saradomin's daughter Adrasteia is still alive and was being held by either Seren or Zaros, depending on the player's choice in previous quests.[27]
  • Saradomin may be derived from the Latin phrase "Sanctus Dominus", meaning Holy Lord.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ^ Goblin book, RuneScape. "So Big High War God take some tribes and sell them, one to God of Shiny Light and one to God of Dark Fire"
  2. ^ Unknown, "Tribute to Guthix", RuneScape. "I dashed outside to witness a huge, tusked creature crashing upon the white fortress of the blue giant." Transcript:Tribute to Guthix
  3. ^ Sir Amik Varze, "Azzanadra's Quest", RuneScape. "Please, join me in supplication as we welcome the Polemarchos Autokrator, the Lord of Light, Saradomin!" Transcript:Azzanadra's Quest
  4. ^ Sir Amik Varze, "Azzanadra's Quest", RuneScape. "Please, join me in supplication as we welcome the Polemarchos Autokrator, the Lord of Light, Saradomin!" Transcript:Azzanadra's Quest
  5. ^ Saradomin, "Twilight of the Gods", RuneScape. "I am Saradomin. Lord of Light. Basileus Basileon. Try me." Transcript:Twilight of the Gods
  6. ^ Findings from the Undercity, RuneScape. "To the practitioners of Saradomin, the Lord of Chains, we are heretics and demon worshippers."
  7. ^ the player, "The Death of Chivalry", RuneScape. "Merciful Saradomin, bringer of light and protector of peace..." Transcript:The Death of Chivalry
  8. ^ a b Jagex. Official lore livestream with Mods Mark and Osborne Official lore livestream, 4 November 2012.
  9. ^ Sir Amik Varze, "Azzanadra's Quest", RuneScape. "Noble Knights of Falador. Wise Knights of the Temple. We are graced today once again by our Lord of Lords, our King of Kings, our God of Gods. Please, join me in supplication as we welcome the Polemarchos Autokrator, the Lord of Light, Saradomin!"
  10. ^ The examine text of the Saradomin symbol is "The holy symbol of the god of light."
  11. ^ Jagex. Above the Lore - episode 6: The Story behind the World Event Mod Osborne : "Saradomin is perhaps our only human god." (28:43) Above the Lore podcast, 26 July 2013.
  12. ^ Saradomin, "The Death of Chivalry", RuneScape. "I was mortal once, a long time ago. I have done...questionable things. Yet I have always hoped that the ends justify my means."
  13. ^ Saradomin, "The Death of Chivalry", RuneScape. "The ruin I brought to the Naragi is my greatest shame. Civilisations have risen and fallen, and still the actions of my past haunt me."
  14. ^ Guthix, "Tribute to Guthix", RuneScape. "The great city of Askroth was no more. Terrified refugees spoke of a blue man the size of a mountain. The diviners had angered him, they said, and in that anger he had razed the city." The blue man refers to Saradomin.
  15. ^ Saradomin, "The Death of Chivalry", RuneScape. "I was young and filled with a new and glorious power. I wore the Elder Crown, and thought it granted me the right to rule. In my arrogance, I did not anticipate the Naragi would refuse."
  16. ^ Saradomin, "The Death of Chivalry", RuneScape. "The power that Guthix gave you protects you from godly power. As you recall from our last encounter, I cannot teleport you against your will."
  17. ^ Guthix, "Guthixian Memories", RuneScape. "The crown located other artefacts, but it would - in turn - attract those who kept them..."
  18. ^ Mod Osborne. "Missing, Presumed Death - FAQ." 18 October 2013. Recent Game Updates Forums.
  19. ^ Saradomin, "The Death of Chivalry", RuneScape. "Although I am locked in battle with Zamorak... I am able to project a minor manifestation of my form here to speak with you."
  20. ^ Battle for the Monolith
  21. ^ Update:Battle Report, Pentember 4th
  22. ^ Jagex. "God Letter 21 - Saradomin Illuminates, 8" (Archived from the original.) RuneScape God Letters.
  23. ^ Jagex. Above the Lore - episode 5: Bigging up the Dwarves Mod John A : "The Imcando dwarves are meant to be descendants of those that followed Saradomin during the God Wars." (25:43) Above the Lore podcast, 4 July 2013.
  24. ^ Jagex. "God Letter 19 - Guthix Embraces Change, Letter 19" (Archived from the original.) RuneScape God Letters.
  25. ^ Jagex. Above the Lore - episode 6: The Story behind the World Event Mod Osborne : "This is an extrapolated form of the human form, so he's got blue skin, gotten quite big, and a white beard." (12:07) Above the Lore podcast, 26 July 2013.
  26. ^ Saradomin, "Sliske's Endgame", RuneScape. "Why is this cerulean pallor a product of my transformation? I do not know."
  27. ^ Transcript:Sliske's Endgame#If Saradomin wins