Destiny 2 Lore - The Origins of Rhulk, The First Disciple of The Witness & Lubrae's Ruin!

[@erikm8373]

It's gotta sting for Rhulk, or any similarly devoted darkness-advocate, to get killed by Guardians, a group who not only don't listen to anything you have to say about your ideology, but then will literally dance on your grave and run off without giving you so much as a second thought

[@aminamirkhani6377]

That's the point WE ARE THE FINAL SHAPE

[@jacksonwyse7524]

he was weak, we gave him the mercy only subjugators can give

[@panchov77]

With a teabag to go and a Have a nice day lol

[@Ace-Intervention]

@@jacksonwyse7524 based comment

[@jasonsherman6275]

Imagine getting dunked on by a group of 6 dancing zombies

[@ArkaSaurusRex218]

Bascially: Rhulk: " Where is my family? Are they safe? Are they alright?" Darkness: "It seems in your anger... You killed them."

[@thatoneguy1553]

WaS tHaT a StAr WaRs ReFeRaNcE

[@mr.friendly7543]

Rhulk: after killing children* What have I done?

[@peabrain6872]

@@thatoneguy1553 no

[@chuni5942]

Kratos

[@delectable_turtle1232]

I slaughtered them like animals. Not just the men... But the women and the children too!

[@haydenmcclure622]

I think Lubrae's name itself is significant. I think that it is a combination of latin, Lumin/Lux (light) and Tenebrae (darkness). So the two suns make sense. Light and Dark.

[@Noah-kc2pi]

TENEBRIS

[@TheGhost20978]

Would be a cool planet to visit tbh

[@cptTK421]

@@Noah-kc2pi *A D P R O F U N D I S*

[@SqallLionheart]

@@cptTK421 *S I N D O N C A D I T*

[@HuskySansVergogne]

I N C R E D I B I L I S

[@duran99adam]

I am almost completely convinced now that when we first realy met with the Darkness or the Witness at the end of Shadowkeep, when it spoke almost the same line to Rhulk as they did to us "We are your Salvation" they ment it directly to US, not Humanity, The last City or Guardians, no at Us: Hivebane, Wolf-slayer, Slayer of Oryx, and Young Wolf. We are intended to be the next Desciple of the Witness.

[@wumpuswoo9946]

That makes a lot of sense, though it could be both Humanity and the player themselves, a double meaning

[@duran99adam]

@@wumpuswoo9946 Yeah like when it would be Salvation for Rhulk to to alive and for the rest of Rhulks species to have their "Suffering" ended.

[@johngancarcik5682]

I simply would have asked in shadowkeep What do you mean by salvation because it has many meanings.......... and my version is probably not the version your hoping to hear I'll take my version as you witness can shove yours somewhere else

[@robot3759]

I don't think its that the Witness wants the Guardian to be his disciple, more the case that the Guardian is probably the "final shape." What the Witness is probably thinking is that the limitation of both himself and the Traveler is that neither can play each other's turn in the flower game, but the Guardian can since they can manipulate both the light and the dark, of which plays directly into the sword logic; the Witness is trying to create a being that can off both himself and the Traveler.

[@fishnutz5196]

Witness wouldnt be talking to a whole race, he would talk to a champion of that race which is us.

[@aceofsharks9837]

I get the impression that Rhulk's devotion and fanaticism to The Witness is more "you're all I have, and I won't be alone/cast aside again" rather than a genuine shift of philosophy and perspective absolutism.

[@acespades5722]

Maybe in the beginning but by the end it was definite fanaticism

[@aceofsharks9837]

@@acespades5722 That's fair. He definitely sounds committed to serving The Witness no matter what, towards the end of the lore book and all throughout the raid.

[@quavoking]

@@acespades5722 Cause and Effect obviously

[@InvokeZero]

It could have been, at the beginning. However I think given that The Witness came to him in what was his most dire moment of need, and gave him every tool he needed, and the opportunity to 'set things right' as he saw it at the time, that he was swayed. It was that moment of what could be seen as compassion or empathy, to save Rhulk who was at death's door, and give him what he needed that made him trust the Witness and follow him; and then over time he began to understand The Witness's point of view and adopt it as his own, thus leading to what he was now.

[@Falconer5752]

Very likely, because there is a part where when The Witness suggests that Savathun could possibly become another disciple, he gets jealous

[@superelite5133]

One the best destiny villains I think we’ve gotten both design and lore wise for sure.

[@turtle5542]

ulquiorra still stomps

[@turtle5542]

rhulk gets speed blitzed

[@goldenyak629]

It's weird that it's only after he dies (6 minutes after he's introduced) that all the good lore comes to light though.

[@alostgod6776]

@@turtle5542 you know. Initially I'd agree but upon hearing his feats I really don't know. I think rhulk at least scales to his first release. Paracausality is too hax tbf

[@m4rcin847]

At least hes not huge minotaur or hive knight like 90% of other mArVeLoUs Bungie villains.

[@LexFrank-Arcaneium]

The Traveler has so many exes, it has a real commitment problem

[@nathancawley8759]

The traveller is looking for a worthwhile species. It shows up, solves problems, and empowers the native population. It then watches for hundreds maybe thousands of years. In this time it sees these people form into disgusting Fascist regimes. It watches as, in the absence of adversity, each race turns on itself. It watches until it is sure, this race will only get worse. Then it leaves in disgust. At least each of these empowered races will cover its escape from the encroaching darkness. If it ever finds the *right* race, it will stand with them against the darkness.

[@vaughnbooker3463]

The Traveler belongs to the streets lol

[@Destiny2_Clips]

​@@vaughnbooker3463 frfr

[@GenericName0042]

I mean hey, she/they/it had the chance to dump us, but stood up to it's toxic ex and defended us. I think its matured, grown.

[@CT-fi6fy]

Watching any other lore video on Rhulk: NO Waiting till Byf uploads a massive video: YES

[@Hunter-zn5tb]

Myelin is a great creator as well

[@wicked4202]

Literally same

[@plazmapple6326]

Imagine being a Byf fanboy

[@Based_Shogun]

@@plazmapple6326 yet here you are.

[@Benny_B0O0]

Myelin do be makin the same content but more to the point and released earlier than byf

[@dawidd-g6744]

I'm just leaving it here more as a fun fact then a nitpick as it won't change the overall story. The "Black Sun" doesn't have to be a black hole and to be honest it propably isn't as it would cause all sorts of problems. It could be a red dwarf and be refferd as black thanks to its sister star. Blue stars are ridiculously bright, we're talking even milion times brighter than our Sun. Compare it to a red dwarf which are usually hundreds of times dimmer than our Sun and we get our black sun. Additionally, red dwarfs are much more unstable, thus much more harmful to life in general. Another evidence for the red dwarf theory is the mural inside one of the rooms of the first encounter in the raid. There we can see a blue star and a red one. Ok enough rambling, I'm going back to watching :D

[@giacomogiliberti2673]

Yes that kinda makes sense but I still think this whole 2 sun's thing is kinda wiered, blue stars are indeed very bright but they also produce a ridiculous amount of radiation, this is why there probably isn't any abitabile zone (a zone where a planet can have life) near the center of our galaxy where it's full of blue giants, so if anything their sun's roles should be reversed. Maybe in lubrae life forms base themselves in radiation and that's why they live in the blue sun light and die in the dark sun? Or maybe I am wrong about blue stars and only giant blues produce that much radiation Also Traveller space magic i guess

[@c4sualcycl0ps48]

If the lubreans evolved to only see very specific wavelengths of light, then a star that peaked entirely outside of that narrow wavelength might appear black, but objects may still reflect light in their “visible” spectrum. Think of it like a black-light and a white cloth. We don’t typically see the black-light emission, but we do see a white cloth glow a bright purple since it reflects that wavelength.

[@loserinasuit7880]

@@giacomogiliberti2673 Don't try to attribute science to it.

[@giacomogiliberti2673]

@@loserinasuit7880 yeah u prob right

[@JEBEDIAH8D]

Well it depends on the size of the black hole. A black hole with the mass of our sun would have the same gravitational force of our sun. It is very possible as black holes don't act as giant gravity wells.

[@BrassSpyglass]

I think Lubrae's second sun could have been a Brown Dwarf rather than a star corrupted or created by Darkness. Its light output would peak in the infrared but make nighttime brighter than our full moon.

[@Sol_Invictus1997]

I’d agree with you if not for the line that says: “your Luster was like that of our Umbral sun.” Which kinda makes me think the Sun was smothered by Darkness. Which would also explain why it brought death when it shined over the land and why the inhabitants of Lubrae would have to take cover from it. Furthermore, the Lubraeans that lived in the city were safe from its darkness because of the Sapphiric converter that seemed to be a gift from the Traveler.

[@untakenusername1]

Lol I only knew that what a thing bc of Elite Dangerous

[@woahtion1524]

What it sounds like to me was the second sun was always in a state of solar eclipse

[@blacktiger9393]

@@woahtion1524 this could very well be the case. given a sufficiantly large planet one of it´s moons in the right orbit could be tide locked making it so the second sun is permanently obscured. also if one of the stars is a type-b or type-o star (which burn so hot they appear blue) and the other, smaller, star is a white dwarf in a state of permanent solar eclipse the blue light from the primary star could actualy obscure the "ring" usualy associatet with a solar eclipse, making it look like like its just a incredibly "bright" black.

[@MajicMarco]

Maybe it's an empty space of where a moon once was, taken by the darkness like our planets were. Maybe the witness did that to make the lubreans fight to survive

[@walkerthewookie3035]

I think it was a huge missed opportunity to not make Rhulk’s glaive the raid exotic, I believe it’s the first time we have gotten a bosses’ weapon as our own and it feels a little weird that it’s a legendary. Especially with the disappointment that came with the exotic class glaives, I really think they could have made Lubrae’s Ruin a super cool exotic.

[@victorcartagena8524]

I think it could become necessary for an exotic quest to return it back to its prime, purify it in some way or empower it further but yeah, missed opportunity.

[@josh___something]

I like it better as a legendary. The weapon that brought about the end of a civilization not being specifically remarkable kinda makes it cool. Also... If it were the exotic glaive, that would mean there would be 4 exotics, or the sad class glaives would be legendary which would suck for titans.

[@walkerthewookie3035]

@@josh___something honestly I wouldn’t mind much if the exotic class glaives were legendary because they really are not powerful enough to warrant the exotic slot, maybe I’m just pissed cause I’m so disappointed with them though idk. I do get what your saying about it not being particularly insane by itself though that does make rhulk seem even more powerful then he already is

[@bloodfest8510]

ive been talking to raid teams and we all actually wanted cataclismic to have a darkness beam as an exotic, but weve got 4 seasons to get those good exotics let us hope

[@connortremeer1966]

ink his glaives in the new witch queen update on the shaper table

[@danconti5984]

Rhulk watching Oryx fail to genocide his first enemy species: Pathetic...

[@SubwayJack919]

The Hive wiped out many species before we ended their King.

[@mattk4110]

@@SubwayJack919 I think he's on about the species on the moons of Fundament, can't remember their name

[@SubwayJack919]

@@mattk4110 Yes, you're right. I misread it.

[@LuigiXGamer]

@@mattk4110 Krill?

[@mattk4110]

@@LuigiXGamer nah the ones on the moons. The ones with advanced civilisation. Ammonites I think

[@cee_ves]

8:09 cool little detail, if you separate every 2nd word in the 3rd line then it forms the sentence “How did it come to this. Forgive me” It also leaves “Fear mothers sadness fathers hate children sorrow displeasure.” No idea what that could mean but maybe that’s what rhulk saw as the planet was dying? The mothers, fathers and children, their fear and hatred of him

[@attempt_7703]

Maybe its fear sadness, hate sorrow and mothers fathers children, displeasure. First part could be a mantra of sorts and idk about the second half maybe he sees all those around him and is displeased with how they all are. So if mothers fathers and children displease him hence it could be why displeasure is there? Just a theory

[@juliane.mfarias9285]

And could also be: "Fear mothers sadness fathers hate children sorrow displasure"

[@Real28]

If you flip the words in the second one, it aligns with the story. He was the child who harbored hate. So flip them. Mother's Fear. Father's Sadness. Children's hate. Displeasure, sorrow. I saw what you mentioned when I got the entry unlocked, it seemed obvious. You're the only other one I've seen catch this.

[@iVirus2222]

"Fear, sadness, hate, sorrow, displeasure." "How did it come to this?" "Mothers, fathers, children, forgive me."

[@Real28]

@@iVirus2222 it's crazy this can be written now no less than 3 ways and all 3 make sense. That's another viable way.

[@greeneons]

So glad you covered Rhulk's backstory in a video! I haven't played the raid but I'm absolutely fascinated by Rhulk's story. The writers at Bungie have outdone themselves once again. What a heartbreaking story. The parts where the Witness made Rhulk relive his past and Rhulk wanted it to stop kind of made me feel pity for him, because under his ruthless spirit and his rage there was a remnant of regret. I felt the same way for Savathûn in her cutscene with the Traveler. These are ruthless beings that have done terrible things, but the way they're written make me feel a tiny bit of sympathy for them. Savathûn was lied to and felt abandoned. Rhulk felt confused by his father and felt betrayed by his own family. This doesn't excuse their actions, but it explains them. There was darkness in them from the beginning, but the Witness gave them the final push that set them "free", the final push that made them succumb to that darkness. Savathûn and Rhulk are tragic characters, and I think that's exactly what makes them such good villains. Your video made me appreciate even more this lore and Rhulk as a character. Bloody well done. Thank you

[@nalydgamo2165]

Due to the revelations of this game I wouldn't even call Savy a villain. Her character was straight up manipulated. Rhulk had it in him from jump tho which makes his story even more tragic.

[@greeneons]

@@nalydgamo2165 That is true! Villain perhaps is not the right word for Savathûn. She did bad things, but she was pushed into it, manipulated like you said. Maybe she didn't really have that "darkness" inside her, but instead it was put there when she was deceived. Rhulk possibly would have killed his family regardless of the Witness' intervention, but I don't know if he could (or would) have destroyed his planet without the Witness' help. There's complexity to both characters, which is what I find so fascinating about them. In the end they both were pawns, and it's sad, and I can't help feeling sympathy for them. I think that shows how well written they are.

[@OrphanCrippler1]

Savathun was warned multiple times by the Leviathan and refused to listen. Screw her and the hive

[@julcom9394]

What’s an interesting perspective is the Witness’s view on suffering. It’s like almost a prescient sympathy. The Witness can feel, or is at least is greatly discomforted by the suffering of others. And can’t solve it any other way than eliminating the source of suffering (life living to suffer) all together. It’s a very non human view. But i think it’s a sympathy never the less. The same way the hive viewed love as war, in order to condition their siblings to better defend themselves. Edit : I propose a question since this comment is getting traction. Would you think that a balance of the darknesses tough love, and the lights peace and prosperity is the best compared to either extreme?

[@johngancarcik5682]

May the time come we ease the witnesses suffering of existence

[@lyralince6681]

This is such a sad story. A being that only feels the suffering of the collective. Envisions the end of it by terminating life itself. But the worst is it can only see its own perspective. So there is no other solution. I wish to relieve it of this pain.

[@christianyaerger1751]

This is an interesting perspective. When I examine the Witness' philosophy on life and suffering, I'm reminded of vedic and buddhist understandings: that connection and desire are the sources of suffering - connection to family, objects, status, etc. The Witness perceives these things as inherently despicable things. The Traveler, on the other hand, sees beauty in these connections; it cares less about the particulars or the individual, but the *process*. This lends a twisted Nietzschean/ubermensch flavor to the Witness and Rhulk.

[@Santisima_Trinidad]

On one hand, all my populations typically live under utopian abundance. On the other hand, all my enemies planets "live" under armagedon bombardment. Until the planet becomes a tomb world, that is. Bassically, rather than having a balance between the two extremes, i propose we utilise both extremes. A kingdom of peace surrounded by a ring of nuclear warheads that are launched at any not waving a very big white flag.

[@wrigglenight93]

There needs to be a balance, but to paraphrase Eris Morn, there's a difference between balance and equality

[@daemonblackfyre3238]

"How Did It Come To This. Forgive Me." Fear mothers sadness. Fathers hate. Children sorrow displeasure.

[@seanmcclure]

The reason people love this so much I think is because his character design and raid mechanics are pretty unique to the destiny universe. It’s not just another fallen captain, mechanical boss, or a hive wizard or knight.

[@brockschooley567]

I just did it today (ik im a little late) but it was honestly one of my favorite raids that ive done every encounter had a mechanic that made me proud of what destiny has come to since the days of D1 raids like crotas end where you basically skip everything and do 30 sec of dps and hes dead i love the feeling of leaving a stressful encounter w my heart beating out of my chest like i did with almost every one in VotD my first time it made me. And honestly the best part was that the big bad was different and had a unique personality and motivation

[@bigounce8301]

Well rhulk is the first person we’ve beat that we weren’t stronger than he just look so down on us he didn’t try until final stance but it was too late by then

[@dactylicpoet791]

He's creepy looking af honestly

[@cobragamming1991]

Rhulk is the first boss to say "oh its damage phase? Square up nerds"

[@fishnutz5196]

Its crazy how Witness is all about making one remember while the Traveller wants you to forget everything and become reforged in light. Honestly i dont know the bigger meaning behind this but i final it fasinating.

[@bigounce8301]

The witness wants ppl to be devoted to him while the traveler gives free will so if the traveler blesses u and u don’t use it to suppress the enemy it’s your fault not the travelers

[@PandaGamer69420]

​@bigounce8301 I would argue the opposite is true. The traveler takes your memory, then showers you with blessings and gifts so that you feel devoted to it. The witness gives you the opportunity to succeed if you take it, and tries to make you your truest, best self.

[@fishnutz5196]

@@PandaGamer69420 will be interesting because in the latest vidoc Bungie mentions us starting to think what being a Disciple will actually be like. And seems like from some of the quotes that the Witness is still trying to recruit us

[@Strykerclass242]

I always wondered if all the civilizations touched by the Traveler ended up in a good way. This was an example of a civilization that went the other way, and ultimately destroyed their world. It kinda makes it seem the Traveler is just going around, blessing civilizations without any forthought, like a god giving their blessing Willy nilly without considering the consequences.

[@BuglordSupreme]

Because that’s exactly what it is. Although The Traveler genuinely wants to help, like The Witness, its perspective on morality, life, choice etc is all very limited and extreme. The Traveler, or the Light, values Life to its maximum degree, which is basically an infinite and complex stream of choices. While the Darkness sees only one possible way. I can also imagine that by this logic The Witness sees Life and the ability to choose as the cause of suffering in the first place as proven by Lubrae’s Regime

[@loserinasuit7880]

The Consequences are irrelevant as the Traveler does a fundamentally good thing. To be cynical about this aspect is retarded.

[@tellakurokawa9194]

@@loserinasuit7880 Consequences are never irrelevant, that's why they're considered consequences. It's also what the entirety of Destiny's story revolves around at current. Funnily enough, that reasoning (irrelevancy of consequence because intentions were morally good) seems to be what gets the ball rolling for most of the messes in the game in the first place. We're not saying what the Traveler did/does is objectively wrong, but to say that line of thinking is "retarded" is irresponsible at best. No story, fictional or otherwise, is that clear cut or black and white. Besides, that'd be boring for a game that wants to be an rpg. Players can and will form opinions on certain characters, entities, events, etc, and leaving them morally gray helps the player choose their own interpretation. Like yours for example, viewing the Traveler and it's actions as fundamentally good. I say this all in good fun of course, no disrespect. The fact that we can make these arguments and have differing opinions is part of what makes it interesting

[@loserinasuit7880]

@@tellakurokawa9194 This is an artificial grey Destiny has created. You cannot tell me that the Traveler is evil or questionable because it continuously moves on from civilizations. In terms of writing Destiny is full of artificial depth. We are told of many alien races yet the most we deal with are 4 with 2 additional factions being born from the same models. You can create a world but when you spend 90% of it talking about how good the Traveler is only to suddenly go "WOW THE DARKNESS TOTALLY REVEALED HOW BAD THE TRAVELER IS GUYS!!!!!" I don't buy it, there was no foreshadowing to the traveler's nature being questionable.

[@rickrusaw915]

@@loserinasuit7880 I don't think it was ever a question of whether the Traveler was "good" or "bad" as much as it's a question of, "Does the Traveler actually HELP these civilizations or is it just setting them up for failure?"

[@justblaze4707]

Keep em coming Byf. You fuel my day with your uploads

[@dankmemes2382]

No cap yesterday I was devastated with no upload

[@chriswhite1761]

The guy is a legend

[@Green_Ninja325]

I put on a Byf Playlist at 35% volume when I have trouble sleeping. I also put it on in the background while coding for work. The man is peak content.

[@heathyhbaby]

@@Green_Ninja325 me too. I pass right out listening to this stuff lol. Then i wanna watch more the next day haha

[@Azreal15]

All I can think during his story. Either reading it myself, or watching others videos on it. My one thought is always, “rise Lord Vader!”

[@johngancarcik5682]

I can see the parallels

[@adeadphish7931]

Destiny and Star Wars go so hand in hand and I really have been feeling that vibe even more as we have delved into Darkness since Shadowkeep. It really does sound a lot like The Dark Side and how it grants great power, but can corrupt without incredible discipline as it feeds rage and pain in its wielders

[@tenacity25]

And with that context, it means that using the Lubrae's Ruin glaive from the raid is the equivalent of using Darth Vader's own lightsaber.

[@King6Joker7]

@@adeadphish7931 True of Most works that Touch this "core saga".... The OLDEST STORY IN HUMAN HISTORY, The OLNY STORY.... "THE CLASH OF "The Light Vs. The Dark"!!!

[@Corvaric]

"I killed them. I killed them all. They're dead, every single one of them. And not just the men, but the women and the children, too." -Rhulk Skywalker

[@lolosh99]

The contrast between Oryx’s lore and Rhulk’s is amazing. You can definitely see the underlying workings of the witness

[@juliane.mfarias9285]

Wow, this may be one of my favorite Lore of all Destiny. The suffering The betrayal The ending Rhulk breaking into his feet. 10/10

[@justinoliver4053]

"Relief" what a way to end it, so cold and menacing. I do wonder what the witness feels toward his disciples though. Rhulks admiration and devotion to the witness is not unlike how a son views his father or a hero. But from the witness perspective what does it feel. It's been doing this for who knows how long being apart of this game. Is it proud , does it feel something after rhulks loss.

[@morabones3768]

It’s interesting how The Witness “freed” Rhulk by showing him his past, which allowed him to let go of who he was altogether. Severing his only attachment to his old life, allowing him to become a Disciple Makes me think that by completing Duality, and killing the Nightmare of Caital, who’s labeled as “Calus’ greatest shame”, we inadvertently helped give him over to the witness to become what he is now

[@dactylicpoet791]

That's a very valid and interesting point, I would agree 👍

[@adeadphish7931]

Anyone else getting some serious "Sith Lord origin story" from Rhulk's backstory. Destiny has always shared the Fantastical Space Opera blood Star Wars thrives on but I am really getting that vibe in his book. Not to mention the obvious comparison of "Fear, Anger, Hate, Suffering" in how the witness spurred Rhulk on

[@williamking1081]

a little

[@frost5958actually]

Destiny 3: Somehow, the Witness returned.

[@williamgrimster1658]

Byf I just wanna point out how much I appreciate your narration. It always add so much life to these lore cards. Always read them in your voice and cadence. As always great video!

[@culguyvegeta]

This is so stupid. We come here expecting an explanation not narrating a lore peice that even I have unlocked. If I wanna read it and go to sleep, i can do that myself why waste 49 minutes of my time ?

[@ShinnyMetal]

@@culguyvegeta he goes into some detail and some hypothesis in there as well, trying to fill in the gaps where they are. This lore piece is pretty solid in terms of cohesion and clarity

[@tecnza]

@@culguyvegeta Then don't. There are thousands of people appreciating Byf's soothing voice reading those stories to us.

[@culguyvegeta]

@@tecnza oh you need bedtime stories kiddo ? Why don't you go to mama ? 😂😂 This ain't nursery kid. If you wanna 💤 then I recommend sleeping pills not KZbin 😂

[@culguyvegeta]

@@ShinnyMetal details i understand. Narrating the entire lore document, i don't. Evade explains the lore as well and that too in simple terms. I just don't want a document narrated to me but more of a person explaning the concept behind it.

[@Tempo1337]

Any object could potentially end up in a stable orbit around any black hole. They are like any other gravitational mass. You're only in danger once you approach the event horizon. Most galaxies, including our own, orbit black holes.

[@JEBEDIAH8D]

As PBS space time points out "black holes don't suck".

[@ZombieCrew101]

“Clan, broken. Blood, pouring. Hotel, trivago.”

[@IvoryTempestCandleOfStories]

As with all of lore readings, this one was a master piece. Every line, every word, pronunciated with extreme precision and great care. When I hear you read, I feel the story manifest itself in my mind. I felt what Rhulk felt, I saw what Rhulk saw, I heard his voice through yours. You truly have an amazing talent, being able bring a story to life in this way. I thank you dearly for putting this together, for taking the time to read us this story. I now only wish I could find a way to play the raid.

[@Go_Canuck_Yourself]

I could be wrong, but I think the implication for the two suns of Lubrae is that one sun is made of concentrated light and the other concentrated darkness, playing in the idea that they are fundamental forces such as gravity or the nuclear force or matter

[@bart88wolfs]

40:10 cool to see that the deeds, by proxy, of the witness and traveller are the exact opposite of eachother. The witness saves one to kill billions. The mercy cutscene of lord Saladin shows that you shouldn't save one life if wil cost more lives.

[@offsetgalaxy4503]

I just wanna say how awesome byf's narration is, and how incredible these stories are, props to Bungie

[@frostyomnic9995]

-Eliminates his entire species -Doesn't elaborate Truly the most based villian

[@InvokeZero]

I'm pretty sure we just sat through a nearly hour long video specifically elaborating why he glassed his entire species and became a Disciple of the Witness.

[@-Gilver]

This story was both heartbreaking and fascinating not just because of the view into Rhluk's past but how we got to see another civilization that the traveler uplifted Also I think that second sun could have been a Brown Dwarf? Maybe?

[@FlippyFloppy115]

I could honestly listen to Rhulks musings all day, he really is a interesting character

[@crazytexan711]

Yknow, I always knew destiny lore was dark, but something about him shedding his entire home planet of all life and the detail going into his mind is straight up terrifying. Fantastic lore. It's amazing that a character we only first meet just to kill in the raid has so much depth and character

[@aakashantony9419]

"'We are your ... salvation." The Witness tried to get us with the same pickup line

[@robertkarnick1286]

I can’t help but notice the similarity between Lubrae society and Guardians on earth. A single prosperous city, surrounded by defenses, sending out warriors to wreak havoc on anyone they consider a threat

[@Kensen_Ackles]

That feeling when you've eradicated worlds, shattered suns and torn bones from living gods and some dudes with names like "Mara Sov's Thigh Gap" And "Calus' Bathwater" dance after finishing you off and complain you didn't drop some weird gun.

[@jrdotmitch]

Initially I was taken aback by his appearance, but dang. The more I see and hear of Rhulk the more I believe he is one of the most interesting raid bosses in destiny right now. What a journey.

[@apockypocky2345]

“and as per usual your viewership is enough for me.” No Byf, you deserve more than simple viewership you humble goat.

[@CGSTARBAR]

In my entire time of being a guardian from 2017 all the way up to when I decided to hang up my gun for ever because of some bad experiences that ruined my love for the game I have not missed a single freaking upload! And my time on watching different types of content creators vtubers to just normal people no one is better in my eyes than this man I really do appreciate everything you do byf I may not play the game right now but that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna support you!

[@josephh374]

What made you quit?

[@bspoon2529]

yeah what happened bro?

[@moisesramirez5242]

@@josephh374 probably the shitty rng back in the day or the boring ass game play💀

[@josephh374]

If I can help with my story.. did you ever hear about that LAN party that killed 24 people in California. I was the only one left. All because I was going on a food run. Came back and it was too late.. that was the last time I had a consistent fireteam.

[@CGSTARBAR]

@@josephh374 I will just say this I had some pretty bad experiences with the community on multiple occasions leading up to which queen I tried returning for the expansion but I don’t really find enjoyment in the game if I’m gonna encounter shitty members of the community examples I was kicked out of a clan because I called off a raid that I was going to be a part of a day or so before hand so I can give someone else who wanted it my spot because I was dealing with mental burn out and I got kicked out of a clan because the clan leader didn’t like how I do deep stone crypt I want to play the game I really do but it’s hard to have fun if I’m just gonna have bad experiences brings back too many bad memories I don’t hate the community it’s just I had some bad times

[@leandrometfan]

43:50 I dont know if it was on purpose or not, but the pyramid song comming while you said "witness" was a nice touch.

[@erdtroll7010]

For the entire story after it first came up, the witnesses power was “your“ (being the witness‘s) luster but after Rhulk emerges from his memories its “his“ (Rhulk‘s) luster. Does that mean that rhulk has become one, or at least a part of the witness?

[@zotzulu]

I have a request-I am retired & will not be able to do the raid. Is there anyway to do a curated tour of Rhulk’s pyramid? There are so many artifacts and stunning visuals that go by in a blur with watching all the game play. This is a visually stunning raid and needs to be fully appreciated. Thanks for your consideration-

[@monsunoguy19]

Hey Byf, after this I listened to the Dark Future lore video you posted last year and noticed some tie ins with Witch Queen. Savathuun is mentioned to have attacked the city 'alongside' other forces. The bray siblings mention they "Know what she did" in reference to Savathuun. Could this mean that in the Dark future, Savathuun succeeded in weaving the traveler away from Earth? Thus sealing away the light?

[@iamvalleyyy8217]

I know you are probably swamped with Destiny 2 lore to cover, but at some point, I think it would be super cool to get a video on Risk of Rain 2. There is a lot of stuff to read from items, and monsters, as well as the recent Void DLC that came out for it. There is quite a bit to get into for the small game that it is, and I think it could be interesting for a short video or a short series of videos. Always love the destiny videos, super good to listen to, always interested and always interesting.

[@thelonelyduck7267]

The Witness is many. [ Voices screaming to the end ] The Traveller left civilizations as soon as it deemed them capable of surviving on their own. Those whom the Traveller left behind, lightless and confused [ drowning in Dark ] fell into disarray, into collapse. Some chased the Traveller...at first [foolishly] to regain it's favour. But as they witnessed the Traveller's path [ a trail of blood and suffering it smears across the universe ], they saw that it's light was no gift [ RUIN ], that those blinded by overwhelming light could only see overwhelming darkness everfter. So taken this new insight, the Witness embraced the Dark, became [ finality ] saviours . Whenever blinding Light overfed a civilization and left them [starving] in the cold Void [ RUIN R U I N R U I N U R A N U R U N ], the Witness came to deliver a quick merciful death. Ending untold suffering, saving countless lives. The Witness are mercy for the weak, purpose for the strong, judge and jury for the sins of [cosmic disturbance] the Traveller. They are [END] our Salvation.

[@brycel.8291]

I believe they are both entity’s with ideals strongly empowered by their two counterparts, they play a game that has always been played within the sandbox though not meant to be. The traveler changing the rules of the game and altering life for its protection and the darkness overtaking all in existence to accomplish his own goal. A game of chess, with the witness taking the lead, though the traveler is a sore loser. Not wanting to restart this game it has tried preserve it. The traveler is seen as praise worthy for trying to protect life although I truly believe it is likely with a selfish motive for the game being played, as the same with the witness who believes himself to be the salvation for life’s affliction yet manipulates and harms beings for this crusade. While I believe they are selfish entity’s that isn’t to say they don’t truly believe their ideals to be righteous.

[@OrphanCrippler1]

Congrats on literally copying the in game lore and attempting to present it as your own lol

[@Rayan-or2zo]

Usually I really dislike when antagonists who are 'evil' for the sake of evil without context just for the progression of the story and the for the protagonist to have a goal to 'beat'. BUT THIS, this is what I really like in an antagonist where we understand where they come from, where in their head they are the 'good' guy and we get a glimpse of it. Character development for the antagonist is a huge thumbs up for me. Thank you Byf for breaking this down its been really interesting and looking forward to the upcoming ones!!

[@bigcoffinhunter5500]

48 minutes!? Thank you! These videos make work go by so quickly. Going to wait until Monday to watch this. Just beat the raid last night too!

[@GearShotgun]

Very interesting stuff. I don’t think it was Rhulks father or family who threw him into the abyss but Rhulk himself. My guess is whatever they said must’ve made him realize how wrong he was and that he’d allowed himself to become what he wanted to destroy. The betrayal he speaks of but can’t remember was the realization of he he’d betrayed himself, which led him to try and end his own life. At the same time, some part of his mind still tried to rationalize what he’d done and repress what happened as a coping mechanism to ward off the guilt. This is why he expresses sorrow and remorse after destroying his world, yet still tries to justify his anger towards everyone. He knows what he did is wrong, but is trying to tell himself otherwise and repressing the memories that prove it.

[@guyman8673]

i just wanna thank you for all the effort you put into these videos. me and everybody else were waiting for this video and i just think your a great content creator, keep it up man

[@tnntlmmn277]

he reads lore, and rambles to his poor gameplay. so much effort.

[@marasov6870]

Well, as far as I know. The sun of Lubrae isn't actually A SUN. In the lore of the IMPERIOUS SUN SHELL, Rhulk called the Ghost "A fraction of that imperious sun". "that" reffers to the Traveler. Savathun also mentioned that "The Traveler isnt the only one of its own kind".

[@aom9082]

Truly enjoy the way you tell the story. The research and the energy with which you present it. Thanks.

[@zarkgarcia4121]

This is the first of your videos that I've come across and honestly I could hear you talk for days on end, your pronunciation is flawless and tone is soothing to the point that it can be ominous. Looking forward to your new content as well as the old

[@rob3497]

What an epic story. Easily one of my favorite characters destiny has introduced. Really hope he is not truly dead. I don’t want to be done with him just yet.

[@zombiepicnic9683]

Byf's really taking the voice acting to another level. Great line reading.

[@YourAscha]

Sweet was not expecting one this long, thank you!!

[@DivineTian]

43:57 -“My… Witness” and the beat drops?!? Yo I got CHILLS that was subtle epicness..

[@michaelsoukup3941]

I think there is one crucial detail that the Witness/Darkness has never given any verbal mention to, the thing that we forced Savathun to realize with the death of Oryx. We as guardians have time and time again overpowered and slain the greatest followers of the Darkness (Rhulk now included). By the Darkness' own principals, we whether knowing or not have proven thus far by right of slaughter that we are the most deserving of existence. Who then is the worthiest of fitting with the final shape?

[@XXnoblev2XX]

It's ironic, the travelers greatest creation is a zombie being kept alive by a parasitic light. Our greatest accomplishments are the slaughter of our enemies. We embody the concepts of the darkness way better than most of the things we kill.

[@michaelsoukup3941]

@@XXnoblev2XX that concept of black and white starts to become much more grey the deeper we look

[@Atreus_N_1337]

Well im currently in quarantine and you’re videos help me to pass the time I have to wait + you’re voice is so special and so calming that I could instantly fall asleep (that’s a compliment)

[@ajwentworth4401]

Scientifically speaking a “black sun” could be a black hole. This could also explain the Blue Sun because the gravitational pull of the black hole would change the light coming from the sun’s wavelength to undergo a blue-shift effect. A doppler effect for light so to speak

[@novousuarionaoidentificado]

I still don't support the idea of a black hole, although it's not unlikely, since the light around it could be the accreation disc

[@coreybkhaotic2]

you know, reading the lore book by myself versus listening to Byf interpret it and read it are two different things. fantastic video

[@robertmuggeridge4736]

I am almost completely convinced there is more to Rhulks past than we have seen. Just like the lies that predated the book of sorrows, I can't help but feel Rhulks father's 'betrayals' are not what we think, that Rhulks perception of events were twisted by the Witness when he went searching for a disciple.

[@candew8772]

I could listen to Byf talk about Destiny lore all day. He could talk about the origins of cheese and make it epic and interesting. I love the concept of Rhulk and his backstory and I get to listen to one of the greatest story tellers on KZbin talk about him.

[@peterdakduif4804]

Loving the raid lore videos!

[@fryler5865]

Still watching the video. Had to pause to say your Narration is fantastic. Im new to the Lore side of the game but im absolutely hooked. Bravo.

[@alejandrocarralero2826]

Something interesting is that the witness in custscenes seems to have 2 voices and in this book refers to itself as we, so does that mean the witness is multiple entities?

[@firenzarfrenzy4985]

40:20 Remind anyone of a story we’re already farmiliar with?

[@jamesrodgers9900]

The sword logic is for tyrants, and destiny gives us a great representation of this. Only a cruel heart and a vile leader would destroy those who are too weak to fight and win. Sick. Cruel. Is this portrayal, but this is ( without the sword logic) is also the way of our world right now.

[@thedankpapyrus4779]

Rhulk: latest meme icon, Giga chad, unstoppable force, immovable object, and god of soccer (football depending where your from) and finally one of the most powerful dark beings we’ve met so far

[@derpdadouch3654]

All dead in under 8 hours. Meaningful to the story. Pretty worthless in gameplay. The dark are kittens and we are pitbulls swallowing the kittens whole.

[@grimmjow0106]

Love it BYf. Wondering if you could talk on a potential possibility here as well. Based on the pattern with the pyramid ships and their involvement with us or Eramus or Eris or Elizebeth bray or Clovis bray or calus etc….. between these individuals and planets there is a constant interaction with the darkness/pyramid ships in some form or another. Course there’s also timeline references here as well. But I’m curious your thoughts on the potential of there also being a pyramid ship that was sunk in under the waters of titan! I’m reminded of the instance when we are on the campaign and going underwater through the rig to fight Xol , And along the way we can see a creature swing by that is gigantic in size but the details are very vague. It’s more of just like a shadow going by the underwater window. However after looking at the stone/amber crystallization of the larvae in rhulks pyramid ship and understanding the experimentation going on there, it makes me wonder if the creature we saw on titan going by that window, was actually a mature version of one of these larvae worm somehow. Obviously The experimentation process with the larvae and these worms has to do with having a host or whatever. But the unofficial pattern that we seem to see with all of these destinations has been a subtle or secret involvement with the darkness being at that location as well typically through a pyramid ship hidden somewhere. And it beckons two different individuals including us. So it would stand to reason I would think that there would also be a pyramid ship that was on Titan and that may be through some of the experimentation going on there possibly, that these worms were able to live or have some type of lifespan in a more mature state in the waters of the deep there. The worms did originally exist in a pathetic state with no host originally on fundament so it doesn’t seem too far-fetched. But the aesthetics and designs of the crystallized larvae in the disciples pyramid ship with the little antennas and spindles and shape… They instantly reminded me of that large creature swimming by the window underwater on Titan. Just a much larger and more mature size. Just curious.

[@OhYeah_]

I personally don’t think anything will come of those creatures we see in the water, probably just an Easter egg. We also see it in the throneworld

[@hahshsvsbsb6896]

I literally can't watch any lore channel except for byf his is always amazing and just can't get enough

[@Hakermaker]

I hope some Lubre people survive and we will see them in light fall on travelers side. Сhances of that are small, but still possible

[@ginorvdw]

as a bona fide LORE NERD, who has not yet reached a decent light level to raid a lot, this is great. Most of your videos I watch because they are well made and presented, and pleasant to listen to. usually though, I already know the lore we're diving into! Rulk's ancient as f lore however, I knew next to nothing about. great vid!

[@mementomaury9181]

Wacky theory: Lubrae was one of the games played between The Traveler/Gardener and the Darkness/Winnower. They created a planet orbiting a neutron star being (very very) slowly absorbed by a black hole. That gives them a "board" upon which to play, with a set time limit, and as a bonus it cleans itself up when they're done. All they need at this point is a Referee ("The Witness") and game pieces (The Lubraens). The Lubraens don't seem to be an extremely advanced species (No space travel, a bunch of them are hunter-gatherers) so I don't think they could have created the artificial crack in their planet, I think that is what served as the middle of the board. Team Darkness on one side, where only the strong survive, and Team Light on the other with a relatively complex and technological city siphoning energy off of their handy neutron star. Things went all authoritarian/dystopian in the city, so the Traveler took the loss, and both it and the Darkness moved on to new a new game, leaving Lubrae, The Lubraens, and The Witness (located inside the "planet" they had made, some kind of black super-computer goo) to get squashed neatly into a singularity. The Witness didn't love that plan clearly, and found a way to get out of it's planet/shell. Rhulk just happened to be convenient to help do that. I don't buy the whole "Rhulk destroyed the planet" bit, I think it was likely due to The Witness leaving the planet, and The Witness is just letting him think that as leverage. Rhulk is pretty clearly Lubraen Dexter, even down to the killing neighborhood pets. The Witness saw in him a useful Lieutenant and brought him in to It's mission to end the Traveler/Darkness game once and for all. TLDR: Lubrae is a super-computer wrapped in a planet orbiting a black hole created by The Traveler and The Darkness as a temporary game board. "The Witness" was the neutral arbiter of that game. Planet went boom. Witness is pissed. Rhulk is a pawn.

[@dewgong6926]

does this mean the The Witness isn’t actually of the darkness? instead being a neutral force between light and dark? (like the neutral arbiter of the game you mentioned) or is The Witness after his escape from the inside of Lubrae instead supporting the darkness/Winnower and becoming of the darkness to end the game? (achieving infinite finality) and if he is still a neutral arbiter of the game between light and dark, does that mean we haven’t actually seen what the darkness actually is? regardless this theory is incredibly well put together and leaves so many questions. loved this read. even if it’s just scepticism, really makes you think of the bigger picture of the Gardener and Winnower story which has still been left mostly untouched.

[@Dazpowder.1754]

silence before the music at 43:48....chills

[@Ghost_Toast5000]

So basically Rhulk killed his family and clan and destroyed his own race because the Darkness is lit fam

[@NobleVI_343]

they literally feared and tried to kill him, fam

[@emilioguerrero3964]

Have you considered putting this longer videos in podcast form on Spotify?

[@roar247]

Byf don’t got his ghorn catalyst done 😭😭😭

[@doyouneedtoknow777]

i feel like the untamed book entry is rhulk losing his mind. his old self being erased and the dark fanatic taking over, with him stuggling to collect himself after his planets destruction.

[@magictwin]

Here is a theoretical explanation of the black sun, sorry if this gets a bit technical :D. 🔵☀️🕳️ In fact, in our world stable system with black holes are possible without everything being sucked in, for the same reason as why we don’t fall into the sun. The light is a bit trickier, but in fact black holes are often quite bright, only unfortunately no light that we can see. They radiate X-Rays. Even if there are no living beings on earth that can see them, it is not impossible that their race can see them. This light would be dim (dark light?), however which would fit the deadly night. One scarcely enough to see more than contours. This would give all living beings on the planet a slight evolutionary advantage why this could evolved there.

[@paradise8250]

You know that outro is so good, when it makes you wanna cry every time :Dd

[@nalydgamo2165]

The parallels of Rhulks story to the trajectory of our own is interesting to say the least. The only memories we have our of the current regime... who teters closely on the line of brutality in the name of light

[@OrphanCrippler1]

No it doesn't? All we have done since the game began is literally defend ourselves from invaders lol. You could make an argument for the Vex, but they're trying to control the universe, so uhhhh

[@nalydgamo2165]

@@OrphanCrippler1 we've actively perused war...with multiple races in the name of them being "enemies" of the light. We spent a majority of the franchises existence fighting anything associated with darkness(except Eris) only to later use it as a tool to extend the towers power. Savathuns resurrection and the prevention of her ghosts death tells us the black and white manner that we've been approaching things in isn't accurate. The tower and there feelings toward friendly forces outside the city is very elitist vs nomads You may not see it but I do. Always have, and I'm glad it's not a plot hole finally. I can't wait for The Final Shape

[@OrphanCrippler1]

@@nalydgamo2165 wtf are you talking about? We made war with the Cabal, because they were attempting to occupy Mars and were otw to Earth. We avoided a scuffle with The Reef even though THEY started the trouble. The Fallen invaded us. The Vex invaded us. The Cabal invaded us. The Hive invaded us. You're delusional lmao

[@OrphanCrippler1]

@@nalydgamo2165 Also we used the darkness to...combat the darkness. If Bungie attempts a "guardian actually bad!!!" Moment, its just bad writing. Thats it.

[@TheGekko135]

Just got out of the grocery store and this popped up on my feed. Rest of the day off, a welcome sight Byf!

[@craziipanduh7951]

The Dark Sun is an implication of sun that has collapsed previously and turned into a small black hole which is normal for a binary system as one sun slowly orbits the black hole.

[@stevanhaire5300]

Black sun could be a brown dwarf; where it’s light isn’t bright enough to be visible during the day next to the blue star(or potentially at all). A brown dwarf star barely gives off any light and mainly gives off infrared light rather than light that’s visible to us. Also who knows how Rhulk sees, maybe he sees in some other wavelength than ours.

[@chriswhite1761]

The quality content you people get For free At least leave the man a like on his video

[@ac4th371]

YES! another banger lore vid. Can't get enough on this topic - I was fascinated by the Worms Gods but this is even better. Cant wait for the next one and hopefully find out his history with and where he ranks among The Hive Gods. Great job.

[@gristlegrinder]

Stars that burn very hot tend to be blue. Also there are brown stars which radiate heat but not much light. Maybe bungie is using this for the story…. Thanks for listening to my Ted talk

[@yungflashbeats]

I've seen multiple rhulk lore videos atleast 3. But none are as in depth as yours and there was still so much I'm just now learning from your video. Good shi my guy💪🏾🔥

[@Theology.101]

I have a theory that Oryx was planned to be another Disciple. He also slew a Work God and spoke directly to the True Darkness, not just the Witness. I think Oryx, Eris and ourselves are the only one to communicate with the True Darkness, besides the Witness himself

[@jonmorrowvektor5805]

I need My Name is Byf to read all my lore in game cause... immersion and stuff. Long time watcher, 1st time commenter. Once again, another homerun lore video. GG.

[@bobthedopeman7327]

I wonder if the light was ever out of control. Like there were multiple travelers at one point, and the darkness and pyramid ships were the constant losers. And now the darkness gained advantage at some point and is just trying to keep the light from getting out of control or overpowered again. I know it sounds stupid, it's just one theory.

[@GrimViridian]

I mean the original plan was that the darkness came out of the traveler so I feel like anything is possible really

[@AssassinsFear]

Once the destiny content starts to dry a little between seasons, I'd love to see you cover some elden ring. I really wanna get into the complicated lore of the game and I feel like it'd fit right in your style. "Greetings tarnished, My Name is Byf here"

[@1r0zz]

There are stars ( hypotetical ) that are black, called black dwarf suns. There are also "dark" suns called brown stars, both are stars at the end of their "life" that spent their "fuel". A black dwarf sun would have a lore implication as it would date destiny universe much older than ours as it would take a quadrillion years for a sun to become a black dwarf sun.

[@budaluv4698]

As a clarification, Black Dwarfs are White Dwarfs that have cooled. White Dwarfs do not undergo any kind of fission or fusion and as such do not use any fuel. The heat generated is actually residual heat from the supernova it was created in. Also do not conflate the terms sun and star. Sun specifically refers to our star.

[@El_Guapo98]

I like this whole anakin skywalker/palpatine dynamic they got going on

[@OhYeah_]

I personally think that Lubrae’s dark sun may have been a planet that was taken over by a pyramid ship. Our planets were also described as leaving a black void of where they once were, when overtaken by the pyramid ships. Also we already know that Rhulk met the Witness on Lubrae which would mean that the Witness would have been in their star system.

[@chrissmith9417]

Exactly the lunch break listen I needed, great job keeping up with the new content