Definition:
“Soul absorption” refers to the fictional concept of absorbing, devouring, or consuming the essence of a soul. The soul, regarded as the immortal or spiritual core of an individual, is taken, destroyed, or assimilated by another entity for power, sustenance, or control.
Etymology:
The word “soul” comes from the Old English “sawol,” which referred to the spiritual or emotional essence of a person, often believed to be eternal. It’s connected to similar words in Old High German and Gothic, all pointing to the idea of the animating force that defines life and survives death.
The word “absorption” comes from Latin, specifically “absorbere,” meaning “to swallow up” or “engulf.” Over time, it evolved in English to mean the act of taking something in completely, whether physically or metaphorically.
When combined, “soul absorption” suggests the idea of taking in or engulfing the essence or life force of a soul. While the phrase itself is modern and doesn’t have a direct etymology, it draws on ancient ideas found in mythology and folklore about spiritual energy being transferred or consumed.
Description:
In certain spiritual traditions and ancient beliefs, there exists the idea that a murderer can “absorbed” or trap the soul of their victim. This concept stems from the notion that the act of taking a life is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one, where the murderer gains power, dominance, or even control over the spiritual essence of the person they killed. While this belief is not part of mainstream religious teachings, it has appeared in various cultural myths, folklore, and spiritual practices.
According to these beliefs, when someone is killed, their soul does not immediately move on to its next phase, such as reincarnation, an afterlife, or release into the spiritual realm. Instead, the violent nature of their death creates a disruption, leaving the soul in a state of limbo. Some traditions suggest that this soul becomes tied to the murderer, either as a form of energy they possess or as a spiritual entity that remains bound to them.
A key aspect of this belief is the notion that the victim’s soul can only be freed when the murderer dies. The murderer’s death is seen as severing the bond that was created by their act of violence, allowing the victim’s soul to finally be released and continue its journey. This idea introduces a form of cosmic justice or balance, where the natural spiritual order is eventually restored, even if it requires the death of the person who caused the disruption.
It’s important to note that this concept is largely symbolic in many traditions and often serves to emphasize the spiritual consequences of taking a life. In most major religions, such as Christianity, Islam, or Hinduism, the soul is considered eternal and beyond human control, meaning it cannot be trapped or absorbed by another person. However, the idea of a murderer holding power over their victim’s soul continues to capture the imagination, often appearing in myths, legends, and modern fictional narratives.
In the TV series Prison Break, Season 2, Episode 1, titled “Manhunt,” Theodore Bagwell has escaped from prison. His arm has been amputated with an axe, and he is carrying it with him in a cooler bag. Since there’s a manhunt for Theodore, he can’t go to the hospital. Instead, he visits a veterinary clinic right after closing hours, where he forces the veterinarian to sew the hand back onto his arm. In Episode 2, titled “Otis,” after the procedure is complete, Theodore feels compelled to kill the veterinarian. The veterinarian begs for his life, sharing his Hindu beliefs about the consequences for the soul in hopes of scaring Theodore into sparing him. However, Theodore shares his own belief in soul absorption before killing the veterinarian. Click to watch the video clip.
In the movie Mortal Kombat (1995), Shang Tsung, a sorcerer and one of the film’s main villains, is known for his chilling ability to absorb the souls of his defeated opponents. This gruesome act strengthens him and extends his life, while the absorbed souls remain trapped within him, suffering eternally. The soul absorption is a defining trait of his character, highlighted by his iconic declaration, “Your soul is mine!”
In the video game series Dark Souls (2011–2016), the titular “souls” are a central mechanic and represent the life force of living beings. Players collect the souls of defeated enemies and use them as currency to improve their character’s abilities. The lore delves into the metaphysical implications of these souls, emphasizing that absorbing them ties players into a grim cycle of power and loss, integral to the game’s dark, mythic world.
In the video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011), the protagonist, known as the Dragonborn, has the unique ability to absorb the souls of dragons they defeat. These dragon souls are essential for unlocking powerful magical abilities called “Dragon Shouts.” The process of soul absorption is depicted with glowing, fiery effects, making it clear that the protagonist is drawing on the raw power of these ancient creatures to fulfill their destiny.
The video game franchise Diablo heavily features soul absorption in its narrative. The Prime Evils, such as Diablo and Mephisto, thrive by absorbing or corrupting the souls of mortals. In particular, the Soulstones—magical artifacts used to contain these entities—serve as a literal representation of the captured souls. The series uses these dark themes to explore the nature of power and the consequences of unchecked evil.
In the fantasy novel Zeno Alexander: The Soul Keeper (2019), the concept of soul absorption is explored through a story involving the capture of souls for power and knowledge. The novel delves into the ethical questions surrounding this act, portraying it as a morally ambiguous practice that provides immense strength at the cost of humanity and identity.
In the urban fantasy book series Jim Butcher: The Dresden Files, soul absorption is portrayed as an ultimate act of dark magic. Characters who absorb souls gain extraordinary power but at the cost of their morality and humanity. The series repeatedly underscores the irreversible and corrupting nature of such acts, emphasizing the heavy price of tampering with the essence of another being.
In the anime and manga Bleach (2001–2016), monstrous spirits known as Hollows feed on the souls of the living and other spirits to grow stronger. This act is depicted as both a necessity for their survival and a manifestation of their inner corruption and hunger. Soul consumption is a central theme in the series, driving major conflicts and shaping the dynamics between characters.
In the TV series Supernatural (2005–2020), the concept of absorbing or bargaining with souls is explored in depth. Demons and other supernatural entities are frequently shown harvesting souls to sustain themselves or increase their power. These acts often symbolize the ultimate sacrifice, as mortals trading their souls face eternal consequences. The show uses this theme to highlight the tension between human desires and the cost of dealing with dark forces.