#blood code study

Introduction to Blood Codes and Main Character

Blood Codes are the abilities imbued within a Revenant's Blood. Each Blood Code is unique to each Revenant that resides within the Gaol of the Mist. Once a Revenant has awakened from their slumber after the BOR parasite has been placed in them, the blood takes on a Code which I believe derives from the characteristics of that Revenant.

As the Player Character, MC starts in the realm of Vein as a First/Second Generation Revenant who was enlisted in Operation Queenslayer. The story behind the main character is largely unknown besides a few details here and there, and their backstory is up to the Player's interpretation. What we do know, is that the main character is a chivalrous self-sacrificing individual who is willing to help find The Source and is determined to save the Successors while learning more about what they're meant to do.

Prologue of Queenslayer Blood Code

While the Blood Code itself doesn't reference from any mythology from different cultures, there are hints that it does link to Greek lore from my understanding of this blood code.

Back when I was still on anon and I was following Code Vein content on tumblr (cause I forgot my old password and logins), a bunch of theories started popping up in @louis-with-an-s​ ‘ blog (tagging for credit and source for comments below!). As inspired by lore hunters on youtube, I was already analyzing Louis’ and Yakumo blood code at that point and I was midway of researching for Louis’ Blood code study (since this series is helping me refresh on my Greek Mythology) when this comment came up (anon if you’re out there, let me know so I can credit you too!):

I was also thinking the same thing that it's way too convenient that the MC's Blood Code is named after Operation Queenslayer. Each blood code is uniquely named and it's different for each Revenant which probably made the most of us think that this isn't our initial blood code as presented in the game. It's 100% unlikely that the rest of the Revenants in Operations Queenslayer had this Blood code, but then why is MC's blood code named after Operation Queenslayer?

Then @nosferabbit​ mentioned these comments below (I hope you don't mind me tagging you! I just want to give you credit! If you're uncomfortable with it, please let me know D: )

I thought of it even more since I was already linking Yakumo’s and Louis’ Greek God counterparts since their lore is strangely close to Heracles and Heracles had interaction with both of them in a similar way as their mythology. Then I was like: "Oh lol, maybe MC's previous code was Heracles before they ingested the Queen's blood."

Then I started looking into the other blood codes, then bosses, the depths and my mind went into overdrive. I discovered more things about how MC alarmingly relates too much to Heracles and his lore and I was nervously compelled into making the blog in the end.

Beyond this point, its pure theory on my end. It might be debunked based on DLC's, future updates of the game, etc. If that ends up being the case in the future, I'll conduct a proper post for Queenslayer afterward.

Greek Mythology

From my point of view, MC's initial Blood Code is based on Heracles.

Heracles or Hercules (His Roman name), as most people mostly refer to him (they're still the same god regardless but for this post, we'll refer him with his proper Greek name).

Heracles was cursed by Hera even before his birth. Hera persuaded Zeus that the next child born under the house of Perseus would be the given the position of High King and the child following that would be a servant of Zeus. Hera commanded Eileithyia the Goddess of Childbirth to postpone Heracles being born so instead, Heracles cousin Eurystheus was born first prematurely and Heracles was born after.

Growing up, Heracles had several mentors that taught him various crafts, music, and arts of battle. Later on in his years, Creon the king of Theban gave Heracles his daughter Megara and together they had two children. Hera was jealous of Heracles so she struck him with a madness that caused him to kill Megara and their two kids. Feeling destroyed by the atrocity he caused, he was instructed by an oracle to serve Eurystheus for twelve years and fulfill all the tasks that'll be given to him to purify him of his sin. These tasks, in the end, became the famous tale of Heracles 12 labors.

Similarities between MC and Heracles

Both Heracles and MC are the heroes of their own stories. Albeit in different scenarios, Heracles through the twelve labors was granted immortality in the end while the MC is already an immortal vampire who possesses the Relic of the blood.

With Heracles being the inspired Greek God for this Blood code, there is one particular character that should be highlighted before expanding onto the other Gods. The relation to the other Gods will be explained in the next section regarding the 12 labors.

With Io, they're not linked by Blood Code but more of Io's namesake. Io in Greek Mythology was one of Zeus's lovers. She was turned into a cow by Zeus when they tried to prevent Hera from learning of their relationship and Io was made to wander the earth. During her travels, she encounters Prometheus who was still bounded and chained by his punishment. As a clairvoyant God, he predicted that in the future, Io's descendant will be the one to free him and that she'll also turn back into a human. She was eventually turned back into a human by Zeus when they both avoided Hera's gaze and many descendants later, Heracles was born.

Heracles is the descendant of Io (Greek) so Io (game) gives a lot of family/maternal vibes towards the MC and vice versa since MC cares a lot for Io's (game) wellbeing. Io (game) wandered throughout the Vein in search of MC just like her Greek counterpart (but for a different reason). Also, MC ventures into the Ruined City Underground in hopes of freeing Io (game) and in turn MC meets Louis (Prometheus) and frees Louis' worries of his Blood bead research with MC helping his cause. So Io (game) brought MC to Louis (Prometheus) just like how Io (Greek) ended up bearing her future descendant and brought Heracles to Prometheus (Louis' blood code).

While the MC is a silent Revenant, Heracles is more outspoken, quick-tempered and witty in his actions so personality-wise, they're quite the opposite. From the few chapters of the Code Vein manga, it displays the MC as a quiet individual who speaks up on certain occasions and is thoughtful of the things around them. Heracles started his adventures in life when he was eighteen years old which could be the same age as the MC (however, we don't know their official age and we can make up whatever age for the MC regardless).

"The old feelings inside still speak to you. This time you must ensure a lasting peace." It is likely hinting that the old feelings could either be their true blood code or simply just their memories of themselves before Operation Queenslayer. The lasting peace is part of Heracles where he wants to absolve his sins and be at peace with himself. Or it could be that MC died with regrets?Lasting peace is the MC being at peace with themselves and their own life within the Vein since their life before the Collapse was anything but peaceful. 

Now if we observe the symbol for the Queenslayer blood code itself, it appears to be a distorted crown. If we look at it carefully, the crown has letters that spell out "Vein" but out of order. We see the letter "E" first on the left, then the letter "V" in the center with the letter "I" overlapping the V from behind and then the "N" on the right. We also see this symbol beside the area name we're loaded into.

Considering how the other Successors altered blood codes as mentioned from the prologue, each of their blood codes is from the relics the successors possess. The closest reference we can get at this point is with Nicola's altered blood code: Queen's Breath. You'd expect the symbol of it to be a mist of air or something similar to the like, but instead, we see the source of where the breath comes from, which is the lungs. The breath lies within the lungs while blood resides within the veins. With that being said, Queenslayer is possibly the altered blood code the MC gained from the Queen since they are the Successor of the Blood. The symbol is in the shape of a crown probably because of the importance of the Queen's blood during the experiments. It’s a unique visual interpretation of veins since we’re aware how veins in our bodies look like. So just like the Successor of the Queen's Breath is the symbol of the lungs, the Successor of the Blood symbol is the Vein. Neither of these relics can't be displayed physically for what they are and that's why the lungs and the word vein for these altered codes are a representation of these relics.

Continuing onwards, we also have to mention the aftermath of the 12 labors. With all the labors being fulfilled, Heracles joined the Argonauts who were a group of Greek Heroes that combined forces in search of the Golden Fleece. Considering the True End, MC leaves the Vein along with the others, starting their heroic group outside of the Vein. (Of course, they aren't calling themselves the Argonauts but they are similar sort of troupe). While they're not searching for the Golden Fleece since they already have Io's golden blood bead to guide them. Or we could say they’ve always been team Argonauts and they finally retrieved the Golden Fleece aka golden blood bead and achieved greater heights. Knowing Io's lore with Io (Greek) turning into a Cow and the Golden Fleece from the Ram, which is both from the same Bovidae family, the blood bead here is their Golden Fleece.

There's also a part of Heracles lore where he's thrown into madness which could be linked with several things. When MC was killed by Jack in their memories, he killed them since their body was rejecting the Queen's blood and without their mask, they were painfully going through bloodthirst and becoming lost. There's also the bad end where the MC becomes the new Queen and was falling into madness, but Louis killed them before that could happen too. Madness for the MC is falling into Frenzy.

These moments of frenzy could also relate to the death of Heracles as well. With Heracles' second wife Deinanira, she was attacked by the Centaur of Nessus and convinced her to take his blood-covered shirt (which is ridden with poison) and give it to her husband. Claiming it's a love charm and to give it to him whenever he's being unfaithful. She assumed that Heracles was cheating on her so she gave him the shirt, only for him to be tortured by an immense amount of pain. The poison here could also be the cause of the miasma which MC did take in, the Queen's blood which could be considered poisonous to them at first due to their body rejecting the Queen's blood.

Heracles 12 Labors

With the twelve labors, I initially connected them to the Depths since there are 12 in total. When MC is tasked by Davis to find the Map's to the depths and journey through them, we are given 12 in total for the duration of the game. However, these labors could also associate with other events and Greek Gods which associates with the other characters. Plus a few of the bosses do relate to the monsters Heracles has fought.

1. Slaying the Nemean Lion

The first task King Eurystheus gave to Heracles was to retrieve the skin of the Nemean Lion. The skin from the lion was impenetrable. Since Heracles' arrows didn't affect the lion, he grabbed his club, cornered it in a cave and then choked it to death.

The only thing that comes to mind with this trial is the Argent Wolf Berserker.

The Argent Wolf Berserker has a strong defense against debuffs (especially poison), but it is weak to blood damage according to the Code Vein Wiki. If I recall correctly, this is the only boss you can perform a parry and back-stab with a draining attack. Just like Heracles easily backed it into a corner and choked it, this boss is susceptible to the same things as well.

Interestingly enough, after Heracles kills the lion he ends up taking the skin from the lion (although some writers/researchers disagree. Heracles' lion skin is worn in most sculptures and paintings but for this instance, let’s roll with the former instead) and after defeating the Berserker, the MC received their first and only memory back. MC is greeted by their vestige after defeating the boss. It's really neat how the first trial holds its significance to Heracles and in turn, the MC regains an important memory of themselves.

2. Slaying the Lernaean Hydra

This labor relates to one area and two of the bosses in the game. The first one I'll be mentioning is the Butterfly of Delirium.

The Hydra in this labor has nine heads and its blood is venomous. As mentioned previously, the poison led to Heracles' death. This boss only has one main body and a tail that acts as a hydra's head since it always spews out poison at the MC. For the Hydra, there are nine heads and one of the heads is the main immortal (since each time Heracles would severe a head, it would regenerate). This is the second boss in the game and the second labor Heracles has to tackle.

Next is the area the Howling Pit and the boss Hatsune Miku Invading Executioner.

The swamp area pays homage to the area where Heracles slew the Hydra. For the invading Executioner, the only related lore linking with this labor is her Sickle. Some visual sources claim that Heracles used a sickle as part of his weaponry to kill the Hydra.

The depths that has these two bosses are: The Town of Sacrifice, Swirling Flood and Flood of Impurity is part of my count towards the depths connecting to the 12 labors.

3. Capture the Golden Hind

Heracles was then tasked by Eurystheus with capturing the Golden Hind (a deer). This Hind is very sacred to the Goddess Artemis. Knowing these facts, Heracles couldn't kill the Hind. It took an entire year to hunt the deer and when he gave it a minor injury, Artemis appeared in front of him and was furious. Heracles begged for forgiveness and explained why he did what he had to do. Artemis relented and healed the hind with the condition that the hind must be returned to her. Once Heracles returned to Eurystheus, recalling his promise to Artemis, he asks the king to step forward to retrieve the hind himself. Once the king agreed, he stepped forward but the hind ran back to Artemis.

As mentioned in the Artemis Blood Code Study, this heavily related to Mia and her Goddess lore. When MC and gang first meet Mia in the story, she attacks them for their blood beads. The minute Nicola came out to defend her and fainted, she protects him in case they were to hurt him. They gave him a blood bead but he was still killed by Jack.

When Mia and the others learn he's a Successor, they have to end up fighting him when he induced into a frenzy. With the power of the Relic of the Blood, the MC was able to let the two reunite within the memory echo and then revive Nicola afterward, allowing the two to reunite in person. More is expanded in the Artemis Blood Code Study.

With relation to the depths, the Silent White Depths has the Successor of the Breath which still links to the list of the 12 labors/depths with Heracles lore.

4. Capture the Erymanthian Boar

Heracles' next task was to bring the Erymanthian Boar alive to King Eurystheus. The Boar would come down from its mountain every day to attack everything in sight: Animals and people. It was known for its powerful tusks. This one I believe connects with the very first boss: Oliver Collins.

Oliver ends up killing everyone above ground (excluding Io) as he is fully turned into the Lost. When MC and Louis fight him and cut away half of his health, he fully transforms into his lost form. We see he has a tusk and a snout from his mask getting distorted at the transformation.

There's also mention of Prometheus during this trial. Heracles decided to visit his centaur friend before the trial to stop, chat and grab a bite to eat since he was famished. The centaur Pholus offered him a meal. When Heracles requested wine however, Pholus was scared to open the jar due to the wine belonging to all of the centaurs. Heracles was just like: "Its fine, I yolo for a living," opened the jar and brought on chaos with all the other centaurs rushing in anger that someone is taking their wine. They attacked him but Heracles retaliated with his poisonous arrows (he used the poison from the Hydra at the 2nd trial) and they ran off. Chiron, a centaur who ends up being a teacher to Achilles received a wound from one of these arrows. The pain was so dreadful that he was willing to take Prometheus' place instead of dealing with the pain. In the end, he gives up his immortality. Pholus wondered how an arrow caused Chiron so much pain. He picked it up curiously but it was accidentally dropped onto his feet. He ended up dying from the intense pain.

Poison is a part of this trial and while Heracles did not use poison against the boar (since he's supposed to bring it back alive), Oliver's boss form is susceptible to the poison debuff. MC traveled with Oliver as a friendly acquaintance in the short time they had together. Oliver like Pholus, was worried about a fellow friend/revenant that they bumped into. In the end, it became their demise. Oliver's mask broke and became Lost and Pholus died from the arrow.

Boss Oliver can be found in the Den of the Dead and Den of Darkness in the Depths.

5. Cleaning the stables of Augeas in one day

While there isn't an instance where MC is physically cleaning a stable (or cleaning in general). I think this labor relates more to the Trials of Blood. The occurrence happens at specific areas at random and none of the Lost will go away until all of them have been killed. This is one of the labors that has been disregarded in the end so this labor may not have any relevance to the game, however the Trial of Blood is the only thing I can come up with. Since MC does clear away the Lost in several waves like Heracles washes away the stables by re-routing the Alpheus River. MC has to clear out the lost in one go with these trials in the same manner.

6. Slaying the Stymphalian Birds

With no DLC's released as of this writing, I'm currently unable to see or connect with anything relating to this trial. There aren't any aerial creatures that resemble the stymphalian birds in the game or the events relating to the labor itself, so this one is a bit harder to narrow down. If there is anything revealed via DLC's, I'll be editing this instantly.

7. Capture the Cretan Bull

At first, I didn't have a clue who or what would relate to this trial but after understanding the nature of the Cretan Bull, I'm willing to put my bets on the Gilded Hunter.

Behind the story of the trial, there was Minos, the King of Crete. Minos promised Poseidon he would sacrifice whatever he sends. Poseidon sends a bull but Minos thought the bull was too beautiful so he sacrificed a different bull instead. Of course, Poseidon was angry about it, so he made the bull he gifted to Minos run rampant over the land of Crete. In the end, Heracles came and wrestled the bull and easily brought it back to Eurystheus.  

Since the bull was sent to Mino's by a god, we could say that Mido is the god that let the Gilded Hunter run berserk. There was a point where I guessed that Mido could either relate to Zeus or Ares based on his connection to a few characters and his background, but here I can also consider Poseidon as another candidate for Mido.

The Gilded Hunter can also be found in the Arachnid Grotto in the Depths.

8. Steal the Mares of Diomedes

For this trial, I think there could be a better interpretation of it but from what we have now, I can see the Queen's Knight or the events of Operation Queenslayer itself relating to this labor.

Heracles eighth task was to steal man-eating horses. In some tales, he traveled with a group of companions searching for them. In the case of Operation Queenslayer, Jack's team along with the MC venture out to kill the Lost and track down the Queen.

The Bistones notices that Heracles and his crew were taking away their mares and they went after them (they would be the lost in this case). Heracles needed to free up his group so that he could fight them off so he left the mares with a man called Abderos. Abderos was killed by the time Heracles made it back so he founded a city in his honor.

Of course, at a later point, they encounter the Queen's Knight which the Queen's 'puppet' but since this lost has the title of "knight" the lost could be considered to be her steed. A Knight normally would go into battle with their horse to ride into the fields. While this lost isn't a horse, it has connotation of a companion in battle.

Or we can base this trial from the events of it. We can say the man-eating horses are the lost and the Revenants in Operation Queenslayer have no choice but to slay them. The MC takes the place of Abderos instead when they were put to rest and then Jack and Silva went onto founding the Vein (Gaol of the Red Mist). I highly doubt it was named after the MC's blood code but the MC's blood code and the "Vein" are both connected. As mentioned above before the topic of the twelve labors, MC's blood code has the letters of the word Vein while anytime the Player Character is transported to a new area, the same vein symbol like the MC's blood code always appears on the left side of the area's name.

The Queen's Knight can be found in the Zero District within the depths.

9. Stealing the girdle of Hippolyta

I had to think a while about this one since this trial is about Heracles taking the girdle from Queen Hippolyta. A girdle is a belt, and the origin of the girdle was gifted to Hippolyta by Ares since she is the best of all the amazon warriors. Heracles and Hippolyta both befriended each other and Hippolyta was more than happy to give Heracles the girdle but then we have Hera, who didn't want the trial to go smoothly. She told the other amazon warriors (in disguise as an amazon warrior herself) how Heracles was trying to get on her good side only to carry away the queen. So on their boat trip, Heracles noticed the rest of the warriors had their armor and weapons and went and killed the Queen and took the girdle.

Likely this could be associated with the good ending regarding Io. Before we entered the area for the final boss, there are the other Attendants there and we have Io talking with her sisters. Her sisters left their fate in her hands. When Io takes in all the relics and becomes the Weeping Tree, she leaves MC with a golden blood bead. That could also be considered CV's version of the girdle since MC does receive it in the end. Just without the deception part. Io gave the MC something golden and we can say she is the queen of the attendants now from this perspective.

10. Steal the cattle of Geryon

With this labor, I found it connects with the Insatiable Despot.

A very unique feature to the insatiable despot is that it has its main weapon (Tyrant's Labyrs) struck through its body. When you cut their HP in half, they proceed to take the weapon out from their body and use it to attack the MC. With Geryon, he has more than one appendage attached to him (three heads and three legs joined at the waist). The insatiable despot has one weapon/appendage through his chest. The boss creates henchmen to attack the player and they could be considered to be the cattle of Geryon. The only exception here is that MC doesn't need to steal anything from this boss. Heracles was tasked with stealing the cattle from Geryon and ended up killing Geryon in the end.

Via the Depths, this boss is found in the Cliffs of Rust.

11. Steal the Hesperidean Apples

Heracles was then tasked to steal apples from Zeus garden but he didn't even know where the garden is. During his journey of finding the garden, he encounters Prometheus who he ends up freeing from his torment by killing the eagle. The clairvoyant god gave him advice as to where the garden is and how he can get the apples. He also gave him advice on his future labors and endeavors. For more details, please refer to the Prometheus Blood Code Study.

Once Heracles arrived where Atlas was stationed, he quickly mentioned his plight and Atlas agreed to get to the apples from the garden as long as Heracles could hold the skies up temporary. He returned with the apples but had no intention of switching with Heracles. Heracles tricked him that he needed to put on some padding for his shoulders, so when Atlas took the skies again, Heracles just took the apples and ran off.

There was nothing too interesting but after MC accepted Louis' offer, Yakumo tossed him an apple. It's just a regular apple and there was nothing in regards to trickery or thieving, it was just simply an anime version of Atlas giving an anime version of Heracles an apple. Since the apple is what connects both of these gods and Yakumo with MC. More details are already written in the Atlas Blood Code Study.

12. Capture Cerberus of the Underworld

The final trial could be interpreted from two different events.

The first one right off the bat is the final boss Skull King and then The Virgin Reborn. They were previously Silva and Silva held the Blood Code of Hades. Hades is the ruler of the underworld and in a sense a protector of the Vein in and out of the Red Mist.

As we see in the boss fight, we have Skull King (aka Silva). During the boss fight, we also see Silva's Hounds-type Blood Veil, operating as the two heads of Cerberus, and Skull King himself being the main third head.

Heracles’ task was to capture Cerberus. After making the preparations to head to the underworld, he arrived there safely and confronted Hades. Hades said he can take Cerberus as long as no weapons are used against them. Heracles succeeded by using brute strength alone.

In Code Vein, it's more of the reverse with this trial, as the MC has no choice but to kill the Skull King aka Silva (who holds the Hades Blood Code).

We also have the two artificial Lost that Mido left for us. In the game, we had to fight Blade Bearer and the Cannoneer and quickly afterward we had to fight Mido. These three bosses could also represent the three heads of Cerberus figuratively. Blade Bearer and Cannoneer guarded the way preventing MC and group from progressing further to where Mido is. Just like with Heracles being prevented from entering without preparation. When they do reach Mido, Mido is guarding the path ahead and was also in possession of the relics before sending them Silva's way.

In the lore, the parents of Cerberus were an Enchinda which is a half woman and half serpent, and a Typhon which is a fire breathing giant. The Enchinda relates to the Blade Bearer while the Typhon is the Cannoneer. Based on both of their designs, the relation comes in full circle.

Both of these bosses can be found in the Void District of the Depths.

Queenslayer's Gifts

Drain Boost- Increases all drain ratings while you are focused.

Frenzied Fire- Fires a projectile that decreases the enemies' focus gauge.

Heracles was known for using a bow and arrow. Especially during certain labors after his second labor, where he coated his arrows with the hydra's poisonous blood. Frenzied Fire also matches with how Heracles was easily thrown into madness by Hera. With the focus gauge, once it's been filled, it prevents staggering and using drain attacks to launch an opponent in the air is possible. With the labors that Heracles went through he wouldn't allow any of the creatures, he fought to take advantage of him, so in a sense, he decreases the likelihood of his opponents overpowers him just like the function Frenzied Fire serves. Drain boost just displays the enhanced skills Heracles had while facing opponents. As already mentioned with Frenzied Fire with Heracles countering his opponents, Heracles himself as a trained warrior wouldn't allow himself to be staggered and is intuitive on when to attack.

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Cleansing Light-For a limited time, a portion of the damage you take will slowly heal automatically.

Instantly this associates with Heracles’ immortality and the labors together. The purpose of Heracles going through these labors was to cleanse his sins of slaughtering his own family in his madness (which wasn't caused by him, Hera was the one that made him go mad). The immortality that Heracles ended up gaining wouldn't kill him no matter what the circumstances. This Gift is ultimately a portion of Heracles' true immortality while it's named after his cleansing ritual with the labors.

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Circulating Pulse- Unleash a barrage of strikes. An offensive skill performed with One Handed Sword/Halberd/Bayonet.

Heracles throughout his youth studied many forms of combat and mastered several weapons. The fact that this gift is versatile with multiple weapons is a no brainer here. He utilized multiple weapons during his adventures and his twelve labors.

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Final Journey- Immediately restores all HP and increases abilities but kills you after a short time.

Final Journey is a ticking time bomb. This could be related to a few things I have in mind since this is MC's signature Gift.

First, the name of the Gift itself. Final Journey relates to all of Heracles' journeys and adventures in general since he always lived life at the edge. Any of his adventures could easily be his last and he mustered his strength and prowess to go against all trials, achieve greater things and defeating his opponents. If you've read the labors above or know of them in general then you already know that these tasks are very daunting and no normal being would be able to handle these tasks.

Also similar to cleansing light, this also links with Heracles' immortality. As a god, Heracles used all his abilities in his journey and labors. With his story being so self-explanatory at this point, we know that he's one of the strongest Greek heroes in legend. However, even with that great power, the poison he received was too much to the point that he'd rather die than suffer through the pain. This part is likely the reason why MC/PC dies after using the power-enhancing gift since Heracles was willing to give it up and ascend instead.

Lastly, the image of the gift itself is a skull and most time in real life, it symbolized death or a poisonous substance. This gift grants power but we could also consider it as poison, the poison that ended up killing Heracles in the end.

Concluding Thoughts

PHEW, finally this analysis is finished lol. I had way too much fun thinking out this one. Please remember that this analysis is just a theory itself and you don't need to force your OC's to match with my analysis or agree with anything written in this post. What I've gathered in this post is simply based on facts I've noticed based on the amount of Greek Lore that's mixed in the story and with the MC. Regardless if this does turn out to be true or not, I sincerely had fun breaking down the possible lore of the MC. With MC's altruistic nature within the game, it makes a lot of sense of how they would behave. Their past before Operation Queenslayer remains (and will forever remain) a mystery since our job is to fill in those gaps. I like how there's so much Greek lore incorporated into the MC while still giving the player room to add in their own details. Asides from the whole "silent MC until the final scenes in the game" (I wish they could've spoken more D: ) the MC is a great example of how Player Characters should be done.

Introduction to Blood Codes and Eva

Blood Codes are the abilities imbued within a Revenant's Blood. Each Blood Code is unique to each Revenant that resides within the Gaol of the Mist. Once a Revenant has awakened from their slumber after the BOR parasite has been placed in them, the blood takes on a Code which I believe derives from the characteristics of that Revenant.

Eva willingly became a Third Generation Revenant during her time with Jack. She is completely devoted to Jack and is willing to do anything to assist Jack or take on burdens that would cause him less pain. Even when her strength falters or she's at the edge of a frenzy, she'll prioritize Jack's wellbeing. Jack has the same feelings when it comes to protecting Eva as well. That's why these two balance each other so well as Watchers of the Successors.

Greek Mythology

Eva's Blood Code is based on the Greek Goddess Harmonia.

Harmonia was known as the Goddess of harmony and concord. The only notable story linked with this Goddess is the Necklace of Harmonia. It all started with Hephaestus, who discovered that his wife Aphrodite the Goddess of love had cheated on him with Ares the God of War. He cursed their future bloodline saying that any offspring from them would be cursed. Harmonia is Aphrodite's daughter and Harmonia was to be wed to Cadmus, the founder of the city of Thebes. When Hephaestus heard about the marriage, he created a necklace for Harmonia and offered it as a gift.

The Necklace of Harmonia is said to bring misfortune to anyone who their possessor is. In exchange, the necklace grants eternal youth and beauty to the one who wears it. The necklace itself was made from gold and jewels and it had two small snakes clasped on the gem

Due to the exploits of Cadmus, when he was ready to sacrifice a cow to the Goddess Athena, a water dragon attacked but he managed to kill it. The dragon was under the jurisdiction of Ares, Harmonia's father and served him for eight years until he and the gods demanded he marries Harmonia. After their marriage, the necklace brought on many diseases upon the city of Thebes and to their family. Harmonia and Cadmus left the city and went to Illyria. In the end, Harmonia and Cadmus were both turned into serpents. Cadmus' fate was ill and reclined his fate to turn into a serpent himself just as the dragon he slain. Harmonia followed, wanting the same fate as Cadmus.

The necklace itself was continuously passed down to her daughter and future generations but all of them suffered devastating misfortunes.

Similarities to Eva and Harmonia

Harmonia brings harmony to all things, and Eva's high compatibility with the relics and the power of her voice alone bring harmony in the realm of the Vein. Her voice can calm the Lost and Successors from their frenzy (even if it's only temporary).

We have Rin who carries the Blood Code Hephaestus and Eva who has the Harmonia blood code, but they're drastically opposite to their Greek God counterparts. When Eva left home base, Rin was the one who was supposed to watch over her but was disappointed in herself for not being able to go after her. Rin was very distraught about it and was genuinely worried if Eva was okay or not. Unlike Hephaestus' spiteful nature, Rin is an absolute sweetheart and I can imagine her hugging Eva the minute she returned to Home Base safe and sound.

Based on the lore of Harmonia, we could say Cadmus is Jack as Eva is to Harmonia. Jack worked tirelessly for years after Operation Queenslayer to watch over the Relic's and Successors just as Cadmus served years under Ares service. Jack 'killed' the MC and the MC relates to the Water Dragon that Cadmus ended up killing. Both MC and the dragon were both under a rule of another, the MC taking in the Queen's blood which made them become a successor inheriting the relic and the water dragon is under Ares' jurisdiction when they ruled over certain land. Cadmus had to make up for the dragon's death while Jack had to begin his duties of being a watcher after he puts down the MC.

As mentioned, Ares ordered Cadmus to marry Eva and thus began their endeavors and their route of misfortunes when she received the necklace. While Jack gave Eva as much freedom as he could, she willingly chose to assist Jack and remain at his side, not because of obligation but she sincerely cares for him. While not much is noted of Harmonia's personality, even she remained devoted to her husband until the bitter end.

With Eva having the capacity to store many relics within her, it is also her misfortune. She is aware that carrying many relics takes a toll on her as we see her collapse while stopping Jack. However, she knows she has the power to contain them and she will do it if it lessens Jack's burden. With the Necklace of Harmonia, the city of Thebes bred disease and it also affected the people and Harmonia's family.

It relates to the Revenants in the Vein that suffers from Bloodthirst and the lack of blood beads. It also pays homage to it in the Crown of Sand area, since wherever the player or your partner steps on the sand, it immediately drains Ichor. "Leak" is a debuff in the game and it describes as: "This debuff causes your blood to rot, slowly draining your ichor." if any Revenant's blood rots then they're unable to use any abilities or Gifts which could be considered a disease in itself.

“Look, there used to be ruins here, but now they’ve been turned into a desert. the successor who created the crypt used their very last ounce of strength as they struggled to resist their relic. The wind scattered salt from a dried up lake over the land nearby, making it barren. Now it’s the same kind of desolate place as the one where Eva was born. She and I promised each other that if either of us fell to the thirst, the other would have the last of their humanity. Eva is waiting for me... just over there...I’m talking too much. anyway, i’m going on ahead. this is between me and Eva.” -Jack Rutherford

Also, regarding the relics, the main disease that Jack and Eva have to worry about is frenzy. Once frenzy hits, it's over.

Cadmus was burdened with being the founder of the city and eventually caving into his fate to become a serpent, a similar beast to the dragon he slain. Harmonia followed him and joined in with his fate. We see Eva doing this for Jack as well. Eva wasn't a Revenant yet when she met Jack and in the end after everything that transpired between both of them, Eva decides to join Jack and become a Revenant and the Successor of the Relic.

As Jack mentioned in the Crown of Sands area, Eva grew up in a similar environment. This is related to the city of Thebes that Cadmus founded. The city of Thebes is a city in a desert environment that matches well with how Eva is linked to the sands. Harmonia married to Cadmus in the City of Thebes and resided there for a decent amount of time. Eva grew up in an area similar to Thebes (we're not sure where in the real world the Vein is referenced from).

As we can see in Eva's design. Her scars are probably her physical representation of Harmonia's misfortune along with the infamous Harmonia's Necklace. While there's no official image I can reference from (cause frankly the necklace could have a vastly different design and there are various interpretations of it), Eva does wear a necklace and Jack also wear a necklace matching with her, which displays how they both are willing to share the same fate. This is a nod to Harmonia's lore.

Harmonia's Gifts

Gift Prowess-Temporarily increases gift speed for you and your partner.

This Gift as you guys can probably guess relates to Harmonia's relationship with Cadmus. Qhile many things happened during their time together, they remained together til the bitter end. They both supported eachother despite the fate and the curses that fell upon them. - Max Ichor Boost-Increases the maximum amount of ichor that can be held. Mind/Willpower Up-Increases mind and willpower.

These Gifts specifically pertain to Harmonia's necklace. While the necklace caused her misfortune, it gave her eternal youth which is the only benefit she had. Ichor is special blood that enables a Revenant to use Gifts and abilities so the more ichor a Revenant has the more versatile, and it's the same with Eva. In terms of the Mind/Willpower Up, it's within the same theory including the fact that Harmonia in Greek lore is very strong-willed to keep up with misfortune after misfortune. - Supernatural Blood-Enables you to sacrifice HP to use Gifts when you have run out of ichor.

Harmonia turned into a snake and sacrificed herself when her husband fell prey to the same fate. Harmonia did it voluntarily just like Eva voluntarily became a Revenant to support Jack. This Gift references from Harmonia's sacrifice. - Volatile Storm-Creates blades of sand that converge on the target and explode. Sand Edge-Creates a blade of high-pressurized sand from the ground that knocks away foes.

The gifts here with sand like properties relates to the city of Thebes where Harmonia's husband founded and ruled over. Harmonia was also by her husband's side and lived within the city as well. Thebes in real life is a sand-like area as well (however we don't know if Eva is really from there or not). While Harmonia was not a fighting God, she was a part of the city and these are more based on Harmonia wanting to protect her family and the people of Thebes from any threats.

Concluding thoughts

Introduction to Blood Codes and Louis

Blood Codes is a class system in Code Vein that defines the abilities of a  Revenant based on their blood. Each Blood Code is unique to each Revenant that resides within the Gaol of the Mist. Once a Revenant has awakened from their slumber after the BOR parasite has been placed in them, the blood takes on a Code which I believe derives from the characteristics of that Revenant.

As a Third Generation Revenant, Louis was awakened with the Blood Code of Prometheus. After his revival, he was determined to make lives better for all Revenants.

Greek Mythology

Louis’ Blood Code is based on the Greek God Prometheus.

Prometheus is a Trickster Titan who is famously known for gifting humans the element of fire. Zeus was enraged at Prometheus’ trickery and punished him. He forced him to be chained to a rock at the Caucasus and had his liver devoured by a giant eagle. Alas, Prometheus is immortal, so the liver would regenerate every night and then the eagle would continuously rip it out every time.

The liver was thought to be the source of human emotions. I would expand more on this, but if you search this article on google: prometheus bound liver by aeschylus at litcharts. It does a pretty great job breaking down this tidbit of symbolism.

Similarities Between Louis and Prometheus

Prometheus stole fire to save humankind. Louis is researching Blood Beads to help all Revenants. This is the main core of both of their philosophies: They're philanthropic, greatly known for their intelligence and are willing to do anything to help out their species and/or others, even if it means sacrificing themselves.

Prometheus' brother is Atlas in Greek lore and Yakumo Shinonome holds the Blood Code of Atlas. The Great War Titanomachy separated them when Prometheus joined Zeus' side. Their relationship in-game is different from their lore counterparts. With the amount of time Louis and Yakumo have been together, they're best friends and brothers. Everyone in the crew at home is found family, so these two are meant to be the best bro's you'll meet.

Hephaestus is Rin Murasame's Blood code. The relationship in-game is different from the Greek Lore as well. Prometheus stole fire from Hephaestus' workshop on Mount Olympus. Rin does have her workshop at home base, but she and Louis cooperate.

"This code is well-balanced for combat but is somewhat fragile. Its Gifts bolster dodging and parrying." Dodging and Parrying are the main highlights of this Blood Code due to the Prometheus nature, Prometheus was agile and evasive when it came to his laying out his tricks and cleverly carrying out his missions of deception during and after the war. The fragility must be linked with the liver portion of the lore, when he's at his most vulnerable.

Both the liver and Louis can regenerate. Concerning the symbolism of the liver, he does repress himself emotionally but he is passionate about making the lives of Revenants better in exchange. Louis' personality is subdued and he doesn't evoke much emotion since he is completely focused on his mission. However, we do see moments when he gets agitated and frustrated, especially confronting Karen's current state. He has so much empathy for Revenants and he doesn't like to see them suffer, especially in his Vestige memories with Kevin. He was willing to help him and probably many other Revenants since he cares about their survival.

In Louis' eyes, he believes it's his fault for not killing Cruz and feels he has to bear the burden of that mistake. We could interpret the punishment as Louis taking away Cruz's flame (the option of killing her), (In Louis memories, everywhere was in flames after Cruz frenzied) and then helping to save the Successors and Revenants in turn. Of course, he still feels guilty about it all and it’s completely different from Prometheus stealing fire for humans. Louis didn't steal anything tangibly, and he was given a choice that he shouldn't have to make. He was always carrying a punishment throughout his backstory and story in-game.

After Prometheus was saved by Heracles, Zeus ordered him to wear a steel ring from the chains he was bounded to, as a reminder of his punishment. In the game, Louis wears his ring on a chain around his neck.

Prometheus Gifts

Flame Weapon- Temporarily adds fire damage to you and your partner's current weapons Fire Storm- Shoots a series of flaming projectiles that stagger the enemy.

These two Gifts coincide with the story of Prometheus and stealing fire. With the Fire Storm gift, Louis can launch projectiles of flames towards the enemy. Prometheus sent fire to the humans from the workshop on Mount Olympus. With Flame Weapon, he grants you the ability to use flames on your weapon and Prometheus grants Humans flame so that they can use to see, create etc. Prometheus also taught humans how to use fire in metalwork, thus embedding  fire on your weapon.

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Phantom Assault -Vanish like mist, then do a jump slash. An offensive skill performed with One-handed swords / Halberd / Bayonet Deft Parry- Fully restores stamina when you parry an attack. Hasten- Uses the power of ichor to temporarily boost reflexes, enhancing your dodges. Savvy Evasion-Increases the amount of focus gained from dodging attacks. Eternal Blade Dance-An enhanced version of Blade Dance. Increases attack power when you dodge enemy attacks.

These Gifts are all related to evasion. Just as Prometheus snuck the fire away from the workshop, each of these skills is related to his intelligence and his implementing his methods through trickery.

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Blade Dance-Temporarily increases attack power each time you damage an enemy with your weapon One-Handed Sword Mastery-Increases attack power when equipped with a one-handed sword.

Prometheus is linked with science and culture. Enhancing proficiency, creating things relating to science, developing methods on making things better for humans is what these gifts are based on. Also, this goes along with his abilities demonstrated in the Great War when Prometheus allied with Zeus.

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Warding Mark-Temporarily applies the inhibit effect to your current weapon.

The inhibit status prevents the player from using Gifts that are linked with your Ichor. Prometheus brings gifts and resources to humans and prevents the Olympians from taking away resources from humans. This Gift is well placed in the lineup of Gifts for this Blood Code.

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Strength/Dexterity up- Increases strength and dexterity

Prometheus gave humans the strength to survive with fire and taught them to perform tasks with their hands like metalwork.

Concluding Thoughts

Louis is the first character that gives you his Blood Code directly. His Blood Code is his gift to you to use in your battles against the Lost. In turn, you use the Code and the Gifts to expand your horizons within the game. Just like how Prometheus granted humans fire and humans learn to use fire in multiple ways. Louis’ presence is vital for proceeding in the game in the beginning and I commend the devs on creating such a complex character with an amazing correlation to the Greek God Prometheus.

Introduction to Blood Codes and Yakumo

Blood Codes are the abilities imbued within a Revenant's Blood. Each Blood Code is unique to each Revenant that resides within the Gaol of the Mist. Once a Revenant has awakened from their slumber after the BOR parasite has been placed in them, the blood takes on a Code which I believe derives from the characteristics of that Revenant.

Yakumo also awakened as a Third Generation Revenant. He cares about his teammates and still searches for his old comrades back from when he grew up at the orphanage.

Greek Mythology

Yakumo's Blood Code is based on the Greek God Atlas.

Atlas took part in the Great War that lasted for ten years. Titanomachy (Titan battle) was the name of that war. It was a feud between the Olympian Gods that were led by Zeus and the older generation of Greek Titans. Atlas was on the Titan’s side and was against Zeus. Eventually, Atlas became the leader of the rebelling side and commanded all of the Titans.

In the end, the Olympian side won the war, and Zeus imprisoned him and the other Titans. Zeus gave Atlas the cruelest punishment of holding up the sky for all eternity, keeping the Heavens and Earth apart.

Similarities between Yakumo and Atlas

Atlas fought in the war of Titanomachy and Yakumo fought in the battles against the Lost, even before he was turned into a Revenant. Both Yakumo and his Greek God counterpart were both fighting against new dangers. For Yakumo it was the Lost and for Atlas, it was the Olympians. We could also consider that the Lost is a subversion of Olympians or corrupted Olympians, but we can discuss about that in a future post when I have something more concrete to write about.

Louis’ blood code is Prometheus and Yakumo's is Atlas. Both Prometheus and Atlas are brothers in Greek Mythology. They both took different sides in the war of Titanomachy but in-game, they get along like bros.

"This code allows for the use of heavy armor, making it excellent for enduring combat in close quarters. It also features Gifts useful for standing up against power threats." If it takes a Titan all of his strength to hold the skies for eternity, then just imagine how strong he is when he isn't holding the skies. As a veteran from the Great War, Atlas had participated in countless battles against the Olympians. This also applies to Yakumo's fighting style and how he proceeds in killing the Lost. 

The part of the description that mentions: "It also features Gifts useful for standing up against power threats," links with the concept of the battles he faced during the war and the sky. The skies are powerful, therefore Yakumo would have an arsenal number of Gifts to support him holding up the skies if he were Atlas.

The skies could also be interpreted as the player character, since Yakumo is the main go-to support NPC for most of our battles because of his strong buffs of support. Either that or my current theory of how the MC is connected with Heracles. Heracles encountered Atlas in his eleventh labor. He was tasked to take Golden Apples from Zeus' garden. Prometheus, who was grateful to Heracles for killing the eagle, advised him to switch roles with his brother Atlas. Heracles would carry the skies for him while Atlas can retrieve the apples for Heracles.

When the MC arrived at Home Base for the first time and accepted Louis' offer to join the team, Yakumo tossed an apple towards the MC. It isn't golden and there was no grandiose task involving stealing apples (plus Yakumo doesn't trick MC in the end. Unlike his Greek God counterpart tricking Heracles to hold the sky after he retrieved the apples) but it's an interesting nod towards that part of Atlas's mythology.

Yakumo's life before joining Louis was just as punishing as Atlas’ eternal punishment. He grew up in the orphanage with his group of friends, only to be forced into war and then die. He reawakened as a Third Generation Revenant as we learn in Riki's memories, but was torn apart from his friends. In a similar fashion, Atlas is also separated from his comrades and family after taking on Zeus’ punishment.

Yakumo only has a photo as a reminder and an instrument to reconnect with his friends again. With both Yakumo and Atlas participating in the war, they were the leaders and inspiration to those who followed them. For Yakumo, he had Emily, Miguel, and Riki. Time and again, they never fail to mention how great importance Yakumo is to them. He is their strength, and he is also everyone else's strength back at Home Base.  

If we also consider the bad ending, we see he takes Emily's place in the Crypt thus becoming the new Successor and following the same cycle once more. Instead of the skies like Atlas, he's carrying the weight of the Relic. Knowing how dangerous they are as they can cause the Queen to revive, he has a part of the world on his shoulders.

Atlas’ Gifts

Resilient Focus- Increases the amount of focus gained by receiving damage.

Guard Drain Rating Up- Increases your drain rating when you guard an enemy's attack.

Dogged Fighter- Temporarily increases stagger resistance versus enemy attacks.

Guard Reversal- Temporarily enables you to deflect attacks and stagger opponents after guarding.

These gifts are a mixture of Atlas’ punishment and his exploits in the Great War. Atlas can endure so much pain by holding up the skies but he can also tolerate his battles wounds from the war and press forward since he is the leader. Resilient Focus is more of Atlas being used to pain since he has to carry a magnanimous burden on his shoulders and the rest is based on his experiences in battle.

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Tormenting Blast- Leap forward and strike twice.

Flashing Fang- Increases the power of the next attack.

Strength Vitality Up- Increases strength and vitality.

Impact Wave- Temporarily adds a shockwave effect to strike attacks that deals additional damage.

Two-Handed Sword Mastery- Increases attack power when equipped with a two-handed sword.

These gifts are related to Atlas’ battles in the Great War. Since Atlas was the Titan that led the battles, he would portray strength greater than the rest of the Titans that fought by his side. Great strength comes with great power, which relates with his Strength Vitality Up and Flashing Fang. Tormenting Blast, Impact Wave and Two-Handed Sword Mastery are all valuable gifts that are wielded in battle.

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Foulblood Barrier- Creates a single-use barrier around you and your partner that greatly reduces damage.

Firm Stand- Receiving fatal damage when your HP is over a certain amount will leave you with 1 HP.

These are Yakumo’s signature gifts. Both of these gifts display a heavy relation to the lore of Atlas. Foulblood Barrier reduces damage taken, and the shape of the gift is similar to the shape of the Earth, which is similar to Atlas holding up the heavens. In a sense, he’s protecting the Earth from the Heavens, making sure that the Heavens doesn’t fall. Firm Stand relates to the punishment Atlas received since no matter what happens, he must continue to hold up the heavens and skies for all eternity and he must take the weight of it all. Even now on Atlas’ breath, he can’t afford to let go or he’ll be crushed. I think this is a representation of his determination which is akin to Yakumo’s personality.

Concluding Thoughts

Introduction to Blood Codes and Mia

Blood Codes are the abilities imbued within a Revenant's Blood. Each Blood Code is unique to each Revenant that resides within the Gaol of the Mist. Once a Revenant has awakened from their slumber after the BOR parasite has been placed in them, the blood takes on a Code which I believe derives from the characteristics of that Revenant.

Mia is also a Third Generation Revenant. She awakened after the Queen was slain as seen from Nicola's memories. Mia is devoted to protecting her brother but as she meets MC and the others, she joins their cause to discover more about her brother's memories and helps to save the Successors.

Greek Mythology

Mia's Blood Code is based on the Greek Goddess Artemis.

Artemis is a Moon Goddess who is notably known for her being a huntress and a defender of purity. Most people know her for using a bow and arrow.

She plays a part in the Trojan War of Homer's Iliad and she was on the Trojan's side. Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae killed a sacred deer and dared to boast about his bloodthirst for war and also proclaimed that he bested Artemis herself. Now Artemis like the rest of the Gods and Goddesses was enraged and demanded the sacrifice of his first daughter Iphigenia would appease her. Agamemnon lied to his daughter that she would be married to Achilles but in reality, she was going to be sacrificed instead.

In the end as a protector of women, she took Iphigenia and transported her elsewhere. Artemis replaced Iphigenia with a Stag by the altar.

Artemis also relates to Heracles 12 labors.

In Heracles' third labor, he was tasked with capturing the Golden Hind (Stag) of Artemis. The main hope was for Artemis to be angered at Heracles for going after her sacred golden deer of hers, which is what ended up happening. Heracles begged her to forgive him and explained to Artemis why he needed to capture the stag. He was commanded to bring the stag to king Eurystheus to make the stag one of his pets. Artemis heard his pleas and forgave him. As long as he lets the stag go she won't harm him. Heracles brought the deer over to the king but knew if he gave the stag to the king, Artemis would harm him in some way. Quick on his feet, he told the king he'll give the deer to the king if the King comes out and gets the deer for himself. He agreed. Of course the minute the king walked to the stag, the stag ran back to Artemis.  

Similarities between Mia and Artemis

Artemis is a divine huntress, Mia is a Revenant that hunts the Lost. Artemis cares and protects wildlife, nature and women and children. Mia's brother Nicola is her life, and she was willing to steal blood beads from other Revenants to ensure his survival.

In Greek lore, Artemis and Hephaestus are in fact siblings. While there's not much interaction between them in mythology, it makes sense that Rin gets along with Mia so well since Rin holds the Hephaestus blood code. They're both close in age and this helps Mia transition better with the crew at home when she joins them.

A really intriguing point to mention is that Davis holds the Hermes blood code and Hermes in Greek Mythology is also Artemis' sibling. Sadly, they don't really interact in the game but it demonstrates how they would have a good friendship with each other. They both have a similar way of seeing things through so if these two were to interact, it would be in respectful terms.

"It holds a dauntless will to strive to overcome a cruel fate and liberate those who suffer." This connects with Artemis' compassion towards humans. Seeing how Artemis was willing to switch Iphigenia with a stag even though she demanded the sacrifice in the first place? Or she relented with Heracles pleas when he begged for Artemis not to slay him where he stood?.

Artemis is a Goddess who empathizes and shows pity and the same goes for Mia. Out of anything in the world, she would never want her brother to suffer. That's why she desperately incorporated Carmilla's teachings to her everyday survival. Artemis and Mia have a sense of stubbornness when it comes to the things they want to protect but they know when to do things fairly when they see things from both perspectives.

Mia’s weapon is a bayonet, Artemis' weapon is the bow and arrow. Both of them have long-ranged weapons that they use in their battles.

Mia was willing to hunt other Revenants down for their blood beads to save Nicola and Artemis has no hesitation to bring down punishments to those who cross her for a good reason. They always do things for the greater good. When Mia partied with MC and crew, her mission of saving the successors became a part of her journey and her character. Not only did she want to save Nicola, she wanted to help the other Successors that were suffering, just like Nicola. That humility also attributes to Artemis as well.

Interestingly enough, the two stories from Artemis' mythology both feature Stags. The first one being the story of the Trojan War. Artemis was enraged at the king of Mycenae when he killed one of her stags. Alternatively, in the beginning, Mia is enraged at Jack for killing Nicola. The difference as we know that Jack didn't 'kill' Nicola out of pure bloodthirst, it's aligned with his duty. However, the King of Mycenae just did it just to pacify his ego.

The second lore is when Heracles ends up saving the stag he tried to capture by letting it escape from the king and allowing it to go back to Artemis. Similarly, the MC saved Nicola from his frenzy and allowed Mia and Nicola to reunite.

The unique part is that just as Artemis closely cares for nature and Stags (and they’re usually symbolic to her), Mia cares a lot for her younger brother Nicola. If we take a closer look at Nicola's Successor design, he has two antlers as if he's a Stag.

Artemis’ Gifts

Focused Gift Speed-Increases the speed of your Gifts while you are focused.

Shock Web-Manipulates ichor to create a low-power trap at your feet that staggers any assailants.

Dexterity/Willpower Up-Increases dexterity and willpower.

These Gifts of Mia's involves the skillsets of Artemis'. Having a great amount of speed, a trick or trade to stall your prey (web) and having the dexterity and the willpower to keep up with an opponent would be similar to the features Artemis exhibits as a goddess.

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Bloodsucking Blades-Temporarily increases the drain rating of weapon attacks for you and your partner.

In Greek Mythology, the only warrior that Artemis approved of and hunted with was Orion. For those who aren't aware of their story, Artemis and Orion were companions and possibly lovers. Their story ends in various ways with mainly Orion dying because either Artemis defending herself from him or the other gods who tried to protect Artemis' chastity and wanted to rid of Orion. Mia will not kill you of course, but this Gift could probably related to Artemis' relation with Orion and how they would hunt together and gave each other strength.

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Fusillade Rondo-Fire a barrage of homing bullets. An offensive skill performed with Bayonet.

Bayonet Mastery-Increases attack power when equipped with a bayonet.

Blood Grab- Dodging enemy attacks drains their ichor according to your weapon's drain rating.

These Gifts are aligned with Artemis's proficiency as a Huntress. For Fusillade Rondo, Fusillade means "A series of shots fired in rapid succession" and Rondo is a musical term that's utilized in a concerto/sonata and instrument composition, it's used in a refrain four times. Bayonet Mastery is simple since Artemis is a master at using her weapon so it makes sense that Mia has this Mastery Gift. Blood grab could relate to Artemis' dexterity in general when facing her opponents.

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Ice Armor-Temporarily creates a barrier around you and your partner that boosts ice resistance.

Freezing Roar-Fires a projectile of freezing ice at the target.

Guard of Honor-Generates a number of ice pillars that unrelentingly bombard the target.

In terms of affiliation with the element of ice, there isn't much correlation to go by asides from Artemis' (possible) personality since she is a goddess that only favors wildlife, nature, and women and can easily be enraged at injustice. The properties of Armor, the Roar and the Guard of Honor, each of them can relate to Artemis and how she protects herself. Ever Hunter/Huntress would require some form of Armor, the Roar could represent her ties with the animals and nature itself, and the Guard of Honor metaphorically displays Artemis' allegiance with the system of justice and how she would target those who would go against it.

Concluding Thoughts

Introduction to Blood Codes and Rin

Blood Codes are the abilities imbued within a Revenant's Blood. Each Blood Code is unique to each Revenant that resides within the Gaol of the Mist. Once a Revenant has awakened from their slumber after the BOR parasite has been placed in them, the blood takes on a Code which I believe derives from the characteristics of that Revenant.

I'd like to think Rin is either a first/second generation revenant. She's burdened by the decisions she's made in the past that made her reluctant to battle. She replaced her unwillingness to go to the front lines by handling the support side for everyone at Home Base and always exudes a cheerful personality for the crew to come home to.

Greek Mythology

Rin's blood code is based on the Greek God Hephaestus.

Hephaestus is a Blacksmith and a fire God known for his creations of many different things. Hephaestus was notably a secondary God in various mythologies and the only pertaining role he did have was his revenge against his mother Hera, who claimed to have hated him, called him ugly & deformed after birth. He was tossed away from Hera but the gods Thetis and Eurynome rescued him.

As for the revenge against Hera, he created a golden throne and Hera was so enthralled by the creation that she immediately wanted it for herself. The minute she sat on it, she was trapped by invisible cords that refuse to let her go free. Hephaestus was the only one that could see these cords and the other gods begged Hephaestus to let Hera free but he refused until he got drunk by Dionysus, the god of wine and vegetation.

Hephaestus is also famously known for being the creator of Pandora, after being commanded by Zeus. Pandora was created after inducing Prometheus' punishment for stealing Hephaestus fire from his workshop.

Similarities between Rin and Hephaestus

Hephaestus was known for his creations in his workshop. He provided armour and weapons to many famous heroes and gods. Rin is relied on for handling maintenance, upgrades and selling new Blood Veils and weapons in her workshop.

Hermes, Davis' blood code is also a sibling of Hephaestus. Of course, we don't see them interact in the game even though their stations are right next to each other. Presumably, they both get along since I assume Davis also gets his weapons tuned by Rin.

Since Louis' blood code is Prometheus and Prometheus was the one who stole fire from Hephaestus' workshop along with the knowledge of metalwork, these Greek Gods only interacted indirectly through those instances. Louis and Rin do get along in the game and they both support each other while Rin looks forward to the reports from him, Louis trusts her with managing his weapon, bringing new material and other things relating to Rin's workshop.

Eva's blood code is Harmonia but the relationship between Harmonia and Hephaestus is completely different from Rin and Eva in the game. Hephaestus gifted Harmonia a necklace and the lore of Harmonia's story is called: Harmonia's necklace. The necklace caused great misfortune for Harmonia but it grants the wearer eternal youth. Hephaestus gave Harmonia the necklace out of spite of her mother Aphrodite who cheated on Hephaestus with Harmonia's father Ares. However, as we can see from cutscenes, Rin sincerely cares about Eva, especially when Eva left Home Base not knowing the depth of her condition and felt upset about not being able to keep a good eye on her.

Rin's has the blood code Hephaestus while Mia holds the blood code Artemis. These Greek god and goddesses are siblings, and while they don't interact much in Greek Mythology, it's understandable that Rin has taken a shine to Mia. Mia was able to fit in at Home base with Rin around and I think Rin is just as excited to have someone who is close to her age that she can befriend.

Hephaestus was known for his supposed 'deformity' but from how I'm seeing it,  Rin doesn't have any physical deformity. She wears her purifier mask everywhere but we learn from the artbook that it's due to her handling weapons all the time. Working with BOR parasites and queen blood metals would probably emit some miasma or toxins in the air.

Then there's Rin's name in battle "Yaksha" or in other words demon. With Hephaestus' nature in Greek Mythology, the Yasksha part of Rin's background would relate to Hephaestus' spiteful nature against other gods that did him wrong. Rin doesn't exhibit Hephaestus' true nature but can easily reveal those characteristics during battle only. With Rin, she feels guilt with the things she was incapable of doing but Hephaestus' didn't deal with those kinds of emotions.

However, with the strong battle experience Rin displayed in her memories, she has that advantage over Hephaestus'. Hephaestus' as I have read, hasn't fully immersed himself into battle, he's more of a support for battle providing weapons, shields, and armory to the other gods (along with his knowledge of fire and metalwork). Rin in the past showed the opposite of that. While she is now gotten comfortable being in the support role and acquiring the knowledge and proficiency of helping other Revenants, she doesn't carry any grudges, unlike Hephaestus.

Hephaestus was more along the lines of deception with the mythology behind Harmonia's necklace, Pandora and the golden throne for Hera. We see those traits being exploited more within Rin's Gifts for her blood code. "Uses devious Gifts to toy with the enemy." Several of Hephaestus' creations were for deviousness and or weakness for the gods he gifted his creations. While there's not much connecting lore between Hephaestus and Rin, the one major common trait they share is that they're both seen with a hammer in their workshop.

Hephaestus' Gifts

Avance-Increases the amount of ichor gained from drain attacks. Pioneer's Guidance-Makes Gifts easier to master.

Hephaestus was always finding the best of ways to master and perfect his creations over all things, including the creation of Pandora.  These two Gifts are from Hephaestus' subconsciously ingrained mindset to perfect his works. - Inhibit Resistance- Increases inhibit resistance. Inhibit Removal-Cures you and your partner of inhibit. Use to block the effect before being afflicted.

These inhibit preventative Gifts is based on Hephaestus' defiance against certain Gods. He would conjure up an invention or a certain craft that would end up leading to the other's downfall.

- Swift Destruction-Increases damage dealt in proportion to your mobility. Vanishing Hollow- Dodge attacks by transforming into mist. Countermeasure- For a limited time, dodging enemy attacks generates projectiles that attack the enemy. Evasive Snare-Dodging enemy attacks generates projectiles at the cost of ichor that attack the enemy.

These Gifts aren't as much related to Hephaestus since he didn't participate in battles. These correlate more towards the gimmicks of his creations. There's always an intriguing pro or con towards his creations such as the chair for Hera so these Gifts could translate from his creations rather than Hephaestus' power prowess. - Flames of Rage-Manipulates ichor to create a trap at your feet that immolates assailants. Dancing Blaze-Fires a ricocheting bullet. These Gifts related to Hephaestus' proficiency over Fire. He utilizes fire in his workshop for his creations or makes creations that would cause a cursed effect on it and the bearer of it which links to the Flames of Rage gift. Or the Flames of Rage could also reference Prometheus steals his fire.

Concluding Thoughts

Introduction to Blood Codes and Silva

Blood Codes are the abilities imbued within a Revenant's Blood. Each Blood Code is unique to each Revenant that resides within the Gaol of the Mist. Once a Revenant has awakened from their slumber after the BOR parasite has been placed in them, the blood takes on a Code which I believe derives from the characteristics of that Revenant.

We see Silva in the Player's Memories, leading the Revenants into battle from Operation Queenslayer. From the knowledge he knows, he could be a First Generation Revenant. Like Mido, he's also aware of the Horrors and the terror they brought after the Great Collapse. From our perspective, he has a very twisted way of protecting Revenants and the people beyond the Red Mist.

Greek Mythology

Silva's Blood Code is based on the Greek God Hades.

After the Olympians were victorious in the war of Titanomachy: Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades cast lots to determine who would rule which domain of the world. Hades received the Underworld.

Hades barely leaves his realm of the underworld. The only time he did was when he was smitten by the goddess Persephone. Seeing how she was hard to get, Hades thought up a plan by causing a gorgeous flower to bloom in front of her when she was picking flowers with her maidens. When Persephone reached for the flower, the ground opened beneath her and swallowed her into the Underworld, where she was greeted by Hades.

Persephone's mother Demeter became frantic of her daughter's whereabouts. Without Persephone's presence in the human realm, the world became barren, people were going through famines and dying after a year passed. As Persephone is the goddess of Fertility, with her trapped in the underworld means that humanity is in danger of extinction.

Demeter was finally told what happened to her daughter after nine days of worrying. Enraged, she left Olympus due to injustice. All the Gods begged her to come back and were willing to give everything and anything but all she wanted was her daughter back.

In the end, Zeus sent Hermes to retrieve Persephone. Hades agreed to give Persephone to Demeter, but on the condition that she eats a pomegranate seed before leaving the underworld. Since she ate the seed, she was forever tied to the Underworld. In the aftermath, Persephone is able to go back to the Underworld but only for one-third of the year and then she spends two-thirds of the rest of the year with her mother. This is how the seasons came to be.

Similarities between Silva and Hades

Hades is the Greek God of the dead, he rules over the Underworld where all the dead human souls lie. The same goes for Silva, he rests on the throne with the Relic of the Brain in his possession. He utilizes the Relic to create his own realm of the undead, which are the Revenants. No one can leave the Red Mist and no one can enter.

Karen holds the Blood Code of Demeter and Demeter is Hades' sister in Greek Mythology. We don't see them interact, however, based on the Greek lore, I can imagine they get along for professional appearances only or they don't get along. Recalling Gustav's and Dominic's reports on Silva, those attributing facts they had could also make Karen view him with slight disdain. Especially during the Player’s memories. She was adamant about finding her own way to resolve the issue. Karen’s approach to her research mirrors Sophie’s, when she was trying to learn more about the Successors.

While the two haven't interacted with each other, Davis and Silva do have a connection. Davis who holds the blood code of Hermes works under Silva's provisional Government. He takes commands from Silva. Hermes is also the Greek God that delivers humans souls to Hades in his underworld. Just like in the Greek lore, Davis and Silva's relationship would be purely professional.

"It holds his determined will to give up everything and endure total isolation to save humanity's future." This refers to the part of Greek Lore where Hades remains solely on his own in the Underworld. The Gaol of the Mists is akin to Hades Underworld where he rules over the realm of the dead. Silva sacrificed himself to maintain the Red Mist and he rules over the Vein. Hades rarely leaves the realm (until he fell for Persephone) but Silva doesn't have the luxury of leaving his throne.

Everything that's in the Underworld must remain in the underworld. If someone eats the fruit from the underworld, they will be bounded to the realm for eternity. Just like Persephone ate the pomegranate seed.

The seed, in this case, is the BOR parasites. Once a BOR parasite is placed in the heart of a corpse, they end up reviving as a Revenant. Then the Revenant is forever trapped within the cycle of death, frenzying, thirst, turning into the lost and they can never leave the Gaol of the Mist. Silva was the one who suggested that they start creating immortal soldiers to fight back against the Queen. It's similar to how Hades trapped Persephone but instead, imagine it as Hades trapping human souls in his realm forever with no escape.

The flower that Hades bloomed in front of Persephone could also relate to the mistles in the game. When approaching the mistle, it cleanses the miasma for Revenants. It also aids in healing, reviving from dispersal and many other things. All Revenants are attracted to the flower looking mistle just like Persephone was amazed at the flower Hades bloomed for her. While in Operation Queenslayer, Silva was the one who urged for Revenants to be born to help slay the Queen so you can say Revenants are mesmerized by mistles in general because of his decision to turning them all into Revenants.

Both Hades and Silva don't want to let the human souls/revenants escape their realm for several reasons. Once a human soul has passed on, they can't return to the surface. The human soul maintains its former form when the soul left their body, and they continue to behave the same way they did in life without physically or mentally changing in the underworld. The Revenants are the same in the sense that after they become one, they still try to live their lives the same way except for the additional fact of intaking blood every once in a while. Revenants can no longer grow. Appearances could be changed (but those special cases would be Revenants like Jack, who took on the Relic of the eye) but not to the extreme where the Revenant is completely unrecognizable.

Revenants are trapped to protect humanity from them, but they are also protected from the horrors because of the Red Mist. Hades protect human souls as well since they are unable to return to the living. The concept of time doesn't apply to either Hades nor Silva and everyone else in the Underworld/Gaol of the Mist.

Hades’ Gifts

Regenerative Drain-Causes Drain attacks to restore HP. Survival Instinct-Boosts gift abilities, weapon & drain attack power when your HP is below a certain amount.

Since Hades is meant to thrive in the underworld, these two gifts could be synonymous with Hades' innate powers while ruling the underworld. As a god, he isn't meant to die and with his survival instinct, it's more of him bearing the responsibility of the underworld after his other brothers took responsibility for their realms. - Argent Wolf Cross-Fires a cross-shaped blade of blood at the target.

The subject of "wolf" could relate to Cerberus, the guardian of the underworld.  With its ferocious three heads, they could easily attack anyone who trespasses. The attack is probably a homage to the mythical creature that resides with Hades in the underworld. - Execution-Creates a giant sword that falls like a guillotine upon the enemy.

While Hades wasn't a judge of the dead souls in the underworld, he did supervise the trials of them. The real judges would be Minos, Rhadamanthus, and Aeacus. Since Hades already rules the realm of the dead, the guillotine attack must be a representation of it.

Concluding Thoughts

Silva is downright terrifying.