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As someone who spends a lot of time in virtual worlds, I've often wondered how the stories and struggles of video game characters can reflect my own spiritual journey. In "Senua's Saga: Hellblade II," the protagonist Senua's intense battles and unwavering promises got me thinking: How do the commitments we make shape our path and resilience in life? Can our struggles, much like Senua's, lead us to a deeper understanding of purpose and hope? Join me as we explore the powerful parallels between Senua's saga and our own spiritual quests.
A Dark Fantasy Journey
"Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice," developed by Ninja Theory and released in 2017, is an action-adventure game set in a dark, fantastical world inspired by Norse mythology and Celtic culture. It follows Senua, a Pict warrior, on a harrowing journey to Helheim to rescue the soul of her dead lover from the goddess Hela. The game's immersive experience is built around a bizarre binaural environment of voices surrounding the player (seriously, play these games wearing headphones)."Senua's Saga: Hellblade II," the sequel, retains the essence of its predecessor while expanding on its themes and gameplay. Senua is captured by Northmen slavers and taken from Orkney to Iceland. A storm destroys their ships, leaving her stranded and nearly dead. Along the treacherous coast, she battles vivid hallucinations and haunting voices, including the Shadow, her abusive father’s haunting presence. There are plenty of themes from both these games worth discussing in a Christian context, but I found myself struck by one recurring phrase, “It’s a promise, not a prison.” This phrase underscores that while commitments can be demanding, they also provide the framework for growth and resilience.
Promises and Perseverance
Senua's journey is driven by the promises she makes:
- To the enslaved individuals she aims to free.
- To her villagers back home.
- To the people she encounters.
- To herself.
The essence of these promises lies in their dual nature. They are commitments that Senua feels deeply in her core, driving her actions and decisions. On the other hand, they represent her liberation from past trauma in the first game, giving her a sense of purpose and direction. Each promise is a beacon, guiding her through the darkest moments of her journey.
These promises are not chains but commitments that propel her forward. In one compelling part of the sequel, her resolve is tested when she has to give up her sword, her primary protection, to continue her quest. Senua's promises illustrate the transformative power of commitment. By binding herself to these promises, she isn't shackled but rather set free to pursue her goals with unyielding determination.
A Biblical Echo
This narrative mirrors a poignant scripture from Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSVue):"Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Here, the yoke represents a commitment or promise. Christ’s yoke is meant to guide us towards purpose, akin to Wesleyan sanctification. Simply because one accepts Christ does not guarantee an easy life. Grace beckons us to deepen our holiness by bearing Christ’s yoke, not ignoring Jesus’ message for our lives after our baptism.
Similarly, Senua’s promises are light burdens that drive her toward her goal. The scripture teaches that while the yoke of commitment might seem heavy, it is also a source of rest and fulfillment. This paradoxical truth is evident in Senua’s journey, where her promises, though burdensome, ultimately lead her to freedom and peace.
Finding Hope & Perseverance in Games
Games like "Senua's Saga: Hellblade II" offer hope amidst adversity. As a pastor to nerds, geeks, and gamers, I see the unique power of video games to inspire resilience. This game, in particular, teaches us about facing and overcoming giants in our lives.
In the realm of video games, players often face monumental challenges that require perseverance, strategy, and resilience. "Senua's Saga: Hellblade II" is a prime example of how games can provide a safe space for individuals to encounter and overcome these challenges. The game’s intricate design and emotionally charged narrative allow players to experience a profound sense of accomplishment and hope as they guide Senua through her trials.
Perseverance is a recurring theme in "Hellblade II," and Senua’s story serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome. The game’s portrayal of Senua’s mental health struggles is both raw and empathetic, providing a realistic depiction of the challenges faced by those living with psychosis. This honest representation fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the strength required to persevere in the face of adversity.
Through Senua’s journey, players learn that perseverance is not about avoiding difficulties but confronting them head-on. The game encourages players to embrace their struggles, understanding that each challenge is an opportunity for growth. By experiencing Senua’s trials, players are inspired to apply the same resilience in their own lives, recognizing that true strength lies in the ability to keep moving forward despite the obstacles.
Promises, Not Prisons
"Senua's Saga: Hellblade II" presents a rich narrative of overcoming giants through promises and perseverance. It draws on biblical themes, showing how commitments can be burdens that guide us to our purpose. As we engage with Senua’s story, we are reminded of the strength found in our promises and the importance of facing our giants, not as prisons but as paths to purpose. For those seeking inspiration and understanding of perseverance, this game is a profound experience waiting to be explored.In essence, this game isn’t just about battling external demons but also about facing our inner giants. It’s a journey of growth, resilience, and ultimately, finding hope through the promises we make and keep. By delving into Senua’s saga, we are encouraged to embrace our own commitments, understanding that while they may be challenging, they also lead us toward fulfillment and purpose.
Nathan Webb is a major nerd in just about every way. He loves video games, anime, cartoons, comic books, tech, and his fellow nerds. Hoping to provide a spiritual community for people with similar interests, he founded Checkpoint Church--"the church for nerds, geeks and gamers." Nathan can be found lurking on some visual novel subreddit, reading the latest shōnen entry, or playing the newest Farm Sim. Nathan is an ordained provisional elder in the United Methodist Church in the Western North Carolina Conference. He hosts a weekly newsletter podcast: To The Point.
