Destiny 2's Xivu Arath has been an iconic figure in Hive and Destiny lore for years, along with her siblings Oryx and Savathun as different Hive Gods, with Xivu Arath representing the God of War. While she has yet to appear in Destiny 2, Xivu Arath's presence has been felt across the story, primarily through different seasons, with Year 5's Season of the Seraph focusing on her influence en masse. Known for destroying entire civilizations, especially the Cabal homeworld, players may see history repeat itself with her forces invading Earth.
Season of the Seraph has featured Xivu Arath's forces extensively, with her utilizing the Hive and Fallen of House Salvation to attempt to claim the Warmind Rasputin's vast array of information and technology for themselves. Guardians this season are working with Ana and Elsie Bray, Clovis Bray in Exo form, and the warlock Osiris to thwart Xivu Arath's plans before she and The Witness can succeed. With recent events revealing Clovis Bray's agenda to elevate himself above the Traveler, what will unfold with the God of War remains to be seen.
Xivu Arath and the Cabal World of Torobatl
Before aligning with the Guardians, Empress Caiatl, daughter of Emperor Calus, now a Disciple of the Witness, lived on the Cabal homeworld of Torobatl. Savathun, the Witch Queen, before her rebirth in the Light, spent considerable time infecting the mind of Caiatl's closest friend and advisor, Evocate-General Umun'arath. When Umun'arath became a follower of Xivu Arath, her obsession with war increased, fitting considering the Hive God is the God of War.
Umun'arath undertook a Hive ritual in the capital city, summoning Xivu Arath to the Cabal homeworld, which resulted in Empress Caiatl killing her friend, unknowingly providing the blood and sacrifice needed to complete the ritual. This opened a portal, allowing Xivu Arath and her War Moons and Hive to infiltrate the planet. Due to the warring nature of the Cabal, Xivu Arath claimed they had served her for centuries already, with her arriving to claim her tribute.
Caiatl led the defenses, but Xivu Arath and her forces completely shattered the Cabal force and Caiatl rounded up any survivors among her fleet and fled. With her homeworld destroyed, the Empress arrived in the Sol System, seeking an alliance with the Guardians and the Last City to destroy Xivu Arath eventually. The partnership between the Cabal Empress and the Guardians has been an important one that has continued through the lore, especially as her father, Calus, pledges his support to The Witness and the Darkness.
How History May Repeat Itself Against The Last City
Since Season of the Seraph has dealt ostensibly with Xivu Arath and her forces attempting to claim the powerful arsenal of Rasputin and his knowledge, perhaps about Neptune, some fans have theorized that the ritual once used on Torobatl may be replicated again. This has been enforced by the fact that some of Xivu Arath's forces consist of the Cryptoliths and Wrathborn, last seen during the Season of the Hunt.
Fans continue to theorize that Xivu Arath is setting the ritual in motion to bring to The Last City the same fate that she brought to Torobatl. This isn't entirely unfounded, as it's been heavily implied that the arrival of the Black Fleet and The Witness are precursors to the Light suffering heavy casualties and defeat. The upcoming story expansion, Lightfall, also suggests this, not only by its title but its marketing, which describes it as the beginning of the end. While these theories remain as such, fans will likely see the full horror of Xivu Arath unleashed in the future.
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