Okay I've been waiting a few patches to talk about this so people had time to finish the end of 6.0 but I have to talk about Zenos and his final moments because the way he called the warrior of light his mirror really hit me.
His mirror, his reflection, who he could have been and had. To seek out a life of adventure and strife. He's right, the wol and him are two sides of a coin who WERE born to seek adventure and strife but I also think that in calling them his mirror he sees what his life could have been had he not been born into an empire, what his life could have been had he been luckier, been granted freedom that his position and life as a prince and possible heir to a blood-soaked throne would have never afforded him.
Also the way he stops calling the wol his beast and begins referring to them as his friend. He originally took an interest because they were strong, because he could face him and for the first time in a long time he found a challenge and excitement. But I think what originally started as a fascination changed into a longing that he didn't understand. I think in the time between calling them his beast and his friends, he heard and saw the love and trust between the wol and the scions, saw how they'd go to the end of the world and back for them and he eventually realized that he longed for someone like that (it's obviously been stated the relationship with the NPC's is up to player interpretation so take the however you like).
I think why he went to such lengths in end walker to get the world’s attention is that's what he equates being worthy to. Worthy of their time, worthy of the friendship. Because in his mind if you don't want someone to be your friend there's no reason to pay attention to them, they aren't worthy of it. That's why he does and goes to such extreme lengths. In one of the final cut scenes, he says “you value life, you do not burn yours for reasons you do not deem worthy” and that's what he wants to be.
I also think the reason he’s always looking for another battle with the wol is because that's all he knows, he wasn't given love or taught normal life skills and if fighting them is what gets their attention then that's what it has to mean to be friends right? Fighting is the only thing he knows, even saying it's the sole pleasure he has to offer. He so badly wants the wol’s attention and friendship but that's all he believes he has to offer and that's why fighting them is the only time he feels any joy or contentment. To him it means he's worthy, that they CARE, and that's something he probably never felt before.
Yes, this. I agree so much. It's so hard for me to rewatch the final scenes with Zenos because I just wanted more for him. I have many grievances with EW, but the largest part is that everything felt so rushed, so tightly packed in when we could have spent TWO expacs exploring it all.
I wanted more Zenos, honestly. I wanted more of a few characters, but I am a bit biased since Zenos is neck to neck with Haurchefant for my favorite character, I could not possibly choose between them.
It is because of this "what if", "what could have been" that I don't think I will tire anytime soon of writing Zenos & exploring his character. Of following at those threads & extending them beyond what MSQ gave us.
I am not tired of Zenos, I want more of him. If he shows up again, I will cheer.
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