The Traveler: Difference between revisions

{{Quote|The best voices never let themselves be heard at all. This lesson is worth teaching again and again. The choice is never mine. It is always yours.|The Traveler<ref>'''Bungie (2020/11/10)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Beyond Light]], Playstation 4, [[Mysterious_Logbook#NOTE—Third_Vision|Mysterious Logbook: NOTE—Third Vision]]''</ref>}}

The Traveler is an ancient and immensely powerful machine entity, the source of [[Ghost]]s and the paracausal powers of the [[Guardian]]s. It is a source of [[Light]], though not the only source in the universe. Its outer shell is made of lead, [[wikipedia:Neutronium|neutronium]] and "electroweak matter"<ref name = "TravelerGhost">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies#Ghost_Fragment:_The_Traveler|Ghost Fragment: The Traveler]]''</ref>, the latter based on a [[wikipedia:Electroweak_epoch|fundamental force]] that hasn't existed since the dawn of time.  

The interior workings of the Traveler remain a mystery. The Ghost [[Balthazar]] claimed that Ghosts originate within the Womb, a place inside the Traveler described as a "cosmos inside a bottle" or an "infinite space enclosed within a celestial egg", where trillions of star-like souls orbit each other in a complex weave. Another Ghost named [[Peach]] was dismissive of this description, contending that neither she nor Balthazar can remember the time within the Traveler.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/9/4)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Forsaken]], Activision Blizzard - [[Lore]]: [[Lore:Ghost_Stories#Difference_of_Opinion|Ghost Stories: Difference of Opinion]]''</ref>[[Fenchurch Everis]] claims to have been inside the Traveler, but no one has been able to confirm the veracity of his story.

The origins and true nature of the Traveler are unknown. Some information can be gleaned from the poem known as [[Dreams of Alpha Lupi]]; based on this work, it appears that the Traveler chose Earth and humanity for a reason; it detected a "face" emerging from the Sun, later hearing a roar that contained something that it described as "a lucid melody". The Traveler felt joy, as it felt "the first hope in ages transform [it]," and it resolved to become strong enough to fight the Darkness.<ref name = "TravelerGhostEarth">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies#Ghost_Fragment:_Earth|Ghost Fragment: Earth]]''</ref>

The Traveler seems to be motivated by pure altruism; it has never wished to be worshipped as a god, nor has it made its presence known any more than necessary to cultivate a civilization. In the past, whenever its work was finished, it would simply leave without fanfare.<ref name>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies/The_Traveler#Ghost_Fragment:_The_Traveler_2|Ghost Fragment: The Traveler 2]]''</ref> It would seem then that its defense of humanity was an extraordinary act under dire circumstances<ref name = "TravelerGhost"/>.

[[Saint-14]] suggested that the Traveler had previously visited other species before finding humanity.<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Darkness#The Darkness|The Darkness]]''</ref> The [[Fallen]] civilization in particular once hosted the Traveler, which they named the Great Machine.<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies/Legends & Mysteries#Mystery: Vault of Glass|Mystery: Vault of Glass]]''</ref> However, it left their system around the time of a catastrophic event only known as the [[Whirlwind]].<ref name = "GI">[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/08/24/what-s-going-on-in-destiny-s-story-anyway.aspx?PostPageIndex=2" '''Gameinformer''': What's Going On In Destiny's Story, Anyway?]</ref>{{Citation needed}} Other than the likely involvement of the Hive,<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, Item Description: [[Doom of Chelchis]]''</ref> little is known about this event, though it is thought to be similar to humanity's Collapse. After the destruction of their homeworld, the Fallen went in search of the Great Machine, leading them to the Sol System. All of their previous conflicts with humanity have been attempts to claim the Traveler for themselves, either in an effort to prevent the destruction of their race<ref>'''Bungie (2015/5/19)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[House of Wolves (expansion)|House of Wolves]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies/The Queen#Variks, The Loyal|Variks, The Loyal]]''</ref>, or to destroy the Traveler [[House Salvation|in vengeance]].

Other species the Traveler has also uplifted include the [[Ammonite]]s and the [[Harmony]]. The [[Cabal]] are aware of the Traveler's existence and nature, with some indications that they knew of it from other species. [[Ghaul]] in particular wanted to receive the same power as the Guardians, believing himself to be more worthy.<ref name="Destiny 2 Gameplay Premiere Livestream (US)">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cABc0fmZQ6E '''YouTube''' - ''[[Destiny 2]] – "Gameplay Premiere Livestream (US)"'']</ref> It is later described in the lorebook [[Lore:Constellations|Constellations]] that the Traveler felt more afraid of Ghaul, the Red Legion, and the [[Traveler Cage|cage device]] than its ancient arch-enemy itself, the Darkness. <ref>'''Bungie (2019/12/10)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of Dawn]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Lore]]: [[Lore:Constellations#Entry_IX|Constellations: Entry IX]]''</ref>

The [[Hive]] uniquely hold the Traveler in special contempt, as it embodies the antithesis of their culture and society. One of the objectives of their crusade is to hunt down and destroy the Traveler once and for all.<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Books_of_Sorrow#XXXVI:_Eater_of_Hope|XXXVI: Eater of Hope]]''</ref>

The origins of the Traveler are unknown. It is known to have existed for billions of years, during which time it has visited countless intelligent species, aiding their civilizations by paracausally terraforming inhospitable planets or realigning unstable orbits, among other things. It is known to have visited the [[Lubraean]]s<ref>'''Bungie (2022/2/22)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[The Witch Queen]] - [[Lore]]: [[Lore:Shattered Suns#Provoked|Shattered Suns: Provoked]]''</ref>, the [[Harmony]]<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow#XLV: I'd shut them all in cells.|XLV: I'd shut them all in cells.]]''</ref>, and the [[Ammonite]]<ref>'''Bungie (2015/9/15)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Enemies/Books of Sorrow#XIV: 52 and One|XIV: 52 and One]]''</ref> billions of years before the present day.

When Moon X was detected approaching Mars, a mission to intercept it was hastily organized.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Hardy%27s_Armor#Hardy.27s_Orders|Hardy's Orders]]''</ref> Initially known as Project Catamaran, the effort was renamed [[Ares One]] on the day of launch.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Hardy%27s_Armor#Hardy.27s_Control|Hardy's Control]]''</ref> Four individuals were chosen to be apart of this historic mission: [[Jacob Hardy]], the pilot and mission commander; [[Evie Calumet]], a theoretical physicist who first discovered Moon X; [[Qiao]], the navigator; and [[M. Mihaylova]], a artificial intelligence specialist. While the team played a game of basketball and brainstormed ideas for the mission, Evie dubbed Moon X as the "Traveler" due it moving with a seeming purpose.<ref>'''Bungie (2018/8/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Warmind (expansion)|Warmind]] Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Qiao%27s_Armor#Qiao.27s_Care|Qiao's Care]]''</ref> By the time the ship landed on [[Mars]],<ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Guardian/Races#Ghost_Fragment: Human|Ghost Fragment: Human]]''</ref> the Traveler had brought the first rain to the desert planet.<ref>[http://www.destinythegame.com/au/en/game/story '''Bungie''' ''Destiny Story'']</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIxxsw7TNd4&feature=youtu.be '''YouTube''' - ''Destiny: Official E3 Gameplay Experience Trailer'']</ref> It helped humanity expand across the solar system, teaching humans new technologies, helping them terraform planets and leading humanity into a [[Golden Age]].

Some time later, the Traveler's enemy, the [[Darkness]], appeared in the solar system, leading to the destruction of almost all human civilization in an event known as the [[Collapse]].<ref name = jasonjones>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2013/12/11/jason-jones-the-destiny-interview.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 '''Gameinformer''': ''Jason Jones – The Destiny Interview'']</ref> For the first time, the Traveler decided to stand and fight the Darkness,<ref name = "GI"/> as it abandoned its work on [[Io]] and raced to rescue its "children", humanity.<ref name = "TravelerGhost"/> At the end of the wars that terminated the Golden Age, the Traveler, in its sacrificial last gift to humanity, came to rest over a small area of the now wasted human planet. The Traveler laid dormant, apparently stripped of its senses and "flesh" by the Darkness, made blind, deaf and mute to the outside world. <ref>'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]], PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies#Ghost_Fragment:_The_Traveler_3|Ghost Fragment: The Traveler 3]]''</ref> As humanity struggled to rebuild itself from these events, the crippled object gifted its protection and powers to the recovering humans. Although the times after the war were difficult, humanity persevered and with the help of this celestial guardian, and the humans eventually began to re-explore their terrestrial and solar domain.<ref>'''Game Informer January 2014''', ''page 52''</ref>  

In its last breath, the Traveler created the [[Ghost]]s, to seek out those who can wield its [[light]] as a weapon. The Ghosts revived fallen warriors as [[Lightbearer]]s, with the intent of protecting humanity when the Traveler no longer could.<ref name = "GrimoireGhosts">'''Bungie (2014/6/12)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Alpha PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Guardian/Ghost|Ghosts]]''</ref> Unfortunately, many Lightbearers would choose to become [[Warlord]]s, subjugating the survivors of the Collapse throughout the [[Dark Age]], where humanity faced the threat of not only the Warlords and the hardships of survival, but also the threat of alien races such as the [[Fallen]]. Lightbearers with integrity would band together to stand up to the Warlords in groups such as the [[Iron Lords]] or the [[Pilgrim Guard]].<ref name = "What's Going On In Destiny's Story – 2016 Edition">'''Gameinformer, [http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/08/24/what-s-going-on-in-destiny-s-story-2016-edition.aspx?PostPageIndex=3 What's Going On In Destiny's Story – 2016 Edition]'''</ref><ref>'''Bungie (2019/3/5)''', ''[[Destiny 2]]: [[Season of the Drifter]], Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Lore]]: [[Lore:Ecdysis#War_Hammer|Ecdysis: War Hammer]]''</ref> Over time, the Warlords would be beaten back.

The remnants of humanity built the City beneath the resting place of the Traveler, where they were safe from the continuous onslaught of the various alien races and the now-declining Warlords. This city rests in the shade of the great sphere, built under its protective aura as a last bastion of humanity. Over time, the people of the early City formed factions, dividing it and marking the beginning of the [[Faction Wars]], which threatened to bring the City to its knees. It was during this time that a new generation of Lightbearers known as the [[Guardian]]s emerged, taking a stand to end the fighting to focus on the outside alien threats.<ref name="RABTW">'''Bungie (2014/12/10)''', ''[[Destiny]]: [[The Taken King]], Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Allies/Legends & Mysteries#Rezyl Azzir - Before These Walls|Rezyl Azzir - Before These Walls]]''</ref> The Guardians are destined to protect this city and its inhabitants, and as such are gifted with some of the magnificent powers of the Traveler.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwOUi4JDC4o '''YouTube''': ''Reveal Trailer - Official Destiny ViDoc: Pathways Out of Darkness'']</ref> Some believe that the Traveler chose Earth for a reason, and it is humanity's obligation to prove itself worthy of its light.<ref name = "GrimoireHuman">'''Bungie (2014/6/12)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Alpha PlayStation 4, Activision Blizzard, [[Grimoire]]: [[Grimoire:Guardian/Races#Human|Human]]''</ref>

With the Darkness returning, humanity fears they will not be able to survive it this time. As a last ditch effort, the player is given the ultimate task of attempting to wake the Traveler before the Darkness arrives, in order to drive it back.<ref name = jasonjones/> The Guardians are able to help the Traveler slowly restore its light, first by stopping a [[Hive]] ritual in the [[Chamber of Night]] that is siphoning light from the Traveler, and then destroying the [[Black Heart|heart]] of the [[Black Garden]].<ref name = "Destiny">'''Bungie (2014/9/9)''', ''[[Destiny]]: Playstation 4, Activision Blizzard''</ref>

Two years after the [[Taken War]], the [[Cabal Empire]]'s [[Red Legion]] launched a major invasion of Earth headed by the leader of the empire, [[Dominus Ghaul]]. A devastating surprise attack on the [[Last City]] was launched, trapping the Traveler in a [[Traveler Cage|cage]] to siphon off its Light while separating it from the Guardian forces.<ref name="Last Call">[http://www.polygon.com/2017/3/28/15095770/destiny-2-first-teaser-trailer-video-bungie-cayde-6  '''Polygon''' - ''Watch the first teaser for Destiny 2'']</ref><ref name="Rally the Troops">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJLAJVmggt0 '''YouTube''' - ''[[Destiny 2]] – "Rally the Troops" Worldwide Reveal Trailer'']</ref> Though trapped, the Traveler sent visions to the now Lightless Guardians to seek out one of its fragments in the [[European Dead Zone]], whereby they could regain their powers. Dominus Ghaul attempted and failed to win the Traveler's approval to make him into a Guardian, and simply took the Light by force. When he gloated in front of the Traveler, the Traveler suddenly broke its cage and destroyed Ghaul, as well as slowly healing itself by drawing fragments back into itself. With the invasion ended and the city retaken, the Traveler was declared no longer dead but living once more.

*The pre-Golden Age magazine depicting the Traveler shows it in a damaged state, although it only became damaged during the Collapse, as seen with the Destiny 1 intro and simulations of the past in the Infinite Forest, where it can be seen undamaged in the background.

**''[[Season of the Forge]]''