Ferryman
| Ferryman | |||||
 Ferryman, from Ultima VII | |||||
| Species: | skeleton | ||||
| Appearances | |||||
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The Ferryman is an undying entity who tends the ferry to the ruins of Skara Brae in Ultima VII.
Description[edit]
Not much is known about this enigmatic being, save that he was summoned by Horance to convey mortals across the misty channel, and that he apparently must serve this geas until the end of eternity. Resembling the skeletal visage of the Terran personification of death, the Ferryman stood ever attentive by his barge, death scythe in hand, as he carried out his duty.[1][2]
When it was revealed that one of the restless dead must sacrifice himself that the Well of Souls might be destroyed, the Avatar could ask the Ferryman to perform this duty, which would briefly bring hope to the spirit that he might be released from his compact. Sadly, however, the bonds that tied the Ferryman to Britannia were too strong to allow this, and the wraith's grim existence of service continued.[3]
It is not known what eventually befell the Ferryman in the years after the Black Gate's destruction, for although the terms of his bondage condemned him to serve until the end of time, the Avatar would find no trace of him during the hero's last adventures in the realm during Ultima IX.
Lore[edit]
| “ | And lest I forget, the Ferryman who I'd wager brought thee to this accursed isle still mans his post. I doubt any force in Britannia could drive him away. – from Key to the Black Gate (Ultima VII)
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Trivia[edit]
- The Ferryman is rather obviously inspired by the Greco-Roman figure of Charon (Χάρων), who is responsible for ferrying souls cross the rivers Styx and Acheron to Hades. The Ferryman's fee of two coins is based upon Greek burial traditions of placing oboloi over the eyes of the deceased as payment to Charon.
- Shamino will be rather unnerved by the Ferryman if present, drawing derision from Spark if he is also currently in the party. If Iolo is also nearby, he will rebuke the boy, asking patronizingly if he is without fear.[2]
- The Ferryman is functionally invincible. This is due to the fact that he is not technically coded as an NPC, but rather as an object that triggers a conversation when clicked. As such, he is capable of surviving even the Armageddon spell, although he will have no new dialogue should this occur.
References[edit]
- ↑ Mordra. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "Ferryman".
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Ferryman. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "Ferryman, job, Misty Channel, name, return, Skara Brae".
- ↑ Ferryman. Underworld Dragon’s Ultima VII transcript. Ultima VII. "sacrifice".