Garen is not the hero.

Ralanr·Oct 17, 2016·29 votes·3,262 views

Let that sink in a bit.

As most of you may know, Poppy is searching Demacia for centuries to find the hero only to be ignorant that she herself is the hero.

Now let's look at Garen. He's basically the paragon of what a Demacian soldier should be like. At least that's what he's been painted as. But as we all know, Garen has feelings for not just someone on the opposing side, but someone who is...well I don't think Katarina really matches any Demacian codes here.

Think about what this means to Garen. He's basically been your perfect soldier and an all around decent guy since he opted to have Taric exiled instead of executed. He has a reputation to uphold as the military poster boy. He's probably done all of this because he was raised to believe he wants it, but Katarina has ignited a flame of desire that he's unsure how to handle.

She's not just a noxian, but an assassin. A coward that avoids battle to slit the throats of men in their slumber. How could he fall for her? This question is probably what haunts him whenever she comes to his mind.

It made me consider something. Garen is not the hero not just because Poppy already is the hero, but because his future may not be with Demacia.

Something might happen that forces him to exile.

Just a thought.

85 Comments

Meep ManOct 17, 201624 votes

Wait, this wasn't obvious? Alright time to lay out my story plan:

Demacia vs. Noxus Story Line Characters This only goes over Demacia vs. Noxus, not Noxus v other nations Demacia JarvanIV Jarvan IV The prince of Demacia that has been hardened by the wild. He combated dragons and many other vile beasts and, in that time, he found "enlightenment". However, the only thing that happened were his beliefs being strengthened. He now only believes in the glory of Demacia and sees all others as those against the crown. He will work without sleep to make sure his nation emerges victorious from this war, even if it means taking down those closest to him. Garen Garen The never tiring, grand soldier of Demacia that represents justice at it's finest. His life has been devoted to Demacia and he sees only justice in what he does. However, as time goes on and he learns of Noxus and those within it, Garen will come to question his own ideals and those who command him. Is Demacia the shining light of hope he thought it was? Poppy Poppy Despite being a yordle, Poppy plays a big role in Demacia. While Garen and Jarvan are much more up front in their desire to protect their homeland, Poppy is never seen as someone who would be such a noble hero. However, as the war against Noxus continues, Poppy will begin to see how Demacia has changed since her late master gave her her hammer and others came to lead the nation. She will be a driving force in the future of Demacia, whether she likes it or not. XinZhao Xin Zhao In Noxus, there is good and bad. Xin Zhao has seen nothing but the bad. Captured by the Noxus military and forced to participate in horrifying and gruesome events within Noxus, Xin Zhao knows nothing but hatred towards Noxus and will give all he can to make sure Demacia wins the war. As time passes and others begin to question whether what Demacia does is right, Xin Zhao will always be there for his king, Jarvan. Lux Lux Much younger than Garen, Lux has served her nation for a long time. While I doubt she enjoys combat, she knows what is necessary to win a war. However, like her older brother, she will begin to wonder if what they are doing to the citizens of Noxus is right. Quinn Quinn While it might not seem like it, Quinn plays a major role in the fate of Demacia. As someone who can scout easily and knows how to infiltrate enemy lines, Quinn will learn things that everyone else does not know. She will learn of the good and bad of Noxus, and she will come to realize that, while the growing power within Noxus may be something that needs to be stopped, the brute force that is being caused by the Demacian army may not be necessary. Do the innocent citizens of Noxus need to suffer so much? Fiora Fiora Fiora is the ultimate wild card within Demacia. She likely represents the citizens of Demacia most. With very little current depth to her character, I will just let that previous statement sink in. Fiora represents the citizens of Demacia the most of most Demacian champions. Vayne Vayne Revenge. It is what fills Vayne's mind. The Black Rose is speculated to be the ones that have sent Vayne down such a road, and she will do anything to sate her thirst for revenge. As the Black Rose emerge, Vayne will also. Kayle Kayle After the Institute of War is completely done away with, it is likely we will see Kayle join Demacia since Morgana resides in Noxus. Her story will likely tie in closely to Morgana rather than the overall war, similar to Nasus and Renekton.

Noxus Swain Swain The Grand General of Noxus, Swain currently holds the highest position of power within Noxus and sees the world as his for the taking. He holds all the keys to every secret door within Noxus and his deep connections with the Black Rose have come to be a major tool in his rise to power. Swain has no morals and will do whatever it takes to take his position, even if it means doing away with those who would serve him to their death. Leblanc LeBlanc The most known member of the Black Rose, LeBlanc is known for her deception and her ability to trick even the wisest of opponents. While not serving Swain to the end, without a doubt, she is a major piece of the chess board that is the power of Noxus. If Swain is considered the King, then LeBlanc is the Queen. Sion Sion Swain's "blunt instrument" when it comes to dealing with things, Sion is "under Swain's command". His resurrected body likely holds little to no memories of his past life and, being fueled by a furnace of souls that is constantly refilled, he is truly an unstoppable force of nature. The day he is let loose upon Demacia is the day the war will end. However, how long will it be until Sion's need for souls begins to drive him to desperate and gruesome acts of terror. Such a powerful being is bound to lose control one day. Also, who knows if Sion remembers who he once was? If he does, does he agree with Swain? The Rook will eventually charge head on into this war and end it. Darius Darius A truly potent soldier, he has become a true pawn of Swain. Darius believes that a world under the Noxian flag would be bliss and believes strongly in such. A world where those willing to show their strength rise to power to show their nation the path to travel down. As the war unfolds, Darius will show both sides what Noxus is truly about, whether that be through words or through combat. At the moment, however, Darius is nothing but the Pawn for Swain to use. Draven Draven Every legend needs an anchor, and that is what Draven is to Darius. As the grand executioner, Draven gets to execute everyone who is anyone that come into Noxus through the war. However, Draven will begin to realize the brutality of Swain as every innocent soul brought into Noxus for death ends up at his feet to kill. He may have a huge ego, but everyone has a line to how brutal they can be. Draven knows his line. Draven knows when you cross from human to monster. Katarina Katarina's family of assassins know what Noxus is all about. However, that isn't what Kat's story is about. Kat's story lies in Demacia where Garen is. As their fates collide, they will both come to learn of the opposite side. They will both see that, perhaps, Demacia and Noxus may not need to be the enemies they now are. Talon Talon Katarina's father trained Talon to be who he is today, and Talon respects him greatly for that. Talon could easily see Katarina's father as his own and is hot on the trails of learning what has happened to the man. As he searches for answers, he will without a doubt eventually come to the door of the one organization within Noxus that could possibly make the "King of Assassins" disappear: The Black Rose. Vladimir An ally of Swain and the Black Rose, Vladimir's gift of being an adept hemomancer has lead to him being a driving force into the necromancy side of Noxus. Being responsible for the resurrection of Sion, Vladimir's effects upon Noxus are slowly coming into view and he himself will slowly begin to effect the war in unimaginable ways. The Bishop will find it's way into the war and change it in ways that only a mad man could imagine. Kled Kled Crazy? Yes. Unstable? Definitely. Evil? Absolutely not. Kled is a major force within Noxus. He is nothing less than a living legend. He knows how Noxus was back in the good old days and, while on the violent side of old Noxus, believes in the strong rising over all to maintain the future. He don't like what is happening these days in Noxus not one bit. Once Swain sees Kled as the threat he is, Kled will be forced to defend his land and make sure Noxus can defend itself from all the threats facing it. The Knight will have to take on the rising threat of Demacia and the rising evil within Noxus all at once, and he couldn't be happier about it. Riven Riven While Riven has strong story elements within Ionia, she still has one purpose: to return Noxus to what it once was. She will ally herself with everyone she can to return Noxus to what it once was and revenge her fallen comrades. She believes in a pure Noxus, and the future of Noxus now is not that. Singed Singed I seriously doubt the Mad Chemist will pass the chance of letting his brew be seen in combat during this war. Eventually, Singed will enter the fray and Riven will finally have her chance to avenge the fallen. Who will be victorious, however, is yet to be seen...

Neutral Forces Mordekaiser I BET YOU THOUGHT I FORGOT ABOUT THIS GUY! Yes, Swain isn't the only force of evil at work around here. As the Shadow Isles return, Mordekaiser seeks to reclaim his capital of terror: Noxus. As the war unfolds, Mordekaiser will eventually appear and, yes, he most definitely will. His path of destruction will leave both sides begging for mercy and it will take the strongest champions of Demacia and Noxus to stop this mace wielding tyrant from returning to power. Aatrox Aatrox The Darkin of War, basically, will appear in this war without a doubt. As the war unfolds, he will be there to make sure it continues on... and on... and on... and on... until eventually, both sides have lost.

Unclear Galio and Urgot Galio and Urgot It is unclear how these two will interact with the war.

To summarize, yes, you are likely correct. However, while Garen isn't the hero because Poppy IS the hero, it doesn't mean Garen is not a "good guy". A hero is nothing without others standing beside them and Poppy will have to realize that she needs her allies with her, including Garen. Also, be sure to remember that the hammer goes to the Hero of Demacia. It never said anything about WHICH or WHAT Demacia it was talking about.

Meep ManOct 17, 20161 votes

If you want my opinion on how this war will end: Poppy becomes the Queen of Demacia after she realizes she is the hero and that Jarvan IV is leading Demacia down a dark road of war. Champions within Noxus and Demacia team up to take down Swain and the Black Rose. Swain is taken down and a new leader of Noxus comes into the light, likely being Riven, Darius, or Katarina's family. Sion finds peace finally after betraying Swain with his final act of brutality.

RalanrOct 17, 20162 votes

I never said I believed Garen wouldn't be a good guy, just that he may find himself making a choice that causes him to leave Demacia.

And Sion killing Swain sounds perfect.

Meep ManOct 17, 20161 votes

I don't think Garen will ever leave Demacia. I DO think he will leave THIS Demacia though, if you get my drift.

RalanrOct 17, 20161 votes

I believe I do.

Meep ManOct 17, 20161 votes

And Garen isn't just leaving Demacia in my opinion just because of love if he wanted to. Katarina could be a love interest that opens his eyes to more than just the close circle of the rich army and men of Demacia. I really like that you made this thread! It opens peoples eyes a bit. I was getting kind of tired of people saying "We need evil Demacians and good Noxians." Like, bro, Katarina, Talon, Darius, Draven, Riven, and even Kled to an extent are all good. Then for Demacia, Vayne, Jarvan IV, Xin Zhao, and Fiora aren't exactly the kindest souls. Your thread opened up potential theory crafting, something we need more of.

PaladinNOOct 18, 20161 votes

Then for Demacia, (...) Fiora aren't exactly the kindest souls.

Such truth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMcuT-xwTxg

I like that jax is aiming just to give Fiora a beatdown and she's just straight up trying to murder him. Unsportsmanly as the ingame version.

MelledoneusOct 18, 20161 votes

He comes close in my story. Swain almost gets splattered against the wall and has to pull back his troops because Sion breaks free of his grasp.

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

You're story? Mel, you're writing?

MelledoneusOct 18, 20161 votes

Been writing. I'm working on the last chapter of this mess of a story. Let's just say that Talon is currently lobbing off heads looking for someone's corpse, shortly after leaving a corpse hanging from the steeple of a temple of Kindred.

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

That sounds cool. I don't think I've ever seen a story from you.

MelledoneusOct 18, 20161 votes

I dunno if you would be able to handle it. I'm much better at dialogue than description, and my action scene writing is horrible. I'm improving, though, so there's that.

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

Fair enough. Don't be afraid to share if you ever got the urge.

Meep ManOct 18, 20161 votes

Indeed, I always enjoy a tale to read.

MelledoneusOct 18, 20161 votes

Don't get me wrong! All the other parts are already on my DeviantArt.

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

You have a DA?

I just post in concepts. DA usually can't hold 1 story because I tend to write too much.

MelledoneusOct 18, 20161 votes

I do it in shorter chapters. I currently have 19. Although the chapter with Kat and Caitlyn is so damn cringeworthy I'm considering changing it completely...

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

{quoted}

I do it in shorter chapters. I currently have 19. Although the chapter with Kat and Caitlyn is so damn cringeworthy I'm considering changing it completely...

Is your DA the same as your screen name? Mine is.

MelledoneusOct 18, 20161 votes

Mine isn't, since I made it a long time ago and didn't plan to keep it.

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

{quoted}

Mine isn't, since I made it a long time ago and didn't plan to keep it.

Fair enough.

DrBijuOct 18, 20161 votes

so... Jarvan X Poppy? oh my...

Meep ManOct 18, 20162 votes

Nah, Queen in more of a sense that she rules the nation and potentially lowers the Jarvan family down a notch.

PaladinNOOct 18, 20163 votes

Your post really made me curious about one thing: where do you consider Shyvana to fit in into all this? She is considered a Demacian, is she not? To be honest, I'm not really sure where to place her in the scheme of things.

If I got it right, while Garen is the offensive commander, Shyvana is the defensive commander; leader of the kingsguard, permanently posted around the castle of Jarvan IV. Though that description would be best referred to as "boring".

Draven [---]

"They say true courage is to be able to look into the eyes of a slain foe as he takes his last breath". If Draven can do that even once, then I would say the line between human and monster has already been crossed.

Meep ManOct 18, 20163 votes

Shyvana is someone I don't know about. Something tells me she would be someone in Jarvan's Demacia over Poppy's Demacia. Someone more about exterminating Noxus than purifying it so to speak.

Also, with Draven, I don't think he is a monster and thats my solid belief. Disagree if you want, but I think Draven is good dude, just with a slightly morbid job. Plus, I mean, he is an executioner. What is he going to look away?

PaladinNOOct 18, 20164 votes

Agreed. I get a feeling Shyvana's too...fanatical to have a place in Poppy's Demacia, as you describe it.

As for Draven...well, I prefer the Malcolm Reynolds way:

If I ever to kill you, you'll be awake, you'll be facing me, and you'll be armed.

Which means I won't ever pull the trigger (read: drop the axe) on anyone who is unarmed and/or potentially innocent.

...Wouldn't make for a good executioner, would I? :/

So yeah, I guess Draven IS one of the good guys. "Enforcing the betterment of mankind (what's left) through efficient population control." ^^

FairyfleurOct 18, 20161 votes

Sona is also a demacian, and it'd be interesting to see what role she could have.

MetalGearTeemuOct 17, 20166 votes

Garen has already shown he's willing to skirt the spirit of rules to do what he believes is right.

He showed this by choosing to banish Taric instead of execute him, believing this would give him a chance to leave and live on. ( Garen proved every bit worth Tarics respect and the way he greets him compared to J4 makes this very clear. )

Garen also finds Katarina to be enticing, though its hard to say how they are now that he old lore was tossed out. Tom Kenches lines suggest he does find her very precious however, perhaps dangerously (to his status in Demacia) so.

I can completely see J4 giving an "arthas purges stratholm" kind of order, and Garen refusing on grounds that there must be another way, leading to his being stripped of command and resigning himself to execution before Kat jailbreaks him.

I think Vagabond Garen will actually be Cannon, Garen and Kat choosing exile seems like it would be very fitting.

Maximum MordeOct 17, 20164 votes

That's because he's Justice. Heroism and Justice are not the same thing.

RalanrOct 17, 20161 votes

I thought Kayle was justice.

Maximum MordeOct 17, 20164 votes

No, Kayle is a DnD Paladin's pinup poster animated on the rift.

MetalGearTeemuOct 17, 20165 votes

Garens proven to be equal parts justice and heroism.

if Poppy is Heroism to an extreme, and Kayle is justice to an extreme, then Garen is the mixture of both. Though this is def post-rework, where he became more the paladin then his first incarnation, which was as a bit of a meat head.

DragonSheaOct 18, 20163 votes

{quoted}

Garens proven to be equal parts justice and heroism.

if Poppy is Heroism to an extreme, and Kayle is justice to an extreme, then Garen is the mixture of both. Though this is def post-rework, where he became more the paladin then his first incarnation, which was as a bit of a meat head.

I also think he is more human in that regard, Garen is more about being a soldier that fights for those ideals but also struggles with his desires for katarina. Poppy and Kayle are too "Robotic" in their representation.

warpenguin555Oct 17, 20163 votes

I thought Poppy was the hero but she just didnt know it lol

RalanrOct 17, 20162 votes

She is. This is just a ramble.

I sometimes ramble when in the midst of writing fics.

MelledoneusOct 18, 20163 votes

Just going to say that from a neutral view, there are no true heroes.

There are champions and perceived heroes, but in the end they do someone wrong in their acts.

Meep ManOct 18, 20162 votes

No hero is perfect

PaladinNOOct 18, 20162 votes

"Love makes LeeSin , they say."

While the Garen x Katarina isn't exactly a new ship, it's a love story which may have some interesting endings. So lets say they completely fall for each other - not just a nighly swordfight (both literally and figuratively), but making a decision to run away together and leave it all behind. Perhaps with Garen leaving a note left behind for his ruler and/or his sister.

Something like that would be likely best described as a self-imposed exile, which, I suspect, ultimately result in the demand for his return to stand to answer for his decision. Or in the worst case scenario, to be brought back, one way or another, to stand trial for what is decided as his treason.

And I suspect I know who will be tasked with bringing him back: Shyvana.

http://ptcrow.deviantart.com/art/Shyvana-The-Leader-of-the-Royal-Guards-Edited-495504363

The choice to send her makes sense in several ways - not only is she in love (if the fan-lore is true) with Jarvan IV; and as such likely won't be taken with the excuse that Garen would have for her when she finds them, her inherent determination to see a mission through makes her an obvious choice. Also, she's quite capable of handling herself, to put it mildly, should it end with confrontation.

To keep it at a PG13-rating (and to not ruin the game), neither Garen or Katarina, or Shyvana, will be killed in the fight that might ultimately ensue (though I presume Shyvana would fight to the death under the circumstances), when neither party will back down, and Shyvana will insist that at least Garen returns with her back to Demacia, with Katarina being given the choice to either leave with her life or brought back in chains (this is how I envision it will go).

Alternately, Garen and Katarina realizes their love just won't work due to their major differences (Katarina just can't stop doing what she's good at, and Garen won't allow her to keep being an assassin), and they either split as "friends" (lovers would go without saying), or, more likely, Katarina leaves silently in the night. Perhaps with a short note attached to a dagger, stabbed through the pillow she had rested her head on that night.

Which ends with Garen returning to Demacia, a lesser man (heartbroken), perhaps meeting Shyvana and the company she likely brought with on his way back, to ask Jarvan (and his sister) for forgiveness for his foolish action, likely being forgiven, but demoted.

Damn it, I got 21 minutes into "Aliens" before being forced to write all this! ^^ Feels wurf, though, as I have been having all the above considered for some time. Nice to finally being able to put it down as text in an appropriate place where it might even be appreciated. :)

KeepeOct 18, 20162 votes

I still to this day refuse to Acknowledge the new Poppy as a Hero. Wanna know why? Read her comic.

Her own sheer stupidity is costing people their lives. These people who are trying to PROTECT THOSE WHO CANNOT PROTECT THEMSELVES. But because she cannot be bothered to use her common sense, the good people who could have been saved died. The true heroes who risk their lives to protect others die.

And Poppy just goes "Ah ha ha ha~ One day, I'll find the Hero. Guess that puddle of fleshy bits wasn't him~"

RalanrOct 18, 20164 votes

Considering how she doesn't see herself as the hero, that's probably why she waits for others to act. She's constantly testing to find the hero.

Now granted she is pretty damn ignorant if she can't understand that she's the hero. Though maybe it has something to do with the Yordle thought process (I'm positive that Yordles do not perceive time the same way we do, which could lead to why Poppy is so ignorant because the world is constantly changing around her. It's possible that she doesn't realize she's crossed Demacia multiple times instead of once).

She's basically up to 11 on the "I'm not good enough" scale in character traits. She probably put Orlorn on such a pedestal that the mere thought of her being more important than him doesn't seem to register. Which may be why she didn't understand that Orlorn was saying she was the hero. Unconsciously she's probably thinking "How could I be the hero if Orlorn was just the delivery boy? The hero must be better than Orlorn! I'm just a soldier, no way I'm better!"

Again, her humility and ignorance of this is really taken to the extreme. But considering how Yordles seem to act in the new lore (though granted we only have Kled, and he's insane) it's highly possible that they just perceive things much slower or extreme than others.

I wish more Yordle lore was up to date honestly. This sounds like something that'd be interesting if proven right.

KeepeOct 18, 20161 votes

If you want a laugh, go listen to the Radioplay for Mechs vs Minions. Would be kind of interesting if you could consider that Yordles have an awareness of change going on about them.

Corki spends the entire time doing weird... babbling (not really military terms, so minor disappointment there), and then Trist translates. And then.

Corki: The Magma Chamber? I thought this was retconned with the Fields of Justice! Ziggs: Seriously? What is he even talking about? Trist: I don't know.

But the point is, I cannot view someone who acts and does nothing while people are slaughtered around her as a hero. Hell, in the comic, you could argue that her actually starting to fight based on self preservation... It just really bothers me.

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

I don't think that really translates to canon (the game).

She also said that it would not get into that celler before killing it, so it wasn't just self preservation.

KeepeOct 18, 20161 votes

No no, it probably does not. But it's still an interesting tidbit to hold in consideration.

And true enough. After the thing is looking her dead on. At which point it becomes an argument of semantics.

Still. I never really considered Garen much of a hero either. Sure, he may be a somewhat decent guy. Maybe. But when I see Garen, probably due to design, I see someone a bit overzealous. Maybe it's because half the time, I am waiting for him to start screaming that he must find Frostmourne. =P

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

I think everyone might be taking the hero idea too broadly.

Remember it's not just hero, it's the hero that drives Demacia forward to greatness.

KeepeOct 18, 20161 votes

In that case, it still wouldn't be Garen. Nor would it be Poppy.

These are two people who consider themselves servants to a cause, but that would not be what is needed to drive Demacia onward.

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

True, which is probably the kind of character development Poppy needs.

KeepeOct 18, 20161 votes

Dear Riot. Just write a series of books already.

RalanrOct 18, 20161 votes

They need to finish the ground work first apparently.

Idk why. I'm not a professional but I usually build the world as I go along. Trying to build it all before actually stops me from writing it.

KeepeOct 18, 20162 votes

I can kinda agree with that, mostly because if you try to plan out every single little detail, it usually ends up being a huge mental strain. Before you know it, you end up showcasing Tolkien Syndrome (Not the good kind). Meaning you're writing up a history on every single tree branch.

Anywho, off topic. Was nice chatting.

underscores222Oct 18, 20161 votes

Poppy is looking for the hero to wield the hammer

Garen uses a sword

Two completely different weapons that are used completely differently in battle.

Garen is not the hero that will get the hammer.

Yup, logic checks out.

Side notes:
We don't know if Poppy and Garen have ever met - indeed, we don't even know if Garen would recognize Poppy as a Yordle. (under new Yordle lore, which has not been released yet - but some information was teased when Poppy was reworked and when Kled came out) Heroes do not give themselves the title - it is bestowed upon them by the people. Thus Garen could be a hero to some and a villain to others (like Noxians - I bet Urgot really hates Garen for cutting him in half) Garen and Kat are not described as having any sort of romantic relationship - directly, that is. There are many hints in the lore (they always try to find each other in fights) and in game (Garen's joke while near an enemy Kat) Honestly, it's probably the best substantiated relationship between champions in the game - second best is Rumble's crush on Trist

6SfoolOct 18, 20162 votes

That first bit reminded me of my days as a level 1 League Player "Infinity Edge? Why would I buy a sword on Tristana? I prefer the cannon, thank you."

ok had to get that out.