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Morden (Babylon 5)
Encyclopedia
Morden is a fictional character
in the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5
, played by Ed Wasser
. He is a recurring antagonist in the show.
, an ancient and incredibly powerful alien race whom he refers to as his "associates". Although outwardly polite and gracious, he represents a dangerous hidden agenda. Any conversation is overheard by three cloaked
Shadows, who accompany him at all times and control him as seen in the novel Babylon 5: The Passing of the Techno-Mages - Invoking Darkness
. Indoctrinated
by the Shadows after his capture during an expedition to Z'ha'dum
, the Shadows' homeworld, he has accepted to serve because of the Shadows manipulation of his guilt of the death of his wife and child and because they promise to save his family whom he believes are trapped in hyperspace. When pushed, Morden drops any pretense of friendliness, openly threatening anyone who presents any difficulty to his associates. He is arguably the primary villain of the series during its first four seasons, as he often manipulates the series' other characters for the Shadows sinister purposes. Only in the novels do we find out that he is manipulated into performing atrocities for the Shadows.
late in 2256. While there, the expedition, which also included John Sheridan
's wife Anna, re-awakened the Shadows
, whereupon all members of the expedition were killed or made to serve the Shadows. Unlike Anna, who refused to serve and was placed inside a Shadow vessel, Morden seems to have signed on with the Shadows willingly to save his family, but also controlled by them, to the point that he served as their emissary. Morden did this because the Shadows promised to release Morden's family, who were supposedly trapped in hyperspace when their ship was destroyed in a jumpgate bombing; fearing for their lives, Morden (whose first name has never been revealed) pledged to serve the Shadows in any way they asked. It is unknown whether the Shadows made good on their promise to save Morden's family, or even if the situation as represented to him was genuine. In all his appearances he wears a jewel on a chain around his neck; according to the trilogy of novels The Passing of the Techno-Mages, carved on the side of the stone against his chest is an ancient alien love oath, representing his continued devotion to his deceased wife.
After his return to Babylon 5 Morden was always accompanied by two Shadows which were prepared to kill anyone who threatened him and are responsible for controlling him. They were normally cloaked in invisibility
; however, their high-pitched voices (which Morden could understand because of Shadow modifications on him) could sometimes be heard by other races, and their images could sometimes be captured fleetingly by security cameras sensitive to infrared
or ultraviolet
wavelengths. They were eventually killed by two Centauri guards who obeyed Londo Mollari's command to shoot at what appeared to be thin air on either side of Morden.
"), Morden visits Ambassador G'Kar of the Narn
, Ambassador Delenn
of the Minbari
, and Ambassador Londo Mollari of the Centauri
, asking each of them the Shadow Question, "What do you want?" G'Kar answers that he would like revenge upon the Centauri, but his lack of vision beyond that goal isn't the answer Morden is looking for. From Delenn
, he receives no answer, as she detects the darkness about him and tells him to leave her quarters.
Morden was also seeking out the humans through Commander Sinclair. Apparently he was deterred from doing so by Ambassador Kosh, who told him (or more likely his "associates") that "they are not for you". The two Shadows fought with Kosh and damaged his encounter suit as a result. However that did not stop Morden and his "associates" from seeking alliances from other humans, such as Morgan Clark
, as well as other high ranking Earth Alliance personnel. Morden may also have had a hand in the assassination of President Luis Santiago
, which allowed Clark to become President of the Earth Alliance
.
However, Londo gives an answer Morden and his "associates" approved of: to restore the glory and power of the great Centauri Republic. Shortly afterward, the Shadows attack the ship of raiders who had stolen the Centauri Eye, a priceless imperial artifact, from Londo. When next we see Morden, he returns the Eye to a stunned Londo who had been resigned to the fact he was ruined with its loss, and offers the assistance of his associates: if he should ever need anything done, all he has to do is ask.
, sees through Morden's duplicitous disguise and urges Londo to reconsider, but is ignored. Londo turns to Morden for assistance, and three Shadow ships descend upon a Narn outpost, utterly devastating it and leaving no survivors to account for what happened, making it easy for Londo to take all of the credit for himself.
From this point on, Londo becomes trapped by his association with Morden and his newfound prestige with the Centauri government, and Morden becomes less friendly and more manipulative, especially after he is confronted by Londo's aide, Vir Cotto
. When Morden asks Vir, somewhat mockingly, "What do you want?", he receives this answer: "I'd like to live just long enough to be there when they cut off your head and stick it on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price. I would look up into your lifeless eyes and wave, like this [smiles and waves his fingers at Morden]. Can you and your associates arrange that for me, Mr. Morden?"
However, the Shadows continue to provide Londo assistance. This assistance culminates in their protection of Centauri supply lines during an assault by the Narn, enabling the Centauri to directly attack the Narn homeworld in a devastating assault using mass driver
s (a method deemed appalling by most other races due to its use causing indiscriminate civilian casualties and severe damage to a planet's biosphere), leading to the surrender of the Narn soon thereafter.
is sorting through his wife's stored items, Security Chief Michael Garibaldi
recognizes the face of a member of the Icarus crew, Morden, as someone who has been seen on the station recently.
Enraged, Sheridan demands that Morden be seized and questioned, even though he has not broken any laws. After butting heads with his staff and friends over this abuse of power, Delenn
and Kosh reveal the existence of the Shadows and the true final fate of the Icarus to Sheridan. Grief-stricken at the fate of his wife, Sheridan nonetheless relents and lets Morden go.
, until a concerned Londo slips Refa one agent of a binary poison in an effort to stop him from dealing with Morden. Morden, at this stage, becomes openly hostile and aggressive in his dealings with Londo, to little effect on Londo. However shortly after, Morden discovers Londo's love, Adira, who comes to the station, and has her poisoned, convincing Londo it was Refa's doing. Londo, unaware of Morden's deceptive and murderous manipulations, has Refa eliminated and agrees to work with Morden once again, now saying he cares for nothing in the universe other than revenge.
Capt. Sheridan
tries to convince Ambassador Kosh to get the Vorlons more involved in the Shadow War. Kosh refuses at first but finally relents. Kosh's primary reason for not getting involved was the knowledge that doing so would bring grim repercussions. Morden escorts his "associates" to Kosh's quarters soon after the Vorlons attack a Shadow vessel, and the two Shadow guards kill Kosh.
Following Capt. Sheridan's
trip to Z'ha'dum, during which time Anna and Morden fruitlessly tried to convince Sheridan to join the Shadows and Sheridan detonated his Whitestar containing thermonuclear weapons above the Shadow city, the Shadows were temporarily thrown into disarray. Londo is recalled home to Centauri Prime, ostensibly to serve as a security minister, where he meets a disfigured Morden (he was near Sheridan's nuclear blasts, but was saved by the Shadows). At this meeting, Morden informs Londo that Emperor Cartagia
has granted the Shadows an island to serve as a hiding place, and as security minister, Londo would be Morden's liaison with the Centauri. However, with the Vorlon
s now rampaging through the galaxy, destroying anything with the taint of the Shadows, Londo must remove the Shadows from Centauri Prime and kill Cartagia, or watch his homeworld destroyed.
Londo chooses the former, and, after Cartagia is eliminated, Londo, now temporarily the Prime Minister and head of the Centauri, is informed that Morden was actually behind the death of Adira—information that Emperor Cartagia
had ordered withheld from Londo. Enraged, Londo finally decides to confront Morden. After eliminating his Shadow protectors, Londo explains to Morden the situation with the Vorlons, and demands that the Shadows leave. Morden refuses, mockingly pointing out that the only way the Shadow vessels could be dealt with was to blow up the island. Londo proceeds to do just that, destroying the island the Shadows were given and where much of their fleet is parked as a horrified Morden looks on. Finally, Londo finishes with Morden by granting Vir's wish that he be beheaded.
As he's dragged away to await his fate, the enraged Morden gives Londo a final prophetic declaration that even if the Shadows were to be defeated, their allies will ensure Centauri Prime pays the price for what he did. In later episodes, this comes to pass as the Drakh
plant Keepers in successive Centauri rulers to control the Centauri government and manipulate its actions to the detriment of the Centauri Republic.
He did, however, make a final appearance during the Brakiri holy day, the Day of the Dead, in 2262, in which the living are able to consult with apparitions of the dead. During this night, Morden appeared to Lennier
, Delenn's aide and close friend. Lennier, recognizing Morden, is unwilling to accept counsel from him, unable to see Morden as anything more than the Shadows' emissary. Lennier proceeds to enter meditation, wasting his opportunity to learn from the experience. Morden spends the rest of the night reading a newspaper. Just before he leaves at the coming of the morning, he delivers one of the most important messages of the night: Lennier will betray the Rangers
.
All the characters who answered the Shadow Question got exactly what they asked for, although Vir was the only one who was satisfied with the results.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
in the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5
Babylon 5
Babylon 5 is an American science fiction television series created, produced and largely written by J. Michael Straczynski. The show centers on a space station named Babylon 5: a focal point for politics, diplomacy, and conflict during the years 2257–2262...
, played by Ed Wasser
Ed Wasser
Ed Wasser is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of Mr. Morden in 14 episodes of the US science fiction television series Babylon 5...
. He is a recurring antagonist in the show.
Overview
Morden serves as the spokesman on behalf of the ShadowsShadow (Babylon 5)
The Shadows are a fictional alien species in the science fiction television series Babylon 5. Their homeworld is Z'ha'dum. In contrast to the Vorlons, whose philosophy is represented by the question "Who are you?", that of the Shadows is represented by the question "What do you want?", centering...
, an ancient and incredibly powerful alien race whom he refers to as his "associates". Although outwardly polite and gracious, he represents a dangerous hidden agenda. Any conversation is overheard by three cloaked
Cloaking device
Cloaking devices are advanced stealth technologies still in development that will cause objects, such as spaceships or individuals, to be partially or wholly invisible to parts of the electromagnetic spectrum...
Shadows, who accompany him at all times and control him as seen in the novel Babylon 5: The Passing of the Techno-Mages - Invoking Darkness
Babylon 5: The Passing of the Techno-Mages - Invoking Darkness
Babylon 5: The Passing of the Techno-Mages - Invoking Darkness is a Babylon 5 novel by Jeanne Cavelos, the third and final book of the "Passing of the Techno-Mages" trilogy.-Plot:The story begins where the second book, Summoning Light, left off...
. Indoctrinated
Indoctrination
Indoctrination is the process of inculcating ideas, attitudes, cognitive strategies or a professional methodology . It is often distinguished from education by the fact that the indoctrinated person is expected not to question or critically examine the doctrine they have learned...
by the Shadows after his capture during an expedition to Z'ha'dum
Z'ha'dum (planet)
In the fictional Babylon 5 universe, Z'ha'dum was the homeworld of the ancient, mysterious race known as the Shadows. The planet is near the galactic rim...
, the Shadows' homeworld, he has accepted to serve because of the Shadows manipulation of his guilt of the death of his wife and child and because they promise to save his family whom he believes are trapped in hyperspace. When pushed, Morden drops any pretense of friendliness, openly threatening anyone who presents any difficulty to his associates. He is arguably the primary villain of the series during its first four seasons, as he often manipulates the series' other characters for the Shadows sinister purposes. Only in the novels do we find out that he is manipulated into performing atrocities for the Shadows.
Icarus
Morden was a member of the Earth expedition ship, the Icarus, which was dispatched on a research mission to Z'ha'dumZ'ha'dum (planet)
In the fictional Babylon 5 universe, Z'ha'dum was the homeworld of the ancient, mysterious race known as the Shadows. The planet is near the galactic rim...
late in 2256. While there, the expedition, which also included John Sheridan
John Sheridan (Babylon 5)
John J. Sheridan is a lead character in the fictional universe of the science-fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Bruce Boxleitner. For most of the series, he is the commander of the Babylon 5 station; during the series' final season he is the President of the Interstellar...
's wife Anna, re-awakened the Shadows
Shadow (Babylon 5)
The Shadows are a fictional alien species in the science fiction television series Babylon 5. Their homeworld is Z'ha'dum. In contrast to the Vorlons, whose philosophy is represented by the question "Who are you?", that of the Shadows is represented by the question "What do you want?", centering...
, whereupon all members of the expedition were killed or made to serve the Shadows. Unlike Anna, who refused to serve and was placed inside a Shadow vessel, Morden seems to have signed on with the Shadows willingly to save his family, but also controlled by them, to the point that he served as their emissary. Morden did this because the Shadows promised to release Morden's family, who were supposedly trapped in hyperspace when their ship was destroyed in a jumpgate bombing; fearing for their lives, Morden (whose first name has never been revealed) pledged to serve the Shadows in any way they asked. It is unknown whether the Shadows made good on their promise to save Morden's family, or even if the situation as represented to him was genuine. In all his appearances he wears a jewel on a chain around his neck; according to the trilogy of novels The Passing of the Techno-Mages, carved on the side of the stone against his chest is an ancient alien love oath, representing his continued devotion to his deceased wife.
After his return to Babylon 5 Morden was always accompanied by two Shadows which were prepared to kill anyone who threatened him and are responsible for controlling him. They were normally cloaked in invisibility
Invisibility
Invisibility is the state of an object that cannot be seen. An object in this state is said to be invisible . The term is usually used as a fantasy/science fiction term, where objects are literally made unseeable by magical or technological means; however, its effects can also be seen in the real...
; however, their high-pitched voices (which Morden could understand because of Shadow modifications on him) could sometimes be heard by other races, and their images could sometimes be captured fleetingly by security cameras sensitive to infrared
Infrared
Infrared light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than that of visible light, measured from the nominal edge of visible red light at 0.74 micrometres , and extending conventionally to 300 µm...
or ultraviolet
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet light is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light, but longer than X-rays, in the range 10 nm to 400 nm, and energies from 3 eV to 124 eV...
wavelengths. They were eventually killed by two Centauri guards who obeyed Londo Mollari's command to shoot at what appeared to be thin air on either side of Morden.
Babylon 5
In his first appearance as Morden (Wasser made his first appearance on Babylon 5 as Guerra, a member of the Babylon 5 bridge crew during the pilot episode "Babylon 5: The GatheringBabylon 5: The Gathering
Babylon 5: The Gathering is the pilot movie of the science fiction television series Babylon 5. The telefilm aired on February 22, 1993...
"), Morden visits Ambassador G'Kar of the Narn
Narn
The Narn are a fictional alien race in the universe of the Babylon 5 television series. Their homeworld is also called Narn.-Homeworld:Narn is the homeworld of the Narn and the Narn Regime. Its day is 31 hours long. Prior to the Centauri's first invasion, Narn was a healthy green planet. Now it...
, Ambassador Delenn
Delenn
Delenn is a fictional lead character in the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Mira Furlan.-Overview:Delenn, an alien ambassador and leader from the planet Minbar, is one of the pivotal characters in Babylon 5....
of the Minbari
Minbari
The Minbari are a fictional alien race featured in the television show Babylon 5. The Minbari characters of Delenn and Lennier figure prominently throughout the series; Neroon, Draal, and Dukhat are less prominent Minbari characters....
, and Ambassador Londo Mollari of the Centauri
Centauri (Babylon 5)
The Centauri are a humanoid species in the fictional universe of the Babylon 5 television series. They were the first alien species to make open contact with the human race. Their homeworld is Centauri Prime, a small Earth-like planet consisting of two large continents and several smaller islands...
, asking each of them the Shadow Question, "What do you want?" G'Kar answers that he would like revenge upon the Centauri, but his lack of vision beyond that goal isn't the answer Morden is looking for. From Delenn
Delenn
Delenn is a fictional lead character in the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Mira Furlan.-Overview:Delenn, an alien ambassador and leader from the planet Minbar, is one of the pivotal characters in Babylon 5....
, he receives no answer, as she detects the darkness about him and tells him to leave her quarters.
Morden was also seeking out the humans through Commander Sinclair. Apparently he was deterred from doing so by Ambassador Kosh, who told him (or more likely his "associates") that "they are not for you". The two Shadows fought with Kosh and damaged his encounter suit as a result. However that did not stop Morden and his "associates" from seeking alliances from other humans, such as Morgan Clark
Morgan Clark
William Morgan Clark is a fictional character and a major antagonist from the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5, portrayed by Gary McGurk. His character rarely appeared on-screen, but is a major off-screen presence in the show....
, as well as other high ranking Earth Alliance personnel. Morden may also have had a hand in the assassination of President Luis Santiago
Luis Santiago
Luis Santiago is a fictional character in the universe of the science fiction television drama Babylon 5, portrayed by a still photo of Douglas Netter...
, which allowed Clark to become President of the Earth Alliance
Earth Alliance (Babylon 5)
The Earth Alliance is the name of a fictional alliance of the nations of Earth and off-world colonies in the television series Babylon 5. The transition of Earth government from a democratic, elected government to an authoritarian, militaristic one and back to a democracy again is a major theme of...
.
However, Londo gives an answer Morden and his "associates" approved of: to restore the glory and power of the great Centauri Republic. Shortly afterward, the Shadows attack the ship of raiders who had stolen the Centauri Eye, a priceless imperial artifact, from Londo. When next we see Morden, he returns the Eye to a stunned Londo who had been resigned to the fact he was ruined with its loss, and offers the assistance of his associates: if he should ever need anything done, all he has to do is ask.
The Narn-Centauri Conflict
Initially, Londo resists the idea of consulting with Morden. However, in a situation with a Narn outpost late in 2258, Londo recognizes an opportunity to strike at the Narns using the Shadows' help, while increasing his prestige and revenging an earlier action by the Narns. Londo's assistant, Vir CottoVir Cotto
Vir Cotto is a character from the fictional Babylon 5 universe, played on screen by Stephen Furst. He is a Centauri male who was from a family of minor nobility, who would eventually become the Centauri Ambassador to Babylon 5, and then became the Emperor of the Centauri Republic in 2278.Vir Cotto...
, sees through Morden's duplicitous disguise and urges Londo to reconsider, but is ignored. Londo turns to Morden for assistance, and three Shadow ships descend upon a Narn outpost, utterly devastating it and leaving no survivors to account for what happened, making it easy for Londo to take all of the credit for himself.
From this point on, Londo becomes trapped by his association with Morden and his newfound prestige with the Centauri government, and Morden becomes less friendly and more manipulative, especially after he is confronted by Londo's aide, Vir Cotto
Vir Cotto
Vir Cotto is a character from the fictional Babylon 5 universe, played on screen by Stephen Furst. He is a Centauri male who was from a family of minor nobility, who would eventually become the Centauri Ambassador to Babylon 5, and then became the Emperor of the Centauri Republic in 2278.Vir Cotto...
. When Morden asks Vir, somewhat mockingly, "What do you want?", he receives this answer: "I'd like to live just long enough to be there when they cut off your head and stick it on a pike as a warning to the next ten generations that some favors come with too high a price. I would look up into your lifeless eyes and wave, like this [smiles and waves his fingers at Morden]. Can you and your associates arrange that for me, Mr. Morden?"
However, the Shadows continue to provide Londo assistance. This assistance culminates in their protection of Centauri supply lines during an assault by the Narn, enabling the Centauri to directly attack the Narn homeworld in a devastating assault using mass driver
Mass driver
A mass driver or electromagnetic catapult is a proposed method of non-rocket spacelaunch which would use a linear motor to accelerate and catapult payloads up to high speeds. All existing and contemplated mass drivers use coils of wire energized by electricity to make electromagnets. Sequential...
s (a method deemed appalling by most other races due to its use causing indiscriminate civilian casualties and severe damage to a planet's biosphere), leading to the surrender of the Narn soon thereafter.
Questioned by John Sheridan
When Capt. John SheridanJohn Sheridan (Babylon 5)
John J. Sheridan is a lead character in the fictional universe of the science-fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Bruce Boxleitner. For most of the series, he is the commander of the Babylon 5 station; during the series' final season he is the President of the Interstellar...
is sorting through his wife's stored items, Security Chief Michael Garibaldi
Michael Garibaldi
Michael Garibaldi is a lead fictional character in the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Jerry Doyle.-Overview:...
recognizes the face of a member of the Icarus crew, Morden, as someone who has been seen on the station recently.
Enraged, Sheridan demands that Morden be seized and questioned, even though he has not broken any laws. After butting heads with his staff and friends over this abuse of power, Delenn
Delenn
Delenn is a fictional lead character in the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Mira Furlan.-Overview:Delenn, an alien ambassador and leader from the planet Minbar, is one of the pivotal characters in Babylon 5....
and Kosh reveal the existence of the Shadows and the true final fate of the Icarus to Sheridan. Grief-stricken at the fate of his wife, Sheridan nonetheless relents and lets Morden go.
The Shadow War
After this action, Londo attempts to free himself and the Centauri from association with the Shadows, even at one point carving up the galaxy with Morden in an effort to be rid of him. However, Morden simply moves on to assisting Londo's associate Lord RefaLord Refa
Lord Antono Refa is a fictional character from the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5, played by William Forward. He is a regular guest character in the second and third seasons.-Personality:...
, until a concerned Londo slips Refa one agent of a binary poison in an effort to stop him from dealing with Morden. Morden, at this stage, becomes openly hostile and aggressive in his dealings with Londo, to little effect on Londo. However shortly after, Morden discovers Londo's love, Adira, who comes to the station, and has her poisoned, convincing Londo it was Refa's doing. Londo, unaware of Morden's deceptive and murderous manipulations, has Refa eliminated and agrees to work with Morden once again, now saying he cares for nothing in the universe other than revenge.
Capt. Sheridan
John Sheridan (Babylon 5)
John J. Sheridan is a lead character in the fictional universe of the science-fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Bruce Boxleitner. For most of the series, he is the commander of the Babylon 5 station; during the series' final season he is the President of the Interstellar...
tries to convince Ambassador Kosh to get the Vorlons more involved in the Shadow War. Kosh refuses at first but finally relents. Kosh's primary reason for not getting involved was the knowledge that doing so would bring grim repercussions. Morden escorts his "associates" to Kosh's quarters soon after the Vorlons attack a Shadow vessel, and the two Shadow guards kill Kosh.
Following Capt. Sheridan's
John Sheridan (Babylon 5)
John J. Sheridan is a lead character in the fictional universe of the science-fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Bruce Boxleitner. For most of the series, he is the commander of the Babylon 5 station; during the series' final season he is the President of the Interstellar...
trip to Z'ha'dum, during which time Anna and Morden fruitlessly tried to convince Sheridan to join the Shadows and Sheridan detonated his Whitestar containing thermonuclear weapons above the Shadow city, the Shadows were temporarily thrown into disarray. Londo is recalled home to Centauri Prime, ostensibly to serve as a security minister, where he meets a disfigured Morden (he was near Sheridan's nuclear blasts, but was saved by the Shadows). At this meeting, Morden informs Londo that Emperor Cartagia
Emperor Cartagia
Emperor Cartagia is a fictional character from the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Wortham Krimmer...
has granted the Shadows an island to serve as a hiding place, and as security minister, Londo would be Morden's liaison with the Centauri. However, with the Vorlon
Vorlon
A Vorlon is a member of a fictional alien species in the Babylon 5 television series and fictional universe. The Vorlon species is a member of the First Ones, a group made up of the earliest species to gain sentience in the galaxy...
s now rampaging through the galaxy, destroying anything with the taint of the Shadows, Londo must remove the Shadows from Centauri Prime and kill Cartagia, or watch his homeworld destroyed.
Londo chooses the former, and, after Cartagia is eliminated, Londo, now temporarily the Prime Minister and head of the Centauri, is informed that Morden was actually behind the death of Adira—information that Emperor Cartagia
Emperor Cartagia
Emperor Cartagia is a fictional character from the universe of the science fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Wortham Krimmer...
had ordered withheld from Londo. Enraged, Londo finally decides to confront Morden. After eliminating his Shadow protectors, Londo explains to Morden the situation with the Vorlons, and demands that the Shadows leave. Morden refuses, mockingly pointing out that the only way the Shadow vessels could be dealt with was to blow up the island. Londo proceeds to do just that, destroying the island the Shadows were given and where much of their fleet is parked as a horrified Morden looks on. Finally, Londo finishes with Morden by granting Vir's wish that he be beheaded.
As he's dragged away to await his fate, the enraged Morden gives Londo a final prophetic declaration that even if the Shadows were to be defeated, their allies will ensure Centauri Prime pays the price for what he did. In later episodes, this comes to pass as the Drakh
Drakh
The Drakh are a fictional alien race in the Babylon 5 universe. The Drakh were dark servants for the race of First Ones known as the Shadows. They appeared in the fourth and fifth seasons of Babylon 5 as well as the television movie, A Call to Arms...
plant Keepers in successive Centauri rulers to control the Centauri government and manipulate its actions to the detriment of the Centauri Republic.
Death and legacy
Morden was killed and beheaded by Londo in 2261, during the efforts to expunge the Shadow influence from Centauri Prime. His head was placed upon a pike on the Centauri royal grounds, a gift from Londo to his aide, Vir Cotto, who mocks him in the exact manner he said he would, back when Morden had asked Vir what the latter wanted.He did, however, make a final appearance during the Brakiri holy day, the Day of the Dead, in 2262, in which the living are able to consult with apparitions of the dead. During this night, Morden appeared to Lennier
Lennier
Lennier is a character in the fictional universe of the science-fiction television series Babylon 5, played by Bill Mumy. He is Minbari and acts as ambassadorial aide to Delenn throughout most of the series.-Background and career:...
, Delenn's aide and close friend. Lennier, recognizing Morden, is unwilling to accept counsel from him, unable to see Morden as anything more than the Shadows' emissary. Lennier proceeds to enter meditation, wasting his opportunity to learn from the experience. Morden spends the rest of the night reading a newspaper. Just before he leaves at the coming of the morning, he delivers one of the most important messages of the night: Lennier will betray the Rangers
Ranger (Babylon 5)
Rangers are a fictional class of warriors that play a prominent role in the science fiction television series Babylon 5.-History:...
.
All the characters who answered the Shadow Question got exactly what they asked for, although Vir was the only one who was satisfied with the results.
- Londo did become a respected man of incredible importance (an Emperor in fact) and his people did have a "renaissance of power," but this renaissance faded, and he was left as the mind-controlled ruler of a scorched wasteland.
- G'Kar did see the Centauri humbled and his homeworld made safe, but by that time he had outgrown his anger and was disgusted by the resulting slaughter, and though Narn was safe and free, his people were left confused and directionless when the object of their hate was reduced to a state worthy only of pity.
- Vir CottoVir CottoVir Cotto is a character from the fictional Babylon 5 universe, played on screen by Stephen Furst. He is a Centauri male who was from a family of minor nobility, who would eventually become the Centauri Ambassador to Babylon 5, and then became the Emperor of the Centauri Republic in 2278.Vir Cotto...
, in contrast, simply wished that he would live long enough to see Morden beheaded and his associates go away and never come back — which is, of course, exactly what happened. Seeing Morden's head on a pike in the royal courtyard, he even waved at it, as he said he would.