Oryx, the Taken King

"I don't have time to explain why I don't have time to explain."
This article has new content coming soon and may not be complete, confirmed, or correct. Please update it as soon as any relevant and accurate material is available. Editors must cite sources for all contributions to this article. Edits that do not follow this standard will be reverted without notice. For more information, see the Citation policy.

Oryx, the Taken King
Biographical information
Species:	Hive
Rank:	God-King
Gender:	Male
Combat information
Mission:	King's Fall
Weapon(s):	Cleaver
Abilities:	Darkness Blast Summon Taken

Oryx, the Taken King is the God-King of the Hive and master of the Taken. Said to have been born from the Darkness itself, Oryx is believed to be the source of the Hive's terrible power. Oryx is also the father of the dreaded Crota, who slew thousands of Guardians during the Great Disaster. Enraged at the death of his son, Oryx has traveled to the Solar System seeking revenge.

Biography

The exact nature of Oryx was once unknown to the Guardians, but the name Oryx appeared often enough in Hive rituals that it could not be ignored. Shrines dedicated to Oryx, used by the Hive to communicate with Oryx across the universe, were known to exist throughout the Solar System. Osiris studied the Hive extensively and foretold that the Spawn of Crota would one day pave the way for Oryx's coming by "snuffing out the worlds of Light". Members of the Blood of Oryx Hive sect are thought to be the direct servants of Oryx himself, though it is speculated that he is the master of all other Hive sects as well.

After learning of the death of his son, Crota, Oryx personally traveled to the Solar System aboard his Dreadnaught, accompanied by a Hive fleet and his Taken army. Oryx's forces first attacked Cabal bases on Phobos and Mars. Cabal detachments were devastated within hours, with the Sand Eaters suffering up to 50% casualties while the Blind Legion and the Dust Giants sustained similar catastrophic losses. The Vanguard discovered Oryx's presence after sending a Guardian to Phobos to investigate a Cabal distress signal, by which time Taken covens began appearing on multiple worlds, ushering in the Taken War.

Oryx appears to be able to take multiple forms, with his first being that of a shadowy echo of himself, bearing superficial resemblance to a Wizard, apparently seen most often outside of the Dreadnaught. Within the Dreadnaught his appearance is less ethereal and more physical, possibly his true form, which is a bipedal demonic-looking entity with horns, wings, and a large sword, with the robes of a Wizard as well as the heavy armoring of a Knight.

Gameplay

Outside of the Dreadnaught, Oryx appears as a shadow known as the "Echo of Oryx." Oryx himself appears as the final boss in King's Fall, the raid included with The Taken King.

Quotes

• "LIGHT! Give your will to me!"
• "Infection! Your Light dies here!"
• "YOU TOOK MY SON!"
• "I will take them ALL!"
• "And you...will die...TO ME!"

Trivia

The description of Oryx's coming is reminiscent of the Darkness's arrival in the Solar system. This could imply some sort of connection, as Oryx was said to have been born from The Darkness.

Gallery

• 

  Grimoire card of Oryx, the Taken King.

• 

  Oryx in his echo form.

• 

  The Shrine of Oryx.

• 
• 
• 

  Oryx observing a battle.

List of appearances

• Destiny (First mentioned)
  • The Dark Below (Mentioned only)
  • House of Wolves (expansion) (Mentioned only)
  • The Taken King (First appearance)