Dark-Hunter is a term that refers to a group of immortal warriors in the Dark-Hunter book series by Sherrilyn Kenyon. The Dark-Hunters were created by the goddess Artemis to hunt and kill vampires, demons, and other supernatural threats. Their purpose is to protect humanity from these dangerous creatures that prey on them. The Dark-Hunters have a fascinating history and set of abilities that set them apart from normal humans. In this article, we will explore the origins, purpose, powers, and lifestyle of the Dark-Hunters to understand the deeper meaning behind this term.
What are Dark-Hunters?
Dark-Hunters are immortal warriors created by the Greek goddess Artemis. When a human dies violently before their time, their soul can become corrupted and they run the risk of turning into dangerous creatures like vampires and demons. Artemis created the Dark-Hunters to hunt these corrupted souls and kill them before they could harm humanity. The Dark-Hunters have a variety of superhuman powers that aid them in their eternal mission.
Origins of the Dark-Hunters
According to the mythology of the Dark-Hunter series, the first Dark-Hunter was created over 11,000 years ago. Arawn was a Celtic king who sold his soul to his enemy King Gwyn. When Arawn died, he threatened to overrun the realm of the dead and return to the world of the living to wreak havoc. The dead would be set free and both the human world and underworld would descend into chaos.
To counter this threat, the Greek goddess Artemis made a bargain with Hades and created a new type of immortal warrior. Arawn was given back his human soul and human emotions, but was made immortal so he could forever police the balance between life and death. Arawn became the first Dark-Hunter, charged with hunting and killing vampires, demons, and any other supernatural creature that threatened humanity or the cosmic order.
Purpose of the Dark-Hunters
The Dark-Hunters exist to protect mankind from the demons and vampires that prey on them. These creatures were once human souls who died violently before their time and became corrupted in the process. Without intervention, they would terrorize humanity.
Dark-Hunters hunt and kill Daimons – immortal vampires who feed on human souls. Each Daimon they killbefore it can collect enough souls frees the consumed souls and allows them to move on to the afterlife in peace. This helps maintain the cosmic balance.
They also protect humans from other supernatural threats like demons, shape-shifters, and werewolves. The Dark-Hunters are sworn to defend humanity from any and all paranormal menaces. Their duty will never be done, since new creatures crop up all the time.
Special Abilities of the Dark-Hunters
When Artemis transforms a human soul into a Dark-Hunter, she grants them a number of special abilities to aid their eternal fight:
– Immortality – Dark-Hunters do not age and are immune to disease. They will live forever unless killed.
– Accelerated healing – Wounds heal instantly. As long as their head remains attached to their body, they can recover from almost any injury.
– Enhanced strength, speed, agility – They are stronger, faster, and more agile than any human.
– Heightened senses – Their sight, hearing, and smell are exceptionally keen. Many can see in the dark.
– Ability to sense supernatural creatures – Dark-Hunters can sense nearby Daimons, demons, and other predators.
– Power over fire – With concentration, they can generate and manipulate fire.
– Teleportation – Some very old or powerful Dark-Hunters can teleport short distances.
– Mindreading/dream invasion – Powerful Dark-Hunters can read human minds and walk through human dreams.
– Fighting skills – They have instant knowledge of combat training and weaponry.
The Dark-Hunter Lifestyle
In addition to their abilities, Dark-Hunters live a distinctive lifestyle dictated by their duties:
– Oath to Artemis – They swear absolute loyalty to the goddess Artemis in exchange for their powers.
– Code of conduct – There are rules Dark-Hunters must follow including upholding secrecy and not killing humans.
– Solitude – Dark-Hunters usually work alone and avoid relationships due to their immortality.
– No daylight – Artemis decrees they cannot go out in daylight or they will die.
– Obsession with modern technology and popular culture – After centuries of living, they must stay occupied, so they obsessively keep up with the latest gadgets, TV shows, and music.
– Weapons – Each has an arsenal of blades, guns, and other tools to destroy supernatural prey.
– Fashion – Dark-Hunters favor Gothic, biker, punk, and other types of rebellious fashion.
Major Characters
There are thousands of Dark-Hunters across the world, but some of the major recurring characters in the series include:
| Character | Backstory |
|---|---|
| Acheron Parthenopaeus | Ancient Greek leader who became the first and most powerful Dark-Hunter over 11,000 years ago. |
| Nick Gautier | Troubled New Orleans college student who recently died and became a Dark-Hunter. |
| Valerius Magnus | Former Roman general who fought against Acheron before becoming a Dark-Hunter. |
| Zarek of Moesia | Dark-Hunter from 9th century Bulgaria who was ostracized for being half-human. |
| Talon | Celtic warrior who died defending his sister before becoming a Dark-Hunter. |
Conclusion
In summary, the Dark-Hunters are a unique band of immortal, supernatural warriors created by the goddess Artemis to defend humanity against vampires, demons, and other threats. They have enhanced abilities that allow them to track and destroy these dangerous creatures. The Dark-Hunters live by a strict code as they carry out their eternal mission to maintain balance between the realms of life and death. Their motto is “We are Darkness. We are Shadow. We are the Rulers of the Night. We, alone, stand between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. We are the Guardians. The Soulless Keepers. Our souls were cast out so that we would not forewarn the Daimons we stalk. By the time they see us coming, it’s too late…” They are mysterious and powerful protectors who have watched over humanity for millennia.
