Mandala System
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The contents of this article cover major plot and/or character spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.
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The Mandala System is the authority that maintains the order of the universe in Shin Megami Tensei V.
Game Appearances
Shin Megami Tensei V
The Mandala System is exclusively mentioned by Lucifer, who describes it as a "spatial governing phenomenon" guiding the flow of history. After defeating the Creator, Lucifer consumed his Knowledge, and learned of the true nature of the universe. Following the rebirth of the world, another Da'at will eventually be formed, sparking a resurgence of the battle of the gods for the Throne of Creation. This will ultimately lead to the death of the current Nahobino holding the Throne and the subsequent recreation of the world by another in an endless cycle. However, Lucifer offers an alternative: defeat him and consume his Knowledge. He claims that this will give the Nahobino the ability to free the universe from the eternal cycle, but ultimately, it is left unclear whether his plan will be truly successful.[1][2][3]
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance
In Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance, it's revealed that the Mandala System existed prior to the Throne of Creation. When the original ruler Marduk created the Throne, the Mandala System allowed it to exist because it did not interfere with the cycle.[4]
After defeating the final boss in the Canon of Vengeance, Mastema will confirm that Lucifer's plan to free the world from the Mandala System was successful, but only for that specific parallel world.[5] This information was revealed by him by his master, who he clarifies is no longer the Creator, but is also referred to as the Lord. This master had ordered him to subdue the Qadištu and test the Nahobino that was being guided by Lucifer.[6] To this end, Mastema uses his own essence, alongside that of the deceased Samael and Lucifer, to summon the judge Satan.[7] Satan states that the freedom of a single world from the Mandala System means little when compared to the totality of the multiverse still under it's control. However, the Nahobino's actions have brought light to new possibilities that according to Satan, cannot be ignored, so he must test the Nahobino on the system's behalf.[8] After Satan is defeated, his curiosity is piqued and he becomes interested to see how the Nahobino could affect the Mandala System in the future. Finally, he commends the Nahobino and pushes him to continue freeing worlds from the Mandala System.[9]
Nomenclature
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Japanese
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マンダラの法則 Mandala no hōsoku | Law of Mandala |
Gallery
References
- ↑ "Lucifer: As the Lord of Chaos, I defeated the Creator, consumed his Knowledge, and became more than He could possibly imagine. It was then I came to understand this world. Allow me to share what I'd learned. Following the world's recreation, a new Da'at will eventually appear, and soon after the gods will rise up to claim the throne. Battle after battle, you sought to purge demons from this world. But they will come slithering back, as they always do. This endless cycle is the result of a spatial governing phenomenon known as the "Mandala System." Do you not wish to be free of such restrictions? Do you not wish to be free from Mandala's eternal machinations? Long have I searched for a way to truly be free. At last, I have found but one possibility. End me. Consume my Knowledge. And with it, wrest this world from the Mandala's endless eons. This is the reason for my transcendence.[
True Humanity Ending]" Shin Megami Tensei V. Developed by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Lucifer: As the Lord of Chaos, I defeated the Creator, consumed his Knowledge, and became more than He could possibly imagine. It was then I came to understand this world. Allow me to share what I'd learned. Following the world's recreation, a new Da'at will eventually appear, and soon after the gods will rise up to claim the throne. At which time, the Nahobino of that world will destroy you, and the throne will once again receive a new ruler. This endless cycle is the result of a spatial governing phenomenon known as the "Mandala System." Do you not wish to be free of such restrictions? Do you not wish to be free from Mandala's eternal machinations? Long have I searched for a way to truly be free. At last, I have found but one possibility. End me. Consume my Knowledge. And with it, wrest this world from the Mandala's endless eons. This is the reason for my transcendence.[Preservation Ending]" Shin Megami Tensei V. Developed by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Goko: And thus ended the world of man. With the new ruler came a new world order. It was an order akin to the world of old, and yet it was altogether different. Desires of a world free from demons, of a never-ending cycle of creation at last being broken had led to this moment. But all things must eventually come to an end. Could the world truly exist apart from Mandala? Only the Great Will knows what lies in store. Only the cosmos know what tomorrow will bring." Shin Megami Tensei V. Developed by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Samael: Are you aware that it is the first ruler, the bull god Marduk, who is responsible for twisting this world? He placed a curse upon the throne such that his reign would persist, even should his rule be challenged. And the system that governs this world allowed it. Perhaps because it would not stymie the continuation of the cycle... Therefore, we, the followers of the serpent, seek to erase that curse, the system, and this world that has been wrought with oppression!" Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Developed by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Mastema: The Lord showed me a vision of events that occurred in a world separate from our own. In this vision, I witnessed the slaying of a transcendent Lucifer, and the world was thusly freed from the system that governed it. He had been slain by you—a you from another space-time, a Nahobino of another world... Do you see this? It is a remnant of the Lucifer from that world. Our Lord entrusted it to me as proof of what had transpired there." Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Developed by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Mastema: Our Lord commanded me to destroy the four aberrations summoned by the serpent king, and to test the aberration impelled by the serpent of light... I trust you now understand that the Creator is no longer the Lord I serve..." Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Developed by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Mastema: My own remnant as God's malice... Samael's remnant as God's poison... Lucifer's remnant as God's light... I offer these three remnants to the Adversary so that I may manifest his presence... Satan!" Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Developed by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Satan: I am Satan, the original angel summoned by transcendence itself, and judge of all beings. Nahobino, you have freed another world from the clutches of the Mandala System. Yet amidst the countless other worlds, your deeds are trifling. They have not had the slightest effect on the whole of the system. However, your actions have revealed new possibilities. Possibilities that cannot be ignored. Therefore, I shall judge on behalf of the system." Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Developed by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Satan: Very well. You have proven yourself. Where will your path lead you? What influence will you have on the system? I am admittedly curious to see how it will all unfold... But if you seek my aid, you cannot stop with this world. Strive for even greater potential. Walk the path of the Godborn and pursue new power." Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. Developed by ATLUS.