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| “ | If you can't sleep, I can't sleep. Yeah? And I like sleep. I need sleep. | „ |
| ~ The Shadow to Castiel. |
| “ | I have tiptoed through all your little tulips. Your memories, your little feelings, yes. I know what you hate. I know who you love, and what you fear. There is nothing for you back there (...) Let me show you. | „ |
| ~ The Shadow psychologically torturing Castiel. |
The Shadow, also known as The Empty, is the overarching antagonist of the Supernatural franchise.
It is a very powerful primordial entity who lives in and controls the Empty, a place of nothingness predating the existence of God, Death and the Darkness, possessing an immense and formidable power. This ancient being is accustomed to dwelling in a state of slumber within the vast emptiness of the Empty. However, its tranquility is often disrupted by confrontations with Castiel, the first supernatural being to ever rouse from its dormant state and successfully break free from the clutches of the Empty.
It was portrayed by Misha Collins, Erica Cerra, and Rachel Miner.
Appearance[]
Although the Shadow has a true form, nobody knows what it actually looks like since it drives demons and angels insane. It has the ability to manipulate the Empty in order to change its appearance. The Shadow seems to prefer taking on forms that will provoke its opponents or suit the situation at hand. It initially chose to appear as a replica of Castiel himself when confronting Castiel, and later transformed into the demon Meg in response to Castiel's search for the demon Ruby. In another instance, the Shadow assumed Meg's form to communicate with Billie, stating that it was borrowing Meg's appearance because it was truly "Empty." After being caught in an explosion caused by Jack and reforming, the Shadow immediately resumed its Meg-like form.
Personality[]
| “ | I'm just your friendly neighborhood Cosmic Entity. | „ |
| ~ The Shadow to Castiel |
During its initial introduction, The Shadow displayed a remarkable ability to employ deeply cutting sarcasm when encountering various individuals, as exemplified by its encounter with Castiel. The Shadow revealed its exasperation at its repeated unsuccessful attempts to crush Castiel's determination and persuade him to relinquish his desire for a renewed existence, thereby compelling him to retreat back into his dormant state.
When the initial plan failed, the Shadow, consumed by frustration, launched an attack on Castiel while simultaneously belittling him, aiming to exploit his insecurities and undermine his sense of purpose. However, this attempt proved to be futile. The Shadow, infuriated by Castiel's rebellious attitude, begrudgingly yielded and reluctantly resurrected him. Its compliance stemmed from a mixture of annoyance and impatience, as the Shadow desperately desired to return to its dormant state and avoid the prolonged agony of remaining awake.
During the attack on Heaven, the true nature of the Shadow becomes more apparent as additional details are unveiled. It becomes evident that the Shadow possesses numerous negative traits, such as impulsiveness, mental instability, possessiveness, invasiveness, vindictiveness, and sadism. Furthermore, it perceives the essences of angels and demons as its personal belongings, going to extreme lengths to obtain and control them. This desire to possess and control is one of the reasons why it specifically targeted Castiel's nephew, Jack. Additionally, Naomi revealed that the Shadow considered Jack as its own property or targeted him due to his indirect involvement in awakening it. Furthermore, the Shadow's impatience and unstable psychological state are demonstrated when it reacts aggressively to Castiel's interruption.
One cannot deny the cunning and sly nature of the Shadow, as it employed a clever ruse to deceive Castiel. By assuming the guise of Duma after possessing her, the Shadow manipulated Castiel into unknowingly leading it straight to Jack, who was concealed within the sanctuary of his mother's heaven. This deceptive tactic highlights the Shadow's ability to outsmart even the most astute and perceptive beings.
The sadistic nature of the Shadow became evident when Castiel offered himself as a sacrifice in Jack's place. Rather than immediately accepting the deal, the Shadow decided to prolong Castiel's suffering by waiting for a time when he was truly happy before collecting on their agreement. This malicious side of the Shadow was once again demonstrated when Castiel visited the Empty to speak with Ruby. Ruby revealed that angels and demons experience dreams of their biggest regrets while in the Empty. However, before Castiel could return, the Shadow subjected him to torture, revealing that despite aligning himself with Billie, she had not informed the Shadow of her need for Castiel in her plan. This torment inflicted immense pain on Castiel until he was ultimately rescued by Jack. Not only did the Shadow torture Reapers and Sam in an attempt to reach Billie, but it also took pleasure in taunting Jack when Billie teleported him into the Empty, unaware of the impending explosion that Jack was about to unleash.
In spite of everything mentioned earlier, The Shadow displayed a surprising act of benevolence upon welcoming Jack into its realm. It managed to ease his apprehension by forming a gentle smile on its face, seemingly attempting to provide him with some solace after his expressed fear of encountering it again. However, it is worth noting that this gesture might have also been a taunt, as the Shadow proceeded to emit a mocking laugh afterwards. Furthermore, the Shadow appears to hold a certain level of respect for the Natural Order. During a conversation with Castiel, it firmly conveyed that he was not permitted to freely traverse between realms, emphasizing that such actions disrupt the delicate balance of the universe.
During Castiel's search for Ruby, the Shadow decides to adopt the persona of Meg, pretending to be her in order to continue with the demon theme. It mimics many of Meg's mannerisms, such as calling Castiel "Clarence" and using her signature greeting "Hello, Clarence." However, the Shadow takes the imitation to a whole new level of sadism, surpassing the real Meg in its cruelty. As it continues to masquerade as Meg, the Shadow also searches for Billie and communicates with Sam. Interestingly, it seems to have a preference for Meg's form and even a certain level of respect for the demon, referring to her as "the queen" while explaining its choice of appearance to Sam. Furthermore, after Jack's explosion, the Shadow once again immediately assumes Meg's form, rather than reverting to its true form or adopting a different shape.
The Shadow discloses to Sam that its faith in Billie's trustworthiness was severely shaken when Castiel visited the Empty to meet Ruby. This event prompted the Shadow to personally approach Billie for answers, showing a less hostile and more open demeanor while discussing Billie's plans with Sam. The Shadow emphasizes that its main motivation is to return to its eternal rest, prioritizing this above all else. However, when Billie teleports Jack to the Empty and he explodes there, the Shadow, though surviving, displays genuine horror for the first time, remarking that Jack's explosion was deafening. This experience completely erases the Shadow's faith in Billie, leading it to not only take Castiel but also take Billie as a result. Billie had anticipated this, acknowledging that the Shadow would be furious and seeking revenge for her actions, which Castiel cleverly exploits to defeat Billie once and for all.
Biography[]
Background[]
Castiel was given an explanation about the relationship between the Shadow and the Empty, which is that the Shadow has control over this dimension and it has existed since before the existence of God or the Darkness. When angels and demons face death, their souls are sent to the Empty, where they enter into an eternal slumber. This allows the Shadow to also remain in a dormant state. However, if just one entity within the Empty manages to awaken from this slumber, the Shadow is also awakened and experiences great agony until the awakened being returns to sleep or is completely removed from the Empty.
Season 13[]
In the vast expanse known as The Big Empty, a profound event occurred when Jack's telepathic call roused the Seraph Castiel from his slumber. This awakening not only stirred the celestial being, but it also awakened a mysterious entity known as the Shadow. Initially, the Shadow manifested as a pool of inky darkness within the Empty, but as Castiel passed by, it gradually assumed a vaguely human-like shape. In a peculiar twist, the Shadow introduced itself as "just your friendly, neighborhood cosmic entity," injecting a touch of irony into its ominous nature. It revealed that it had assumed Castiel's form due to its own true form being too terrifying to behold. As Castiel traversed through the emptiness, he couldn't help but sense the presence of the Shadow lurking behind him. Despite his instincts urging him to confront the entity, it remained elusive and concealed its true form. However, eventually, the Shadow took on the appearance of Castiel himself, using his likeness as a means to directly communicate with the angel. Although it adopted Castiel's physical form, the Shadow possessed a distinct voice and accent, emphasizing its unique identity.
During their conversation, the Shadow revealed to Castiel that the Empty was a state of existence that predated everything, including God and Amara. It emphasized that Castiel himself was embedded in this empty realm. The Shadow informed Castiel that every angel or demon who had ever perished remained in a perpetual slumber within the Empty, expressing confusion over Castiel's awakened state. The Shadow claimed that in all of eternity, nothing had ever stirred within the Empty until Castiel's awakening disrupted its deep sleep. Castiel, uncertain of why he was awake, speculated that the Winchesters might have struck a deal, but the Shadow dismissed this notion, asserting that only it held dominion over the Empty, surpassing even God's authority. In an effort to discern what triggered Castiel's awakening, the Shadow pressed its hand against Castiel's forehead, delving into his memories in a painful manner. Following this intrusion, the Shadow explained to Castiel, who remained in agony, its motive of desiring to return him to slumber. It likened Castiel's wakefulness to an annoying and persistent gnat buzzing inside its mind. Castiel deduced from the Shadow's depiction that his consciousness caused distress to the Shadow. This interpretation was confirmed by the Shadow itself, stating that if Castiel couldn't sleep, it too would be denied rest.
The Shadow insisted that it enjoyed and required sleep, which led Castiel to propose the idea of sending him back to Earth in order to get rid of him. In response, the Shadow suggested throwing Castiel into the depths of the Empty so that he couldn't bother it anymore. However, Castiel saw through the Shadow's bluff and challenged its plan, noting that if it were going to do it, it would have already done so. Though the Shadow acknowledged Castiel's point, it refused to send him back, stating that it wasn't part of their agreement. The Shadow claimed to have delved into Castiel's mind and possessed knowledge about everything in his life, insisting that there was nothing for him back on Earth. In a painful display, the Shadow showed Castiel visions of his grace being stolen by Metatron, his death at the hands of Lucifer, the release of the Leviathans, and Castiel returning the souls to Purgatory. Striking Castiel down, the Shadow attempted to convince him of his worthlessness in order to force him into sleep. However, Castiel refused to comply with the entity's demands, firmly declaring that he would fight against it for eternity if he wasn't released. Angered by Castiel's defiance, the Shadow rejected his demands while Castiel stared it down, unwavering in his determination.
After some time, Castiel regained consciousness in a beautiful meadow situated on Earth. It was then that he came to the profound realization that the Shadow had indeed acquiesced to his pleas and successfully brought him back to life as he had ardently requested.
In the town of Tombstone, Castiel, who had been brought back to life, revealed to the Winchester brothers that his actions had managed to greatly irritate a supremely powerful and age-old cosmic entity, resulting in his abrupt return from the dead.
Season 14[]
In the magnificent city of Byzantium, a tumultuous event unfolded after the demise of the powerful Nephilim named Jack. The nefarious Shadow, driven by a misguided belief that Jack's soul rightfully belonged to the desolate realm known as the Empty due to his celestial and human lineage, audaciously invaded the sacred domain of Heaven. With a malevolent intent, it swiftly took control of or incapacitated each and every celestial being, leaving them defenseless against its dark and insidious forces. Unleashing its unparalleled might, the Shadow effortlessly decimated all of the formidable defenses that Heaven had meticulously erected over eons. With a relentless determination, it relentlessly pursued Jack, who had emerged from the heavenly abode, relentlessly hounding the young nephilim. However, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, Jack skillfully managed to evade the clutches of the Shadow, skillfully eluding its grasping tendrils. In the aftermath of this harrowing encounter, Jack, burdened by the immense danger that followed in his wake, confided in Kelly Kline, the caring mother of his child. With a heavy heart, Jack revealed the imminent threat that relentlessly pursued him, leaving no stone unturned in its relentless quest. Filled with an indomitable maternal instinct, Kelly took swift and decisive action, concealing her precious son from the prying eyes and malevolent intentions of the Shadow.
In a surprising turn of events, the Shadow's power proved to be overwhelming, as it seized control over Naomi, another celestial being who had crossed paths with Castiel. As Naomi's voice became a vessel for the Shadow's desires, she implored Castiel to join forces with them, coercing him into aiding their nefarious plan of surrendering Jack's innocent soul to its insidious grasp. With the Shadow's possession intensifying, Castiel was faced with a whirlwind of emotions. Moments of doubt and confusion mingled with flickers of determination and resilience as he grappled with the true nature of his mission. The lines between loyalty and betrayal blurred within his mind, leaving him questioning the very fabric of his own celestial existence. The journey to find Jack's soul was far from over, but Castiel had proven himself resilient, unwavering, and guided by the fundamental principles of righteousness. Armed with newfound clarity and purpose, he forged ahead, determined to reunite Jack's soul with its rightful place and restore harmony within Heaven's celestial realms. As Castiel embarked on his journey through the ethereal realms of Heaven to locate Jack's elusive soul, he found himself not alone in his quest. The enigmatic Shadow, cunningly concealed within the vessel of the angelic being known as Duma, chose to accompany Castiel, adding an uncanny presence to their search. With both determination and trepidation, Castiel pressed forward, unaware of the hidden agenda lurking within the Shadow's intentions. Amidst the celestial chaos, Castiel's unwavering sense of justice and compassion emerged as a guiding light in the darkness. He refused to succumb to the Shadow's persuasive tactics, steadfastly believing in Jack's inherent goodness and the need to protect his soul from falling into the clutches of such malevolence. Ultimately, Castiel's unwavering faith in the power of love and redemption prevailed. With the strength of his convictions, he managed to resist the Shadow's temptations and manipulate its own presence against itself. In a stunning display of celestial prowess, Castiel emerged victorious, exorcising the Shadow from Naomi's vessel and reclaiming control over the situation. As their search for Jack's soul continued, Castiel and the Shadow engaged in an intricate dance of wits and wills. Each move was calculated, every decision fraught with consequence. The stakes grew higher with each passing moment, placing the fate of not only Jack but also the delicate balance of Heaven itself in jeopardy.
When Castiel met with Jack and Kelly Kline, he shared with them the alarming news about the Shadow and its sinister intentions. Unfortunately, their conversation was overheard by the Shadow, who wasted no time in revealing itself and launching a vicious attack. Despite Castiel and Kelly's valiant efforts to protect Jack, they were no match for the Shadow's power. It became clear to Castiel that the Shadow's primary goal was to exact revenge on him, as it sought to drag Jack into the Empty. Realizing this, Castiel bravely offered himself as a trade for Jack, emphasizing that this would save the Shadow from having to wait an incredibly long time for his natural demise. Surprisingly, the Shadow agreed to the deal, but cunningly chose to postpone the exchange until Castiel experienced true happiness, intending to make his ultimate demise excruciatingly painful. With the deal sealed, the Shadow departed from Heaven, causing the angels to return to their normal state once again.
After Jack is slain by God in Moriah, the nephilim finds himself awakening in a place known as the Empty. Surprisingly, he is greeted by a peculiar entity known as the Shadow, which manifests itself as a menacing black humanoid figure. Amusingly, the Shadow proceeds to mockingly trace a smiling face in the air, accompanied by grandiose hand movements, causing the young Nephilim to be utterly bewildered. This mysterious being then emits a hearty, yet eerily silent, cackle in response to Jack's state of confusion. As the events unfold, Billie, a powerful supernatural being, makes her appearance in the Empty to converse with Jack. Interestingly, the Shadow chooses to remain present, smirking subtly in the background, but refrains from interfering in their interaction.
Season 15[]
In the story of Destiny's Child, Castiel was determined to obtain information about the Occultum from Ruby. To accomplish this, he made the difficult decision to have Jack drain a significant portion of his life force. This allowed Castiel to venture into The Empty, where he hoped to find the demon. During his time in The Empty, Castiel unexpectedly came face to face with the Shadow, who had taken on the appearance of Meg. Although initially resistant, the Shadow reluctantly agreed to help Castiel meet with Ruby. However, as Castiel attempted to leave The Empty, the Shadow subjected him to excruciating torture. In an effort to reason with the Shadow, Castiel insisted that they were fighting for the same cause. However, the entity clarified that it was aligned with Death, revealing that it had no intention of setting Castiel free. The Shadow divulged that it eagerly awaited Billie's success, as it would finally grant the entity the opportunity to rest. Despite this setback, Jack ultimately returned Castiel's life force at the insistence of Sam and Dean, effectively rescuing Castiel from The Empty and allowing him to return to his earthly vessel. As Castiel departed, the Shadow ominously foretold their future encounter, implying that it would cross paths with the angel once again.
Faced with this nightmarish display, Sam's instincts urged him to retreat discreetly, aiming to evade the Shadow's attention. However, his efforts were in vain, for the Shadow, with an uncanny ability to detect his presence, swiftly transported Sam back into its menacing presence. This sinister act was accomplished with a mere snap of its otherworldly fingers, showcasing the Shadow's dominion over the realm of Unity. In the vast world of Unity, Sam embarked on a daring journey utilizing the mystical Key to Death, a powerful artifact that granted him access to Death's elusive Reading Room. His sole purpose in venturing into this ethereal realm was to locate his dear friend, Billie. However, upon entering the room, an unsettling sight awaited him. The enigmatic Shadow, cleverly disguised as Meg, stood amidst a chilling scene of carnage, having mercilessly slain numerous Reapers in its path. With an ominous air surrounding them, the Shadow compelled the last remaining Reaper to beseech Billie for aid. Alas, despite the Reaper's fervent prayers, Billie failed to make her presence known. Infuriated by this perceived betrayal, the Shadow, with a mere flick of its supernatural abilities, effortlessly snapped the Reaper's neck, extinguishing its life without hesitation.
Sam's realization deepened as he comprehended Billie's ultimate ambition - to ascend and become the new God. Billie yearned for a restoration of the past, a return to the order where everyone resided in their rightful places, and the boundaries between realities and dimensions were meticulously preserved. The Shadow confirmed these aspirations but began to harbor reservations about Billie's trustworthiness. The Shadow proceeded to disclose its urgent desire to have a conversation with Billie, an intent that had been persistently ignored by her. It elucidated that the Empty was originally meant to be under its dominion, an unassailable realm where even God did not hold sway. Yet, it bemoaned the existence of "sweet little lies" that had thwarted its rightful ownership. Billie had made assurances to rectify the situation once she assumed control, but Castiel's actions had cast doubt upon the Shadow's ability to trust her.
The Shadow unveiled a book called Chuck's Death Book, which only Billie possessed the ability to read. Billie had made a cryptic statement, suggesting that Sam should be dead, but she required him for some reason. To provoke Billie into revealing herself, the Shadow began tormenting Sam relentlessly. However, Sam managed to put an end to the torture by claiming that Billie had sent him. The Shadow questioned Sam's sincerity, but Sam pointed out that they were in a race against time to defeat God, leaving little room for doubt or interrogation. In his deceit, Sam lied about Billie's purpose for sending him to retrieve the book and omitted the reason for her presence on Earth. Sam soon realized that the Shadow was unable to visit Earth unless summoned. Exploiting this weakness, Sam insisted that Billie was also unable to leave due to their plan, and thus she had sent him as her representative with a message promising to fulfill her commitment. The message stated that both God and Amara would meet their demise, and the Shadow would return to its slumber. Sam proposed two options to the Shadow: to hand over the book, potentially ensuring victory for all, or to kill him, resulting in their defeat and the eternal wakefulness of the Shadow. Ultimately, the Shadow accepted the former option, allowing Sam to safely return to the bunker with the coveted book.
Filled with despair, Jack found himself in an unfamiliar place known as the Empty. To his surprise, the Shadow, disguised as Meg, was rather entertained by his sudden arrival and the evident downfall of the Nephilim. Overwhelmed with remorse, Jack could only muster an apology before he ignited himself with explosive force. Caught off guard, the Shadow could only utter a partially formed exclamation of astonishment before Jack's detonation consumed him completely.
Billie took the time to elaborate to the Winchesters and Castiel about her decision to send Jack to the Empty, emphasizing that she believed he was the sole individual capable of withstanding the tremendous impact. Nevertheless, she couldn't deny her uncertainty regarding the fate of Jack and the Shadow. If they managed to survive, she was fully aware that the Shadow would undoubtedly be enraged with her for her actions.
Not long after, Jack and the Shadow found themselves back in the desolate realm known as the Empty. Both of them appeared weary and filled with dread. With a powerful display of telekinesis, the Shadow pulled Jack towards itself, accusing him of causing a disturbance. The Shadow took pleasure in inflicting torment upon Jack, relishing in his suffering. However, in a moment of desperation, Billie, the reaper, summoned the mighty Nephilim back to the earthly realm, much to the Shadow's infuriation. Frustrated and growling in anger, the Shadow was interrupted by Dean, who swiftly attacked Billie with Death's Scythe, forcing her to retreat. The battle had taken a toll on Billie, leaving her gravely wounded. In a last-ditch effort to protect herself, Billie sought refuge in her secluded reading room, carefully warding it against the Shadow's relentless pursuit.
Later on, as Castiel found himself being pursued by a severely injured Billie, he came to the realization that the only entity capable of stopping her was the Shadow. In a moment of vulnerability, he confessed to Dean about his pact with this being, which involved summoning the Shadow to Earth whenever Castiel experienced true happiness. This summoning would ultimately result in the angel being taken to the Empty for eternity. In a brave and heartfelt act, Castiel professed his love for Dean, triggering a surge of true happiness within him. As a consequence, a portal to the Empty began to materialize. Seizing the opportunity, the Shadow extended two ominous tendrils that enveloped both Billie and Castiel, who, despite his tears, displayed a serene smile and made no attempt to resist. The tendrils swiftly retreated back through the portal, which promptly sealed shut. The fate of the Shadow after absorbing Billie and Castiel remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether it returned to slumber within the Empty or if it continues to remain awake within its depths.
In the story of Inherit the Earth, Lucifer, who had been brought back to life, made a bold declaration that the Shadow had tasked him with retrieving Chuck's Death Book in order to ultimately eliminate God. However, as the tale unfolded, Lucifer eventually confessed that his resurrection was orchestrated by God Himself, contradicting his earlier assertion that it was the Shadow who had brought him back.
During the moment when the Winchesters were divulging their grand strategy to vanquish God, a vivid memory resurfaced, depicting the heartbreaking scene of Jack igniting and disintegrating right before the Shadow's ominous presence.
Power and Abilities[]
Being the supreme ruler of the Empty, the Shadow possesses immeasurable supernatural power that grants it virtually limitless capabilities within its own domain. Not only does the Shadow wield incredible strength and influence within the Empty, but it has also demonstrated its immense power beyond its borders. Its sheer might was evident when it effortlessly overwhelmed angels upon infiltrating Heaven, dispatched Reapers with ease during its raid on Death's Library, and even managed to eradicate Death itself while on Earth, all accomplished without the assistance of any external aid. While the Shadow may not possess the same level of power as Chuck or Amara, its colossal size, which encompasses all that lies beyond the universes created by God, provides it with the means to withstand and survive cosmic assaults that would pose a grave threat to the existence of these two supreme beings.
- Nigh-Omnipotence - The Shadow possesses an immense range of abilities and has absolute dominion over the Empty. It boldly asserts that not even God can control the Empty and its inhabitants, although this assertion may be deceptive. The Empty is described by Death as being incredibly vast in scope. It is at least as powerful as, if not stronger than, a fully-powered Death, as it effortlessly overpowered and ended her life during a moment of vulnerability. Billie, on the other hand, believes that the Shadow is not as formidable as God or the Darkness. However, it managed to survive a catastrophic explosion intended to eliminate both of these mighty beings, suggesting that the Shadow might actually exist on a higher plane of existence.
- Reality Warping - The Shadow is able to create matter out of nothing as it fully rebuilt Castiel's vessel, which was previously burned and destroyed with no visible damage leftover. When it attacked Heaven, the Shadow broke open all of the gates, even the ones sealed by Metatron's unbreakable spell.
- Resurrection - The Shadow was able to resurrect Castiel, returning him to Earth in the process.
- Possession - While in Heaven, the Shadow was able to possess all of the surviving angels, essentially consuming them as seen with Naomi and Duma and turning the angels into its vessels. When the Shadow left their bodies, Duma at least had no memory of the experience but the angels were left otherwise unharmed.
- Flight - After leaving Duma's vessel, the Shadow's true form flew into an air vent in a house within Kelly's Heaven before returning to The Empty.
- Shapeshifting - Due to its terrifying true form, the Shadow takes on the form of the being it is speaking to, though it speaks with a distinct voice instead of mimicking the being's voice. In The Empty, it changed from its true form to Castiel's visage when speaking to him and before pursuing him, it changed from a puddle of black ooze and took on a vague humanoid form to walk around The Empty. When possessing Duma, the Shadow briefly altered the appearance of her face to that of it's true face before reverting back to Duma's appearance. However, it seems powerful beings like Jack and Billie are able to see it in its true form. The Shadow later takes on the form of the demon Meg to communicate with Castiel when he comes in search of Ruby going so far as to wear the same outfit Meg had on when she died. When going to speak with Billie, the Shadow continues to use Meg's form, stating that its "because really, I'm empty," referring to its general lack of a real form. After reforming from Jack's explosion, the Shadow immediately shifted into the form of Meg once again.
- Super Strength - The Shadow was able to effortlessly overpower and beat Castiel. When it attacked Heaven, the Shadow effortlessly defeated all of the remaining angels. The Shadow was also able to overpower Castiel and Kelly, and strangled Jack to the point that he was briefly unconscious with no effort.
- Super Stamina - The Shadow has been sleeping in The Empty since before existence, without needing any sustenance to maintain itself.
- Telekinesis - The Shadow was able to stop Jack by raising its hand towards him. It was also able to kill several Reapers by snapping their necks with telekinesis. After surviving Jack's explosion, the Shadow easily pulled Jack to him.
- Telepathy - In order to learn more about Castiel, the Shadow painfully dug through his memories. The Shadow later used this power to show him some of his most painful memories in an effort to convince Castiel that he was worthless and should go back to sleep.
- Biokinesis - While Castiel was in the Empty, the Shadow was able to torture the Seraphim simply by clenching its hand. It later did the same to Sam in Death's Reading Room.
- Clairsentience - The Shadow was able to sense Sam's presence in Death's Reading Room despite him being out of its line of sight.
- Teleportation - The Shadow has the ability to go anywhere in the realms of the afterlife. It was able to transverse both Heaven and Death's Reading Room. It appears that this is not absolute because it states the inability to go to Earth without being summoned, though The Shadow implied this was due to God causing this limitation, and since Billie raised a powerful cosmic warding in the Death's Reading Room, the Shadow can no longer enter there.
- Apporting - With just a snap of its fingers, the Shadow was able to teleport Sam Winchester from across the room to right in front of it.
- Portal Creation - After Castiel finally allows his deal to come due, the Shadow opens a portal from the Empty into the Men of Letters bunker to suck him and Billie in.
- Absorption - The Shadow, once summoned by Castiel, was able to absorb and subsequently kill Billie and Castiel by manifesting and impaling both of them with shadowy tendrils that turned their forms into the same shadowy liquid before pulling the tendrils and subsequently the two of them into the Empty.
- Immortality - It has been around for a very long time, since at least before angels, and is immune to aging and disease. At one point, The Shadow called Castiel "kiddo" implying that it is older than the angel.
- Nigh-Invulnerability - It cannot be killed or harmed by any known weapon. Despite being weaker than God and Amara, Billie stated that it's "vast" enough to survive the full force of Jack's bomb explosion which could kill even those two primordial beings. Indeed, although the explosion destroyed the Shadow's physical form, it survived Jack's explosion, although it appeared weakened.
- Regeneration - After Jack's detonation, the Shadow was able to reform itself although it appeared to be weakened by the impact.
- Nigh-Omniscience - The Shadow possesses a vast cosmic awareness, allowing it to have knowledge about the world, events that occurred before its existence, and even personal details about individuals. It was aware of The Darkness and her human name, and it could sense Jack's death and locate his soul in Heaven. When the Shadow took control of Duma, it flawlessly imitated her behavior and personality, fooling even Castiel. It knew the nickname that Meg had given Castiel when pretending to be her, revealing its true identity later on. The Shadow also recognized Sam when he entered Death's Library and sensed the moment when Castiel confessed his love for Dean, which fulfilled their agreement and summoned the Shadow. It was also aware of Billie's presence and absorbed her into itself. However, the Shadow's knowledge is not infallible, as it couldn't understand why Castiel had returned from death after such a long time. It also couldn't determine if Sam was being truthful about Billie sending him to the library. Ultimately, Sam successfully manipulated the Shadow into allowing him to return to Earth and bringing God's death book with him.
Weaknesses[]
Despite its immense power, the Shadow does have some limits in what it's capable of doing. Although it is the ruler of the Empty, it has a few weaknesses as well. It is also described by Billie as not being as powerful as God or Amara.
- Awakening of The Empty Inhabitants - As long as the inhabitants of the Empty sleep, so does The Shadow itself. However, if even a single inhabitant is awake, it also wakes up the Shadow from its sleep. Finally, the Shadow lacks the ability to force something that has awakened in the Empty back to sleep and must either convince them to return to sleep on their own or expel them.
- Sleep Deprivation - Being in deep slumber since before all existence, the Shadow can be severely disturbed if it cannot rest. Castiel claimed that, while he could not beat the Shadow, he could stay awake to lay pressure on it. Having waking inhabitants in the Empty also causes it pain.
- Higher Beings - According to Billie, the Empty is not as powerful as God or Amara. God himself has been blocking the Shadow from invading Earth, perhaps from time immemorial; the Shadow can only surpass that obstacle if it is summoned. The Shadow's deal with Castiel also acts as a loophole to this as once he is truly happy, it summons the Shadow to take him. The Shadow's claim that not even God had any sway over its domain seems to be false, as God was able to resurrect Castiel many times, and then did the same to Lilith even after he had been weakened from getting shot at by the Equalizer. In addition, Billie, though not as strong as the Shadow, was able to bring Jack from the Empty twice; while the first time counted with the Shadow's consent, as they formed an axis against God, the second time, in the episode Despair, clearly went against the Shadow's desire to hold and hurt Jack. The Shadow later admits that its claim that not even God had power in the Empty was "sweet little lies."
- Magic - There are warding that can hold off the Shadow from entering places where the symbols are put up. Billie used this spell to prevent the Shadow from entering the Death's Reading Room.
- Jack Kline - Although the Shadow has proven to be able to survive the explosion of Jack after he had became a "metaphysical supernova" that could kill even God and Amara, the impact of the explosion was sufficient to wipe out the Shadow's form for a few moments, after which it appeared visibly shaken and horrified.
Quotes[]
| “ | "If you can't sleep, I can't sleep. Yeah? And I like sleep. I need sleep." | „ |
| “ | "I'm on Death's side. When her plan works, I finally get to go back to sleep. (…) Funny thing about her plan though: she didn't say anything about needing you. (…) See you soon." | „ |
| “ | "I want you to suffer." | „ |
| “ | "I'm the only one that has any pull here. Not Heaven, not Hell, not G-O-D himself." | „ |
| “ | "The Empty was supposed to be mine. Not even God held sway. But lies, sweet little lies." | „ |
| ~ The Shadow to Sam |
Trivia[]
- According to the Shadow, its true form has the power to drive even angels into a state of utter madness.
- In Despair, Billie asserts that the Shadow lacks the same level of power as Chuck or Amara. This assertion can be backed by the evidence that God has successfully brought Castiel back to life from The Empty, and he himself has thwarted any attempts by the Shadow to infiltrate Earth. However, it is important to note that the Shadow's lack of interference in these circumstances is primarily because it is usually in a dormant state, indifferent to the happenings of the world around it. As a result, the true extent of the Shadow's power remains uncertain and unknown.
- In addition, Billie suggests in Despair that the Shadow could potentially represent the very essence of the Empty. This notion gains further credibility as it is consistently observed that whenever the Shadow is referred to using alternative names, it is always equated with The Empty. Thus, this correlation implies a strong connection between the two entities.
- The Shadow bears striking resemblance to two entities featured in Lovecraft's Horror Stories, namely Azathoth and the Magnum Innominandum, in terms of its perpetual slumber and disturbing visage. Azathoth embodies the state of madness that the Shadow induces, its eternal sleep, and its existence beyond the confines of creation. On the other hand, the Nameless Mist serves as a metaphorical representation of the initial manifestation of the Entity.
- One can observe a certain resemblance between Nyarlathotep and the elder god, particularly in the aspect of their true forms inducing a state of insanity.
- Certain religions possess a structure that bears resemblance to the concept of the Shadow.
- Chaos, an ancient and fundamental deity in Greek mythology, represents the concept of emptiness and nonexistence. It is often depicted as a mysterious and shadowy void that existed before the formation of the universe and the intricate order of the cosmos.
- According to Egyptian mythology, there exists a powerful being known as Nun (Naunet). This enigmatic entity predates all existence and is regarded as the origin from which the deities themselves emerged.
- According to Japanese Shinto Mythology, Amatsu-Mikaboshi's origins can be traced back to his role as a deity associated with the Pole Star and the concept of primordial chaos.
- According to the Norse Creation Myth, Ginnungagap served as the initial void or mist that existed before the formation of the nine realms and the magnificent Yggdrasil, the world tree that binds all these realms together. It is within this primordial space that the various realms find their ethereal existence, harmoniously floating amidst the mystical mist of Ginnungagap.
- The Kolbrin Bible establishes a profound connection between the Biblical God and the Primordial Chaos, which refers to the vast and formless Void that existed before the creation of the universe. According to this ancient text, it is believed that the Biblical God, in his infinite power and wisdom, unleashed an asteroid upon the land of Egypt. This cataclysmic event not only demonstrates the immense influence and authority of the Biblical God, but also highlights the significance of the Primordial Chaos as a precursor to the divine act of creation.
External Link[]
- The Shadow on the Supernatural Wiki
- The Shadow on the Pure Evil Wiki
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