The Pros and Cons of Betraying a Shaman

Betrayal is a powerful theme in myth, folklore, and even in modern storytelling. When the figure in question is a shaman—a spiritual intermediary, healer, and sometimes a wielder of both light and dark forces—the stakes and consequences are heightened. Whether you are reflecting on legends like Marika’s betrayal of the shamans in Elden Ring lore or considering real-world shamanic traditions, the act of betraying a shaman is never simple. Let us explore the potential advantages and drawbacks of such a fateful decision.

Pros of Betraying a Shaman

1. Attainment of Power or Ambition

Betraying a shaman can be a means to achieve personal ambition or ascend to a higher status. In the case of Marika from Elden Ring, her betrayal of the shamans enabled her to construct the Divine Gate and ascend to godhood, leveraging the unique power and knowledge of the shamans for her own ends. This mirrors many mythological and historical narratives where betrayal is a catalyst for transformation or the acquisition of power.

2. Breaking Free from Old Traditions

Sometimes, betrayal is framed as a necessary act to break free from oppressive or outdated systems. By turning against the shamanic order, one might argue they are paving the way for a new era, potentially liberating themselves or their people from restrictive spiritual or social structures.

3. Initiation into Greater Responsibility

In folklore, betrayal often serves as an initiation into a new phase of power or maturity. The act itself can force the betrayer to confront deeper truths about themselves and the world, catalyzing personal growth or transformation.

Cons of Betraying a Shaman

1. Spiritual and Moral Consequences

Shamans are not merely healers—they are also seen as spiritual warriors, capable of both healing and harm. Betraying a shaman may expose the betrayer to spiritual retribution, curses, or the wrath of the spirits with whom the shaman is allied. Betrayal can also create a deep moral wound, leading to guilt, remorse, and a sense of spiritual imbalance.

2. Loss of Protection and Guidance

Shamans often serve as protectors, mediators, and guides through the spiritual realms. Betraying them can leave individuals or communities vulnerable to malevolent forces, spiritual confusion, or even madness, as shamans are sometimes the only ones equipped to navigate or defend against the dangers of the unseen world.

3. Social and Communal Fallout

In many cultures, shamans are central figures whose betrayal can fracture communities. The loss of trust, social cohesion, and spiritual leadership can lead to chaos, infighting, or the collapse of traditional structures. Betrayal can also mark the betrayer as an outcast, forever distrusted by their peers.

4. The Dark Side of Power

Gaining power through betrayal often comes at a steep price. As seen in both myth and reality, the act of betraying a shaman may unleash unintended consequences, such as spiritual corruption, the rise of new enemies, or the perpetuation of cycles of violence and vengeance. The betrayer may also inherit the burdens and enemies of the shamanic role, finding that the power gained is fraught with danger.

Conclusion: The Double-Edged Sword of Betrayal

Betraying a shaman is never a decision to be taken lightly. While it may offer the promise of power, freedom, or transformation, it also brings with it profound risks—spiritual, moral, and communal. The stories of Marika and countless other figures remind us that betrayal is as much an initiation into darkness as it is a step toward the light. The consequences of such an act ripple far beyond the individual, shaping destinies and communities for generations to come.