Luna: The Warrior of the Sea, A Look at Luna’s Impact on The 100

Introduction

“I am blood of my blood.” A single, resonant declaration, encapsulating the core philosophy of a character who defied the very essence of violence within a world perpetually steeped in it. Luna, the leader of the Floukru, the Boat People, on *The 100*, remains a figure of both fascination and controversy. Some view her as a beacon of hope, a principled pacifist in a sea of brutality. Others see her as a flawed idealist, whose choices ultimately led to tragic consequences. Regardless of one’s perspective, Luna’s impact on the narrative of *The 100* is undeniable. This article explores the complexities of Luna’s character, her motivations, her key decisions, and her lasting legacy within the show’s morally ambiguous universe. Luna’s unique perspective and moral code, while ultimately unsuccessful, provided a critical challenge to the core philosophies of *The 100*.

The Nightblood Wanderer: Introducing Luna

In the sprawling, post-apocalyptic landscape of *The 100*, survival often dictates a descent into ruthless pragmatism. However, amidst this bleak reality, Luna emerged as a stark contrast, a beacon of principled resistance to the seemingly inevitable cycle of violence. A Nightblood, meaning her blood was black and thus immune to radiation, she was destined to participate in the conclave, a deadly fight to the death to determine the next Commander of the Grounders. This tradition, steeped in bloodshed and power struggles, repulsed Luna. Haunted by the memory of killing her own brother in a past conclave, she abandoned the Grounder society and sought refuge in the ocean, building a community founded on the principles of peace and non-violence.

Her introduction to Clarke and the Sky People occurs when they seek her help in stopping ALIE, the malevolent AI. Initially, Luna resists, clinging to her hard-won peace. She views the Sky People’s endless conflicts as a contagion, a destructive force she desperately wants to shield her people from. This initial reluctance speaks volumes about her character; she’s not naive to the dangers of the world, but rather deeply committed to protecting the fragile haven she has created. Her sanctuary, the rig she called home, became a testament to her desire to escape the violence that plagued the ground. Luna desired nothing more than to give her people, the Boat People, a place of peace, free from the constant threat of death.

Key Moments: Decisions That Shaped Luna’s Fate

Despite her unwavering commitment to pacifism, Luna finds herself repeatedly drawn into the conflicts of others. The threat posed by ALIE forces her to confront her deepest convictions. She ultimately agrees to help Clarke, providing her with a chance to take the Flame, the AI containing the memories of past Commanders. This decision, born of necessity and a reluctant empathy for Clarke’s plight, marks a turning point. It demonstrates that even the most resolute pacifist can be swayed by the looming threat of annihilation. Her actions, as always, put her people first.

Later, in a desperate attempt to save her people, Clarke asks Luna to become the Commander, uniting the Grounders and Sky People against the impending threat of Praimfaya, the second nuclear apocalypse. Luna initially refuses, still deeply scarred by her past and unwilling to embrace the mantle of leadership. However, after witnessing the devastation caused by Roan and the escalating violence between the clans, she reluctantly agrees. In her mind, becoming Commander would prevent further loss of life.

But, in perhaps the most devastating turn, Luna ultimately chooses to reject the role of commander. During the final conclave, Luna, empowered by the Nightblood serum created by Abby Griffin, proves to be a formidable warrior, defeating many of the other contenders. However, overwhelmed by the endless cycle of violence and despair, she chooses to poison herself and her remaining people, ensuring that no one will claim the Flame and condemning the Grounders to a chaotic and potentially fatal scramble for the bunker. This act, while shocking, is rooted in her deep-seated belief that humanity is inherently flawed and incapable of breaking free from its self-destructive tendencies. This was an active protest of the way things were, a defiance of The Grounders.

Analysis: Unpacking a Complex Character

Luna’s character is a constant study in contradictions. She preaches pacifism, yet she is a skilled warrior. She seeks isolation, yet she repeatedly involves herself in the affairs of others. She desires peace, yet she ultimately chooses a path of destruction. These contradictions are not flaws, but rather reflections of the complex moral landscape she inhabits.

Her pacifism is not born of naivete, but of profound trauma. She has witnessed firsthand the horrors of violence and the futility of endless conflict. This trauma informs her every decision, shaping her worldview and driving her relentless pursuit of peace, even if that peace ultimately means oblivion. The decision to kill everyone, including her own people, stems from wanting them to be at peace and not caught in the middle of the wars to come.

However, her actions also raise questions about the limits of pacifism in a world where violence is often the only language understood. Can one truly remain neutral in the face of existential threats? Is it possible to achieve peace without resorting to violence, even in self-defense? Luna’s story offers no easy answers, forcing viewers to grapple with these difficult questions.

Her relationship with Clarke is particularly telling. While initially wary of Clarke’s pragmatism and willingness to sacrifice others for the greater good, Luna eventually recognizes a kindred spirit in her. Both women are burdened by the weight of leadership and the impossible choices they must make to protect their people.

Legacy of the Boat People: Echoes of Luna’s Impact

The consequences of Luna’s actions reverberate throughout the remainder of *The 100*. Her death, and the death of all the other Nightbloods besides Clarke, effectively ends the possibility of a new Commander, plunging the Grounders into further chaos. Her story serves as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the dangers of both unchecked violence and unwavering idealism. The absence of Nightbloods would mean the end of the Grounder’s culture as they know it.

Her impact on Clarke is particularly profound. Clarke, who has always struggled with the burden of leadership, is forced to confront the ethical implications of her own choices in light of Luna’s example. She begins to question whether the ends always justify the means and whether there is a better way to lead than through force and sacrifice. Luna showed Clarke that there was another way of living, a more peaceful and more harmonious way.

Addressing the Critics: Understanding Differing Views

Luna’s character is not without its critics. Some argue that her actions were ultimately selfish, condemning her people to death rather than allowing them to fight for survival. Others criticize her hypocrisy, pointing to her willingness to use violence when necessary, despite her professed pacifism.

These criticisms, while valid, often fail to fully appreciate the complexity of Luna’s motivations. Her decision to poison her people was not an act of selfishness, but rather an act of mercy, born of a deep-seated belief that life in their world was not worth living. She saw no hope for the future, only endless cycles of violence and suffering. By choosing death, she believed she was sparing her people from further pain.

It is also important to recognize that Luna’s pacifism was not absolute. She was willing to use violence when necessary to protect herself and her people. However, she always sought to avoid violence whenever possible, and she never glorified it. Her actions were always guided by a desire to minimize suffering and to create a more peaceful world.

Conclusion: Remembering Luna’s Influence

Luna, the warrior of the sea, stands as a complex and compelling figure within the landscape of *The 100*. Her story, though tragic, offers a powerful meditation on the nature of violence, the limits of pacifism, and the enduring search for peace in a world consumed by conflict. Her unique perspective and moral code, while ultimately unsuccessful in preventing further bloodshed, provided a critical challenge to the core philosophies of *The 100*, forcing characters and viewers alike to confront difficult questions about the nature of humanity and the possibility of redemption. While her methods might have been questionable, she did leave a lasting impression on the series. Her legacy of searching for peace is something that would always be remembered. Luna will always be remembered as more than just a warrior of the sea. She was a symbol of something more, a defiance of the accepted ways.