Is There a Siren in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel? Exploring the Options & Lore

Introduction

The Borderlands franchise is renowned for its vibrant characters, chaotic action, and, most importantly, its enigmatic Sirens. These powerful women, imbued with otherworldly abilities, have consistently played pivotal roles across the series, captivating players with their unique skills and intriguing backstories. From Lilith’s fiery Phasewalk to Maya’s mind-bending Phaselock, Sirens have become synonymous with the Borderlands experience. This naturally leads to the question: does *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel*, which bridges the gap between *Borderlands* and *Borderlands 2*, continue this tradition? Does it offer players the chance to wield the immense power of a Siren?

*Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* distinguishes itself from its predecessors with its low-gravity combat, new weapon types, and a narrative that delves into the rise of Handsome Jack. It offers a unique perspective on the Borderlands universe, exploring the events leading up to Jack’s transformation into the iconic villain we know and love (or love to hate). However, this shift in focus also impacts the composition of the playable characters. While *The Pre-Sequel* boasts a roster of intriguing Vault Hunters, it notably lacks a playable Siren in the traditional sense. This begs the question of why and, more importantly, what *The Pre-Sequel* contributes to the broader Siren lore of the Borderlands universe.

While *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* doesn’t feature a playable Siren character in the traditional sense, the game cleverly explores the origins and lore surrounding Sirens, setting the stage for future games and hinting at potential Siren connections. This article will delve into the absence of a designated Siren, examine the lore implications, and explore the potential missed opportunities in the context of the Borderlands universe.

The Unpopulated Ranks of the Sirens

Let’s address the question head-on: there is no officially designated “Siren” character among the initial playable Vault Hunters in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel*. This fact is perhaps the most significant deviation from the established formula of the franchise, leaving many players wondering about the reasoning behind this choice.

The roster of playable characters includes Athena, the Gladiator; Wilhelm, the Enforcer; Nisha, the Lawbringer; and, of course, the ever-eccentric Claptrap, the Fragtrap. Each character brings a unique playstyle and skill set to the table, offering diverse combat options and strategic possibilities. Athena utilizes her Aspis shield to absorb incoming damage and unleash devastating counterattacks. Wilhelm progressively transforms into a cybernetic killing machine with the help of his drone companions. Nisha delivers pinpoint accuracy and devastating damage as a gunslinger extraordinaire. And Claptrap… well, he’s Claptrap. His action skill provides unpredictable and often hilarious results.

While these characters are undoubtedly compelling and well-designed, none of them explicitly wield Siren powers. Their abilities, while powerful, are rooted in technology, combat training, or sheer absurdity, rather than the otherworldly abilities associated with Sirens. This absence raises important questions about the game’s narrative and its connection to the larger Borderlands story.

Lore Implications and Siren Connections in the Pre-Sequel

Despite the lack of a playable Siren, *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* subtly weaves in elements that expand upon the Siren lore. While a direct connection may be missing, the game explores the origins and potential applications of technologies that later become intrinsically linked to Siren abilities.

Focus on Athena and Siren Speculation

One of the most discussed topics among fans is the potential for Athena’s Siren connection. As “The Gladiator,” she possesses the Aspis, a powerful energy shield that can absorb and redirect enemy attacks. Some players have theorized that the Aspis is not merely a technological marvel but potentially imbued with latent Siren energy or powered by Eridian technology, the race intrinsically linked to the creation of Sirens.

While there is no concrete evidence within the game to definitively confirm Athena’s Siren status, the ambiguity surrounding the Aspis and its capabilities lends itself to speculation. Could Athena be an undiscovered Siren, unaware of her true potential? Or is the Aspis a precursor to the technology that would later amplify Siren abilities? The possibilities remain open to interpretation, sparking countless discussions and fan theories within the Borderlands community.

The Watcher and the Eridians: A Deeper Dive

Another key element of *The Pre-Sequel* that connects to the Siren lore is the prominence of the Watcher. This mysterious figure, observing the events unfolding on Elpis, represents a powerful entity with knowledge of the universe’s secrets. The Watcher’s presence hints at the deeper mysteries surrounding the Eridians, the ancient race responsible for creating the Vaults and, potentially, influencing the creation of Sirens.

The Vault of the Future and Siren Destiny

*The Pre-Sequel* also plays a vital role in setting up the Great Vault on Pandora. This Vault, teeming with unimaginable power, becomes a central focal point in *Borderlands 2* and directly ties into the fate of the Sirens. Understanding the origins of the Great Vault, as depicted in *The Pre-Sequel*, provides a crucial context for understanding the significance of the Sirens’ roles in the subsequent games.

Precursor Tech and the Origins of Power

Furthermore, *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* delves into the realm of Precursor technology, hinting at a potential connection to the origins of Sirens. Throughout the game, players encounter various Eridian artifacts and advanced technologies that blur the lines between science and magic. Could these technologies be the foundation upon which Siren abilities were later developed? Perhaps the Vault Hunters’ abilities themselves are influenced by, or derived from, this ancient and powerful technology.

Missed Opportunities and Alternate Realities

The absence of a playable Siren in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* has undoubtedly led to a sense of disappointment among some players. Sirens have become such an integral part of the Borderlands experience that their absence feels like a significant omission.

One can imagine hypothetical Siren character concepts that could have seamlessly integrated into the *The Pre-Sequel*’s narrative. A Siren with cryokinetic powers, perfectly suited to the frigid environments of Elpis, could have provided a unique and compelling playstyle. Alternatively, a Siren with gravity-manipulating abilities could have taken full advantage of the low-gravity combat mechanics, offering a fresh perspective on the game’s signature gameplay.

However, it is important to acknowledge the narrative limitations that Gearbox faced when developing *The Pre-Sequel*. The game takes place before the events of *Borderlands 2*, during which the known Sirens – Lilith, Maya, and Angel – are already established. Introducing a new, fully realized Siren character into the pre-established timeline would have required careful consideration to avoid inconsistencies and plot holes. Perhaps the developers felt that including a Siren would have detracted from the established narratives of the existing Siren characters.

Contextualizing the Pre-Sequel within the Broader Borderlands Universe

To fully appreciate the absence of a playable Siren in *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel*, it is crucial to understand its chronological position within the larger Borderlands universe. The game serves as a bridge between the events of *Borderlands* and *Borderlands 2*, providing context and backstory for the characters and events that unfold in the latter.

While *The Pre-Sequel* doesn’t offer a direct Siren protagonist, it expands upon the lore in meaningful ways. By exploring the origins of the Eridians, the significance of the Vaults, and the potential connections between technology and Siren abilities, the game enriches the overall mythology of the series. The game gives us insights into the evolution of the universe and its characters.

Furthermore, *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* directly influences the events of *Borderlands 2*. The game showcases the rise of Handsome Jack, transforming him from a relatively naive Hyperion employee into the power-hungry villain who seeks to control the Vaults and eradicate all opposition. The Sirens, with their inherent connection to the Vaults and their immense power, become key players in Jack’s quest for dominance. Understanding the events leading up to *Borderlands 2*, as depicted in *The Pre-Sequel*, provides a crucial context for understanding the significance of the Sirens’ roles in the subsequent game.

Concluding Thoughts on Sirens in the Pre-Sequel

In conclusion, while *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* does not offer a traditional, playable Siren character, it is not devoid of Siren influence. The game delves into the mythology of the Sirens, explores the potential origins of their abilities, and sets the stage for their crucial roles in the subsequent games.

Ultimately, the absence of a Siren in *The Pre-Sequel* can be viewed as a narrative choice that prioritizes the established lore and sets the stage for the events of *Borderlands 2*. While some players may have been disappointed by this decision, the game still manages to enrich the Siren mythology in subtle but significant ways.

The Siren mythology is a cornerstone of the Borderlands series, and their presence is almost certainly expected in future installments. Whether we’ll see new Sirens, a deeper exploration of their powers, or a revelation about their origins remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Sirens will continue to captivate and enthrall players in the Borderlands universe for years to come. The events of *Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel* have only served to deepen the mystery and intrigue surrounding these powerful and enigmatic women, fueling speculation and anticipation for their future appearances. They are inextricably linked to the destiny of Pandora and beyond.