Asriel Dreemurr
Asriel Dreemurr was the beloved prince of the Underground and only child of King Asgore and Queen Toriel, whose tragic fate and eventual redemption played a pivotal role in shaping monster-human relations. Born in the Underground after the establishment of the Barrier, Asriel represented hope for monsterkind during their exile beneath Mt. Ebott. His companionship with the first fallen human child and subsequent death became a defining moment in Underground history, leading to lasting changes in monster society and policy.
A recovered photograph showing young Prince Asriel in the royal garden of New HomeEarly Life and Royal Upbringing
As heir to the throne, Asriel received extensive education in both monster history and magic from an early age. Under the tutelage of his mother, who would later become Professor Toriel, he showed remarkable aptitude for fire magic and demonstrated an unusually strong capacity for compassion - a trait that would later prove both his greatest strength and vulnerability. The young prince was particularly fascinated by the Echo Flowers of Waterfall, often spending hours recording and replaying messages with other monster children.
During his childhood, Asriel developed a deep interest in surface world culture, collecting human artifacts that occasionally fell into the Underground through various crevices. This curiosity about humanity, combined with his naturally gentle disposition, made him uniquely receptive to the possibility of human-monster friendship, despite the lingering tensions from the Human-Monster War.
The First Human and the Bond of Souls
The arrival of the first fallen human child marked a turning point in Asriel's life. Their unprecedented friendship challenged existing prejudices and demonstrated the potential for peaceful coexistence between humans and monsters. Together, they became symbols of hope for a future where the barrier between species might be overcome. The development of their relationship has been extensively documented in the Royal Family Chronicles, which detail numerous instances of their shared adventures and mutual growth.
This period saw the emergence of what monster scholars would later term the Soul Resonance Phenomenon, as Asriel and his human sibling developed a connection that transcended typical monster-human interactions. Their unique bond would later prove crucial in understanding the potential for harmony between the two species, directly influencing the development of the Surface Integration Initiative.
The Tragic Plan
The events leading to Asriel's initial demise remain a subject of intense historical study and debate. Following his human sibling's death, Asriel absorbed their SOUL - an act unprecedented in recorded history - becoming temporarily capable of crossing the Barrier. This transformation demonstrated the first known instance of successful human-monster soul fusion, though the circumstances were far from ideal.
Carrying his sibling's body, Asriel crossed into the human world, reaching a village that would later become the site of the Memorial Gardens. Despite possessing immense power from the combined souls, Asriel refused to fight when attacked by frightened humans, choosing instead to return to the Underground while fatally wounded. This act of mercy, while leading to his apparent death, would later serve as a foundational example in the development of the Frisk Protocol for peaceful monster-human interactions.
Legacy and Influence
Asriel's sacrifice had far-reaching consequences for Underground society. The loss of both royal children in a single day led to the establishment of Asgore's controversial human soul collection policy and the temporary dissolution of the royal marriage. However, Asriel's final act of mercy, choosing peace over power, would eventually become a cornerstone of monster diplomatic philosophy.
The Flower Incident
Years after his apparent death, Asriel's essence became unexpectedly involved in Dr. Alphys's determination experiments, leading to the creation of Flowey - a being that would significantly impact Underground history. This period, while controversial, provided valuable insights into the nature of monster souls and the importance of compassion in maintaining monster identity.
Return and Redemption
Through circumstances detailed in the Barrier Breaking Event, Asriel temporarily regained his true form during the final confrontation that led to the Barrier's destruction. His ultimate decision to break the Barrier and free monsterkind, despite the personal cost, demonstrated the same selfless nature that characterized his original sacrifice.
Modern Impact
Today, Asriel's story serves as a cornerstone of monster-human integration efforts. The Asriel Dreemurr Memorial Scholarship provides funding for joint human-monster research projects focusing on soul studies and peaceful cooperation. His example continues to influence modern diplomatic approaches, particularly in situations requiring trust-building between monster and human communities.
Cultural Influence
Asriel's story has become a central element of Underground cultural heritage, inspiring numerous artistic works and educational programs. The annual Hope's Light Festival commemorates his sacrifice and resurrection, celebrating the ideals of mercy and understanding that he embodied. Multiple exhibits in the Underground Tourism Board's historical tours feature artifacts and locations significant to his story, helping visitors understand the complex history of monster-human relations.
See Also
- Royal Family of the Underground
- Soul Fusion Studies
- Determination Research
- Monster-Human Integration Protocols
References
- Royal Historical Society Archives
- Dr. Alphys's Research Notes
- The Complete Underground Chronicles
- Surface Integration Initiative Documentation