Lumen Order

Lore & Background

According to the Legend of Aesir detailed in the game, the Lumen Sages were created alongside the Umbra Witches by Aesir, the former ruler of the Chaos realm. Aesir created the Left Eye of Darkness and Right Eye of Light to grant humanity free will, entrusting one Eye to each faction for safekeeping. The Lumen Sages specifically held the Right Eye of Light. Their history took a tragic turn following the death of Father Balder, who was believed to be the last Lumen Sage; his death caused the Right Eye of Light to disappear, leading to natural disasters that journalist Luka investigated. The organization's true nature is complicated by the revelation that Aesir split his soul into two halves: Loki (good) and Loptr (evil). The Masked Lumen, identified as a young Balder in Bayonetta 2, was brought to the present by the Prophet, who promised him revenge. This prophet was actually Loptr, a doppelgänger of Loki, who tricked Balder into seeking vengeance against Loki. Despite their role as Sages, the narrative shows them manipulated by the darker half of Aesir's soul, leading to the murder of Bayonetta's mother, Rosa, and the subsequent time travel events.

In Their Own Story

The plot thickens when a masked Lumen Sage is brought to the present by a mysterious figure known as the Prophet. This sage, later revealed to be a young Balder, teams up with Bayonetta after she travels back 500 years to Vigrid during the Witch Hunts. There, she meets her mother Rosa and works alongside Balder to fight angels. The turning point arrives when they encounter Loptr, who claims the Eyes of the World belong to him. Loptr reveals he is actually a manifestation of Aesir's evil half, having tricked Balder into his quest for revenge. In the present day, Luka encounters Loki, the good half of Aesir, who suddenly remembers everything and guides Bayonetta to Fimbulventr. The climax occurs atop the mountain where Loptr has captured Loki. Loptr explains that he and Loki were once one being, Aesir. Despite their efforts, Loptr steals both Eyes from Balder and Bayonetta, transforming into Aesir. In a desperate move, Loki uses his power to destroy the Eyes, weakening Loptr. Balder then stops Loptr's escaping soul by absorbing it, knowing this will corrupt him. Before being returned to his time, Balder reveals Bayonetta is his daughter and asks her to stop him if he becomes corrupted, setting up the events of the first game.

Reader's Guide

To understand the Lumen Order in Bayonetta 2, players must recognize their role as guardians of the Right Eye of Light. Unlike the Umbra Witches who guard the Left Eye, the Sages are defined by their connection to the Masked Lumen and the complex history involving Aesir. The primary antagonist, Loptr (the Prophet), masquerades as an ally but is actually the evil half of Aesir's soul. He manipulates the young Balder (Masked Lumen) into seeking revenge against Loki. Key moments include the revelation that the Witch Hunts 500 years ago were not caused by Balder, but orchestrated by Loptr to separate the Eyes. Players learn that Luka, a journalist and friend of Bayonetta, investigates the disappearance of the Right Eye following Balder's supposed death. The guide emphasizes that the conflict is internal to Aesir's soul: Loki (good) vs. Loptr (evil). To defeat Loptr, players must utilize Umbran Climax and Torture Attacks while navigating the story of Balder absorbing Loptr's soul, which ultimately leads to his corruption as seen in the post-credits scene.

Did You Know?

• The Masked Lumen is revealed to be a young Balder, who acts as Bayonetta's rival before their familial connection is discovered.
• Loptr, the Prophet in the present day, is actually the evil half of Aesir's soul and tricks Balder into seeking revenge against Loki.
• The Legend of Aesir states he created the Eyes of the World to grant humanity free will, splitting his own soul into good (Loki) and evil (Loptr).
• Following the death of Father Balder, the Right Eye of Light disappeared, causing natural disasters investigated by the journalist Luka.
• Balder absorbs Loptr's soul to prevent him from escaping to a time where the Eyes still exist, knowing this act will corrupt him.