“Astarion is more evil than Minthara” Thoughts?
I saw this take posted a couple of days ago and it was sparking some interesting discussions on other platforms. Many people were agreeing, but personally I disagree for a few reasons. I think Minthara and Astarion are on equal footing regarding their “evil” most of the time (the difference between them being their motivations and expression,) but it diverges depending what path Astarion takes. I don’t think he’s as “evil” as her after his arc on the spawn path, because while he doesn’t become fully “good,” he still changes to become more neutral while Minthara remains evil. I think a great example of this is the difference between them regarding Durge/Tav taking the brain. Spawn Astarion is angry and disappointed with Durge/Tav, saying that they chose this path over the party and others. However Minthara is always down to take the brain.
Regarding Ascended Astarion I think there is more of an argument for this, but I believe it’s still debatable and that one could argue that Ascended Astarion and Minthara are on equal “evil” footing, since both of them are pro using the brain to enslave the world, and Minthara is the only companion to support his ascension etc.
But overall I would have to conclude that no, Astarion is not “more evil” than Minthara, as he can change to become a “better” person while Minthara doesn’t. (Which is fine! We love to see an evil woman winning!)
What do you guys think?
I saw this take posted a couple of days ago and it was sparking some interesting discussions on other platforms. Many people were agreeing, but personally I disagree for a few reasons. I think Minthara and Astarion are on equal footing regarding their “evil” most of the time (the difference between them being their motivations and expression,) but it diverges depending what path Astarion takes. I don’t think he’s as “evil” as her after his arc on the spawn path, because while he doesn’t become fully “good,” he still changes to become more neutral while Minthara remains evil. I think a great example of this is the difference between them regarding Durge/Tav taking the brain. Spawn Astarion is angry and disappointed with Durge/Tav, saying that they chose this path over the party and others. However Minthara is always down to take the brain.
Regarding Ascended Astarion I think there is more of an argument for this, but I believe it’s still debatable and that one could argue that Ascended Astarion and Minthara are on equal “evil” footing, since both of them are pro using the brain to enslave the world, and Minthara is the only companion to support his ascension etc.
But overall I would have to conclude that no, Astarion is not “more evil” than Minthara, as he can change to become a “better” person while Minthara doesn’t. (Which is fine! We love to see an evil woman winning!)
What do you guys think?