Background
The Witch of the WildsMorrigan was raised in the Korcari Wilds by Flemeth, the 'Witch of the Wilds'. Having learned her magical craft outside the confines of the Circle of Magi, Morrigan is considered an Apostate, and has spent much of her life being hunted by Templars or avoiding persecution by the Chasind. Because of the isolation caused by this lifestyle, Morrigan has relatively poor social skills, and tends to be heavily sarcastic in conversation and uncaring towards the needs of others. Morrigan is first encountered when the Warden-to-be is sent into the Wilds in preparation for the Joining. She leads them to Flemeth, who provides them with the treaties allowing the Grey Wardens to call upon various nations for aid during a Blight. After the Battle of Ostagar, Flemeth orders Morrigan to accompany the Warden, supposedly for protection. While surprised, she reluctantly agrees, and sets off with the Warden and Alistair to Lothering.
Role In Origins
Although it quickly become apparent that Morrigan does not get along well with the other party members (such as continuously being on the opposite political end of magic compared to Wynne) she is extremely useful in combat. As an Apostate, her attitude towards many of the Warden's interaction with other mages - and most people in general - often runs against what is usually considered culturally acceptable in Ferelden. Morrigan will frequently disapprove of more benevolent actions, although she is grateful when treated well in conversation, as she is used to hostile treatment by others. Morrigan does not hide the fact that she values power over many things and is not averse to using any means necessary to gain what she desires.
Powers
Casting a spellMorrigan is a powerful mage and shapeshifter and is able to assume the form of various animals. She starts off with the power to turn into a spider, but if developed further, she can assume the form of blight variants of the spider and bear as well as an insect swarm. Morrigan begins with a basic frost spell and other entropy spells, but can learn any other magic skills including healing spells. Morrigan can also teach the Warden and/or other party members how to shape-shift if they are a mage and have her approval metre maxed.
Skills
Morrigan is also skilled in herbalism and creating poison and claims to know 'at least fifteen types of poisons' that grow in the Korcari Wilds. While being asked by the Warden what other skills she has, Morrigan claims that she is also a good cook.
Flemeth's Grimoire
When attempting to free the Circle of Magi, Morrigan will mention to the Warden that Flemeth's Grimoire is located somewhere within the Tower. If it is found, Morrigan will eventually discover that while the book is not the true Grimoire, it does contain a great deal of information on Flemeth and her plans. Her extended life-span is not due directly to magic, but is made possible by her taking the body of a younger witch; Her 'daughters' are actually kidnapped at a young age and prepared as potential hosts. Morrigan would be the next in line. Shocked, Morrigan asks the Warden to kill Flemeth; refusing causes her to leave the party. When the Warden confronts Flemeth, the player is given the option of letting her go, and even of keeping the Grimoire instead of giving it to Morrigan, although this has no in-game benefits. Upon receiving the Grimoire, Morrigan states that it will be especially useful when confronting Flemeth again, as she is in all likelihood not actually dead.
Romance
RomanceMorrigan is a romance option for male characters. While initially stating that the relationship is purely physical and that she has no intention of developing emotional attachment, the Warden can become deeply involved with Morrigan, to the point where she gives them a ring that tells her exactly where they are at all times. If Morrigan falls in love with the Warden, she will ask him to end the relationship, claiming that it will only end badly. The reason for this only becomes clear the night before the Final Battle.
Morrigan's Ritual (End Game Spoilers)
On the eve of the last battle against the Blight and the Archdemon, Morrigan will approach the Warden with an offer. Morrigan claims that if she is pregnant with a child, she can perform a ritual that takes the soul of the slain Archdemon and places it in the fetus; this would mean that whoever slays the Archdemon would survive, rather than be destroyed along with it. The child must be that of a Grey Warden to survive the ritual, and so either the Warden, Alistair, or even Loghain can be the father. If Morrigan has fallen in love with the Warden, she will beg him to agree, if only to save his life, and expresses regret that they must separate. If the Warden rejects her, she will leave the party immediately and not stay for the final battle. If she is impregnated, she will leave after the battle to raise the child on her own. It is not entirely clear what her true goal is in doing this, or even what the child will really be.
Dragon Age 2
Morrigan does not appear directly in this game, but is mentioned on various occasions by Flemeth in Sundermount, Alistair during the King Alistair quest and by Anders during dialogue about mages.
However, a picture of Morrigan appears very briefly on the final page of Cassandra's book in the epilogue.
Other Info
- Morrigan is voiced by Claudia Black.
- A DLC Pack entitled Witch Hunt allows the Warden to pursue Morrigan after the events of the original game. It is unclear at this time what impact her pregnancy will have on later games in the series.
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