Obelisk the Tormentor is one of the three Egyptian God Cards in the Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card game and anime series. Alongside Slifer the Sky Dragon and The Winged Dragon of Ra, Obelisk holds legendary status among duelists. But what mythological god inspired this powerful card?
Obelisk the Tormentor is believed to be inspired by ancient Egyptian deities, particularly gods associated with strength, war, and divine power. This topic explores the origins of Obelisk the Tormentor, the Egyptian mythology behind the card, and how it fits into the lore of Yu-Gi-Oh!.
Who Is Obelisk the Tormentor?
In the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe, Obelisk the Tormentor is a god-like monster card with immense strength and destructive abilities. It was first introduced in the anime as one of the three Egyptian God Cards, used by Seto Kaiba. Obelisk is known for its overwhelming power, being able to destroy enemies with a single move called “Fist of Fate” or its tribute effect that grants infinite attack power.
Symbolism of the Name “Obelisk”
The name “Obelisk” is derived from real-world Egyptian obelisks, which were tall stone pillars often placed at temple entrances to honor gods and pharaohs. These monuments symbolized divine strength and connection to the heavens, making the name fitting for a god-like monster.
Why Is He Called “The Tormentor”?
The title “Tormentor” suggests destruction and suffering, aligning with the fearsome war gods of Egyptian mythology. Among the many powerful deities, Obelisk is most likely based on one of the following:
- Set (Seth) – The Egyptian god of war, chaos, and storms.
- Osiris – A god of death and rebirth, linked to divine power.
- Amun-Ra – The supreme god, representing power and kingship.
Is Obelisk the Tormentor Based on Set?
One of the strongest theories is that Obelisk the Tormentor is inspired by Set, the Egyptian god of war and chaos.
Who Was Set?
Set (also spelled Seth) was a powerful and feared god in Egyptian mythology. He was associated with:
- Violence and war
- Storms and destruction
- Power struggles (especially against Osiris and Horus)
Similarities Between Set and Obelisk
- Both Are Symbols of Power – Set was one of the strongest gods, and Obelisk is one of the most powerful cards in Yu-Gi-Oh! history.
- Destructive Abilities – Set was known for his violent nature, and Obelisk can annihilate opponents instantly.
- Torment and Chaos – Set brought chaos to Egypt, just as Obelisk brings torment to his enemies.
How Seto Kaiba Connects to Set
Interestingly, the wielder of Obelisk in the anime, Seto Kaiba, shares his name with Set. In the series, Kaiba is often portrayed as ruthless, powerful, and obsessed with dominance, much like the god Set. This could be an intentional connection between the character and mythology.
Could Obelisk Be Inspired by Osiris?
Another theory suggests that Obelisk may be linked to Osiris, the god of death, the afterlife, and rebirth.
Who Was Osiris?
Osiris was one of the most important gods in Egyptian mythology. He ruled over the dead and was often depicted as a kingly figure of great wisdom and power.
Connections Between Osiris and Obelisk
- Divine Authority – Osiris was a kingly god, just as Obelisk is one of the three divine cards in Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Resurrection Themes – Osiris was linked to rebirth, and in the anime, the Egyptian God Cards are revived from stone tablets.
- Ultimate Judgment – Osiris played a role in judging souls, much like how Obelisk acts as an unstoppable force of destruction.
However, Obelisk is more aggressive and warlike than Osiris, making Set a more likely inspiration.
Is Obelisk Inspired by Amun-Ra?
A final possibility is that Obelisk the Tormentor is based on Amun-Ra, the supreme deity of Egyptian mythology.
Who Was Amun-Ra?
Amun-Ra (or simply Ra) was the king of the gods and the sun god of Egypt. He represented creation, power, and kingship.
Similarities Between Amun-Ra and Obelisk
- Supreme Power – Amun-Ra was the most dominant deity, just as Obelisk is one of the strongest cards.
- Worshipped as a King – Amun-Ra was a ruler among gods, similar to how Obelisk is considered a divine force in Yu-Gi-Oh! lore.
- Massive Strength – Both figures represent unstoppable might.
While Amun-Ra’s themes of creation and the sun do not fully align with Obelisk’s destructive nature, his supreme status could have influenced the card’s design.
Obelisk the Tormentor in Yu-Gi-Oh! Lore
Beyond its mythological inspirations, Obelisk plays a crucial role in the Yu-Gi-Oh! series.
The Role of the Egyptian God Cards
The Egyptian God Cards were designed as the most powerful monsters, each representing a different aspect of Egyptian mythology:
- Slifer the Sky Dragon – Named after Osiris (Slifer was a mistranslation).
- The Winged Dragon of Ra – Directly based on the sun god Ra.
- Obelisk the Tormentor – Represents power, destruction, and divine punishment.
Obelisk’s Abilities in Yu-Gi-Oh!
- Tribute Effect – Obelisk can sacrifice two monsters to gain infinite attack power for a turn.
- Immune to Spells and Traps – Like a true god, Obelisk is unaffected by normal game mechanics.
- Fist of Fate – A powerful attack that destroys enemies instantly.
These abilities reinforce Obelisk’s mythological ties to gods of war and destruction.
Obelisk the Tormentor is a legendary figure in Yu-Gi-Oh! and is likely inspired by Set, the Egyptian god of war, due to his brutal strength and chaotic nature. However, elements of Osiris and Amun-Ra may also have influenced his design, making him a powerful fusion of mythological themes.
Whether seen as a symbol of war, divine punishment, or ultimate strength, Obelisk the Tormentor remains one of the most iconic figures in both Yu-Gi-Oh! and Egyptian mythology.