Gabriel Santiago, the pacifistic geneticist who found solace in nature after centuries of immortality, meets his end in Episode 13 of Season 7, titled “Blood Giant.” His death marks a poignant turning point in the final season of The 100, highlighting themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the futility of violence.
Gabriel’s Journey: From Immortality to Mortality
Gabriel’s arc is one of profound transformation. He began as a zealot dedicated to the Children of Gabriel and the pursuit of immortality through mind drives and host bodies. However, centuries of witnessing the devastation caused by his ambition led him to reject his past and embrace a simpler, more peaceful existence. His journey ultimately culminates in a noble sacrifice, solidifying his redemption.
The Horrors of Immortality
Initially, Gabriel believed in the promise of transcendence through mind drives. He sought to cheat death and achieve a higher state of being. However, he soon realized the horrific consequences of this technology: the loss of identity, the degradation of the human form, and the ethical compromises required to sustain the process. This realization sparked his moral awakening.
Finding Peace in Nature
After abandoning the Children of Gabriel, he sought refuge in the forest, dedicating himself to studying the local flora and fauna. He embraced a life of scientific inquiry and observation, finding solace in the natural world. This period of isolation allowed him to reflect on his past mistakes and forge a new path forward, prioritizing preservation over manipulation.
Embracing Mortality
Ultimately, Gabriel chose mortality over immortality. When faced with the opportunity to upload his mind into another body, he refused, recognizing the inherent cruelty and unsustainable nature of the process. This decision underscored his commitment to respecting the natural order and accepting the inevitability of death.
The Circumstances of Gabriel’s Death
Gabriel’s death is not a casual casualty of war; it’s a deliberate and calculated act of self-sacrifice to save his friends. He uses his scientific expertise to disable the Stone, a crucial component of the Bardoan technology controlling the transport between planets, preventing its use by the Disciples and Bill Cadogan.
Disabling the Anomaly Stone
The Disciples, under the fanatical leadership of Bill Cadogan, sought to use the Anomaly Stone to initiate a Final War and transcend to a higher plane of existence. Gabriel, understanding the potential catastrophic consequences of Cadogan’s actions, saw no other option than to disable the Stone, even if it meant sacrificing his own life.
The Toxic Effects of the Compound
Disabling the Stone required Gabriel to inject himself with a highly toxic compound. While he managed to successfully disable the Stone, the compound quickly began to take its toll on his body.
Saying Goodbye
Surrounded by Clarke, Raven, and Jordan, Gabriel uses his final moments to offer words of comfort and encouragement. He emphasizes the importance of fighting for peace and resisting the allure of violence. His death is a powerful reminder of the cost of war and the importance of individual conscience.
The Impact of Gabriel’s Death
Gabriel’s death has a profound impact on the remaining characters, particularly Clarke and Raven. It underscores the futility of Cadogan’s quest and strengthens their resolve to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Fueling the Fight for Peace
His sacrifice serves as a catalyst for the others to reject Cadogan’s ideology of forced evolution and instead fight for the right to choose their own destinies. It reinforces the importance of individual agency and the inherent value of human life, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Raven’s Grief and Determination
Raven, in particular, is deeply affected by Gabriel’s death. She respected his intelligence and appreciated his guidance. His loss fuels her determination to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, honoring his memory by striving for a better future.
FAQs About Gabriel Santiago’s Fate
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the details surrounding Gabriel Santiago’s death and its significance within The 100 narrative:
What season and episode does Gabriel die in The 100?
Gabriel dies in Season 7, Episode 13, titled “Blood Giant.”
Why did Gabriel sacrifice himself?
He sacrificed himself to disable the Anomaly Stone, preventing Bill Cadogan and the Disciples from using it to initiate the Final War and potentially destroy humanity.
What toxic compound did Gabriel inject himself with?
The specific name of the compound is not explicitly mentioned in the show. It was a highly toxic substance designed to disrupt the Stone’s functionality.
Did Gabriel have any regrets about his decision?
No, Gabriel expressed no regrets. He believed his actions were necessary to prevent a greater catastrophe and protect his friends. He found peace in his sacrifice.
How did Gabriel’s death affect Clarke?
Clarke was deeply saddened by Gabriel’s death. She recognized the significance of his sacrifice and vowed to honor his memory by fighting for a better future. It further solidified her commitment to protecting her people.
What was Gabriel’s relationship with Josephine Lightbourne?
Gabriel was romantically involved with Josephine Lightbourne centuries before the events of the show. Their relationship was complex and ultimately ended in tragedy when he discovered her ruthlessness and obsession with immortality.
Was Gabriel truly immortal before choosing mortality?
Yes, Gabriel achieved a form of immortality by using mind drives and host bodies, allowing him to transfer his consciousness into new individuals. However, he eventually rejected this process and chose to embrace mortality.
How did Gabriel learn to disable the Anomaly Stone?
His extensive knowledge of science, genetics, and the Anomaly Stone’s technology allowed him to devise a method to disable it, even though it required a deadly sacrifice.
Did Gabriel have any family?
Gabriel’s family is not explicitly mentioned in the show. His focus was on his work and his pursuit of scientific knowledge, ultimately leading him down the path of immortality and eventual redemption.
What were Gabriel’s last words?
While not verbatim, his last words conveyed a message of hope, peace, and the importance of fighting for what is right, even in the face of death. He encouraged Clarke, Raven, and Jordan to continue their fight for a better future.
Could Gabriel have been saved?
Once he injected himself with the toxic compound, his fate was sealed. The effects were rapid and irreversible, leaving no chance for medical intervention.
How does Gabriel’s death contribute to the overall themes of The 100?
Gabriel’s death reinforces the show’s recurring themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the consequences of technological advancement. It highlights the importance of moral responsibility and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His choice to embrace mortality over immortality serves as a powerful commentary on the value of life and the importance of choosing peace over violence.