Dean Winchester obtains the First Blade in episode 9.11, “First Born,” of the ninth season of Supernatural. This episode marks a pivotal moment in the season’s arc, charting Dean’s increasingly desperate measures to combat the threat of Abaddon and ultimately leading him down a dark and dangerous path.
Understanding the First Blade’s Significance
The First Blade isn’t just another weapon in the Winchesters’ arsenal. It’s intrinsically linked to Cain, the biblical figure who committed the first murder. Imbued with an ancient and terrifying power, the Blade is only effective when wielded by someone bearing the Mark of Cain. Dean’s acceptance of the Mark, fueled by his desire to protect Sam and his growing desperation to end Abaddon’s reign of terror, sets the stage for the acquisition of the Blade.
The episode “First Born” sees Dean, Sam, and Castiel seeking out Cain himself, who has spent centuries in self-imposed exile. They believe Cain holds the key to stopping Abaddon, not realizing that the solution he offers is the very thing that will begin to corrupt Dean. The tension within the episode is palpable, highlighting the moral compromises Dean is willing to make and the increasing unease it causes his brother and angel ally.
A Detailed Look at “First Born”
The episode unfolds with a sense of foreboding. The search for Cain leads them to a secluded cabin where he lives a life of quiet contemplation, or so it seems. Cain reveals that the only way to kill Abaddon is with the First Blade, but it only functions in the hands of someone marked by the Mark of Cain. Dean, driven by his unwavering loyalty to Sam and the need to eliminate the demon menace, accepts the Mark, knowing the potential consequences but ultimately believing it’s the only way.
The subsequent acquisition of the First Blade isn’t a simple transaction. Cain subjects Dean to a test, forcing him to confront his own capacity for violence and his deep-seated fear of losing his loved ones. This test serves as a foreshadowing of the darkness the Blade will unleash within Dean. Once Dean proves his willingness to embrace the burden of the Mark, Cain leads him to the location of the Blade, buried deep within the earth. Its discovery and Dean’s first touch activate its primal power, leaving him visibly shaken and forever changed.
The remainder of the episode focuses on Dean’s confrontation with Abaddon. The First Blade, fueled by the Mark, proves incredibly effective, allowing Dean to easily overpower and destroy the powerful demon. This victory, however, comes at a price, reinforcing Dean’s reliance on the Blade and solidifying his descent into a more aggressive and ruthless persona.
The Long-Term Consequences of the First Blade
The impact of the First Blade extends far beyond the events of “First Born.” Its influence shapes Dean’s character throughout the remainder of Season 9 and into Season 10. The Blade amplifies his darker impulses, making him more prone to violence and less willing to compromise. His relationships with Sam and Castiel become strained as they witness his increasing aggression and fear the toll the Mark is taking on him.
The search for a way to remove the Mark of Cain becomes a central plot point, highlighting the devastating effects the Blade has had on Dean. He struggles with the overwhelming power it grants him and the growing realization that he may be becoming a monster. Ultimately, the quest to remove the Mark leads to even more dangerous consequences, illustrating the far-reaching and destructive nature of this powerful artifact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the First Blade
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding the First Blade and its significance in Supernatural:
What makes the First Blade so powerful?
The First Blade’s power stems from its creation by Cain, who used it to murder his brother Abel. The act of fratricide infused the Blade with immense dark energy, making it incredibly effective against even the most powerful supernatural entities. This power is amplified by the Mark of Cain, which acts as a conduit for the Blade’s energy, granting the wielder superhuman strength and speed.
Why is the Mark of Cain necessary to use the First Blade?
The Mark of Cain is the key to unlocking the First Blade’s power. It acts as a sort of “key” that allows the wielder to channel the Blade’s energy and wield it effectively. Without the Mark, the Blade is just an ordinary weapon, lacking the supernatural power that makes it so dangerous.
What are the side effects of wielding the First Blade?
Wielding the First Blade has several significant side effects. The most prominent is an increase in aggression and a tendency towards violence. The wielder becomes more impulsive, less willing to compromise, and prone to fits of rage. Over time, the Blade can corrupt the wielder, driving them to commit increasingly heinous acts.
How did Dean react after getting the First Blade?
Initially, Dean felt a sense of power and control after acquiring the First Blade. He was relieved to have a weapon that could effectively combat the threats he and Sam faced. However, as he continued to use the Blade, he began to experience the negative side effects, becoming more aggressive and distant from Sam. He struggled with the knowledge that he was becoming a more dangerous version of himself.
Could Sam have used the First Blade if he had taken the Mark?
While theoretically possible, it is unlikely Sam would have been able to wield the Blade in the same way as Dean. The Mark of Cain seems to amplify the wielder’s existing tendencies, and Sam’s inherent goodness and reluctance to use violence would likely have made him less effective with the Blade. Furthermore, Sam’s resistance to the Mark would likely have been stronger, potentially leading to even more unpredictable consequences.
What was Cain’s motivation for giving Dean the Mark and the Blade?
Cain’s motivations are complex and somewhat ambiguous. On one hand, he seems genuinely remorseful for his past actions and wants to prevent Abaddon from unleashing chaos. On the other hand, he may have been seeking a way to pass on the burden of the Mark and the Blade, relieving himself of their corrupting influence. He also may have been testing Dean, seeing if he was worthy of wielding such a powerful weapon.
How did the First Blade compare to other powerful weapons in Supernatural?
The First Blade is considered one of the most powerful weapons in the Supernatural universe, rivaling weapons like the Colt and archangel blades. Its unique connection to the Mark of Cain and its ability to instantly kill virtually any supernatural being set it apart from other weapons. While other weapons may have specific vulnerabilities or limitations, the First Blade offers a raw, unbridled power that few can match.
Was there any way to control the influence of the First Blade?
Controlling the influence of the First Blade proved extremely difficult. Dean attempted to suppress his darker impulses and rely on his bond with Sam to keep him grounded. However, the power of the Blade was ultimately too overwhelming, and he eventually succumbed to its corrupting influence. The only real solution was to remove the Mark of Cain entirely.
What ultimately happened to the First Blade?
The First Blade was ultimately destroyed when the Mark of Cain was removed from Dean and transferred to Rowena MacLeod, who then transferred it to Lucifer using magic. The power contained within the Mark and the First Blade then destroyed the Blade, rendering it useless.
Did the First Blade affect Dean’s relationships with other characters?
Yes, the First Blade significantly affected Dean’s relationships with Sam and Castiel. Sam was deeply concerned about Dean’s increasing aggression and the toll the Mark was taking on him. Castiel, as an angel, recognized the dark energy emanating from the Blade and feared its potential consequences. These tensions created rifts in their relationships and led to several conflicts.
How did the First Blade contribute to the overall plot of Supernatural?
The First Blade played a crucial role in the overarching narrative of Supernatural. It fueled Dean’s descent into darkness, driving him to make increasingly desperate choices and pushing his relationships with Sam and Castiel to the breaking point. The search for a way to remove the Mark of Cain and the eventual confrontation with Lucifer were direct consequences of Dean’s acquisition of the Blade.
Was Dean ultimately a better or worse person for having possessed the First Blade?
This is a complex question with no easy answer. While the First Blade granted Dean the power to defeat powerful enemies and protect his loved ones, it also corrupted him and led him down a dark path. Ultimately, the negative consequences of wielding the Blade outweighed the benefits. The experience forced Dean to confront his own capacity for violence and ultimately strengthened his resolve to fight against darkness, both within himself and in the world around him.