Ontari, a pivotal, albeit short-lived, character in The 100, meets her end in Season 3, Episode 15: “Perverse Instantiation (Part 1).” Her death marks a significant turning point in the escalating conflict between Arkadia and Polis, directly contributing to the events leading to the season’s dramatic finale.
The Short, Brutal Reign of Ontari
Ontari’s emergence as the next Commander, or Heda, came as a surprise and a threat. Chosen as a Nightblood from Ice Nation, she possessed the genetic marker necessary to ascend the throne and inherit the Flame, the AI containing the spirits and knowledge of past Commanders. However, unlike previous Commanders, Ontari lacked a true ascension ceremony. Instead, she seized power through violence, establishing a brutal and authoritarian regime.
Becoming Heda: Power Through Force
Before being discovered by the protagonists, Ontari had already established a reputation for ruthlessness within the Ice Nation. She was selected as a potential heir due to her Nightblood status and subsequently presented as the only viable candidate after a series of deadly trials. Her ascension, orchestrated by Queen Nia, served as a direct challenge to Lexa’s policies and a power grab by Ice Nation.
The Unstable Alliance with Pike
Following the massacre at Mount Weather, Chancellor Pike’s paranoia and hostility toward Grounders increased dramatically. Ontari, seizing an opportunity for political gain, attempted to forge an alliance with Pike. This alliance, however, proved to be short-lived and ultimately contributed to the destabilization of Arkadia and the Grounder coalition.
The Death of a False Heda
Ontari’s reign as Commander was brief. Following Lexa’s tragic death, Clarke and the others sought to utilize Ontari to prevent ALIE, the AI threatening to control humanity, from taking complete control of Polis. The plan was for Clarke to use the Flame to interface with ALIE, requiring a compatible Nightblood host – Ontari.
Aborted Ascension and a Tragic Loss
With Ontari incapacitated after being subdued, Clarke prepared to upload the Flame. However, ALIE, realizing the threat, manipulated Jaha, her loyal follower, to destroy Ontari’s brain stem, rendering her unable to host the Flame. This act effectively eliminated the only readily available Nightblood option, forcing Clarke to find an alternative solution.
Murphy’s Role: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite Ontari’s death, her Nightblood offered a temporary solution. Abby Griffin extracted blood from Ontari’s body, which was then transfused into Clarke. This transfusion allowed Clarke to temporarily pass as a Nightblood, giving her the opportunity to interface with ALIE inside the City of Light. This risky maneuver ultimately provided a window for Clarke to confront and defeat ALIE.
The Impact of Ontari’s Death
Ontari’s death had a profound impact on the narrative of The 100. It highlighted the desperation of the characters as they fought against overwhelming odds and underscored the ruthless tactics employed by both sides of the conflict. It also propelled Clarke further into the leadership role she would come to embody.
A Catalyst for Clarke’s Development
The loss of Ontari as a viable Flame host forced Clarke to take unprecedented risks. The Nightblood transfusion, though dangerous, demonstrated Clarke’s unwavering commitment to saving her people. This event further cemented her position as a leader willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good.
Escalating Conflict with ALIE
Ontari’s demise directly fueled ALIE’s resolve to control humanity. The AI recognized Clarke as the primary threat and intensified her efforts to eliminate her. This escalation set the stage for the climactic confrontation within the City of Light and the ultimate destruction of ALIE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ontari’s Fate
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Ontari’s death and her significance in The 100.
FAQ 1: Why was Ontari chosen to be Commander?
Ontari was chosen because she was a Nightblood, possessing blood containing the genetic marker necessary to host the Flame. After Lexa’s death, she was presented by Queen Nia of Ice Nation as the only available Nightblood contender, seizing power through force and manipulation.
FAQ 2: Was Ontari a true Commander?
No. While Ontari possessed Nightblood, she never underwent the traditional ascension ceremony required to become a true Commander. She lacked the spiritual connection to the past Commanders and instead ruled through fear and coercion. Thus, she is often referred to as a “False Heda.”
FAQ 3: How did Jaha kill Ontari?
Under the influence of ALIE, Jaha severed Ontari’s brain stem. This action ensured she could not host the Flame and prevent Clarke from accessing the City of Light.
FAQ 4: Could Clarke have saved Ontari?
Given the circumstances and ALIE’s direct control over Jaha, saving Ontari was virtually impossible. ALIE recognized Ontari as a threat and acted decisively to eliminate her as a potential host for the Flame.
FAQ 5: What was the purpose of the Nightblood transfusion?
The transfusion was a desperate measure to allow Clarke to enter the City of Light. By receiving Ontari’s Nightblood, Clarke could temporarily mimic the genetic marker required to interface with ALIE within the virtual reality of the City of Light.
FAQ 6: How long did Clarke remain a Nightblood after the transfusion?
The effects of the transfusion were temporary and began to fade relatively quickly. Clarke needed to act fast once inside the City of Light before the effects wore off and ALIE recognized her deception.
FAQ 7: Did Ontari’s death prevent ALIE from taking over completely?
Indirectly, yes. While Ontari’s death seemed like a setback at the time, it forced Clarke to find an alternative, the Nightblood transfusion, which ultimately allowed her to access ALIE’s code and destroy her.
FAQ 8: What happened to Ontari’s body after her death?
Ontari’s body was left behind in Polis after Clarke and the others escaped. It is never explicitly mentioned what happens to her remains, but given the chaotic situation, it is likely she was treated with little ceremony.
FAQ 9: How did Ontari’s personality differ from Lexa’s?
Lexa, while also a warrior, was committed to peace and diplomacy between the Grounders and Sky People. Ontari, on the other hand, was brutal, power-hungry, and unwilling to compromise. She represented a stark contrast to Lexa’s leadership.
FAQ 10: What was the significance of Ontari being from Ice Nation?
Ontari’s Ice Nation origins represented the growing power struggle and animosity between the different Grounder clans. Queen Nia’s support of Ontari was a direct challenge to Lexa’s coalition and highlighted the deep-seated rivalries within the Grounder culture.
FAQ 11: Did Ontari have any redeeming qualities?
It is difficult to identify any truly redeeming qualities in Ontari. She was portrayed as a ruthless and ambitious character who prioritized power above all else. Her actions were primarily driven by self-preservation and a desire to rule.
FAQ 12: How does Ontari’s story connect to later seasons of The 100?
While Ontari herself does not appear in later seasons, the consequences of her actions and the Nightblood concept she embodied continued to play a significant role. The quest to find and understand Nightblood genetics remained a recurring theme, shaping the narrative and character arcs in subsequent seasons. The children raised at Becca’s lab are direct descendants of this plot line.