Stiles Stilinski, a beloved character on MTV’s Teen Wolf, faced a terrifying ordeal of possession and erasure. He finally returns to his normal self in Season 6, Episode 10, titled “Riders on the Storm.”
The Void Stiles Saga: A Descent into Darkness
The journey of Stiles Stilinski from the quirky, sarcastic best friend to the terrifyingly cunning Void Stiles is a cornerstone of Teen Wolf’s narrative. After being possessed by the Nogitsune, an ancient and powerful dark Kitsune, Stiles’s personality and body were warped, turning him into a malevolent force. This transformation, which began in Season 3B, tested the bonds of friendship and love within the pack to their breaking point. The impact of Void Stiles extended beyond mere possession; it forced Scott McCall and his friends to confront their deepest fears and made them question the very nature of good and evil.
The Genesis of Possession
The seeds of Stiles’s possession were sown when he took responsibility for the deaths caused by the Darach in Season 3A. The guilt and trauma he experienced opened him up to the influence of the Nogitsune, who sought a host. This vulnerable state made him an easy target. The ritualistic sacrifice needed to activate the Nemeton, the sacred tree stump, ironically created a pathway for the darkness to enter Beacon Hills and, ultimately, claim Stiles.
The Reign of Terror: Void Stiles
Void Stiles was a stark contrast to the Stiles we knew and loved. He was cunning, manipulative, and utterly devoid of empathy. His actions were driven by chaos and destruction, and he reveled in the suffering of others. He orchestrated elaborate and deadly games, manipulating those around him and using their weaknesses against them. The pack faced a terrifying opponent who knew them intimately, making him all the more dangerous. The emotional toll on everyone, particularly Scott, was immense as they struggled to reconcile the person they loved with the monster he had become.
The Road to Recovery: A Fight for Stiles’ Soul
The fight to bring Stiles back was a long and arduous one, marked by sacrifice and unwavering determination. The pack refused to give up on their friend, clinging to the hope that Stiles was still in there, fighting to break free. Their unwavering belief in him was a crucial factor in his eventual restoration.
Unwavering Hope and Sacrifice
Despite the horrors committed by Void Stiles, Scott, Allison, and the rest of the pack refused to abandon him. They saw glimpses of the old Stiles flickering beneath the surface of the darkness. This unwavering hope fueled their relentless efforts to find a way to sever the Nogitsune’s connection to him. Allison Argent’s sacrifice played a pivotal role, weakening the Nogitsune’s power and providing a window of opportunity for Stiles to regain control.
The Power of Connection: Resisting the Void
The key to freeing Stiles lay in reminding him of his identity and his connection to the pack. Memories, shared experiences, and expressions of love served as anchors, pulling him back from the abyss. Lydia Martin’s banshee powers were instrumental in reaching Stiles, using her voice to cut through the darkness and remind him of his true self. This effort highlighted the importance of interpersonal connections and the strength of friendship in the face of overwhelming adversity.
“Riders on the Storm”: The Triumphant Return
Season 6 presented a new challenge: Stiles’s erasure from existence by the Ghost Riders. “Riders on the Storm” marks the resolution of this plotline and the definitive return of Stiles to the fold. The episode meticulously crafts a scenario where memory and love conquer the forces of oblivion.
Remembering Stiles: A Beacon in the Darkness
Throughout the initial episodes of Season 6, the pack struggled to remember Stiles, a consequence of his being taken by the Ghost Riders. His absence left a gaping hole, but the persistent feeling that something was missing spurred them to uncover the truth. Each member of the pack had fragments of memories, triggered by seemingly random events. These fragmented memories served as clues, leading them closer to unraveling the mystery of Stiles’s disappearance.
The Power of Love: Lydia’s Connection
Lydia’s unique connection to Stiles played a pivotal role in his return. Her powerful love for him transcended the physical barriers and the influence of the Ghost Riders. Her unwavering belief in him served as a beacon, guiding him back to reality. Their emotional reunion solidified the importance of their bond and highlighted the power of love to overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
Epilogue: A Reunited Pack
Stiles’s return in “Riders on the Storm” marked a triumphant moment for the pack. It was a testament to their unwavering loyalty, their courage, and their love for one another. With Stiles back by their side, the pack was complete once more, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. This episode not only restored Stiles to his rightful place but also reinforced the core themes of friendship, loyalty, and the power of human connection that define Teen Wolf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is a Nogitsune?
The Nogitsune is a powerful and ancient dark Kitsune, a type of fox spirit in Japanese folklore. Unlike regular Kitsunes, which are associated with mischief and trickery, the Nogitsune embodies chaos, darkness, and suffering. It thrives on discord and feeds on pain, making it a formidable and malevolent entity.
2. How did the Nogitsune possess Stiles in the first place?
The Nogitsune entered Stiles’s body after he took responsibility for the deaths caused by the Darach and after exposing himself to the Nemeton. The ritual involving the sacrifice of three types of people, along with Stiles’s own vulnerability, opened a pathway for the spirit to enter his mind and take control.
3. What were the most significant acts of Void Stiles?
Void Stiles was responsible for numerous acts of violence and manipulation, including orchestrating the deaths of Allison Argent and Aiden. He created elaborate and deadly scenarios, exploiting the weaknesses and fears of those around him. His primary goal was to sow chaos and inflict suffering.
4. Why was it so difficult to defeat Void Stiles?
The Nogitsune’s power stemmed from its ability to manipulate reality and feed on negative emotions. It was also deeply connected to Stiles, making it difficult to attack without harming him. The Nogitsune’s strategic mind and intimate knowledge of the pack further complicated matters.
5. What role did Allison Argent’s death play in the Void Stiles storyline?
Allison’s death, orchestrated by Void Stiles, was a pivotal moment. Her sacrifice significantly weakened the Nogitsune, providing a brief window of opportunity for the pack to regain control. Her death also served as a catalyst, pushing the remaining characters to fight even harder to save Stiles and defeat the Nogitsune.
6. What is the significance of Lydia’s banshee powers in saving Stiles?
Lydia’s banshee abilities allowed her to reach Stiles on an emotional and psychic level, even when he was completely consumed by the Nogitsune. Her voice acted as a beacon, reminding him of his true self and his connection to her. This connection was crucial in weakening the Nogitsune’s hold on him.
7. What are the Ghost Riders and how did they affect Stiles?
The Ghost Riders are supernatural beings that erase people from existence, effectively wiping them from the memories of everyone they knew. They took Stiles in Season 6, causing everyone to forget him.
8. How did the pack eventually remember Stiles after he was taken by the Ghost Riders?
The pack began to remember Stiles through a combination of fragmented memories, triggered by familiar objects, places, and feelings. Lydia’s unwavering belief in Stiles and her deep connection to him played a crucial role in restoring their collective memory.
9. What was the emotional impact of Stiles’s absence on the other characters?
Stiles’s absence left a profound void in the lives of Scott, Lydia, and the rest of the pack. They felt a sense of incompleteness and confusion, struggling to understand why something was missing. His absence highlighted his importance to the group’s dynamic and their individual well-being.
10. What are some of the key themes explored through Stiles’s journey?
Stiles’s journey explores themes of identity, possession, sacrifice, friendship, and the power of love and memory. It demonstrates the strength of human connection in the face of adversity and the importance of fighting for what you believe in.
11. Does Stiles still have any lingering effects from his time as Void Stiles after his return?
While Stiles returns to his normal self physically and emotionally, the trauma of being possessed by the Nogitsune likely leaves lasting psychological scars. The experience forces him to confront his own vulnerabilities and strengthens his resolve to protect those he cares about. While not explicitly shown, the writers subtly hint at a deeper understanding of the darker aspects of the supernatural world.
12. What happens to Stiles after he returns in Season 6?
After his return, Stiles continues to be an integral part of the pack, using his intelligence and wit to help them navigate new threats. He eventually pursues a career in law enforcement, following in his father’s footsteps and using his experiences to fight for justice. He remains deeply connected to Lydia, solidifying their romantic relationship.