Destruction

The Prodigal who walked away from eternity.

Destruction is one of the seven Endless, a cosmic being who personifies the concept of destruction. He is a tall, robust man with red hair who appears bearded at times and shaved at others. Destruction abandoned his duty as an Endless three hundred years ago, causing strife among his siblings. He did so because he felt his function was no longer necessary or desirable after the Enlightenment and the creation of the atomic bomb. Since leaving his domain, which is caught in an explosion that is suspended, the other Endless have referred to him as "the Prodigal" or "Brother" instead of "Destruction". He has a strong desire to be creative and productive, and he shows genuine skill in pursuits like painting and cooking, though he is not a master. A sword is his symbol.

Quick Facts

First appearance: The Sandman #4 (February 1989)

Lore & Background

Destruction is one of the seven Endless, siblings who personify aspects of existence within the DC Universe. He is the brother of Destiny, Death, Dream, Desire, Despair, and Delirium. In The Sandman (vol. 2) #47, Dream gives a description of the Endless: "The Endless are merely patterns. The Endless are ideas. The Endless are wave functions. The Endless are repeating motifs. The Endless are echoes of darkness, and nothing more…" Destruction is also known as "The Prodigal" because he abandoned his duty entirely three hundred years ago. Destruction enjoys creative/constructive activities like painting, poetry and cookery. In "Brief Lives", Destruction claims that he has carried out his responsibilities for 10 billion years (not including the prior three centuries).