Lost City of Ubar

Lore & Background

In the context of the Tomb Raider saga, the city's true nature is revealed to be far more supernatural than mere history. The Triangulum Society, a shadowy organization seeking immortality, believes Ubar holds the key to controlling the realm of the dead and the living. Beneath the sand lies not just gold, but a gateway connected to the ancient mythology of the Key of Apsu. The city is a trap designed by its creators to protect this power, filled with deadly environmental hazards and guardians that have waited millennia for intruders.

Reader's Guide

The myth of Ubar is interpreted differently by various factions within the narrative. However, the Triangulum Society views Ubar as a divine vault containing the secrets of eternity, specifically the Key of Apsu required to open the Gates of Eternal Life. The city plays a central role in the main plot by serving as the primary battleground for control over these ancient artifacts. When Lara Croft arrives, she finds herself caught between the Society's ruthless mercenaries and the supernatural defenses of the ruins themselves. The narrative uses Ubar to explore themes of greed versus preservation, as the Society seeks to exploit the city's power while ignoring the catastrophic consequences. Ultimately, the discovery of Ubar drives the protagonist to confront her own fears and the reality that some secrets are meant to remain buried. The event forces a confrontation with the leaders of the Triangulum Society, revealing their true intentions to manipulate life and death on a global scale.

Did You Know?

• Ubar is frequently cited in real-world mythology as the 'Atlantis of the Sands,' believed by some historians to be located near modern-day Oman.
• In the game's lore, the city was destroyed not just by natural disaster but potentially by a supernatural event linked to the Key of Apsu.