The Highlander universe is built on a set of rules that govern Immortals. These rules have evolved across the movies and the Highlander TV series. The essence of Highlander is Immortals battling each other for "The Prize." The most consistent and important rules of the franchise are discussed below.
Rule #1: There Can Be Only One
- Immortals know instinctively that the last one standing gains "The Prize."
- "The Prize" is vaguely defined but generally allows the winner to become all-knowing and mortal.
- Immortals cannot avoid the fight; even friends and lovers know they may eventually have to battle.
Becoming Immortal
- Immortals are born mortal but become Immortal upon their first "death."
- After the first death, their aging stops, and their appearance is frozen.
- Other Immortals can sense potential Immortals and sometimes ensure their first death occurs at the right time to gain an ally.
- Veteran Immortals typically leave new Immortals alone long enough for them to receive training.
How to Permanently Kill an Immortal
- Immortals can only be permanently killed through decapitation.
- They are immune to most other forms of injury and heal quickly or resurrect if seemingly "dead."
- Swords are the preferred weapon due to their effectiveness in decapitation, so Immortals almost always carry them.
The Quickening
- When an Immortal dies, powerful energy is released.
- Any nearby Immortal automatically absorbs this energy, a process called "The Quickening."
- The Quickening is painful but makes the absorbing Immortal more powerful.
- Increased power can manifest as heightened speed, agility, faster healing, or other subtle abilities.
- Killing a more powerful Immortal results in a greater power gain.
The Gathering
- As the number of Immortals dwindles, they feel an irresistible pull to a specific location for a final battle.
- This magnetic pull is known as "The Gathering."
- The Gathering is anticipated with both fear and excitement by Immortals.
Holy Ground Rule
- Immortals are forbidden from fighting on Holy Ground.
- Violating this rule can lead to disastrous consequences, often attributed to otherworldly power (e.g., the destruction of Pompeii).
- Holy Ground is often used by Immortals as a safe haven to avoid conflict.
The Buzz
- Immortals can sense the presence of other Immortals.
- This sense, often compared to Spider-Man's "spidey sense," is known as "the buzz."
- The buzz frequently manifests as physical symptoms, such as stomach pains.
One-on-One Combat
- Immortals traditionally fight one-on-one.
- Ganging up on an Immortal is rare.
- This custom prevents weaker Immortals from overwhelming powerful ones and vice-versa.
- Allied Immortals have been known to sacrifice themselves to boost a friend before a major duel.
Secrecy from Mortals
- Immortals are forbidden from openly fighting or discussing their affairs in front of non-Immortals.
- This rule is for their protection, as mortals knowing of their existence would lead to them being hunted.
- While not strictly enforced (Immortals may confide in trusted mortals), those mortals who spread the information would likely be killed.
Inability to Have Children
- Immortals are sterile from birth and cannot have children.
- This is seen as a practical measure, as living for centuries and watching children age and die would be painful.
Breathing Underwater
- Immortals have the ability to breathe underwater.
- This rule prevents the "endless drowning" scenario if an Immortal were to be submerged, making water not an Achilles' heel.
Minor or Inconsistent Rules
- Some abilities, like Connor MacLeod's ability to commune with and control animals in the original movie, were introduced but not consistently maintained or expanded upon in the franchise.
Franchise Recommendation
- The video recommends skipping the Highlander movies (especially Highlander 2) and starting with the 1992 spin-off, Highlander: The Series, which ran for six seasons and is considered superior by many fans.
- A reboot of the 1986 movie is currently in the works, starring Henry Cavill.
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