Lo sagrado y lo profano en el universo de "Diablo"

Abstract

In this work, the main sacred and profane elements in the universe of Diablo are studied in order to determine their relevance for the general development of the fiction. In the first place, the franchise is contextualized on the basis of its transmedia nature, which leads to consider other sources in addition to the video games. In particular, special attention is paid to the narration in the Book of Cain (2011), fictionally written by a character of the saga (Deckard Cain) and in which valuable information to classify the sacred and profane features in Diablo is provided. In this way, and always from the internal coherence of the fiction, we delimit the presence of sacred components (the High Heavens and the five Angiris Council angels), profane components (the Burning Hells and the seven demons) and even sacred-profane components (the Nephalem). Concurrently, we intend to ascertain the mythological or religious source that gives name to many of the characters that appear, such as Anu, Tathamet, Duriel or Belial, among others. As a conclusion, the opposition between the sacred and the profane is highlighted as fundamental for the functioning of both the gameplay and the narrative of Diablo as a whole.