The Quickening is a key concept in the Highlander franchise. It refers to the transfer of power and knowledge that occurs when one Immortal beheads another in the Highlander universe. The Quickening plays an important role in the plot and mythology of the Highlander films and TV series.
What is the Quickening?
The Quickening is the transfer of power that Immortals experience when they decapitate another Immortal. When one Immortal kills another by beheading, a powerful energy surge flows from the dead Immortal into the living victor. This transfer of energy is called the Quickening.
The Quickening functions as follows:
- When an Immortal is beheaded, their power and knowledge is released as energy.
- This Quickening energy enters the body of the remaining Immortal, increasing their strength and abilities.
- The winning Immortal gains the strength, skill, and knowledge of the defeated Immortal.
- Quickening energy manifests visually as lightning and electric arcs.
- The stronger the defeated Immortal, the more powerful the Quickening.
So in essence, each time an Immortal takes a head and receives a Quickening, they grow in power, absorbing the life essence of their fallen opponent. This makes the Quickening crucial to the Immortal Game of competing for the Prize.
Origins of the Quickening
In Highlander mythology, the Quickening is a supernatural gift granted to the Immortals by unknown means. The exact origins of the Quickening are never fully explained, remaining mysterious.
Some key facts about the origins of the Quickening include:
- It is not clear how or why the first Immortals obtained the power of the Quickening.
- The Quickening may be tied to the lifeforce or souls of the Immortals.
- Receiving the first Quickening is what triggers an Immortal’s immortality and special abilities.
- All Immortals possess Quickening energy, which gets stronger the more heads they take.
The unclear origins surrounding the Quickening contribute to its mystique within the Highlander mythos. It exists as an unexplained supernatural phenomenon, granting power beyond mortal comprehension.
Effects of the Quickening
The Quickening has a number of effects on the Immortal who receives it. These include:
Increased Strength and Abilities
The Quickening gives a boost to an Immortal’s physical strength, speed, stamina, and reflexes. It enhances their natural abilities, making them a superior fighter and survivor. Defeating powerful foes increases these abilities exponentially.
Gained Memories and Skills
Upon receiving a Quickening, the victor also gains access to the defeated Immortal’s memories, knowledge, and skills. This may include languages, combat techniques, survival skills, historical knowledge, etc. This allows them to live on through the victor.
Visions and Revelations
Quickening energy can convey visions, insights, and revelations to the recipient. These visions may relate to the defeated Immortal’s past or cryptic omens. They can be overwhelming and take time to process.
Dark Quickening
In rare cases, trauma or evil influence can corrupt the Quickening, causing a “Dark Quickening.” This twists the recipient Immortal’s mind, driving them temporarily insane with rage, violence, and darkness. A Dark Quickening must be overcome or purged to restore balance.
The Prize
Most importantly, the Quickening brings the victor closer to receiving “The Prize” – ultimate knowledge and power awarded to the last surviving Immortal. This drives the competition of the Immortal Game.
The Quickenings in the Films
The Highlander films showcase Quickening scenes as pivotal moments:
Highlander (1986)
Connor MacLeod receives his first Quickening after being mortally wounded in battle, triggering his immortality. He later takes the Quickening of the evil Immortal, The Kurgan, after decapitating him. This grants Connor The Prize.
Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
In a flashback, Connor gains the Quickening of Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez, his mentor. In the present, Connor faces a corrupt corporation abusing the power of the Quickening.
Highlander: Endgame (2000)
Connor battles his evil Immortal kinsman Jacob Kell. Their final Quickening battle destroys them both, making Connor’s clansman Duncan MacLeod the victor.
Highlander: The Source (2007)
Various Quickenings are shown as Duncan MacLeod and other Immortals seek “The Source” of their immortality. The final Quickening unveils The Source.
The Quickenings in the Series
The 1980s-1990s TV series Highlander featured many iconic Quickenings:
Pilot – “The Gathering”
Connor MacLeod takes the Quickening of Immortal Slan Quince in a parking garage battle. This marks Duncan’s first witnessed Quickening.
Season 1 – “The Darkness”
Duncan receives his first Quickening from Immortal Grayson. This brings trauma due to Grayson’s evil, causing Duncan’s Dark Quickening.
Season 2 – “Prodigal Son”
Duncan defeats Dark Quickening by beheading his student Richie, releasing the darkness. In Season 2 finale, he gains the Quickening of evil Immortal Kalas.
Season 5 – “Archangel”
Duncan kills his nemesis Damon Case; their powerful Quickening blasts through the city. In finale Duncan takes old foe Kronos’ head.
Season 6 – “Not To Be”
Visionary artist Immortal Methos gains the Quickening of madman Caleb Cole. This inspires Methos’ writings.
Series Finale – “To Be”
Duncan battles his arising evil side, aided by Vision of Connor MacLeod. His final Quickening redeems his soul.
Key Events Caused by Quickenings
| Immortal | Gained From | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Connor MacLeod | The Kurgan | Received The Prize; Mortality |
| Duncan MacLeod | Grayson | Dark Quickening corruption |
| Duncan MacLeod | Jacob Kell | Ended Connor rivalry |
| Methos | Caleb Cole | Inspiration for philosophies |
Symbolic Meaning of the Quickening
The Quickening carries philosophical and symbolic significance in Highlander mythos:
- It represents the consequences of violence and killing.
- It embodies the objective of gaining knowledge and power.
- It signifies the cost of abusing power through corruption.
- It implies oneness and connection between Immortals.
- It suggests the spiritual evolution brought by pain and loss.
These symbolic layers underpin the deeper meaning of Quickening beyond action and fantasy.
Conclusion
In the Highlander universe, the Quickening acts as a mystical form of knowledge transfer between Immortals seeking the Prize and wielding power over millennia. Its visually spectacular renderings in the films and series made the Quickening a defining trope of the franchise. Beyond its plot purpose, the Quickening carries philosophical meaning about the corrupting nature of power and violence. Through passing Quickenings from one generation to the next, the Highlander saga explores the evolution of power and the quest for meaning across the ages.