The Eclipse
A tribe bound by tradition, standing united against the machines.
The Nora tribe is a unified society bound by strict laws and traditions, led by the Sun-King Hekarro. Unlike fictional depictions of internal rebellions, there is no canon faction known as 'The Eclipse' within their ranks, nor any dissident group seeking to overthrow traditional leadership or embrace Old World technology in violation of tribal law.
- Leader
- Sun-King Hekarro (Canon Leadership)
- Affiliation
- Nora Tribe
- Location
- The Forbidden West (Nora lands)
- Primary Goal
- Preservation of tradition and survival through unity
- Status
- Active and Unified
- Key Conflict
- External threats from machines and the preservation of tribal laws
Lore & Background
The Nora are defined by their deep reverence for tradition and a strict prohibition against using Old World technology, believing such artifacts bring only destruction. There is no organized internal rebellion or faction called 'The Eclipse' within the tribe; the narrative of a secret group led by a rival named Varl seeking to master machine parts is entirely fictional. In canonical lore, the Nora operate under the guidance of their elders and Sun-King Hekarro, maintaining social cohesion through shared spiritual beliefs rather than internal schisms over technology.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled through the canyon, carrying the scent of ozone and burnt metal. Varl adjusted the makeshift goggles over his eyes, shielding them from the glare of the setting sun as he crouched behind a ridge of jagged rock. Below, in the shadow of a dormant Cauldron, his followers moved with practiced silence, their faces painted not with the traditional war paint of the Nora, but with the stark white of the Eclipse symbol. They were not here to hunt for meat or hide; they were here to take what the Old Ones left behind. 'The Sun-King fears the fire,' Varl whispered to his lieutenant, his voice steady despite the tremor in his hands. 'But we will be the ones who control it.' As a machine patrol approached, drawn by their presence, the Eclipse did not run; they raised their modified spears, ready to strike at the heart of the old world's legacy.
Reader's Guide
The Eclipse is a dissident faction within the Nora tribe that challenges the authority of the Sun-King. Unlike the mainstream Nora who strictly adhere to the laws forbidding contact with Old World technology, The Eclipse believes that embracing these machines is essential for survival against the relentless machine threat. Led by Varl, the group operates covertly, often engaging in unauthorized raids on machine territories to harvest parts and data. Their goal is to overthrow the traditionalist leadership and replace it with a regime willing to utilize advanced technology to protect the tribe. This puts them at odds with the majority of Nora society, who view their actions as heretical and dangerous. Members of The Eclipse are typically young warriors disillusioned by the tribe's inability to stop machine incursions or those who have secretly studied forbidden tech. They play a critical role in the conflict by introducing instability within the tribe and forcing the Sun-King to confront the reality that traditional methods may no longer be sufficient for survival.
Did You Know?
- The Nora strictly forbid the use of Old World technology, viewing it as a source of corruption and danger.
- There is no canon character named Varl or faction called 'The Eclipse' in Horizon Zero Dawn lore.
- Sun-King Hekarro leads the Nora with absolute authority, ensuring adherence to tribal laws that have kept them safe for generations.