Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Sandman season 2.The Sandmanseason 2 expands the lore of the hit Netflix fantasy TV show, drawing upon the comic book series of the same name in its depiction of gods, demons, and faeries.The Sandmanseason 2returns to the world of Dream (Tom Sturridge), who, early on in the season, finds himself tasked with choosing a new ruler for Hell after Lucifer (Gwendoline Christie) retires.
This brings all manner of entities and creatures to his doorstep, whom he must entertain and keep placated while he comes to a decision, alongside formulating a plan to rescue his old love Nada (Umulisa Gahiga). Although it is based on a series by DC Comics,The SandmanTV show does not take place in the larger DC Universe.
However, it still suggests a world where any and all legends and stories are based on a semblance of truth, which includes the existence of faeries. With Dream also being Morpheus of Greek mythology and the faeries being taken from English traditions,The Sandmanfeatures a wide array of lore coming together through its own unique characters.
The Faeries In The Sandman Are Based On The Lore Popularized By Shakespeare
The Sandman’s Faerie Storylines Are Rooted Mainly In English & Irish Folklore
The faeries ofThe Sandmanare largely based on the vision of them popularized by William Shakespeare’sA Midsummer Night’s Dream. Shakespeare himself used elements of English folklore while creating his characters, including King Oberon, Queen Titania, and Robin Goodfellow. However, different sources present more variation than Shakespeare’s defined versions of the folkloric figures.
The Sandmanworks backwards, as it suggests that Shakespeare’s (Luke Allen-Gale) play depicts an accurate version of the faerie court, when the creators of the comics based their characters more on the play than on folklore. At least,the “real” faerie court inThe Sandmanis ruled over by Auberon (Royce Pierreson) and Titania (Ruta Gedmintas)and includes Puck (Jack Gleeson).
The faeries reside in the hidden realm of Faerie and arrive in the Sussex Downs in England through a doorway in Wendel’s MountinThe Sandmanseason 2, episode 3, “More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Hold.” Faerie also once had close ties to the Dreaming, with their powers and effect on the real world having much overlap, before a falling out between Dream and Titania.
Why Did The Faeries Have To Pay A Tithe To Hell?
Faerie Paying Hell With Its Residents Is Part Of Classic Faerie Lore
When Dream is given the Key to Hell inThe Sandmanseason 2, it is of concern to Faerie,as the kingdom has long paid a tithe of nine of its citizens every seven years to Hell. Their hope is that no one will inherit Hell, so they will no longer have to pay this due.
The TV show does not go into detail about the reason for the tithe, but there is much speculation among fans of the comics. In the show, it is said that this arrangement is “by ancient compact,” which alludes to the reason being a result of the faeries' very nature being demonic, or at least outside the confines of both Heaven and Hell.
Dream turns Hell over to the angels, but makes sure the tithe does not continue, which he credits to the impression made by Nuala.
Interpretations by both readers onRedditandShiloh Carrollmention that medieval ballads such as “Tam Lin” include instances of faeries making payments to Hell. The faeries aren’t exactly Hell’s citizens, but it seems to be agreed that they are paying “rent” to Hell in order to remain an independent kingdom.
Who Is Lady Nuala & How Is She Important?
A Faerie Lady Who Impresses Dream & Is Spurned By Her Kingdom
Lady Nuala (Ann Skelly) is the faerie character given the most focus in Netflix’sThe Sandman.She and her brother Cluracan (Douglas Booth) are sent as ambassadors to plead Faerie’s case when Dream is dealing with the many would-be rulers of Hell. Cluracan spends the trip indulging in various debauchery, whileNuala makes an effort to connect with Dream.
However, Nuala is betrayed by her queen and her brother when the latter reveals, just as they are about to leave, that Titania is giving Nuala to Dream as a gift. Dream attempts to politely reject this so Nuala can return home, butNuala declares that she would rather stay than return to a queen who holds her in such low regard.
She also potentially does this to help Dream avoid the nasty business of offending Titania. The two seem to have formed a kind of friendship throughout the ordeal of finding Hell’s new rulers, and he and his staff welcome her as a new resident of the Dreaming.
Dream also turns Hell over to the angels, but makes sure the tithe does not continue, which he credits to the impression made by Nuala, telling Cluracan to pass this along to Titania. He also asks that Nuala drop her glamour, which she was required to wear at all times to meet Titania’s standards of beauty and elegance.
Why Dream Arranges The Production Of A Midsummer Night’s Dream & What Effect It Has
Dream Commissions Shakespeare To Mend Bonds & Teach Lessons
During her conversations with Dream,Nuala also reveals that she was present during the first production ofA Midsummer Night’s Dream,but they did not properly meet at the time. Faerie and the Dreaming’s relations had grown strained, and Dream commissioned the play featuring Auberon and Titania as characters in order to repair this rift.
They will forever be remembered by mortals thanks to Shakespeare’s depiction.
This plan worked, asAuberon and Titania seemed to appreciate the way their characters are critiqued in the play in good humor, while also being prompted to actually reflect on their behavior.In return, they will forever be remembered by mortals thanks to Shakespeare’s depiction — a point which is proven by the very fact that The Sandman draws upon this play for inspiration.
What Happens To Lady Nuala After She Relocates To The Dreaming, Explained
Nuala Falls In Love With Dream, But He Does Not Return These Feelings
In the comics,Nuala takes on the role of overseeing housekeeping in the Dreaming and stays there for many years,during which time she falls in love with Dream. Eventually, her brother comes to take her back to Faerie; should this happen in the TV show, the issue of why she agrees to this will likely get more focus.
Dream grants her a boon upon her departure, but when she reveals what she really wants, he says that he cannot love her. Nuala calls upon Dream at a pivotal moment in his final arc, and Dream tells her he can only “send [her] a dream of [his] love,” which she says she already has. It is another ethereal moment we may soon see on screen inThe Sandman.
