In Neil Gaiman's The Sandman, the Endless are seven physical incarnations of emotions, impulses, actions, and beliefs of creatures all over the universe. No one, not even themselves it seems, knows why they exist, only that they have for an unfathomable length of time, and will continue to do so until the last living thing dies.
With the impending release of Netflix’s adaptation of Gaiman’s classic comic book, arguably the greatest Vertigo series of all time, audiences beyond comic readers will be introduced to this powerful and dysfunctional family of beings. As such, the Endless may become all the more mighty as a result. But who among them holds the most power?
Destiny
Appearing as a cloaked old man, Destiny is the embodiment of fate. He knows all that has happened and all that will happen to everyone and everything that ever was and ever will be. It is all written down in his large book that tells the history of the universe, which he has memorized.
For all this power, Destiny doesn’t do much with it. Similar to Watchmen’s Doctor Manhattan, he is ultimately a puppet who happens to see the strings. However, Destiny very rarely acts on or with this knowledge, choosing only to watch for the most part.
Despair
One of the younger siblings of the Endless, Despair appears naked and scarred, her disposition made all the worse from the centuries of human atrocities. When she debuts to audiences in the 20th century, she is at an all-time low.
While Despair has been made powerful by the decay and depression of time, she’s also been made a victim of it. Being the embodiment of despair has made her despair in turn, and as such, her lack of action puts her on par with Eeyore.
Delirium
Once upon a time, there was a member of the Endless called Delight, who personified joy and happiness. As time went on, and history unfolded with increasing ugliness, Delight slowly morphed into Delirium.
While Delirium’s unpredictable disposition puts her at a disadvantage, her madness allows for anything to manifest at her command and drive people to insanity. If she had more self control, she may be a formidable threat for existence, so perhaps it is best that her demeanor is generally a kind one.
Destruction
The one who abandoned his dominion, Destruction was, and in many ways still is, the embodiment of the act of ending things, places, and people. Once he learned of man’s proclivity for science, he abandoned his realm, not wanting to be a part of the large-scale destruction to come. One wishes he could crossover with of Legends of Tomorrow, among other destructive DC characters.
Like some of his siblings, Destruction can be idle. However, even in his idleness, the act of destruction only evolved in this Endless’ adjudication. This leaves one to wonder: What would the level of destruction be on Earth if he stayed at his post in the end?
Desire
Desire is the embodiment of want. Every drive and action within the hearts of humankind comes from Desire, and it’s usually for the worst, driving many a person to madness and ruin. Really, Desire is one of many reasons is such a highly anticipated fantasy series.
Desire delights in the chaos they cause, and actively sews the seeds of want within people, even within their own siblings. Considering no one acts without some kind of desire in their heart, some kind of motivation, Desire can be, and indeed proves themself to be, quite the formidable foe.
Dream
The Sandman himself. Dream is the embodiment of creation in whatever form it takes. Perhaps it is the literal dreams people have in their sleep, perhaps it’s a dream for a better life, or perhaps it is the dream to make a piece of art. Indeed, the Lord of Dreams is quite powerful.
In many ways, Dream shares a disturbing amount of similarities to his sibling Desire, as they both can cause want. But Dream gains the high ground due to the less nebulous nature of his power, the results that can come from the work fueled by his power.
Death
Everything living thing dies, and when they do, they will meet Death. When that happens, she will, with kindness, respect, and comion, guide them to what’s next. She may not have been there when the universe began, but she will be there when it comes to an end. Only then will she meet her own end.
Death is the strongest of the Endless because of how necessary she is, and because she will be the last of them to exist. With ease, she overcomes obstacles that cross her path, and it’s easy because of how much she is needed, for better or worse.
