Architecture of the Afterlife

[missyjack]

So people have already been speculating about what or more correctly who, Dean might run into in Purgatory. So I thought I's have a bit of a look about what we know about the afterlife in Supernatural

Comments

[locknkey]

I'm guessing ultimate destination and belief have something to do with each other. Supernatural has played around, but never entirely explored belief as the force behind creation - from the idea of urban legends as manifestations of belief (why they only show up regionally - Scarecrow and most directly behind the entire episode of Hell House) to the idea that Gods are powerful based on their believers and their believers strength of worship (Fallen Idols & Hammer of the Gods).

I wonder if this has anything to do with the disappearance of God. Belief is certainly not the only source of power in Supernatural, but seems to be a powerful one for those that are Gods/Goddesses - like Kali/Osiris or Lucifer, but necessary for those that God's create - angels, demons.

It seems the flip side of that coin (which has been spoken to in Ruby's and other demon's belief in Lucifer was certainly part of his power base.) is that belief has some part to play in the afterlife as well. I think it's reasonable to speculate that if one does not believe in he Christian version of purgatory that's not where one ends up (or perhaps in Cas's case the only version he knew of was the one Heaven speaks of most - a cage for nightmares) OT: I wonder how much of Sam and Dean's journey as heroes relates to their belief that they are different (not just their belief but many other people and beings as well.)

It also seems to me show has implied that while belief is enough to create something, that the same belief cannot be sued to destroy, that once created the entity/being takes on a life of it's own.

Purgatory exists in some fashion in most major religions. I believe show has set the precedent for Dean to encounter almost anything, but I suspect they will stick with the easiest/least costly interpretation or the option that best suits the story they wish to tell.

I find it interesting that belief as a source for creation is a common idea (one often speculated on by physicists and not uncommon in horror storytelling - Salem's Lot comes most instantly to mind - the cross only works becasue the priest believes it will.) and have given a lot of thought to how SPN particularly plays with it.

I do think some interesting possibilities have been opened up and my greatest hope is that it makes lots of fic!