In the expansive world of Borderlands, Sirens stand out as uniquely powerful individuals marked by mysterious tattoos and extraordinary abilities. These figures are central to the franchise’s lore and gameplay, wielding supernatural powers linked to the enigmatic Eridians and Vault technology. Fans often wonder about the precise number of Sirens that exist within this universe.
At any given time, only six Sirens can exist concurrently in the Borderlands universe. This limitation means that Sirens are rare and their powers are highly coveted. When a Siren dies, their abilities either pass to a chosen heir or randomly transfer to another individual, maintaining the balance of six active Sirens. Each Siren manifests distinct powers, from phase manipulation to mind control, which contributes to their significant roles in the story.
These six Sirens have diverse backgrounds and functions, ranging from legendary Vault Hunters to major antagonists, shaping the narrative across multiple Borderlands titles. Understanding how many Sirens exist and their impact provides crucial insight into the ongoing saga of this science-fiction universe.
Key Takeways
- Only six Sirens are allowed to exist at the same time in Borderlands.
- Siren powers can be passed on to heirs or transferred randomly after a Siren’s death.
- Each Siren has unique abilities that influence the Borderlands storyline.
How Many Sirens Are in Borderlands?
The Borderlands universe establishes a defined limit on how many Sirens can exist at the same time. These individuals possess unique, powerful abilities tied closely to Eridium and the Vaults. The number of active Sirens fluctuates due to deaths, power transfers, and exceptional cases within the lore.
The Official Number of Sirens in the Universe
Only six Sirens can exist concurrently in the Borderlands universe. This number was confirmed by official sources, including characters like Handsome Jack. Each Siren wields unique powers, and these abilities differ widely despite the shared traits of tattoos and Vault-related powers.
When a Siren dies, their powers either pass to a chosen heir or randomly to a new individual across the universe. This mechanism maintains the cap of six active Sirens. The tattoos that cover them are emblematic of their powers and appear typically on one half of their body. Their connection to the planet Pandora and Eridium is an essential part of their identity.
Main Siren Characters and Timeline
Key Sirens identified across the Borderlands games include Lilith, Maya, and Angel from the original Borderlands 2 era. Commandant Steele also appears as a deceased Siren. Amara, introduced in Borderlands 3, is another active Siren, while Ava serves as Maya’s heir.
Notable deceased Sirens like Tyreen and Troy Calypso appear in Borderlands 3’s storyline. Nyriad, an ancient Siren, is referenced as having sealed The Destroyer and is linked to the deep lore of the Eridians and Vaults. These characters form the core of the Siren lineage, with their powers and legacies intertwined with the Vault Hunters and the evolving conflict on Pandora.
Exceptions, Power Transfers, and Unseen Sirens
While six is the established limit, some cases complicate this rule. Troy Calypso, a male Siren-like figure, manifested powers due to his connection as a parasitic twin but was weaker than full Sirens. Tyreen Calypso uniquely held two distinct Siren powers simultaneously, temporarily altering the count.
When a Siren’s power is taken forcibly, such as Maya losing it to Troy, the inheritance system ensures the power returns or passes on properly after their death. Some Sirens, like Ava and Patricia Tannis, show that powers can be inherited or transferred rather than innate at birth. Powers not fully explored or unseen Sirens may exist but are less documented within the current games and lore.
Major Sirens and Their Roles
Sirens in Borderlands are distinguished not only by their powers but also by their distinct roles in the universe. Each has shaped events through leadership, mentorship, or unique abilities tied to Vault hunting and Eridian technology.
Lilith: The Firehawk and Her Legacy
Lilith is one of the most prominent Sirens, known as the Firehawk for her ability called Phasewalk. This power lets her become invisible and phase through dimensions, leaving a fiery trail. Beyond combat, Lilith led the Crimson Raiders, a resistance group on Pandora.
Her role expanded across the series, influencing major storylines up to Borderlands 4. She uses Eridium to amplify her abilities, despite risks such as addiction. Lilith’s leadership and combat skills made her a symbol of hope and strength against threats like Hyperion and the Children of the Vault.
Maya and Ava: Mentorship and Inheritance
Maya wielded the Phaselock ability, which traps enemies in a blue energy bubble and can control their minds briefly. She played a key role as a Vault Hunter in Borderlands 2 and appeared later as a major character in Borderlands 3.
After Maya’s death, her powers passed to Ava, her apprentice, who continues Maya’s legacy. This passing of powers shows how Siren abilities transfer, often through a chosen heir. Ava’s role demonstrates the ongoing influence of mentorship in the Siren community.
Angel and AI Connections
Angel was a Siren with the Phaseshift ability, granting her technopathy: manipulating technology with her mind. She worked for Hyperion as a coordinator but later died due to overuse of Eridium.
Angel also served as an AI in several story arcs, linking Siren powers to Hyperion’s tech network. Her death led to Tannis, a scientist and ally, inheriting some Siren aspects, showing a complex connection between Sirens and synthetic life forms or technology.
Amara: The Brawler of Borderlands 3
Amara is a Vault Hunter introduced in Borderlands 3, known for her physical combat style. Her powers include Phaseslam, Phasecast, and Phasegrasp, enabling her to deliver powerful melee attacks and control enemies.
Amara is notable for her tattoos evolving with her strength and her ability to manifest multiple arms during combat. She represents the more aggressive and frontline role among Sirens, combining raw power with defensive capabilities.
Commandant Steele: Military Siren
Commandant Steele was a Siren aligned with Atlas Corporation’s military forces. Unlike most Sirens, her powers remain unknown, and she operated as a leader of the Crimson Lance brigade.
Her role was primarily authoritative and strategic, focusing on enforcing corporate interests rather than heroic endeavors. Steele’s military position illustrates that Sirens can serve various factions and are not always aligned with Vault Hunters or rebellion.
Tyreen and Troy Calypso: Sibling Power Dynamics
Tyreen and Troy Calypso are twins central to Borderlands 3’s story. Tyreen possessed Phaseleech, an ability to absorb life energy and other Siren powers, unique for holding multiple powers simultaneously.
Troy, the only confirmed male Siren, used weaker parasitic powers and supported Tyreen’s dominance. Their dynamic involved manipulation, control, and chaos, impacting the universe’s balance by reducing the number of active Sirens and threatening other characters.
Patricia Tannis: Scientific Discovery
Patricia Tannis is a scientist turned Siren, known for her Phaseshift ability. She is an archaeologist studying Eridians and Vault technology, bridging the gap between Siren powers and academic knowledge.
Though less physically combative than others, Tannis plays a crucial role in uncovering lore and supporting the Crimson Raiders with her expertise. Her transformation into a Siren shows that the power can extend beyond traditional Vault Hunters to intellectual figures in Pandora’s struggle.
