Venom and Host Relationships: Would a Host Die if Venom Were Killing Eddie?
Venom and Host Relationships: Would a Host Die if Venom Were Killing Eddie?
When it comes to the fictional character Venom, the relationship between the symbiote and its host is complex and multifaceted. In the movie, Venom forms a bond with Eddie Brock, giving him enhanced powers and a shared existence. But what happens if the symbiote turns against its host, specifically if Venom were to kill Eddie Brock? Would he die?
Understanding the Symbiote and its Host
The symbiote in the movie has its own survival instincts and often shows a strong protective desire towards its host. In various comic book adaptations, the symbiote has been known to heal its host or save them from fatal injuries. This raises the question: would Eddie Brock, if venom were to kill him, indeed die?
Factors Influencing the Outcome
The answer to this query depends on two primary factors: the host and the symbiote's state of mind.
Host
In general, symbiotes, especially those suffering from Knull’s influence, would take control of their host and force them into dangerous activities to feed on their adrenaline rush. They would then dispose of the host after their utility had ended, leaving nothing behind but an empty shell.
However, Venom is a unique case. Unlike most symbiotes, he did not simply want to use his hosts as a battery and discard them afterward. He desired a bond with them, hence the term "symbiote." This is why he was cast out in the first place and considered a "loser" among his peers.
Eddie Brock is canonically the best host for Venom. He even asked a priest for guidance, an action that was previously unknown to Eddie himself. In the comics, Eddie and Venom share a much stronger connection, with their affection evident even in the seemingly bizarre "kiss" scene.
Considering this, it makes logical sense that Venom wouldn't intentionally hurt or kill Eddie, purely due to their strong bond. However, this does not apply to other hosts, as the symbiote has shown that it is willing to be hostile and even hostile enough to take them back to Klyntar to cleanse their violent urges, as demonstrated in the case of Flash Thompson.
Symbiote State of Mind
The symbiote can get "corrupted" if it bonds with "evil," "immoral," or "corrupt" individuals. This was highlighted in the Flash Thompson arc, where he had to seek cleansing to overcome his violent and murderous urges. This led to his role as Venom: Agent of the Cosmos, or Space Knight.
When the symbiote is in a “good” state of mind, it is more likely to go to extreme lengths to protect its hosts. However, if the symbiote is in a “bad” state of mind, the outcome is more uncertain and risky.
The Venom in the movie seemed to be relatively balanced compared to some of his comic book counterparts. By the end of the film, an almost symbiotic bond was formed between Venom and Eddie, with Venom nearly sacrificing itself to protect Eddie.
In summary, if the symbiote deems you a “good” host and is in a “good” state of mind, you are likely to be safe. Conversely, if the symbiote is in a “bad” state of mind, it's risky to assume your safety.
Final Thoughts
The relationship between Venom and its host is a delicate one, influenced by both the host and the symbiote's state of mind. While Eddie Brock is a unique and ideal host for Venom, the outcome in a scenario where Venom were to kill him would largely depend on the specific narrative and circumstances presented.
Conclusion
Whether a host would die if Venom were to kill them is not a clear-cut answer and is highly dependent on the specific host and the symbiote's mental state. For Eddie Brock, given their strong bond and the symbiote's perceived balanced state, the likelihood of death is somewhat mitigated. However, caution and further analysis of the scenario are still necessary.