The First War
The rebellion where a demon chose humanity over Hell.
The First War refers to the ancient and pivotal conflict between the forces of Hell and humanity, spearheaded by the demon warrior Sparda against the Devil King Mundus. This legendary battle determined the separation of realms and established the fragile peace that defines the series timeline. It is the foundational mythos explaining why demons seek to invade Earth and why the descendants of Sparda possess the power to stop them. This event occurred centuries before the birth of Dante or Vergil, setting the stage for all subsequent demonic incursions. The outcome created a barrier between worlds that has been repeatedly tested by villains throughout history.
- Combatants
- Sparda vs. Mundus and Devil Army
- Outcome
- Human Victory / Seal Established
- Location
- Border of Realms (Fortuna)
- Era
- Ancient Past
- Key Artifact
- Sword of Sparda
Lore & Background
Sparda was originally a powerful demon who rejected the tyranny of Mundus, the King of Hell. Unlike his kin, he valued human life and freedom, leading to an open revolt against the underworld hierarchy. This war was not merely physical but ideological, challenging the natural order where demons viewed humans as prey. Sparda's victory forced the Devil Army back into their own dimension. Following the conflict, Sparda hid his power and lived among humans, eventually marrying Eva. He forged a seal over the gate to Hell in Fortuna to ensure his sons could live without fear of demonic invasion. However, the legacy of this war created a target on their backs, as demons never forgot the demon who betrayed them for humanity.
In Their Own Story
The sky bled crimson as the gates groaned under the weight of the seal. Sparda stood alone before the rift, his armor scarred from battles that would become legend. Behind him lay the sleeping world he had chosen to protect; ahead loomed the endless hunger of Hell. With a final strike, the barrier locked tight, silencing the screams of the defeated army. He turned away, leaving the throne behind for a quiet life among those who could never understand his sacrifice.
Reader's Guide
The cosmic rules of this universe dictate a strict separation between the Human World and Hell. The First War cemented this boundary through magical barriers erected by Sparda. These seals prevent demonic entities from freely crossing into human territory to consume souls or energy, which is their primary sustenance. Devil Arms are weapons forged from crystallized demon power, often remnants of this era. They allow humans with latent devil blood to wield supernatural strength without fully succumbing to the underworld's corruption. However, the barrier is not absolute; it weakens over time or can be breached by those seeking to unite the worlds. The conflict established that demons view humanity as livestock, while Sparda proved they could coexist peacefully if protected. This ideological clash drives every antagonist in the series, from Mundus to Vergil, who seek to undo what was achieved centuries ago.
Did You Know?
- Sparda's Sword of Sparda was eventually shattered by Dante and Vergil during their final confrontation.
- The city of Fortuna is built directly over the sealed gate to Hell established after this war.
- Mundus survived the conflict and spent centuries plotting revenge against Sparda's lineage.
Elsewhere in the Devil May Cry universe
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