Merovingian (The Matrix)

Merovingian
The Matrix character
Lambert Wilson as the Merovingian in The Matrix Reloaded
Created by	Wachowski brothers
Portrayed by	Lambert Wilson (The Matrix Reloaded/The Matrix Revolutions) Robin Atkin Downes (The Matrix: The Path of Neo)
Information
Aliases	the Frenchman
Species	Computer program
Gender	Male
Spouse(s)	Persephone

The Merovingian, also known as the Frenchman, and called Merv by Trinity, is a fictional character in The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, portrayed by Lambert Wilson in both films. He also played a prominent role in The Matrix Online role-playing game.

The Merovingian provides a safe-haven for exiled or obsolete programs in the Matrix, as an alternative to deletion. Being an exile himself, the Merovingian's services are not condoned by either the "Redpills" or the Machines, but they are overlooked unless in direct conflict with either of their goals.

Back-story and Involvement in the Matrix

There is not much known about the Merovingian's origin, but from what both he and the Oracle have revealed, he was a program made to regulate behavior amongst the "Bluepills" and report back with results. After the collapse of the first Matrix, he became obsolete ^[1] as the newer versions presented an illusion of choice to the hard-wired humans, causing the behavioral manipulation to be more indirect than the Merovingian's more straightforward methods. Instead of accepting deletion, he retreated into the programming of the Matrix, disguised as a human, and resolved to aid other programs who have become obsolete.

He is seen as a hero to exiled programs, and as an impulsive and selfish opportunist to others. He is disillusioned by the idea of choice amongst humans, and, in a speech to Neo, Trinity and Morpheus, he relates that everything occurs due to cause-and-effect, and that there is no such thing as choice.^[2]

Cultural References

The Merovingian is named after the Merovingian dynasty of Frankish royalty. His wife, Persephone, is named after the Greek Goddess of renewal and companion of Hades. He has the role as the guardian of the virtual afterlife where exiled programs can seek refuge from deletion. He owns a nightclub named "Club Hel," as a reference to the Nordic guardian of the afterlife.

See also

• Charon's obol
• Simulated reality

References

1. ^ The Matrix Reloaded
2. ^ The Matrix Reloaded

External links

• Merovingian at the Internet Movie Database