Severance’s Mysterious “Four Tempers” & Their Meaning

Summary:

  • Severance introduces The Four Tempers as part of Kier Eagan’s philosophy: Woe, Frolic, Dread, and Malice.
  • These emotional forces define human character and influence Lumon Industries’ corporate ideology.
  • The Four Tempers play a key role in Macrodata Refinement’s number sorting and Lumon’s workplace rituals.

Introduction: In Severance, the mysterious corporate philosophy of Kier Eagan revolves around the Four Tempers, a system categorizing human emotions into Woe, Frolic, Dread, and Malice. These tempers serve as a foundation for Lumon Industries’ ideology, influencing everything from employee tasks to company propaganda.

Origins of the Four Tempers in Severance

Severance — Season 2 Official Trailer _ Apple TV+

Kier Eagan, founder of Lumon Industries, formulated the Four Tempers as a means to categorize human emotions and achieve self-mastery. According to Lumon lore, each temper must be tamed to create a balanced individual. The tempers include:

  • Woe (melancholy and sadness) – Symbolized by the Gaunt Bride.
  • Frolic (joy and frivolity) – Represented by a jester.
  • Dread (fear and anxiety) – Depicted as an old crone.
  • Malice (rage and ill intent) – Illustrated as a ram.

READ MORE: The Recruit Season 2: Owen Hendricks’ Hidden CIA Role

Symbolism and Cultural Impact in Severance

Severance — Season 2 Official Trailer _ Apple TV+

The Four Tempers are embedded in Lumon’s culture through various rituals and propaganda, such as:

  • Macrodata Refinement (MDR): Employees unknowingly sort number clusters into categories corresponding to the Four Tempers.
  • Waffle Party Performance: Dancers portray each temper, reinforcing their importance.
  • Perpetuity Wing Exhibit: An animatronic Kier Eagan delivers a speech on the Four Tempers.

READ MORE: The Recruit Season 2: Nathan Fillion’s as CIA Director Alton West

How the Four Tempers Relate to MDR’s Work

SEVERANCE Season 2 Episode 4

MDR employees sort numbers based on emotional reactions, aligning with the Four Tempers:

  • WO (Woe) – Green
  • FC (Frolic) – Yellow
  • DR (Dread) – Red
  • MA (Malice) – Blue

Mark and his team unknowingly engage in this classification, raising questions about Lumon’s true motives.

Theories on Lumon’s True Intentions

Speculation suggests that MDR’s sorting process may be refining severed employees’ personalities, ensuring an ideal balance of the Four Tempers. Some theories connect this process to Ms. Casey/Gemma’s transformation, hinting at deeper experiments on severed individuals.

READ MORE: Apple Cider Vinegar: Belle Gibson’s Real Story

The Four Tempers are more than a philosophical concept in Severance—they are a tool for control and manipulation. Through rituals, propaganda, and hidden workplace practices, Lumon enforces Kier’s ideology, ensuring employees conform to its corporate doctrine. As Severance continues, the true nature of the Four Tempers and their role in Lumon’s experiments will become clearer.

Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.

You can follow us on:

Pinterest

X

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

Youtube

Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel

Enjoying our stories?
Share them with the world!

Quickly spread the word on social media with a click. Your support helps us grow and reach more like-minded folks. Thanks for sharing! 

You May Also Like

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Featured Articles

Follow us Here !!!

Gaming
Movies
TV Series
Consent Preferences