Merovingian (The Matrix)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Merovingian is a fictional character in the movies The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, portrayed by Lambert Wilson in both films. The character was named after the Merovingian dynasty of Frankish kings. He also plays a prominent role in the MMORPG The Matrix Online as well, often in conflict with either Zion, the Machines, and occasionally other Exile groups as well.
The Merovingian is a rogue computer program coercive created by the Matrix. As one of the few entities able to directly manipulate the strong and loyal code which creates the Matrix, he is that program's unofficial power broker. While technically a sophisticated program, his persona is that of a mannered French bon-vivant. He enjoys fine attire, scintillating banter, and carnal pleasures. He is married to Persephone, who resents his philandering. The Merovingian is the leader of a group of Exiles, employs The Twins and others as his henchmen, held the Keymaker prisoner, and controls the Trainman.
[edit] Trivia
- The Merovingian states that he has survived all of Neo's predecessors. Persephone also reveals that the Merovingian used to be "like Neo" when she speaks of initially falling in love with him. Lambert Wilson revealed in an interview that the Merovingian is not a “previous Neo”.
- The Merovingian's speech that there is "no free will in the world, only lines of causality" closely mirrors the works of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes.
- In the Matrix Online MMORPG game it has been revealed by an Exile character called "the General" (not all Exiles programs are beholden to the Merovingian) that the Merovingian was originally an Operating System in purpose.
