Vulnavia: Mute and/or Hypnotized?

I haven't read the novelization ($40 for an old dimestore paperback is too rich for my blood), but the script evolved beyond the initial vision (which most likely formed the basis of the novel) and the movie is open for interpretation -- otherwise there wouldn't be so many Vulnavia threads here!

Personally, I always thought of Vulnavia as a deity who took on a human form. It would sorta make sense (within the confines of the film) that Phibes looked to the Egyptian Gods for help executing his plan. Vulnavia first appeared shrouded in white light, and seemed to be human while the rest of Phibes henchmen were clearly mechanical. She ultimately sustains acid burns to the face but reappears in the sequel unscathed (and oddly unfamiliar, since another actress took over the role!).

The mental illness angle doesn't really work for me. There would be no logical reason that I can discern -- insane or not -- for a beautiful young woman to get caught up with Phibes' dastardly plans. Hypnosis seems implausible, though not impossible. But then, the appeal of her character is that there's absolutely no explanation for her motives.

Watched the movie last night and wondered. Some of the theories are interesting and I guess we'll never know for certain.

I have a couple of theories...

First is that she's some sort of spirit who temporarily takes on physical form to assist Phibes. He is, after all, a theologian and obviously familiar with all sorts of mysticism. Perhaps she is similar to a witch's familiar. And once his goal is achieved, she becomes vulnerable to physical harm and is no longer needed.

Another thought, given the first film's preoccupation with Jewish mysticism, is that she's a golem, a statue given life via magic and who serves its creator. And in some versions of the story, golems can take on human appearance. Considering her silence and impassive face, it makes a certain amount of sense. The golem is an old Jewish legend, and was the subject of a famous silent flick.

I don't believe in any of this ooga-booga stuff, but for the purposes of the story, it is fun to speculate about it.


Facts need to come before certainty.

Vulnavia is awesome. She is one of the greatest characters in horror history. All of us should aspire to be more like her.

I've been waiting for you, Ben.