
In the sweeping narrative of Dark Matter, filled with gods, shadows, and cosmic intrigue, it’s easy to overlook the characters who operate in the quiet spaces—the ones whose strength lies not in wielding power, but in enduring pain, protecting what matters, and carrying hope through the darkest of times. Zivah, the mother of Joshua Carpenter, is one such character. While she may not directly battle the gods or walk between dimensions, her influence on the story is immeasurable. Zivah is the foundation upon which so much of the rebellion against the old gods is built. Her love, resilience, and sacrifices shape not only Joshua, but the course of the multiverse itself.
Let’s take a closer look at Zivah’s character, exploring her journey, her impact, and why she is such an essential figure in Dark Matter.
Zivah’s journey is one of sacrifice. From the moment she becomes pregnant with Joshua, her life is no longer her own. She faces opposition, betrayal, and even the threat of death—all because of the child she carries. Her beloved Asher, manipulated by rogue shadows and the shaman, turns against her in a tragic attempt to prevent Joshua’s birth. Zivah is forced to endure not only the betrayal of the man she loves but also the overwhelming knowledge that her son’s life will be filled with danger and uncertainty.
Despite this, Zivah never falters in her commitment to Joshua. She fights to protect him, both before and after his birth, and her love becomes the foundation of his strength. Zivah knows that her role in the prophecy comes with immense personal cost, but she accepts it with a quiet resolve that speaks to her character’s depth.
In a story filled with darkness and existential dread, Zivah represents hope. She is the embodiment of the belief that even in the face of overwhelming odds, there is always something worth fighting for. This hope isn’t naive or blind—Zivah is acutely aware of the dangers she faces and the pain she has endured—but it is steadfast. It is the kind of hope that refuses to be extinguished, even when the world seems to be falling apart.
For Joshua, Zivah’s hope becomes a guiding light. She teaches him not just through her words, but through her actions. Her resilience, compassion, and determination shape Joshua into the man he becomes. Even as he struggles with his own doubts and fears, Joshua carries the lessons he learned from Zivah with him, drawing strength from the love and hope she instilled in him.
Zivah’s strength is not the loud, attention-grabbing kind. She doesn’t lead armies or perform grand acts of rebellion. Instead, her strength lies in her ability to endure and protect. She raises Joshua under constant threat, knowing that forces far greater than herself are working to destroy him. Her strength is the kind that comes from holding on when it would be easier to let go, from loving fiercely even when it hurts, and from choosing to fight for a better future, even when that fight feels hopeless.
This quiet strength makes Zivah a deeply relatable and inspiring character. In a world dominated by gods, shadows, and cosmic forces, she represents the power of the human spirit. She reminds us that strength doesn’t always come from wielding power—it can also come from persistence, love, and the refusal to give up.
Zivah’s role as Joshua’s mother is central to her character, but it’s also one of the most complex aspects of her story. She is not just a nurturing figure—she is also a protector, a teacher, and a source of unwavering support. But her relationship with Joshua is also marked by an underlying sadness. Zivah knows that Joshua’s life will be filled with challenges and that she cannot shield him from the dangers he will face. Her love for him is tinged with the pain of knowing that she can only guide him so far before he must walk his own path.
This duality—love and loss, hope and pain—defines Zivah’s relationship with Joshua. It is a testament to her strength that she is able to let him go, trusting that the lessons she has taught him will be enough to carry him through the darkness. In many ways, Zivah is the heart of Joshua’s story. Her influence is felt in every choice he makes, every step he takes, and every battle he fights.
Though Zivah is not the protagonist of Dark Matter, her legacy is woven throughout the story. She is the foundation upon which the rebellion against the gods is built. Without her strength, love, and sacrifices, Joshua would not exist, and the prophecy would have no hope of being fulfilled.
Zivah’s legacy extends beyond Joshua. She is a reminder of the power of ordinary people to shape extraordinary events. In a story filled with gods and cosmic forces, Zivah’s humanity stands out as a beacon of hope. She shows us that even in the darkest times, love and resilience can create ripples that change the course of history.
Zivah is the quiet heart of Dark Matter. She doesn’t command armies or wield magical powers, but her presence is felt in every corner of the story. Her strength, compassion, and hope form the foundation of the rebellion, and her love shapes Joshua into the man he needs to become. Zivah reminds us that true strength is not always loud or dramatic—it can also be quiet, steady, and unwavering.
In a world dominated by gods and shadows, Zivah is a reminder of what it means to be human. Her story is one of love, sacrifice, and resilience, and her legacy is a testament to the power of hope in the face of darkness. Zivah’s character may operate in the background of Dark Matter, but her influence on the narrative—and on the lives of those she loves—cannot be overstated.
Through Zivah, Dark Matter asks us to consider what we would fight for, what we would sacrifice, and how we might find hope even in the darkest of times. She is a character who reminds us that even the smallest acts of love and resilience can have a profound impact on the world—and on the multiverse.