Roderick Burgess is the opening antagonist of The Sandman.
He is a charlatan, blackmailer, and magician who tries to entrap Death, but accidentally captures Death's brother, Dream, instead.
History[]
Trapping Dream[]
Roderick and the Order
Roderick and the Order of Ancient Mysteries gathered in his cellar with the Magdalene Grimoire to perform the spell to summon Death, who he intended to force into resurrecting his son. With a coin made from stone, a knife from under the hills, the blood from out of his veins, a song he stole from dirt, and a feather pulled from an angel's wing, Roderick successfully summoned one of the Endless to his cellar and trapped it within a binding circle. With his prisoner unconscious and trapped, Roderick grabbed Dream's pouch full of sand and his ruby before taking his helm as well.
Roderick was advised by The Corinthian
The following day, Roderick received an unexpected visit from The Corinthian, who informed Magus that he didn't capture Death, rather it was Dream who was locked away in his cellar. Corinthian explained that Dream's ruby, pouch, and helm could lend the owner an aspect of his power, such as extending their life span and allowing them to manipulate others. Corinthian simply sought to ensure that Dream never escaped, explaining that the binding circle wouldn't be enough, and advised Roderick to construct a spear of glass inside the circle to contain Dream's physical manifestation. Roderick then entered the cellar and explained that he was actually after Death so he could compel her to return his son back to life, hoping that Dream could now fulfil this request, but he refused to even look at Roderick, let alone speak. So in the meantime, Roderick intended to use Dream's jewel to his benefit.
Ten years later, Dream's ruby, sand, and helm brought Roderick and his followers youth and prosperity while the rest of the world suffered. The night after a party, he found his son, Alex, talking to Dream, claiming he'd free him. Roderick dragged Alex upstairs and warned him against speaking to Dream ever again. He then noticed Jessamy outside the window and grabbed a shotgun, instructing Alex to kill the bird and prove his loyalty, which he did, but he nearly shattered Dream's prison in the process. The next day, after learning that Ethel fled with the pouch, the helmet, the ruby, and the grimoire, Roderick offered to release Dream so that he could retrieve his stolen items, but only if he first granted Roderick wealth, youth, and immortality. However, Morpheus refused to even acknowledge him. Alex attempted to calm his father, but Roderick then turned his frustrations on his son, swinging his cane at Alex, who not only dodged his father's attack, but shoved him back so forcefully that he hit his head on the sphere and died.[1]
Physical Appearance[]
Roderick is an older white man with gray hair.
Powers and Abilities[]
Roderick was a sorcerer of moderate knowledge. He was able to use the Magdalene Grimoire to summon the Endless, but he unintentionally summoned Dream instead of Death.
Appearances[]
Season 1[]
Gallery[]
Promotional Images[]
Episode Stills[]
References[]
- ↑ Season 1, Episode 1: Sleep of the Just