The Nerdy Occultist

One of the most interesting recurring themes throughout the Bayonetta series is the concept of the Eyes of the World. Throughout the series, we’re told that the two ancient sects—the Lumen Sages and the Umbra Witches—each possessed one of these sacred Eyes. The Umbra Witches inherited the Left Eye, also known as the Eye of Darkness, while the Lumen Sages safeguarded the Right Eye, the Eye of Light. Together, these two relics form the Eyes of the World, one of the most important and mysterious forces in the entire series.

But where did the idea of the Eyes actually come from?

To answer that, we have to step outside of Bayonetta for a moment and look at an old, lesser-known version of the Cinderella story. In Italy, there exists a variation known as Mona Catarina, or “The Lone Pure One.” In this telling, Cinderella is associated with the Two Eyes, also called the Eye of Wisdom. These two Eyes are divided into Love and Knowledge, represented by the Left Eye and the Right Eye, respectively. In some interpretations, there’s even a Third Eye, symbolizing Intuition—what ancient traditions sometimes referred to as the Inner Eye of Reason.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because Bayonetta might’ve drawn inspiration from a very similar concept.

Just as the Eye of Wisdom is split into two complementary halves, the Eyes of the World are divided between the two opposing clans. Neither sect possesses the complete truth or the entirety of creation’s power. Instead, each safeguards one half of a greater whole.

The Lumen Sages, as the keepers of the Right Eye, serve as the representatives of light. Even their name reflects this role. “Lumen” is Latin for light or brightness, while “sage” comes through Old French and refers to someone who is wise, knowledgeable, and judicious. Their culture reflects those ideals as well. The Lumen Sages appear disciplined, hierarchical, and highly structured. From what we see through Balder and the Order’s traditions, they’re also portrayed as a predominantly patriarchal society.

In contrast, the Umbra Witches are the bearers of the Left Eye, making them the representatives of darkness. Their name is just as meaningful. “Umbra” is Latin for shadow or shade, and in astronomy, it refers to the darkest part of a shadow cast during an eclipse. The word “witch” has long been associated with wise women and practitioners of magic, making it a fitting title for a clan devoted to arcane knowledge. Unlike the Lumen Sages, the Umbra Witches were a matriarchal society, with women serving as both its leaders and primary practitioners.

What’s especially interesting is that neither clan is presented as inherently good or evil. Instead, they embody opposing yet complementary principles. The Right Eye symbolizes light, order, and knowledge, while the Left Eye represents darkness, instinct, and hidden wisdom. Together, they form the Eyes of the World, reinforcing one of Bayonetta’s central themes: that true balance can only exist when opposing forces coexist rather than dominate one another.