The Iris

This article is about the concept. For similarly named articles, see Iris (disambiguation).

“	Human. Machine. We are all one within the Iris.	„
	~ Mondatta

The Iris

The Iris is an energy anomaly formed by Aurora's sacrifice, and a concept within the Shambali faith.

Background

The Iris is a unique energy anomaly located in the Himalayas, deep beneath the Shambali Monastery. It is the site of Aurora's sacrifice. When she sacrificed herself, the Shambali believe that she transcended existence itself. The Shambali strive to reach this level of being which they refer to as "the Iris." The Shambali believe that all beings, both organic and mechanical, can achieve this higher state of being through the Iris, and that within it, all are one.

The Iris cannot be explained by human science.

History

“	Whatever Aurora was looking for on her voyage to Shambali, in that moment...she had found it. We were pretty confident we knew what the results would be...but I will never fully understand what happened in there.	„
	~ Matthias Verne

The Awakening pulse, and consequent formation of the Iris

The Iris was formed towards the end of the Omnic Crisis, when Aurora sacrificed herself to give sentience to the omnics under Anubis's control. When the Awakening pulse was sent out, the Iris was left in its place.

Years afterwards, a group of omnics led by Mondatta journeyed to the site of Aurora's sacrifice. They formed the Shambali, spreading a message of love and unity for humans and omnics alike. The Iris became a center of worship within the faith.

Trivia

Iris graffiti in Toronto

• The Iris appears to be associated with the concept of an afterlife/transcendence within the Shambali faith. Zenyatta references the Iris when using his abilities, and if resurrected, Orisa can ask, "Was that the Iris?"
• Sigma occasionally states that he's met The Iris in passing conversation with Zenyatta
• In concept art, Echo was originally named "Iris."