Unraveling The Sandman’s Intricate Family Ties: Who Are The Endless?

In the second and concluding season of “The Sandman” on Netflix, all members of the Endless family make an appearance on-screen. The Endless are the embodiments of abstract concepts first presented as a family in the “The Sandman” comic books published by Vertigo in the 1990s. This Netflix adaptation, developed by Neil Gaiman, David S. Goyer, and Allan Heinberg, breathes life into the intricate DC comics, with Season 2 delving deeper into the familial connections within “The Sandman”.

In Season 2 of “The Sandman,” Dream’s tale unfolds further as he works to restore his domain following a century-long imprisonment and renews ties with additional members of his family. The intricate, imaginative world of “The Sandman” blends unique characters with myths, folklore, and popular culture, creating a rich tapestry of characters whose relationships might not conform to typical expectations.

The first part, called Volume 1, will be released on July 3. The second part, known as Volume 2, follows on July 24. A special bonus episode will complete the season on July 31.

The Sandman Season 2 Endless Family Tree Explained

Dream

The character known as Dream of the Endless, portrayed by Tom Sturridge, is the central figure in The Sandman. He rules supremely over the Dream Kingdom, where he shapes and confines dreams and nightmares. This enigmatic figure can be both tranquil and potent, bound by his ethereal duties, yet not hesitant to confront wrongdoings.

Throughout countless centuries, Dream has been involved in various romantic entanglements, such as with Queen Nada from Africa and the muse Calliope. Regrettably, none of these relationships have had a happy ending.

Destiny

In Season 2 of The Sandman, we meet Destiny (played by Adrian Lester), the eldest among the Endless, who’s akin to the MCU’s Watcher in terms of omniscience. He’s bound to a book of destiny that reveals past, present, and future events. In this series, he oversees The Garden of Forking Paths. Known for his calm demeanor and lack of emotion, Destiny generally avoids the family conflicts and squabbles of his siblings.

Death

Kirby Howell-Baptiste is one of the few actors who have acted in both “The Sandman” series, also appearing in “Dead Boy Detectives.” In Season 2 of “The Sandman,” she reprises her role as Death, who is Dream’s older sister and trusted advisor, as well as a compassionate figure of death.

she gives life by taking it, and at some point, every being encounters her twice during their lifetime. Death is understanding and dedicated to her duties, showing maternal care that makes her a nurturing figure among the Endless.

The Prodigal (Destruction)

In The Sandman Season 2, I’m one of the fresh faces joining the Endless family, going by the name The Prodigal, or more ominously known as Destruction. Unlike my abandoned and neglectful title might suggest, I see myself as a catalyst for change rather than a harbinger of ruin. Contrary to popular belief, I’m quite approachable despite being associated with destruction.

Desire

As a passionate cinephile, I find myself captivated by the intriguing character of Mason Alexander Park’s Desire, one of two eternal twins known as the Endless. Desire embodies desire and longing, constantly shifting form. The centuries-old rivalry between Dream and Desire is a tale as old as time, with Desire frequently interfering in Dream’s domain.

Despair

In simpler terms, one of the Endless, named Despair (played by Donna Preston), represents human despair and manages the Gray Realm. She is particularly close with her twin and often seeks their thoughts and validation.

Delirium

In Season 2 of The Sandman, the last character among the Endless that viewers will encounter is Delirium, portrayed by Esmé Creed-Miles. Delirium is the unpredictable youngest sibling who governs her domain of Madness. She can be whimsical and quickly diverted. Among all the Endless, Delirium shares a unique bond with her missing brother, Destruction.

Calliope

In Greek mythology, one of the nine Muses, Calliope (whose other name is Melissanthi Mahut), entered into a relationship with Dream many millennia ago. This romantic union resulted in a son, Orpheus, but the tragic outcome of their child led to an estrangement between the couple that remained unresolved for hundreds of years.

In a special episode of Season 1 of “The Sandman”, Calliope, trapped by covetous authors eager for inspiration, appealed to Dream for aid. True to form, Dream appeared to rescue her from the grip of Richard Madoc. Yet, despite their history and unresolved issues like resentment and Orpheus’ fate, these matters will become clear in Season 2.

Orpheus

In a resemblance to the ancient Greek tale, Ruairi O’Connor as Orpheus (son of Calliope and Dream) was a minstrel who developed feelings for Eurydice. As legend goes, this character shares his story in The Sandman, which was adapted early in the series. In this narrative, Orpheus loses Eurydice prematurely, prompting him to make a desperate attempt to rescue her from the underworld, much like the myth suggests.

Dream’s unwillingness to help his son sets the stage for Orpheus’ destiny, leading ultimately to the separation of Dream and Calliope.

Unity Kinkaid

In the first season of “The Sandman,” Unity Kinkaid (played by Sandra James-Young) debuted as a sufferer of the sleeping sickness. During this long sleep, Dream was imprisoned. Notably, while she was asleep, Unity gave birth to a daughter named Miranda Walker. It’s later discovered that Desire is Miranda’s other parent.

In the scheme they concocted, Miranda became pregnant with the intention of vengeance against Dream, aware that she was a unique entity called the Vortex of Dream. This special power was inherited by her daughter, Miranda, and then passed down to her granddaughter, Rose.

Miranda Walker

As a passionate cinephile, I found myself captivated by the intriguing tale of Miranda Walker, the daughter of Unity and the secret offspring of Desire. Growing up, she was bound to her mother’s affliction, a lingering slumber known as sleeping sickness. Time passed, and she became a mother herself, welcoming Rose and Jed into the world.

Rose Walker

In “The Sandman” Season 1, Rose Walker (Kyo Ra), the great-grandchild of Unity K. Hapschatt and William Joseph Walker, played a pivotal role. Unaware, she was entangled in a web of dreams, acting as both a desired prize for Desire and an ally for Dream. The Corinthian sought her out, while Dream aimed to utilize her in his search for his missing subjects.

Following their reunion, Rose was ready to give up her life to protect the Dreaming, but then her grandmother stepped in, assuming her role as the vortex and making the self-sacrificing move instead of Rose.

Jed Walker

Born to Miranda Walker and part of the Endless lineage, Eddie Karanja, known as Jed, was torn away from his sister Rose following their parents’ divorce and was cruelly confined by his abusive guardians. The Corinthian manipulates Jed to draw Rose into his grasp, but with Dream’s assistance, they manage to free him, ultimately leading to the long-awaited reunion of the brother and sister.

2025-07-07 20:05