Facebook
Reddit
Email
Discover what the Dark Continent is in Hunter x Hunter. Explore all the voyages taken there as well as their significance.
Hunter x Hunter is known for its complex world that gathers the intrigue of fans through its aura of mystery. Among these, one of the biggest lingering questions viewers have had for the majority of the series is the Dark Continent. With foreshadowing of the dangers and wonders of this enigmatic place, many anime-watchers were disappointed since the series went into hiatus before exploring it.
Luckily for manga readers, Hunter x Hunter has revealed more information regarding the Dark Continent, which only makes us more excited for the arcs to come. So, what is the Dark Continent in Hunter x Hunter?
The Dark Continent is a place beyond the “Known World” that is believed to have great dangers and even greater treasures. Let us take a closer look at this.
What Is the Dark Continent in Hunter x Hunter
Every event that takes place in the Hunter x Hunter anime has happened in the “Known World.” These include locations with relatively lower dangers that hunters can safely travel to and record information. The unexplored place is referred to as the “Outside World,” where humans originally lived and migrated from.
As you have probably guessed, this refers to the Dark Continent and Lake Mobius, which is inside it. With elixirs and resources surpassing our wildest imagination, the Dark Continent is a source of wonder for all the curious minds in the world. At the same time, it is also believed that every time the Dark Continent is explored, humanity faces disaster.
For instance, the Chimera Ants are assumed to have originated from this location. Similarly, Nanika—the powerful creature possessing Alluka—also comes from the Dark Continent. Resultantly, out of a total of 149 attempts at excursion, only five groups have managed to come back alive. This staggering survival rate of 0.04% has made the allied nations of V5 and the Hunter Association place heavy restrictions on travel to the Dark Continent.
Every Recorded Trip to the Dark Continent Till Now
1) Begerossé Union
The Begerossé Union had sent 1,000 researchers to the northeast shore of Lake Mobius to find the Unmanned Rock. This item would generate up to 20,000 kW of electricity a day. They were attacked by the Human-Keeping Beast, Pap, and only seven researchers returned.
2) United States of Saherta
The United States of Saherta had sent their special forces to the northern part of Lake Mobius to gain the Herb for All-Illnesses. As the name suggests, this was a herb that could cure all kinds of diseases. However, they were annihilated by the Botanical Weapon Brion, and two came back alive.
3) Federation of Ochima
In the search for Nitro Rice—a cereal to extend one’s life—the Federation of Ochima sent explorers to the southeast shore of Lake Mobius. Unsurprisingly, they ran into the twin-tailed snake, Hellbell, where 99% of the team fell prey, and only 11 returned.
4) Mimbo Republic
With the help of the Hunter Association, the Mimbo Republic wanted to search for the Trinity Elixir in the southeast part of Lake Mobius. This was the mother solution for all the liquids in the world. However, they ran into a gaseous lifeform called Ai, and only three survivors without their sanity returned.
5) Kukan’yu Kingdom
As the last proper exploration of the Dark Continent, Beyond Netero was tasked by the Kukan’yu Kingdom to go to the south of Lake Mobius and find the Metallion. This was an alchemy plant with unknown properties. While they succeeded in retrieving it, Beyond went off course, and his crew caught the Zobae disease, also known as immortality sickness.
Hence, only six of them, including Beyond, returned. This only further fueled Beyond’s goals to explore the Dark Continent. However, since he was forbidden by his father, Isaac, to visit it again, Beyond had to wait for the chairman of the Hunter Association to die first.
What Is the Latest Expedition to the Dark Continent
The latest arc of Hunter x Hunter shows us how Beyond convinces the King of the Kakin Empire to fund his exploration of the Dark Continent. With the promise of unlimited riches and influence, the King readily accepts his offer. While the V5 nations initially oppose this, Beyond’s manipulative nature convinces them to join hands and reap rewards for themselves.
Aboard the Black Whale, the Kakin Empire hosts the contest to choose King Nasubi’s successor during the expedition. Thus, the journey begins with excitement and tension even before the group arrives at the Dark Continent.
Significance of the Dark Continent in Hunter x Hunter
The Dark Continent unlocks endless storytelling possibilities in Hunter x Hunter, bringing captivating narratives and anticipation for future arcs. By featuring complex figures such as Beyond, the mysterious place challenges even the strongest in the series.
Most importantly, the Dark Continent mirrors the greed of humanity at the possibility of extreme risk. Despite previous expeditions causing peril, the thought of exploring the uncharted and gaining its riches shows the dangers of ambition.
Conclusion
While we have only been given a glimpse into the obscurities of the Dark Continent, these have already managed to thrill fans of the series. With the Succession Contest Arc going in full swing and the hazardous Dark Continent in the backdrop, we can’t wait to see the compelling new themes and curiosities Togashi introduces to the series.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!