With its mysterious storytelling and layered world-building, Severance once again challenges the audience in Episode 6 of Season 2. Titled “Attila,” this episode is packed with symbolism and historical and literary references, shedding new light on the deeper secrets of the Lumon universe.
The episode’s title, Attila, refers to the infamous leader of the Huns—one of the most feared enemies of both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. He even had plans to invade Sassanid Persia. This historical reference may symbolize a ruthless and destructive force, which is reflected in the show’s narrative. Could Lumon be that hidden enemy, silently dismantling the inner worlds of its characters?
One of the most shocking moments in this episode comes from Mark’s revelation: Gemma might still be alive. Two possibilities are presented—either her physical body remains intact and her death was artificially staged, or a cloned version of her has been created, complete with her consciousness. In either case, the idea reflects a central theme of Severance: the fragile line between human and machine, between reality and illusion.
In the previous episode, we saw Irving give Dylan a secret address to access a hidden elevator—but Dylan mysteriously refuses to follow through. The reason becomes clear: Milchick has allowed him to reconnect with his wife in the outside world. This deeply emotional experience—profoundly human—has shifted Dylan’s priorities, showing how Lumon manipulates emotions to maintain control over its employees’ desires and actions.
Huang, Winter Tide, and the Lovecraftian World
Ms. Huang, the enigmatic character introduced earlier, plays a more prominent role in this episode. She’s referred to as “Wintertide,” a name lifted from Lovecraftian literature. The novel Winter Tide, inspired by the classic The Shadow Over Innsmouth, presents a dark and eerie atmosphere that mirrors the cold, soulless world of Lumon. In the original story, hybrid beings—part human, part otherworldly—are sent to internment camps, a chilling parallel to the mind-controlled employees of Lumon.
In Winter Tide, both Americans and Russians race to harness an ancient magic that could give them an edge during the Cold War. This narrative closely mirrors the world of Lumon, a corporation bent on mastering and cloning the human mind. Interestingly, Gemma once studied Russian literature, and Mark is a historian. These subtle details may hint at a larger ideological and historical battle being reenacted through the characters.
Helly, Mark, and the Adam and Eve Motif
One of the episode’s most symbolic scenes shows Helly walking barefoot—an image echoing the psychological concept of the “Walk of Shame,” which represents feelings of guilt or anxiety after an emotional or sexual experience. Considering Helly and Mark (or Helena) have shared two intimate encounters, the possibility of a pregnancy arises—something that might have major implications in the episodes to come.
On a deeper level, Mark’s relationships with all three women—Gemma, Helly, and Helena—mirror the mythic tale of Adam and Eve. In some versions of the story, Satan first seduces Eve and persuades her to deceive Adam. Mark, under intense mental manipulation, may be caught in a similar cycle of sin, deception, and love.
Episode 6 of Season 2 stands as one of the most intricate and multilayered episodes of Severance so far. From historical nods to Attila and the Roman-Persian conflicts to literary echoes of Lovecraft and ancient mythologies, everything is interwoven with remarkable precision. Now, with Mark on the verge of full mental integration, it seems the next episode will force him to make one of the most emotionally and ethically charged decisions yet.
Will he be able to choose between love, truth, and duty? Or will Lumon win this high-stakes game of minds and emotions?
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