The Shocking Fate of Hari Seldon Revealed in Foundation

WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the first episode of season 2 of Foundation. Hari Seldon makes a return in this episode, even though he is deceased. The episode, titled "In Seldon's Shadow," starts by showing Seldon in a peculiar reality where things don't seem logical. Within this enigmatic realm, Seldon encounters Yanna Seldon, whom he refers to as his "lifemate." Additionally, he interacts with Kalle, the mathematician who devised the Ninth Proof of Folding in the first episode of season 1.

However, what Seldon experiences is not a type of afterlife or a way to reverse his demise. This particular incarnation of Hari Seldon exists within a four-dimensional space, but he must perceive it as three-dimensional to comprehend it. The reason for Seldon being inside the Prime Radiant ties into his long-term plans for what would occur following his death in season 1 of Foundation.

Hari Seldon Died (But His Consciousness Was Copied Twice)

In Foundation season 1, episode 2, Hari Seldon meets his demise at the hands of Raych Foss. Initially, it was believed that Foss stabbed Seldon without his knowledge. However, later in the season, it is revealed that Seldon actually orchestrated his own death and instructed Foss to carry out the act. Seldon had been diagnosed with a fatal illness that would soon claim his life. He saw this as an opportunity to become a martyr for the Foundation and a guiding symbol for the first generation of Encyclopedists on Terminus. Seldon's plan was successful and he became revered as a quasi-religious figure for the Foundation, though his influence extended beyond his physical life.

In Asimov's Foundation, Seldon's legacy takes the form of a series of recorded holographic messages that are played from the Time Vault Room during significant moments for the Foundation. However, in the Foundation show, the Vault contains more than just recordings of Hari Seldon; it also serves as a backup for Seldon's consciousness. Additionally, another backup of Seldon's consciousness was created at the moment when Raych was about to stab him. This second version of AI Hari Seldon was stored within the same knife that caused Seldon's death. Subsequently, Gaal Dornick transfers this AI version of Hari Seldon from the knife into the Prime Radiant.

Why Gaal Trapped Hari Seldon In The Prime Radiant

In Foundation season 1, Gaal Dornick encountered an AI named Hari Seldon. However, their conversation in episode 7 made Gaal question Seldon's reliability from her perspective. In the premiere of Foundation season 2, Seldon's controversial nature was emphasized. For example, he deliberately prevented Gaal and Raych from being together in order to protect his long-term Foundation plan. Seldon saw Gaal's cryosleep and Raych's death as unexpected deviations from his intended course.

Seldon refused to disclose his plan to Gaal, fearing that her actions could disrupt it. This lack of trust led Gaal to confine Seldon's consciousness in the Prime Radiant. On the other hand, Salvor Hardin, who grew up in Terminus, dedicated her life to following Seldon's Plan. The dynamics among Hari Seldon, Gaal Dornick, and Salvor Hardin promise to be the most captivating aspect of Foundation season 2.

Episodes of Foundation release Fridays on Apple TV+.