"The Descents Of Sons" (Flock'⁴⁴/ıı)

"**The Descents of Sons**" is the eighteenth episode in the Flock'⁴⁴/ıı series of the Oslo saga. This captivating flashback episode explores the intricate relationships between Wolfe Lindseth and Wolfgang von Stieglitz in the Lebensblood program, shedding light on the influence of racially-charged ideologies on their dynamic.

## Plot

The first scene of the flashback episode titled "The Descents of Sons" immerses us in Northern Germany in 1942 at Station 13. The screen captures our attention with bold blackletter font, showcasing the episode's title and establishing the time and place, Within a dimly lit hallway, an exhilarating fencing match unfolds between an extraordinary 11-year-old prodigy named Wolfe Lindseth and a skilled adult opponent. Despite his young age, Wolfe astounds everyone with his remarkable skill and agility, effortlessly defending himself against the opponent's relentless attacks. The resounding applause from the nurses and doctors observing fills the corridor with a mixture of admiration and astonishment, Amidst the intensity of the match, Wolfe catches a fleeting glimpse of his father, Leon Berge, standing at the hallway's edge. The realization that his biological father is present fills him with a whirlwind of excitement and determination. Fueled by this newfound connection, Wolfe approaches his father after the match, yearning for his approval and validation of his fencing abilities. This encounter serves as the catalyst for the enthralling story that is about to unfold, as Wolfe embarks on a transformative journey to unearth the secrets of his lineage and the destiny he is meant to fulfill, Following his encounter with his father, Wolfe, who walks away with a newfound sense of purpose, is approached by a doctor who brings him news of his transfer to Station 18. This station is renowned for training children with exceptional intelligence for future leadership roles, and Wolfe's excitement soars as he anticipates meeting Himmler there. However, before he can fully revel in this thrilling prospect, his current doctor, Dr. Flitz, approaches him with concerns about his genetics and overall health, citing his unexpectedly low IQ score of 78%. This revelation catches Wolfe off guard, as he has always believed himself to be highly intelligent. Initially, he dismisses it as a mistake, opting to seek further clarification from Dr. Felix to unravel the truth behind his intellectual capabilities.

During his visit to Dr. Felix's office, Wolfe learns that his high IQ score is attributed to his lineage from the esteemed Himmler family, known for their exceptional intellect. In fact, there was one prodigy from the family who scored over 95%, identified by the number 5167. This news leaves Wolfe intrigued and somewhat bewildered, as he contemplates the implications of his own abilities, Despite his confusion, Wolfe decides to accept the situation and embrace the opportunity to meet the prodigy known as 5167 at Station 18. He hopes that encountering someone with an even stronger mind, someone who embodies the ideals of the true Aryan person, will be an awe-inspiring experience. However, deep down, Wolfe still harbors reservations and worries about the outcome of this encounter, As Wolfe shares the news with his friends, he discovers that some of them have already heard whispers about the prodigy known as 5167 from Station 18. This only adds to his growing sense of anticipation and anxiety. As he lies in bed that night, his mind is filled with more worry than excitement. He fears that he may be disappointed, and wonders if he will still be loved and appreciated for his own unique intelligence, The next day, Wolfe packed his belongings and the boxes filled with his fencing rewards. His father, Leon Berge, offered him a ride to Station 18. During the car ride, Wolfe couldn't contain his curiosity and began asking his father about his work. However, Leon seemed visibly nervous and evaded the questions, steering the conversation towards the topic of 5167 instead. This change in subject irritated Wolfe, who wanted to know more about his father's work.

In an attempt to find a more comfortable topic, Leon mentioned Wolfe's mother. This struck an emotional chord in Wolfe, as he deeply missed his mother and longed for her presence. Overwhelmed with emotions, Wolfe couldn't help but express his feelings, and Leon quickly realized his mistake. He apologized for bringing up such a sensitive topic, explaining that he couldn't get his mind off Wolfe's mother, To lighten the mood, Leon shifted the conversation to their past trip to Oslo with friends. He reminisced about the beautiful culture and pleasant experiences they had there, trying to cheer Wolfe up. It reminded Wolfe of the fond memories he had of Norway, and he expressed his longing for the country. Leon understood his son's sentiment and empathized with his feelings, Upon arriving at Station 18, Leon and Wolfe made their way to the front where they met Himmler. Leon greeted Himmler with a smile, while Wolfe praised him and affectionately referred to him as "Der Opa" (Grandpa in German). Himmler looked at Leon with a proud smile, appreciating Wolfe's intelligence and robust health, As Wolfe glanced into the distance, While observing the Aryanized children, Wolfe's attention was drawn to Wolfgang, who occasionally passed by him. Intrigued by this Jewish-Polish Aryan boy's presence in the program, Wolfe's skepticism grew stronger, prompting him to approach Himmler to express his concerns, With a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, Wolfe confronted Himmler about Wolfgang's participation in the program, questioning why a Jewish boy was included when the program was meant for non-Jewish Europeans with Germanic backgrounds. Himmler, aware of the potential impact of this revelation, carefully explained the reasoning behind the decision.

Himmler revealed that the program aimed to maintain a facade of a racially pure Aryan population, even if it meant including individuals who didn't meet the strict genetic criteria. He explained that the program searched for individuals who exhibited Aryan characteristics, such as blond hair and blue eyes, as it fit the desired Aryan image propagated by the Nazi regime, Himmler further confided in Wolfe, sharing that certain children, known as Lebensblood children, had been Aryanized in their physical appearance despite their non-Aryan backgrounds. These children were carefully monitored and underwent testing to assess their adherence to Nazi propaganda and their level of Aryanization, With a heavy heart, Wolfe processed this revelation, realizing that appearance played a significant role in the program's selection process. As he reflected on the implications of including Aryanized children, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease and concern about the potential dangers posed by these individuals involved in the Lebensblood program, Himmler reassured Wolfe that the Aryanized children were closely watched and monitored to ensure their alignment with Nazi ideology. The decision to include them was made to create an image of unwavering patriotic views and maintain the illusion of a racially pure Aryan population, This shocking revelation left Wolfe with a whirlwind of emotions and questions. He grappled with the conflicting ideas of appearance versus genetic purity, and the ethical implications of such a program. The encounter with Wolfgang, who embodied this complex dynamic, only added to Wolfe's uncertainty and skepticism about the program and his own identity, As Wolfe pondered this revelation, he was surprised to see Aryanized children warmly welcoming him with smiles. Among them, he encountered Kali, who approached him with a smile. Wolfgang, occasionally passing by, apologized for accidentally bumping into him, and Wolfe reciprocated the apology, shaking hands with him.

Meanwhile, Wolfe found himself in a new room after being transferred by the doctor. His new roommate, Michael Frink, was unpacking alongside him when they were pleasantly surprised by Wolfgang entering the room to lend a helping hand. As they organized their belongings, Wolfgang's eyes lit up with excitement upon spotting Wolfe's épée and sabre gear in his bag. Unable to contain his curiosity, Wolfgang revealed that he, too, was a fencing player. Wolfe felt a surge of pride and confidence as he shared his own successes in the sport, On their first day of class, Wolfe and Michael met Wolfgang and his roommate, Finny, in the hallway. Their faces brightened with joy as they greeted each other, forming an instant connection. Conversations flowed freely as they made their way to the cafeteria, the sound of laughter filling the air. Amidst their animated discussions, Wolfe couldn't help but notice the sparkle in Wolfgang's eyes as they talked about their shared interests and ambitions, Once inside the classroom, they were met with an unexpected challenge. The test they faced consisted of over 35 pages, delving into the topics of racially pure ideology and Aryan traits. Wolfe, driven by his quick thinking, started answering the questions swiftly. Meanwhile, Wolfgang took a more careful approach, meticulously examining each question. As he glanced at Wolfe's writing, he couldn't help but notice Wolfe's speed. It was clear that Wolfe wasn't giving much attention to the test, whereas Wolfgang dedicated himself to completing every question. Despite their different approaches, they both managed to finish the test, leaving the classroom with a sense of accomplishment, During recess on the playground, Wolfe and Wolfgang met up once again. They eagerly exchanged stories about how their tests went, their excitement filling the air. Michael and Finny joined in on the conversation, adding their own perspectives and experiences. The camaraderie between the four friends deepened, solidifying their bond even further.

As Wolfe walked through the cafeteria, he couldn't help but notice the discrepancies in the food distribution. Some of the Lebensblood children seemed to be receiving inadequate portions, while others, like him and Wolfgang, were given larger trays of food. Wolfe's conscience pricked at him, prompting him to consider the unfairness of the system. He decided to share some of his food with those in need, a small act of kindness that was quickly interrupted by a stern guard who ordered him to stop. Wolfe reluctantly complied, apologizing for his actions, as the guard walked away. His friends, Michael and Finny, cheered him up, assuring him that they often found ways to share meals with those who needed it, even if it meant bending the rules, At the playground during recess, Wolfgang and Michael engaged in a conversation about Wolfe. Michael, always the voice of reason, expressed his concern for Wolfe's relentless pursuit of beating Wolfgang's scores. He reminded Wolfgang that true intelligence was not solely determined by numbers on a test, but by the ability to think critically and empathize with others. Wolfgang nodded thoughtfully, realizing the weight of his friend's words, Meanwhile, Wolfe and Finny were engrossed in a game of tag on the monkey bars. As they played, Wolfe's gaze was drawn to another boy, Wilhelm Weber, who was clearly one of the most intelligent students in the program. Curiosity got the better of him, and Wolfe approached Hans Bauch, a fellow student who seemed to be acquainted with Wilhelm. Hans explained to Wolfe that Wilhelm believed he was number 5167, possessing the highest intelligence status. This revelation startled Wolfe, making him question his own abilities and leaving him feeling somewhat lost in his pursuit of becoming a true Aryan prodigy.

In the midst of their grueling training at the gym, the Lebensblood boys bear witness to brutal battles, resulting in bloody injuries as they engage in intense hand-to-hand combat. Among the fighters, Wilhelm stands out with his impressive defensive skills, while Wolfe finds himself facing off against his formidable opponent, Wolfgang, Wolfe launches himself into a fight with Wolfgang, attempting a series of kicks and punches. However, Wolfgang skillfully dodges each strike, leaving Wolfe frustrated. Undeterred, Wolfe tries a jumping maneuver, but once again, Wolfgang evades with agility. Determined to land a decisive blow, Wolfe manages to connect with a final hit on Wolfgang. However, Wolfgang retaliates by utilizing his powerful akiko, causing Wolfe to be thrown dangerously close to the line separating victory from defeat, With quick thinking, Wolfe shields himself, managing to land safely despite Wolfgang's attempt to grab him. Regaining his composure, Wolfe charges towards Wolfgang once again. However, his kicking maneuver falls short, resulting in a kick to his chest delivered by Wolfgang. This leads to Wolfe's defeat, and as a consequence, he is assigned the task of cleaning for an hour, while also enduring hunger due to a lack of time for eating, Despite the setback, Wolfe requests a rematch, and the gym teacher agrees to it. Taking a moment to catch his breath, Wolfe mentally prepares himself, while Wolfgang also readies for the challenge. As they face each other once more, Wolfgang employs his sparring skills, skillfully evading Wolfe's punches and countering with swift kicks. Utilizing his shield, Wolfgang effectively defends himself against Wolfe's punches. In a surprising move, Wolfgang flips onto Wolfe's head and pushes him, forcing Wolfe to skillfully maintain his balance and avoid touching the line of defeat, In a moment of frustration, Wolfe lands a powerful kick on Wolfgang's face, causing him to bleed from his nose. Feeling remorseful, Wolfe is caught off guard as Wolfgang retaliates with a punch to his face. The impact is enough to knock them both off balance, causing them to fall simultaneously and land on their respective lines. It is a draw, and despite their injuries, both Wolfe and Wolfgang demonstrate their resilience and determination, Recognizing that they have pushed themselves to their limits, the gym teacher orders them to stop fighting, emphasizing the need for rest and recovery. Understanding the importance of taking care of their bodies, both Wolfe and Wolfgang agree to rest and recuperate.

As the days continued to pass, Wolfgang who found solace and joy in their kite-flying while Finny playing with Wolfgang. They would venture out to open fields, allowing the wind to carry their vibrant kites high into the sky. Running and laughing, their kites gracefully danced in the air, creating a breathtaking spectacle. These shared experiences strengthened the bond between Wolfgang and Finny, fostering a deep camaraderie between the two friends, Meanwhile, in the distance, a group of girls sat together enjoying sandwiches and chatting. Among them was Kali, who noticed Wolfgang's disappointed expression as he looked at his yoyo. Curiosity piqued, she approached him, hoping to understand what was bothering him. However, Wolfgang seemed distant and chose to focus on the view of the sky, filled with countless airships. Kali, recognizing his detachment, empathized with his emotions and tried to reassure him that his worth was not determined by his ability to focus on airships, Wolfgang, however, couldn't shake the doubt that had been instilled in him by the Aryanized children around him. He questioned whether something was wrong with his IQ due to his Jewish and Polish heritage. Despite Kali's rejection of these notions, Wolfgang still struggled with his self-perception, One night, overwhelmed by his thoughts, Wolfgang quietly made his way to a doctor's office. He sought reassurance about his genetics, wanting to ensure that he hadn't been mistakenly labeled or misunderstood. Wolfgang spent the night at the hospital, anxiously awaiting the results, Upon leaving the hospital, a disoriented Wolfgang encountered Michael, who was shocked to see his friend in such a state. However, Wolfgang brushed past him without a word, leaving Michael confused and concerned about what had transpired.

The next day, as the class gathers in the classroom, Wolfe's admiration for Wolfgang's intelligence grows as he witnesses him effortlessly solving a complex mathematical equation. The room is filled with awe and admiration for Wolfgang's brilliance, but alongside this admiration, a small seed of jealousy begins to take root in Wolfe's heart. He wonders why Wolfgang seems to excel effortlessly in every aspect of life, while he himself must work tirelessly to achieve similar results, During a group evaluation session, Himmler, the program's overseer, observes the children's progress. As he walks around the room, he stops at Wolfgang's desk and praises his exceptional intelligence and strategic thinking. The other children, including Wolfe, listen intently, their eyes filled with a mix of admiration and envy. This moment intensifies Wolfe's jealousy as he realizes that Himmler's attention is solely focused on Wolfgang, leaving him feeling overshadowed and overlooked, To add to Wolfe's growing frustration, the fencing class organizes a friendly tournament, with Wolfe and Wolfgang facing off in the final match. The entire program gathers to watch the highly anticipated battle between the two brightest students. Despite putting up a valiant fight, Wolfe is outmatched by Wolfgang's superior skills and ultimately loses the match. The defeat stings Wolfe's ego, and he can't shake the feeling that Wolfgang's intelligence extends beyond academics and into physical prowess.

After the fencing tournament, Himmler publicly acknowledges Wolfgang's exceptional fencing abilities, praising his technique and speed. Wolfe, already harboring feelings of jealousy, becomes resentful as Himmler showers Wolfgang with attention and praise. He starts to question why Wolfgang seems to effortlessly excel in every aspect of life while he struggles to keep up. These feelings of inadequacy are further intensified when the children are given a challenging intelligence test to assess their progress, and it becomes evident that Wolfgang has achieved the highest score. The room erupts in applause and congratulations for him, serving as a constant reminder of Wolfe's own shortcomings, Whispers from his peers and the constant reminders of Wolfgang's success begin to take a toll on Wolfe. He becomes increasingly frustrated with himself for not being able to surpass Wolfgang's achievements. However, amidst the sea of jealousy and self-doubt, a glimmer of self-reflection emerges. Wolfe starts to realize that comparing himself to Wolfgang and constantly seeking validation from others will only hinder his own growth. He begins to understand that his journey is unique and that his talents and abilities, though different from Wolfgang's, are valuable in their own right.

Wolfe's internal struggle intensifies. He grapples with conflicting emotions, torn between his jealousy and newfound knowledge about Wolfgang's heritage. Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Wolfe decides to approach Wolfgang in the hallway after class, Nervously, Wolfe starts a conversation, carefully choosing his words. To his surprise, Wolfgang responds with kindness and openness. Wolfgang explains that his heritage has no bearing on his intellect or abilities, emphasizing that everyone should be judged based on their merits and not their background. Deep down, Wolfe knows that Wolfgang is right, but his jealousy still lingers, clouding his judgment, Determined to break free from the grip of envy, Wolfe seeks solace in the library. He immerses himself in books about overcoming personal challenges and embracing one's unique qualities. It is during this time of reflection that Wolfe has an epiphany. He realizes that his journey is not about proving himself to others, but about embracing his own talents and finding fulfillment within himself, Armed with a newfound sense of purpose, Wolfe approaches Himmler to discuss his own aspirations and goals. He shares his desire to explore advanced theories and concepts, just like Wolfgang. To his surprise, Himmler listens attentively and promises to provide additional resources and guidance to help Wolfe reach his full potential, With Himmler's support, Wolfe pours himself into his studies, determined to prove that he, too, is deserving of recognition and opportunities. He embraces his unique perspective and begins to contribute innovative ideas during group projects. Slowly but surely, Wolfe gains the respect and appreciation of his classmates.

In the flashback of while working as a floor cleaner, Wolfe caught a glimpse of Wulf von Stieglitz arriving at the Lebensblood program to visit his son Wolfgang and his daughter, Miki. The sight of their happy family gathering filled Wolfe with a mix of longing and bitterness. Wulf, known for his playful nature, entertained the children and brought joy to their faces. He even brought Wolfgang a kite and Miki some roses, their smiles widening as they received their gifts. From a distance, Wolfe observed this scene, feeling a sense of emptiness within himself, On another occasion, the birth parents of the Lebensblood children came to visit. Kalli met her father, Kalle Jokinensen, who gifted her a doll. Liesel received dolls from Nazi soldiers, but their appearance didn't meet her expectations. Veit, however, decided to modify one of the dolls, adding a ponytail to make Liesel happy. Finny played with his birth father, Otto Wagner, and Erich beamed with joy when he saw Aadne, who always brought him a big teddy bear. Amidst these heartwarming reunions, Wolfe couldn't help but notice Ilsabellen Einwolfe searching for her birth daughter, Edith, who seemed reluctant to be found. Edith's rejection of her birth mother highlighted the complexities of their relationships, leaving Wolfe pondering his own feelings of abandonment, In a surprising turn of events, Wolfe's father, Leon Berge, made an appearance accompanied by a special surprise. Wolfe eagerly shared his achievements and good grades, hoping to earn his father's approval. Leon's smile and pat on the head served as a momentary validation, and he even gifted Wolfe a yoyo as a reward. Despite the fleeting connection, Wolfe couldn't ignore the underlying pain of his father's absence and their fragmented relationship. This encounter only emphasized the void within him.

Back to present day, as Days passed, and the tension between Wolfe and Wolfgang remained palpable. Wolfgang, unaware of the resentment brewing in Wolfe's heart, approached him in the hallway, searching for his missing kite. Wolfe, surprising himself, offered it to Wolfgang, allowing him to play with it momentarily. However, the underlying animosity between them continued to simmer. Wolfe's sarcastic remarks about Wolfgang's loving family highlighted his own feelings of abandonment and neglect. He couldn't help but compare their lives, believing that Wolfgang had everything he himself had been denied, The unfairness of their circumstances fueled Wolfe's growing resentment, eventually reaching a breaking point. Overwhelmed by his pent-up anger and frustration, he lashed out at Wolfgang, attempting to harm him physically. In a fit of rage, he swung a punch, seeking to release his bottled-up emotions. But Wolfgang, with his quick reflexes, managed to evade the blow and push Wolfe away. This rejection only deepened Wolfe's sense of isolation and anger, leaving him standing alone in the hallway, consumed by the weight of his turbulent emotions, The mounting stress and anger within Wolfe threatened to consume him completely. His internal turmoil had reached its peak, and now he faced a pivotal choice – to continue down the path of resentment and destruction or to confront his own demons and seek a path towards healing and redemption. The outcome of this choice would determine not only his relationship with Wolfgang but also his own journey of self-discovery and growth.

As Wolfe continues his exploration of Station 18 and the secrets surrounding the Lebensblood program, he pays a visit to his father to inquire about his work. Hoping to gain more insight into the program and his own intelligence, Wolfe is met with evasive answers from his father, Leon. Frustrated by his father's lack of transparency, Wolfe's curiosity only intensifies.

During a casual baseball game with the other children at Station 18, Wolfe finds himself accidentally hit by Wolfgang. The impact leaves a mark on his forehead, right in front of Leon. This incident, though seemingly minor, adds to Wolfe's growing resentment towards Wolfgang, as he witnesses Himmler's attention and favoritism towards him.

As Wolfe delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding Wolfgang, he discovers that Wolfgang is none other than the prodigy known as number 5167. This shocking revelation takes Wolfe by surprise and leaves him feeling deeply disappointed. He had hoped that by embracing his own intelligence, he would be able to surpass Wolfgang and become a true Aryan in the eyes of the program.

The disappointment is further amplified when Wolfe witnesses how popular Wolfgang is among the other children. Wolfgang's intelligence and charm seem to effortlessly win over the admiration and praise of Himmler, who even announces his plan to designate Wolfgang as the number one of the Lebensblood children. This announcement triggers a wave of jealousy and upset within Wolfe, leading him to question his trust in Wolfgang and the true intentions of the program.

As the story unfolds, Wolfe's journey becomes a tumultuous battle between his desire for validation and recognition, and his growing distrust of Wolfgang and the Lebensblood program. The intricate web of relationships and rivalries continues to shape the narrative in "The Descents of Sons," leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next twists and turns in the Flock'⁴⁴/ıı series of the Oslo saga.

## Themes and Motifs

* The Descents of Sons title referred to ***The Descent of Man*** is a book by English naturalist Charles Darwin, first published in 1871, which applies evolutionary theory to human evolution, and details his theory of sexual selection, a form of biological adaptation distinct from, yet interconnected with, natural selection. The book discusses many related issues, including evolutionary psychology, evolutionary ethics, evolutionary musicology, differences between human races, differences between sexes, the dominant role of women in mate choice, and the relevance of the evolutionary theory to society.
* The episode draws parallels to the movie "The Prince of Egypt" released in 1998, which is based on the biblical story of Moses and the Exodus of Egypt. In the episode, the characters Wolfgang Ellison von Stieglitz and Wolfe Lindseth represent a similar sibling rivalry dynamic as depicted in the movie with Moses and Ramesses II. Wolfgang, a Semitic boy, takes on the role of Moses in the episode. He becomes a leader figure for the Lebensblood children and plans an escape with them, just as Moses leads the Hebrews out of Egypt in the movie. On the other hand, Wolfe, a non-Semitic boy, plays a similar role to Ramesses in the episode. He informs Himmler, a high-ranking Nazi officer, about the planned escape of the children, similar to Ramesses' attempts to capture Moses and the Hebrews in the movie. The episode further mirrors the Exodus story as Wolfgang leads the Lebensblood children, along with adult characters Elva and the Kleins, to a boat on the lake, symbolizing their journey to freedom. Meanwhile, Wolfe's actions bring the Nazi officers, representing the opposition, into the picture, just as Ramesses' pursuit of Moses and the Hebrews brought them face to face with danger. Overall, the episode's storyline closely aligns with the themes of sibling rivalry, leadership, and the struggle for freedom depicted in "The Prince of Egypt." Both narratives explore the complexities of familial relationships and the sacrifices made for a greater cause, highlighting the timeless and universal nature of these themes.
* was an 1968 album and song by American jazz musician Herbie Hancock.

## Trivia

* Wolfe Lindseth and Wolfgang von Stieglitz draw inspiration from biblical figures, namely Moses and Ramses II. In promotional art, you may find them depicted in close proximity. Both characters have captivating narratives that revolve around themes of identity and explore the complexities of brotherhood, often culminating in instances of betrayal.