Warning! SPOILERS for Titans season 4The famous magic words Raven uses to access her powers, “Azarath Metrion Zinthos,” have taken on a more sinister meaning in Titans season 4. Their use early in the season had been presumed to be an Easter egg paying homage to the Teen Titans animated series. Now, it seems the words have a darker meaning, connecting Raven to the new villain Brother Blood.
The words “Azarath Metrion Zinthos” were first heard in the closing moments of Titans season 4, episode 2, "Mother Mayhem," as the titular villain led her followers in chanting the phrase as part of a ritual. The magic words emerged again in Titans season 4, episode 4, "Super Super Mart," as Raven quizzed Sebastian Sanger on his encounter with Mother Mayhem. Sebastian explained that Mother Mayhem had tried to get him to say three strange words. A horrified Raven barely stopped him from completing the magic phrase.
Titans Season 4's Azarath Chant Comes From Teen Titans
The magic words "Azarath Metrion Zinthos” come from the 2003 Teen Titans animated series, where Raven spoke the words in conjunction with her magic powers. The name Azarath ties into the classic New Teen Titans comics where Raven was introduced. A peaceful realm, Azarth was populated by the followers of the sorceress Azar, who stood in opposition to the corrupting influence of the demon lord Trigon. It was Azar herself who trained Raven in mastering her powers, enabling her to fight her father's control and protect the universe from him.
How Rachel Knows The Azarath Chant In Titans
It is unclear precisely how the Raven of Titans season 4 knows the "Azarath Metrion Zinthos” chant. While her biological mother utilized the alias Angela Azarath, this version of Raven grew up ignorant of her powers and never traveled to the realm of Azarath. Indeed, Raven didn't receive any formal training in controlling her powers until she traveled to Themyscira and spent most of Titans season 3 studying with the Amazons. It is also unclear what this training entailed, but what little was shown seemed to be devoted to teaching Rachel self-control and humility rather than direct knowledge of sorcery.
The most likely explanation is Raven learned the chant sometime after her battle with Trigon in Titans' season 2 premiere. Raven seemed to be fighting something that was trying to take control of her while she slept throughout Titans season 2, mimicking the constant battle for dominance Raven fought against her father in the comics. It would seem, based on the flashbacks of May Bennett's life before she became Mother Mayhem in Titans season 4, episode 4, "Super Super Mart," that the "Azarath Metrion Zinthos” chant gives Trigon access to a person's soul, making it likely Raven knew the chant and was trying to resist its influence.
Titans season 4 continues Thursdays on HBO Max.