Dimension[1][2][3][4] referred to a self-contained reality,[1][5][6][7] plane,[8][9][10][11] universe,[2][12][13][4] realm,[8][14][15][4] and, more informally, world,[1][2][16][17] as in to "save,"[18][19] "destroy,"[19][20] or "end."[18][20]
Earth, while also the name of a planet,[21] was a dimension[1] like many others.[3] Some dimensions were parallel to each other only with a different timeline,[12] like the one created with a wish,[17] while other worlds had different laws of physics and magic, like Pylea[22] and Quor'toth.[23] Demon dimensions could cause an apocalypse on Earth each time they threatened to swallow it.[19][24][4]
Time
The flow of time within other dimensions were often different from that on Earth. For example, Angel was trapped in Acathla's dimension for at least three months in Earth time, but was said to have endured hundreds of years of torture.[25] Connor also returned from Quor'toth in his mid-to-late teens after having entered the dimension as an infant mere weeks beforehand in Earth time.[26]
However, this did not seem to be the case with all dimensions; for example, Winifred Burkle was trapped within Pylea for five years in both Earth and Pylean time.[27]
Planes
Hell
- “What is Hell but the total absence of hope? The substance, the tactile proof of despair.”
- ―Ken[src]
A hell dimension (also known as a demon dimension) was a dimension with hostile conditions for the development of human life.[2][25] Demons were the dominant lifeforms in these dimensions.[4] Earth itself was once a hell dimension, as it was originally populated by demons before humans evolved and eventually drove the Old Ones and other demons out.[1]
The nature of hell dimensions also varied. Acathla's dimension was fiery and full of demons looking to torture anything with a soul.[2][19] The factory dimension that Ken ruled had humans working as slaves and deprived of hope of escaping.[5]
Although most hell dimensions were described as being chaotic, some had evolved into a relatively structured society; Pylea was a feudal theocratic society,[22] and Oden Tal was governed with monarchy.[28] The world of Arashmaharr was home to many sociable demons such as D'Hoffryn, who carried out their evil deeds in a business-like environment.[29]
The demonic law firm Wolfram & Hart had its own pocket dimension, a Holding Dimension for employees who betrayed the company. The dimension appeared as a seemingly-idyllic suburban neighborhood, where residents were regularly tortured by a demon living in their basement.[30]
Higher plane
A higher plane was a dimension populated by ascended beings.[7] Cordelia went to a higher plane after she ascended,[31] and Buffy and Angel were chosen to create and ascend into the dimension of Twilight.[11][7]
Afterlife
Humans who went to a hell dimension after death usually do so for specific reasons.
The deceased Lilah Morgan claimed she would be sent to a hell dimension; this was due to the standard perpetuity clause in her Wolfram & Hart contract, not as punishment for her behavior in life. Rather than being subject to torture, she simply continued her employment with the company in another realm.[32]
Similarly, when incorporeal, Spike began slipping into a dark place; this was not because of the evil he committed as a vampire, but it was due to the machinations of Matthias Pavayne, a serial killer who had spent centuries sacrificing souls to hell in order to avoid going there himself.[33]
After her death, Buffy went to a place she believed to be heaven.[34]
Alternate universes
Alternate universes were dimensions existing in parallel with a strong resemblance to each other's realities.[12]
Interdimensional travel
There are various ways of traveling between dimensions. One is through opening a Hellmouth,[18] mystical convergences where the barriers between dimensions were weaker.[35]
The barriers between dimensions could also be breached by performing certain rituals at "hot spot" locations to transport beings and objects to and from other dimensions. For example, Pylea could be accessed in this way by opening portals with spells, while Quor'toth could only be reached by using dark magic to tear the fabric of reality.
A pan-dimensional doorway ritual was powerful enough to access any dimension.[36]
The Key had the power to unlock all dimensions at once.[37][38]
The original version of Spike's ship was capable of interdimensional travel.[39]
References
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