Corrupted Gems Wiki | XLA Multiverse

General Info

Faction Name	Corrupted Gems

The Corrupted Gems, iconic creatures of the Steven Universe universe, were once Gems who fell victim to a song that messed with their forms and caused their monstrous transformation. These gems are broken versions of themselves, embodying brute force but lacking the brain power they once possessed. Their appearance is so different from their original form that they are unrecognizable. As such, they are more beastly and dangerous than the Crystal Gems, who are lucky enough to avoid the effects of the song. The journey of the Corrupted Gems is a tragic testament to the brutality of intergalactic conflict. Their story is integral to the entire show, illuminating the true cost of the Gem War. Their struggle and eventual redemption is a poignant message of hope and healing, turning them not only into enemies but also into victims trapped in their own bodies. Their existence is a constant reminder of the catastrophic consequences of power and conflict.

Overview

The Corrupted Gems, a separate group in the fascinating universe of Steven Universe, imbue the story with a sense of mystery and danger. These gems, once as ordinary as any other, have undergone a traumatic process of corruption, turning them into monstrous creatures and confronting the crystal gems, Steven and his allies. These anomalies are largely the result of a destructive sonic attack on diamonds thousands of years ago during the Gem War.
Despite their monstrous appearance and aggressive behavior, these creatures evoke a kind of tragic beauty and compassion, acting more out of fear and confusion than true hostility. The baffling nature of the corruption process, while devastating, greatly enhances the grand story of the Steven Universe saga. Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar masterfully embodies these gems with deep depth, turning the main characters' interactions with them into meaningful lessons of empathy, kindness, and redemption. Indeed, near the story's climax, Steven's ability to heal the damaged gems underscores the show's overarching themes of love and forgiveness.
Overall, the Corrupted Gems are an essential aspect of Steven Universe's world-building, adding complexity, emotional depth, and charming charm to this fascinating story.

History

The history of Steven Universe's Corrupt Gem faction is as rich as it is tragic. Originally, these gems were normal homeworld gems, but were exposed to the harmful light of the diamond song, which was supposed to destroy life on Earth. However, the effect of the song was not fatal, but transformative, leaving these gems horribly mutated and monstrous.
The origins of this faction date back to the end of the rebellion some five thousand years ago. When the Diamonds lost hope of colonizing Earth, they performed a song that spread across the planet and corrupted every remaining gem on Earth. The corrupted gems were then left in monstrous, unrecognizable forms, their minds transformed into primordial.
The Crystal Gems, a rebel faction fighting for Earth and its life forms, have taken on a mission to contain and stuff these corrupted gems rather than shatter them in hopes of one day healing them. This desire for their redemption was based on the compassionate belief that these gems were victims, like the Earth itself. Over the centuries, countless corrupted gems have been captured and stored in bubbles, kept safe in the Temple of the Crystal Gems.
It wasn't until the appearance of Steven, a human-gem hybrid, that the prospect of healing these damaged gems became a reality. Her unique healing abilities, combined with her unwavering compassion for all beings, resulted in the ultimate cure that restored damaged gems to their original form. It was a turning point in the history of the Corrupted Gems, from a painful past marked by war and corruption to a future filled with hope and redemption.
Whether it's their tragic pasts, horrific altered states, isolation, and eventual healing, the story of the Corrupted Gems presents a compelling story that addresses themes of war, victimization, healing, and redemption. In their own way, damaged gems have become a symbol of resistance to great calamity.

Notable Members

Member #

Centipeetle Mother

Quartz Monsters

Big Bird

Heaven Beetle

Earth Beetle

Invisible Gem Monster

Lighthouse Gem Monster

Water Bear

Crab Gem Monster

Desert Glass

Slime Gem Monster

Ice Monster

Watermelon Tourmaline

Worm Monster

Snow Monster

Tongue Monster

Cluster Gems

Geography

The corrupted gems of Steven Universe make their homes in various corners of the Earth. Interesting geographic locations can be found in Kindergarten, Science Kindergarten, and various gem locations around the world.
Set in the depths of a grand canyon, Prime Kindergarten has an eerie, cavernous beauty. The walls are dotted with large empty holes, the remains of gems that were born here. Meanwhile, Beta Kindergarten, located in the desert, is more chaotic. The holes here do not follow a uniform pattern and reflect the hasty and desperate circumstances of its creation.
However, the most intriguing elements of the geography of damaged gems probably lie in the various gem locations around the world. These include the Lunar Sea Peak, the Sky Peak, the Sea Sanctuary, and the Communication Center. Each of these structures has the unmistakable geometric aesthetic of gem architecture and is a prominent relic of the gem's otherworldly origins.
Additionally, these locations often contain valuable natural resources for gemstones, such as shards or orbs. As such, the geography of the Corrupted Gem faction in Steven Universe is diverse and geographically rich, and the landscapes have a subtle backstory.

Legacy and Impact

The Corrupted Gems made a big impact on the Steven Universe universe, adding a lot of depth and complexity to the plot. These once ordinary gems have been dramatically transformed into monstrous creatures by the power of the Diamonds, the "Mourning Light". It provided a stunning visual representation of the harsh consequences of war and loss. Damaged gems are powerful symbols of trauma; despite their gruesome appearance, they evoke compassion and show the need for understanding and healing. Their eventual recovery, largely thanks to Steven, reinforces the theme of love and reconciliation that runs throughout the show. Corrupted Gems have also enriched history and provided the public with many theories and debates about the Gem War, its aftermath, and the nature of gems in general. Together, their presence enhanced the stories of conflict, recovery, and personal growth, leaving a lasting legacy throughout Steven Universe.