Join us for another journey into the world of dreams, gods, and cosmic power as we explore The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2, "Ruler of Hell." In this episode Dream faces an unexpected twist in his quest to release his former lover, Nada, from Hell.

Teleplay by: Ameni Rozsa

Directed by: Jamie Childs

In The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2, “Ruler of Hell,” Morpheus embarks on a journey to reclaim the kingdom of Hell—but what he finds is far from what he expected. The gates stand open, the torments have ceased, and the realm lies abandoned.

Lucifer Morningstar awaits him—not for a confrontation, but with an unsettling offer. Tired of their celestial post, Lucifer has abdicated, releasing all demons and souls to wander the multiverse. After sending away the loyal Mazikeen, Lucifer asks Dream to cut off their wings, symbolically severing their divine duty. In a final act of vengeance and irony, Lucifer names Dream the new ruler of Hell.

Shocked and burdened by this unwanted gift, Dream seeks counsel from his sister Death before returning to the Dreaming. Word of Hell’s vacancy spreads quickly, and soon emissaries from across existence arrive at the gates of the Dreaming to stake their claim.

Among the contenders are:

• Susano-o-no-Mikoto, the storm god of Japan
• Odin, Thor, and Loki, from Norse mythology
• Cluracan and Nuala, emissaries from the Faerie realm
• Shivering Jemmy, representing the Lords of Chaos
• Kilderkin's servant, on behalf of the Lords of Order
• And a demonic delegation led by Azazel, Choronzon, and Merkin

Heaven also takes an interest, sending two silent angelic observers: Remiel and Duma.

To host his unexpected guests, Dream invites them to a banquet in his palace, curated by Taramis, while he silently weighs their intentions. Entertainment is gruesomely provided by Cain, who gleefully dismembers Abel to amuse the guests.

Throughout the night, various envoys attempt to influence Dream’s decision. Susano-o-no-Mikoto, Odin, Shivering Jemmy, and Kilderkin's servant each present subtle or overt bribes.

Later, Dream grants a private audience to Azazel, who makes his offer by devouring Choronzon, claiming dominance, and revealing a dark bargaining chip—he holds Nada, Dream’s long-lost former lover, as a hostage. In return for her soul, he demands the key to Hell.

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Thanks for joining us for our podcast all about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2 "Ruler of Hell". We'll be back next time with our discussions about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 3 "More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Avoid".

Thanks so much for joining us. Keep watching, keep listening and keep dreaming.

John and Derek

TV Podcast Industries

The music for this episode "Lucille" by Zenji is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (Creative Commons 4.0)