Who Is Kier Eagan in Severance? His Lumon History, Beliefs & What Happened to Him Explained

Kier Eagan remains a central yet enigmatic figure in the captivating Apple TV+ series Severance. As the founder and first CEO of Lumon Industries, his influence permeates every aspect of the company, shaping its culture, ethics, and the very lives of its employees. 

This article delves into the depths of Kier Eagan’s history, exploring his background, beliefs, and the circumstances surrounding his death while examining his lasting impact on Lumon Industries.

Who Was Kier Eagan? The Founder of Lumon Industries

Adam Scott and Marc Geller in Severance
Adam Scott and Marc Geller in Severance | Source: IMDB

Kier Eagan was the visionary founder of Lumon Industries, a company shrouded in secrecy and devotion. In Severance, Lumon employees treat Kier as a quasi-religious figure, almost worshipping him for his supposed wisdom and leadership. While much of Kier’s personal life remains mysterious, the show hints at his cult-like influence over the company, even long after his death.

Unveiling Kier Eagan’s Early Life and Background

Born in 1841, Kier Eagan’s early life was marked by illness due to his parents’ “close biological relationship”. He overcame tuberculosis before beginning work at the age of 12. His initial work experience was under a cruel furniture magnate, which taught him that bosses should value their work just as much as employees, whom they should consider family. 

He married Imogene Eagan, whom he met while working in an ether factory. Driven by the agony and suffering he witnessed as a doctor during the war (likely the American Civil War), Kier founded Lumon Industries in 1865 at 24, becoming its first CEO.

What Were Kier Eagan’s Core Beliefs and Philosophies?

Kier Eagan’s beliefs and philosophies are deeply ingrained in Lumon’s corporate culture. Among his most notable concepts are the “Four Tempers,” which he believed must be tamed to achieve a fulfilling life. These tempers—Woe, Frolic, Dread, and Rage—represent different emotional states that Kier believed needed to be controlled.

  • Woe: Represents feelings of sadness and melancholy. According to Kier’s story, he conquered Woe after the death of his twin brother, Dieter.
  • Frolic: Frolic, Dread, and Rage details are not specified in the provided search results.
  • Dread: Frolic, Dread, and Rage details are not specified in the provided search results.
  • Rage: Frolic, Dread, and Rage details are not specified in the provided search results.

Lumon employees are expected to embody Kier’s teachings and strive to tame these tempers in their own lives.

How Did Kier Eagan’s “Four Tempers” Influence Lumon Industries?

Marc Geller in Severance
Marc Geller in Severance | Source: IMDB

The “Four Tempers” philosophy permeates various departments within Lumon, shaping the company’s practices and expectations of its employees.

  • Perpetuity Wing: Features an audio speech from an animatronic replica of Kier Eagan outlining the Four Tempers.
  • Optics and Design: Involved in creating an oil painting depicting Kier Eagan taming the Four Tempers.
  • Waffle Party: Includes a performance with dancers dressed as the Four Tempers.
  • Woe’s Hollow: MDR is brought to Woe’s Hollow to learn more about the Four Tempers’ basis in Kier’s life.

What Happened to Kier Eagan? Unraveling His Death and Legacy

Kier Eagan served as Lumon’s CEO for 74 years, transforming it from a small pharmaceutical company into a bioengineering pioneer. He died in 1939, but his legacy lived on through his descendants, who continued to lead Lumon as CEOs.

The shocking revelations about Kier Eagan’s twin

Episode 4 of season 2 reveals new insights into Kier Eagan’s past, specifically the existence of his twin brother, Dieter. The MDR team discovers a hidden appendix in Eagan’s book, Compliance, which divulges information about Dieter, a shocking event, and Kier’s concept of the Four Tempers. The appendix is dedicated to “For Dieter,” revealing that Kier had a twin brother named Dieter. 

Kier describes their bond as intimate, emphasizing that they “shared the lodgings of my mother’s womb.” The team uncovers a disturbing incident where Kier finds Dieter engaged in what he considers sinful. According to Kier’s story in his Fourth Appendix book, he conquered Woe after the tragic death of his twin brother, Dieter Eagan.

Why Does Kier Eagan Inspire Such Devotion?

Kier Eagan’s enduring influence at Lumon stems from a combination of factors:

  • His Status as Founder: As the creator of Lumon Industries, Kier Eagan is credited with establishing the company’s core values and mission.
  • His Longevity as CEO: Kier’s 74-year tenure as CEO solidified his position as a visionary leader and shaped Lumon’s long-term direction.
  • The “Severance” Procedure: For severed employees, Kier Eagan represents a paternal figure who provides purpose and meaning in their work lives.
  • Lumon’s Propaganda: The company actively promotes Kier Eagan’s image and teachings, reinforcing his importance and inspiring unwavering loyalty.

Kier Eagan’s Enduring Impact on Lumon Industries

Marc Geller in Severance
Marc Geller in Severance | Source: IMDB

Even decades after his death, Kier Eagan’s presence looms large over Lumon Industries. His philosophies, beliefs, and the very structure of the company reflect his enduring influence. As Severance continues to unravel the mysteries surrounding Lumon, understanding Kier Eagan’s history and motivations will be crucial to uncovering the truth behind the company’s enigmatic practices.

Conclusion: Kier Eagan’s Lasting Impact on Severance

Whether dead or alive, Kier Eagan’s shadow looms large over Lumon Industries and Severance’s story. His beliefs, legacy, and potential secrets shape the company’s disturbing severance process. Viewers will likely uncover even darker truths about Kier’s true intentions and mysterious power as the series progresses.

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About Severance

Severance is an American science fiction psychological thriller television series created by Dan Erickson and directed by Ben Stiller and Aoife McArdle. It stars Adam Scott, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, Michael Chernus, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, and Patricia Arquette.

The series premiered on Apple TV+ on February 18, 2022.

The plot follows Mark Scout (Scott), an employee of the fictional corporation Lumon Industries who agrees to a “severance” program in which his non-work memories are separated from his work memories.

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

Our talented team of Freelance writers - Always on the lookout - pour their energies into a wide range of topics bringing to our audience what they crave - fun up-to-date news, reviews, fan theories and much much more.

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