The Reverse-Flash, primarily Eobard Thawne, harbors an intense hatred for the Flash due to a complex mix of destiny, obsession, jealousy, and insanity. His animosity stems from a warped admiration that twisted into profound loathing upon learning his predetermined fate.
The Genesis of Hatred: A Twisted Admiration
Eobard Thawne, a brilliant scientist from the 25th century, initially idolized the Flash, Barry Allen. He was so captivated by the Scarlet Speedster that he dedicated himself to studying the Speed Force and even replicated the very accident that granted the Flash his powers. This pursuit was driven by a desire to become a hero like his idol.
The Revelation of Destiny and Descent into Madness
However, Thawne's journey took a dark turn when he discovered his true destiny: he was not meant to be a hero alongside the Flash, but rather his greatest enemy – the Reverse-Flash. This revelation profoundly affected his psyche, driving him into a state of profound insanity. The knowledge that he was predestined to be the Flash's archenemy, rather than his successor or partner, warped his mind.
Fueled by this newfound understanding, his initial admiration curdled into intense jealousy and a burning hatred. He became utterly obsessed with ruining the Flash's life, seeing Barry Allen as the reason for his tragic destiny.
A Legacy of Torment Across Time
Thawne's hatred is so potent that he frequently travels throughout time, specifically targeting Barry Allen's life. His goal is not merely to defeat the Flash in battle, but to dismantle his life piece by piece, inflicting maximum emotional and psychological torment. This includes altering historical events, killing loved ones, and generally causing immense suffering, all to fulfill his self-appointed role as the Flash's ultimate nemesis.
Key Drivers of Reverse-Flash's Animosity
| Driver | Explanation | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Destined Adversary | Learning he was fated to be the Flash's archenemy rather than his idol. | Triggered his descent into madness and solidified his role as a villain. |
| Obsession & Insanity | The revelation of his destiny caused a mental breakdown, leading to an all-consuming obsession with Barry. | His entire existence revolves around tormenting and destroying the Flash. |
| Jealousy | Envy of Flash's heroic legacy, reputation, and life, which Thawne believes he was denied. | Fuels his desire to erase or corrupt everything the Flash stands for. |
| Hatred | A deep-seated, irrational loathing for the Flash, born from his twisted admiration and destiny. | Drives his relentless pursuit of vengeance and destruction across time. |
| Desire to Torment | His primary motivation is not just victory, but to cause the Flash as much pain and suffering as possible. | Leads to malicious acts like targeting family members and altering timelines to inflict harm. |
