It is, without a doubt, an interesting topic to see how and why one of fiction’s bitterest rivalries came to be. The Autobots and the Decepticons are two opposing factions within the Transformers universe and their conflict has been the core plot element for most iterations of the franchise, regardless of the media. Despite the popularity of the franchise, a lot of people don’t know why the Autobots and the Decepticons are fighting, and this is why we have decided to write our article.
The root of the conflict between the Autobots and the Decepticons lies in their differing views on society. When Optimus Prime and Megatron took down the corrupt council, they had opposing views on how to establish a new order, which resulted in the conflict.
In today’s article, we are going to introduce the two fractions, after which we are going to analyse the roots of their problems, which are mostly sociopolitical in nature. So, keep reading to find out more!
Who are the Autobots?
The Autobots are a group of benevolent, sentient, self-configuring, fictional robotic lifeforms from the planet Cybertron. They are led by Optimus Prime and are one of the two main factions in the Transformers fictional universe, which debuted back in 1984. The “Heroic Autobots”, as they are usually called, are opposed by the “Evil Decepticons”, led by the tyrannic Megatron.
Both Autobots and Decepticons are humanoid robots (for the most part), that can transform into machines, vehicles and other familiar mechanical objects, as well as mimic organic lifeforms (Dinobots). Autobots typically transform into regular cars, trucks, or other road vehicles (automobiles) but some can transform into aircraft, military vehicles, communication devices, weapons, and even robotic animals. These Autobots are often grouped into special “teams” that have the suffix “-bot” at the end, such as in Dinobot (Decepticon groups’ names end in “-con”). The animalistic descendants of the Autobots are known as the Maximals.
Autobots are a sub-race of Cybertronians. They are a synergistic blend of biological evolution and technological engineering. The exotic materials that make up their composition is a living metal with a self-replicating cellular structure and genetic code. The Autobots were created by the Quintessons.
Some of the most famous Autobots are Optimus Prime (formerly known as Orion Pax, the Thirteenth Prime), Bumblebee, Ultra Magnus, Hot Rod (later known as Rodimus Prime), Ratchet, Wheeljack, Ironhide, Cliffjumper, Prowl, Jazz, Sideswipe, Springer, Kup, Blurr, Arcee, Wheelie, Mirage, and the Dinobots (Grimlock, Slag, Snarl, Sludge, Swoop).
Who are the Decepticons?
The Decepticons are the main antagonists in every iteration of the Transformers fictional universe since 1984. They are depicted as a faction of sentient, fictional robotic lifeforms led by the tyrant Megatron, identified by a purple face-like insignia. Capable of transforming into alternate forms, these are often high-tech or powerful vehicles; including aircraft, military vehicles, construction vehicles, expensive luxury or sports cars and even smaller-than-human-sized objects.
Both Decepticons and Autobots are humanoid robots (for the most part), that can transform into machines, vehicles and other familiar mechanical objects, as well as mimic organic lifeforms (Insecticons). Decepticons typically transform into different aircraft, military vehicles, communication devices, weapons, and even robotic animals, unlike the Autobots, who mostly transform into regular vehicles. These Decepticons are often grouped into special “teams” that have the suffix “-con” at the end, such as in Constructicon (Autobot groups’ names end in “-bot”). The animalistic descendants of the Autobots are known as the Predacons.
Decepticons are a sub-race of Cybertronians. They are a synergistic blend of biological evolution and technological engineering. The exotic materials that make up their composition is a living metal with a self-replicating cellular structure and genetic code. The Decepticons were created by the Quintessons.
Some of the most famous Decepticons are Megatron (later known as Galvatron), Starscream, Soundwave, Shockwave, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Reflector, the Constructicons (Hook, Scrapper, Bonecrusher, Long Haul, Scavenger, Mixmaster, Devastator), and the Insecticons (Shrapnel, Bombshell, Kickback).
Why Do the Decepticons Hate the Autobots?
The root of the problems between the Autobots and the Decepticon goes back to the early days of Cybertron. Namely, the main Transformers were created by the Quintessons, a group of evil, scheming robots that used the Transformers as their slaves and as a source of entertainment.
At one point, the Transformers rose up against their rulers and chased the Quintessons away from Cybertron. A new ruling council was established that was supposed to establish and lead a more just society. Yet, this did not happen. The ruling council was corrupt and a lot of Transformers were still segregated and never really got a chance in the new society.
This resulted in rebellion. The exact nature of the rebellion depends on the source (the comic books depict this struggle better than any other source), but generally – a group of miners led by Megatron and his ally, Orion Pax, rose up against the corrupt ruling council after initially protesting for a fair society. When the protests failed, they initiated a rebellion and successfully overthrew the corrupt council.
You’ve read that correctly – Optimus Prime and Megatron were once friends and allies, but when it came to building a new society – discord entered. Optimus and Megatron couldn’t agree on the fundamental aspects of the new society. Megatron wanted a completely egalitarian society, while Optimus opted for a new council led by him and Megatron, who would chose the other members.
Being unable to find common ground, the two friends separated and a civil war broke out, with Optimus becoming a freedom fighter and Megatron becoming a power-hungry tyrant. And this is where it all began. The Decepticons hated the Autobots for opposing them and the Autobots fought the Decepticons to secure freedom on Cybertron. And the rest is history.
With this, we conclude our story of the Autobots’ and the Decepticons’ mutual hatred. The roots of this conflict are sociopolitical, but the thing that contributed most is Megatron’s change from an egalitarian freedom fighter to a power-hungry tyrant, which happened sometime after the schism between him and Optimus.
And that’s it for today. We hope you had fun reading this and that we helped solve this dilemma for you. See you next time and don’t forget to follow us!
