Matt Murdock's prayer scene in Daredevil: Born Again has a connection to Foggy Nelson that you might have missed

Daredevil: Born Again (image via Instagram/@daredevil)
Daredevil: Born Again (Image via Instagram/@daredevil)

Matt Murdock's prayer in Daredevil: Born Again Episode 6 is very personal about his late friend Foggy Nelson. The prayer, also called the Litany of St. Yves, says everything about Matt's dual profession as a lawyer and avenger and his inner conflict in compromising justice and religion.

Foggy's character is quietly woven into this scene, reminding the viewer of the friendship between these two characters and how Foggy shaped Matt's moral compass. Though Foggy is not in Daredevil: Born Again Season 1, having been killed off in the first episode itself, his influence continues to guide Matt's actions, particularly in his decision to let Muse go and rescue Angela del Toro.


The Litany of St. Yves: A symbol of justice

Matt Murdock recites the Litany of St. Yves in Episode 6, a prayer to the patron saint of lawyers and the poor. The prayer represents Matt's calling as a lawyer and to plead the cause of the vulnerable both in court and as Daredevil. St. Yves symbolizes justice and advocating for the cause of the poor, values that speak volumes about Matt's character.

The prayer is seen twice in the episode—once at the start and again at a climactic point when Matt deals with Muse, a serial killer.

Matt Murdock rescues Angela del Toro from Muse after she is abducted and nearly killed. Muse escapes during the confrontation, and Angela survives the ordeal. This act reflects Foggy Nelson's impact on Matt; Foggy was the one who was most often the moral compass, pushing Matt towards showing compassion over seeking revenge.


Foggy Nelson's legacy in Daredevil's actions in Daredevil: Born Again

Foggy Nelson has never been simply Matt Murdock's law partner; he was his moral guide and best friend. Foggy's death burdens Matt during Daredevil: Born Again. The opening credits figuratively depict the loss, depicting the plaque for Nelson, Murdock & Page crumbling with symbols of faith and justice.

Irrespective of this, the debris reverts into a statue of Daredevil, representing Matt's rebirth as a hero and a believer. Foggy's absence doesn't take away from his presence. His presence is felt in Matt's choice to spare Muse—a move Foggy would have argued in favor of.

Foggy was one of the limited individuals who could ground Matt, guiding him towards choices that were both just and human. By returning to his faith and becoming Daredevil once more, Matt keeps Foggy's legacy alive while reasserting his own.


Faith as redemption: The role of prayer

Matt Murdock's faith has been a defining aspect of his character since the original Daredevil series. In Daredevil: Born Again, this religious conflict comes to the forefront. Faith is both a source of strength and a means to redemption for Daredevil. The Litany of St. Yves symbolizes Matt's effort to justify his vigilante actions against his religious faith.

Father Lantom, another significant character in Matt's spiritual life, had previously led him through instances of uncertainty by focusing on free will and moral decisions. While Lantom is not present in Daredevil: Born Again, his teachings are still applicable as Matt resorts to prayer for direction.

The act of praying also represents Matt's attempt to rebuild himself after losing Foggy and struggling with guilt over past mistakes.


Foggy's influence on Daredevil's redemption arc

Foggy Nelson has long been an integral part of Daredevil's redemption storylines. In previous seasons of Daredevil, Foggy guided Matt through personal struggles as they both stuck to their mutual devotion to justice.

Foggy regularly advised superheroes and accepted cases that stood up for moral values even when they were difficult. In Daredevil: Born Again, Foggy's absence is most keenly felt during the moments when Matt struggles with moral crises by himself—like whether to kill Muse or rescue Angela del Toro.


This moment summarizes Daredevil's attempt to balance justice with faith while keeping the memory of his dearest friend in mind. It demonstrates how loss can lead to growth and redemption, a turning point for both the show and Matt Murdock as a hero and a believer.

Edited by Anshika Jain
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