What happened to Dieter Eagan in Severance? Character’s fate, explored in depth

Apple TV+'s science fiction drama Severance has unleashed multiple complex characters throughout the show. The second season of the series raises the curtain on Kier Eagan's life, as fans explore the Lumon Industries' founder's fate and past and everything that led the enigmatic character to where he was.

The show explored some secrets surrounding the Eagan family, each more peculiar than the last, and one of the striking members of the clan was Dieter Egan, Kier's twin brother.

In Severance, Eagan's history is shown to be one of turmoil and despair as he undergoes severe health issues because of his parents' close biological relationship. It then proceeds to show how he formed Lumon Industries with his wife from the ground up, leaving room for more coverage on the origin and fate of his twin brother Dieter.

More details on Dieter Eagan

Keir's handbook, called Compliance Handbook details the relationship the twin brothers had. In it, Kier writes about how Dieter suggested that the duo live in the woods as paupers- an invitation Kier begrudgingly agreed to. But the events that followed shortened their relationship, as Dieter faced harsh circumstances soon.

Kier narrates a story in the book where he discloses that he found Dieter masturbating in the woods. The text reads, that he “had no choice but to listen as he [Dieter] spilt his lineage upon the soil.” Soon after, he horrifyingly witnesses Dieter's left eye popping out, his scalp falling off of his head, and he shrieks in agony. He slowly blends into the woods, becoming a part of nature. Kier runs away near a waterfall to get away from the incident.

This story is used by Kier to describe his conquering of Woe, who he describes as "a gaunt bride, half the height of a natural woman." The story and Dieter's death is used as a moral to portray his encounter with one of the Tempers; Woe.

However, there are also different angles to the story.

Did Dieter Eagan really exist in Severance?

There are no records of this twin in the Eagan family, and one might imagine that Kier simply invented the character of Dieter to portray the sinful nature of indulgence. Another close theory is that Kier himself actually killed Dieter and left him behind in the woods because he wanted to make a return home so badly. It is already portrayed in the story that Dieter and Kier did not share the same values. Kier was more dutiful, while Dieter evaded responsibilities of any kind.

A more plausible theory, however, is that Dieter's story is a fable created by Kier to convey the unholiness of indulging in intimacy of any kind with oneself or others. If you remember, Lumon's Innies are not allowed to partake in sexual acts of any kind, except at the waffle party. The story seems to be a cautionary fable for the Innies to divert them from self-indulgence of any kind.

Severance is now available to stream on Apple TV+