Transformer funerary practices
You can learn a lot about society's values by how they treat their dead.
Generation 1
Autobots
The Autobot honoured dead are placed in massive mausoleum spacecraft which are left to drift in space. These spacecraft feature a docking bay, presumably to allow Autobot pilgrims to pay their respects to past heroes. It is unknown if these mausoleums have defences to protect the dead against disrespectful Decepticons. [1]
A facsimile Optimus Prime was once buried when the Earth-bound Autobots believed it to be the real Optimus. This was a departure from Cybertronian traditions, but according to the Autobots present, adhering to Earth traditions was 'what he would have wanted'. When he died for real (temporarily) a short time later, his body was instead shot into space, suggesting that maybe he wouldn't have wanted burial after all. [2]
Decepticons
The Decepticons create markers bearing the likeness of their dead, lit by an eternal flame. Superstitious Decepticons believe a deceased Transformer's spirit may linger near it's marker, and it is bad luck to disturb one.[3]
It is unclear if these mark the place where a Transformers's remains are stored or not, but at least two Transformers have markers in two locations.
Beast Era
Maximals
For Maximals it is customary to to hold a wake where their friends and comrades reminice about their memories of the fallen.
Predacons
The Predacons recycle their dead with honors. It is considered to be an act of great respect to the dead, though Maximals might disagree. [4]
References
- ↑ Optimus Prime in both the comic and the show.
- ↑ (UK #104, #109)
- ↑ Since Transformers have ghosts. The superstitious win out over the scientific rationalists yet again.
- ↑ Dinobot in Fallen Comrades. Dinobot was eventually recycled himself in Code of Hero
