Rory Williams survived 2000 years as an Auton guarding the Pandorica, a monumental act of loyalty that transcended time and artificial existence. His extraordinary longevity was a consequence of a complex series of events that began with his untimely death and subsequent resurrection.
The Genesis of His Immortality
Rory Williams' incredible endurance began not with a natural lifespan, but with a unique transformation.
- Tragic Demise: Rory was initially killed by the Silurians, and this fatal encounter led to him being absorbed into a crack in time, effectively erasing him from that particular reality.
- Auton Resurrection: Due to the universe-altering events surrounding the Pandorica, which sought to gather all of reality, Rory was resurrected. However, he was not brought back in his human form but as an Auton – a perfect, plastic replica imbued with his memories and personality. This new, artificial body granted him immense durability and immunity to natural aging.
The Long Watch
As an Auton, Rory was initially programmed for destructive purposes, even fatally wounding Amy Pond. Yet, his profound love for Amy proved stronger than any artificial directive, leading him to an act of unparalleled dedication.
Key Aspects of His Survival:
- Breaking Programming: Rory overcame his core Auton programming, choosing to protect Amy rather than fulfill his destructive design. This act of free will was pivotal.
- The Pandorica Guard: He committed himself to an unwavering vigil, standing watch over Amy's sealed tomb within the Pandorica. The Pandorica served as a kind of suspended reality, allowing Rory's plastic form to endure the passage of two millennia.
- Plastic Durability: As an Auton, Rory was immune to the natural decay and aging that would affect a human. His plastic body was inherently capable of withstanding the passage of 2000 years without degradation, making his long vigil physically possible.
| Event | Description | Impact on Survival |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Death | Killed by Silurians, absorbed into a crack in time. | Precursor to his unique resurrection. |
| Auton Resurrection | Recreated as a plastic Auton during the Pandorica's influence. | Granted him an artificial, durable body, bypassing human limitations. |
| Overcoming Programming | His love for Amy allowed him to break free from Auton directives. | Enabled his 2000-year voluntary vigil over Amy's tomb. |
| The 2000-Year Vigil | Stood guard over Amy Pond's tomb in the Pandorica for two millennia. | The primary period of his "survival," demonstrating loyalty and endurance. |
| Reality Restoration | When the universe was reset, the Auton Rory ceased to exist in that form. | Rory returned to human form, his Auton existence serving its purpose. |
Return to Humanity
Rory's two-millennia watch concluded when the universe was ultimately restored and the cracks in time were mended. With reality reset, Rory's Auton form was no longer necessary, and he reverted to his original human self, rejoining Amy as if no time had passed for them. This unique journey showcases an extraordinary feat of endurance driven by enduring love.
