In The Conjuring universe, Ed and Lorraine Warren keep cursed and haunted objects in their home to ensure they are contained and cannot harm anyone else. The Warrens believe that destroying these objects could release the spirits or demonic forces attached to them, making the situation worse. By storing the items in a secure, blessed environment, they minimize the danger and prevent the malevolent entities from regaining influence. This decision reflects their commitment to protecting others from supernatural harm.
The Warrens’ Philosophy on Cursed Objects
The Warrens operate under the belief that cursed and haunted objects act as vessels for spirits or demonic entities. These items often become cursed through rituals, tragedies, or prolonged contact with supernatural forces. If not contained, the entities attached to these objects could continue to wreak havoc by influencing or harming people who come into contact with them.
Ed Warren, a demonologist, and Lorraine Warren, a clairvoyant, understand that these objects cannot simply be discarded or destroyed. In their view, attempting to destroy such an item might sever its physical form but not the spiritual connection to the entity, potentially releasing it to find a new host or object to inhabit. By preserving the objects in their home, they prevent this from happening and keep the malevolent forces contained.
The Role of the Occult Museum
The cursed objects are stored in the Warrens’ Occult Museum, a room in their home that serves as both a containment area and a sacred space. The museum is blessed regularly by a priest to ensure that the entities attached to the objects remain dormant. Each item is cataloged and sealed, with many kept behind glass cases or other protective barriers to limit interaction.
The museum includes infamous items such as the Annabelle doll, cursed mirrors, and ritual tools, all of which played a role in paranormal investigations conducted by the Warrens. The Annabelle doll, in particular, is one of the most dangerous items in their collection, housed in a locked case marked with warnings. The museum acts as a safeguard, ensuring these objects cannot resume their sinister influence.
Why the Warrens Don’t Destroy the Objects
The decision not to destroy cursed objects is rooted in both practical and spiritual reasoning. The Warrens believe that destruction could inadvertently release the entity attached to the item. Without the physical object to tether it, the spirit or demon could become free to attach itself to another person or object, creating an unpredictable and potentially more dangerous situation.
In addition to this, some cursed objects may have historical or spiritual significance that complicates their destruction. For example, ritual tools or heirlooms connected to demonic activity may have deep-rooted ties to the supernatural, making them resistant to conventional methods of destruction. The Warrens’ approach prioritizes containment over elimination, reducing the immediate threat while avoiding unforeseen consequences.
The Risk of Keeping Cursed Objects
While the Warrens’ containment strategy is effective, it comes with significant risks. By housing so many cursed objects in one place, they create a focal point for supernatural energy. If the containment measures fail or are tampered with, the consequences could be catastrophic. This risk is evident in Annabelle Comes Home, where a single breach in the museum’s security unleashes multiple entities into their home.
To mitigate this risk, the Warrens take extensive precautions. Regular blessings, protective rituals, and strict rules about handling the objects ensure that the spirits remain confined. Visitors to the museum are also warned not to touch or provoke the items, as even minor interactions could awaken dormant forces.
The Ethical Dilemma of Containment
The Warrens’ practice of keeping cursed objects raises ethical questions about the balance between containment and destruction. While their approach minimizes harm, it also perpetuates the existence of the entities attached to the objects. Critics might argue that efforts should be focused on finding ways to exorcise or neutralize these spirits permanently, rather than preserving their vessels.
However, the Warrens’ method reflects their understanding of the supernatural as something that cannot always be eradicated. By taking responsibility for the objects and securing them within their home, they act as stewards of a dangerous collection that might otherwise fall into the wrong hands or cause widespread harm.
Why the Warrens’ Actions Matter
The Warrens keep cursed objects in their home because they view containment as the safest way to protect others from supernatural harm. Their decision reflects a deep understanding of the risks associated with these items and their commitment to safeguarding the world from malevolent forces. By creating a secure and sacred space, they ensure that the entities attached to these objects remain dormant, preventing further suffering.
In The Conjuring universe, the Warrens’ Occult Museum stands as a symbol of their work as paranormal investigators and protectors. It embodies their belief that evil can be managed and contained, even if it cannot always be destroyed. Through their efforts, the Warrens turn their home into a final resting place for some of the most dangerous artifacts in the supernatural world, ensuring that these objects can no longer harm anyone else.