Kier Eagan founded Lumon Industries in 1866. Over 150 years later, his portrait hangs in every Lumon office, his writings are treated as scripture, and his descendants control the company like a dynasty. Understanding Kier is essential to understanding Severance.
Kier's Philosophy
Kier Eagan's handbook contains his core beliefs:
The Four Tempers: Kier believed human behavior is driven by four (later five) emotional categories: Woe, Frolic, Dread, and Malice (Bliss was added later). By understanding and controlling these tempers, one could control human nature itself.
Work as Salvation: Kier preached that labor purifies the soul. Idleness is sin; productivity is virtue.
The Severed Mind: His writings suggest he conceived of severance long before the technology existed—the idea of separating work from life to achieve perfect focus.
Corporate Religion: Lumon isn't just a company but a path to enlightenment, with Kier as prophet.
The Eagan Dynasty
Lumon has been controlled by Eagans since its founding:
- Kier Eagan (Founder, 1841-1939)
- Ambrose Eagan (Son)
- Myrtle Eagan (Granddaughter)
- Baird Eagan
- Gerhardt Eagan
- Phillip "Pip" Eagan
- Leonora Eagan
- Jame Eagan (Current CEO)
The current board member we see in the show is Helena Eagan, Jame's daughter.
The Perpetuity Wing
Lumon's museum dedicated to Kier is a masterpiece of corporate hagiography. It contains:
- Kier's personal effects treated as relics
- Propaganda celebrating company history
- A shrine-like atmosphere
- Regular pilgrimage visits for employees
The Perpetuity Wing reveals that Lumon isn't just a corporation—it's a religion with Kier Eagan as its god.