Why Did Mal Hate Evie? Unpacking the Complex Villainy and Sibling Rivalry

Why Did Mal Hate Evie? Unpacking the Complex Villainy and Sibling Rivalry

The question of "Why did Mal hate Evie?" might initially seem straightforward, painted with the broad strokes of villainy and rivalry. However, delving into the intricate dynamics between these two characters from the *Descendants* franchise reveals a much deeper, more nuanced tapestry of motivations, rooted in their shared upbringing on the Isle of the Lost. It wasn't a simple case of dislike; rather, it was a complex interplay of envy, resentment, differing desires, and a fierce, albeit twisted, form of loyalty that fueled their animosity. From their very beginnings, Mal, daughter of Maleficent, and Evie, daughter of the Evil Queen, were positioned on a collision course. The Isle of the Lost, a prison for the children of Disney's most infamous villains, was a harsh environment. Survival often meant embracing the darker aspects of their heritage, and for Mal, this meant adopting a cynical, tough exterior. Evie, on the other hand, was inherently more optimistic and driven by a desire for a "happily ever after" that mirrored her mother’s own aspirations, albeit with a different target audience – a prince and a life of luxury. This fundamental difference in their core desires, even at a young age, sowed the seeds of discord. My own initial interpretation, like many viewers, was that Mal simply found Evie annoying, perhaps too eager to please or too focused on superficial things like beauty and boys. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Mal’s feelings were far more complex. They stemmed from a place of deep-seated insecurity and a warped understanding of love and power, largely instilled by Maleficent herself.

The Shadow of Maleficent and the Evil Queen

Maleficent was a formidable presence, and her influence on Mal was profound. She constantly pushed Mal to be her best, which in Mal’s young mind translated to being the most powerful, the most feared, and ultimately, the most capable of escaping the Isle. This ambition, carefully cultivated by her mother, created a drive within Mal that often overshadowed empathy or genuine connection. She saw the world, and everyone in it, through the lens of power and strategy. Evie, by contrast, was raised by the Evil Queen, whose own ambitions were primarily focused on outward appearances and securing a prince. While both mothers were undeniably manipulative, the Evil Queen's brand of villainy, though still self-serving, seemed to have a softer, more domestic edge compared to Maleficent's grand schemes of world domination. This difference in parental influence likely shaped the daughters' outlooks. Evie’s desire for a prince and a fairy-tale ending, while seemingly superficial, was a direct reflection of her mother’s teachings and the limited opportunities available to them. For Mal, Evie’s aspirations might have seemed naive or even a betrayal of their shared plight. While Mal was being molded into a force to be reckoned with, capable of wielding dark magic, Evie was seemingly content with a life of domestic bliss, albeit one built on deception and the acquisition of wealth. This disparity in their perceived destinies, reinforced by their mothers' constant comparisons and manipulations, undoubtedly fostered a sense of resentment in Mal. She might have felt that Evie was settling for less, or worse, that Evie’s simpler desires were a distraction from the true goal: power and escape.

Envy and the Allure of the Forbidden

One of the most potent reasons why Mal might have harbored negative feelings towards Evie was a subtle, yet pervasive, form of envy. Evie, despite her own insecurities and the limitations of her upbringing, often possessed a warmth and genuine friendliness that Mal, shielded by her mother’s harsh teachings, struggled to emulate. Evie was good with people, or at least good at navigating social situations, a skill that Mal, perpetually on guard, lacked. Furthermore, Evie had a certain effortless charm. Her beauty, a direct result of her mother’s magic and teachings, was undeniable. While Mal was inherently powerful, her power was often intimidating and visually stark. Evie, on the other hand, was presented as approachable, someone who could easily win over hearts and minds. This could have bred a sense of inadequacy in Mal, who might have felt that her own strengths were overlooked in favor of Evie's more accessible qualities. Then there was the allure of the forbidden. When the opportunity arose to leave the Isle and attend Auradon Prep, it was a chance for both Mal and Evie to experience a world beyond their limited horizons. However, their approaches differed. Mal was tasked with stealing the Fairy Godmother’s wand, a mission fraught with danger and requiring a level of ruthlessness. Evie, while accompanying Mal, seemed more drawn to the prospect of finding a prince and experiencing the opulent lifestyle that Auradon represented. This difference in focus, while understandable given their backgrounds, could have created friction. Mal saw the mission, the objective. Evie, perhaps, saw the potential rewards of a more conventional fairy tale. I remember feeling, as a viewer, that Mal was often the one carrying the weight of their shared responsibility, while Evie seemed to be enjoying the superficial perks of their new environment. This could have easily translated into resentment for Mal. Why should Evie have it so easy, basking in the glow of Auradon’s niceties, when Mal was wrestling with the moral implications and the immense pressure of her mother's expectations?

Differing Paths to "Happily Ever After"

The core of Mal's conflict with Evie, and indeed with the entire premise of Auradon, lay in their fundamentally different interpretations of what a "happily ever after" truly entailed. For Mal, as dictated by Maleficent, it was about power, control, and overcoming all obstacles through sheer force of will. This often meant embracing her villainous nature, rather than trying to change it. Evie, on the other hand, was swayed by the stories of Auradon. She yearned for the love of a prince, the castle, the gowns, and the respect that came with a fairy tale ending. While this desire was born from her mother's teachings, it also represented a genuine longing for a life free from the misery of the Isle. This divergence in their ultimate goals created an inherent tension. When Mal was forced to confront the possibility of becoming "good," or at least of integrating into Auradon’s society, Evie’s unwavering belief in the possibility of a traditional fairy tale might have seemed like a naive distraction. Mal, still deeply influenced by her mother’s belief in inherent villainy, struggled with the idea of redemption. She saw Evie’s pursuit of a prince as a shallow goal, a capitulation to the very system they were meant to conquer, rather than dismantle. Consider Mal's internal struggle. She was constantly battling the expectations of her mother and the inherent darkness within her. Evie, with her more outwardly positive outlook, might have represented an easier path, a path Mal felt she couldn't take without betraying her heritage or her mother's legacy. The idea that Evie could so readily embrace a "good" world, while Mal was still grappling with her own identity and the power she wielded, could have been a source of frustration and even a twisted form of jealousy.

The Role of Loyalty and Betrayal

Loyalty, even among villains, is a complex and often conditional concept. For Mal, loyalty was primarily to her mother and to the goal of achieving ultimate power. Her relationship with Evie was, for a long time, a product of their shared circumstances and their mothers’ proximity. They were companions in misery, bound by their shared status as children of villains. When the opportunity arose to go to Auradon, Mal’s loyalty was tested. Her mission was to steal the Fairy Godmother’s wand, a task that required her to deceive the people of Auradon, including Evie's potential romantic interests. Evie, on the other hand, seemed more inclined to play by Auradon’s rules, or at least to try and fit in. This created a rift. Mal saw Evie’s willingness to embrace Auradon’s ways as a potential betrayal of their shared origins and their mission, even if that mission was morally ambiguous. Conversely, Mal’s actions, driven by her mother’s agenda, often put Evie in difficult positions. Mal’s initial distrust and her willingness to use manipulative tactics could have felt like a betrayal to Evie, who, despite her own upbringing, harbored a desire for genuine connection. My personal observation is that Mal often viewed Evie as a tool, or at best, a subordinate, especially in the early stages. This wasn't necessarily because Mal was inherently cruel, but because her understanding of relationships was so warped by Maleficent's influence. She expected everyone to be looking out for their own self-interest, just as she was. When Evie showed kindness or genuine concern, it might have been met with suspicion rather than appreciation. The fear of being left behind or abandoned also played a significant role. If Mal perceived Evie as leaning too heavily into Auradon’s world, she might have feared that Evie would eventually abandon her, leaving Mal to face her mother’s wrath alone. This insecurity, masked by a veneer of aggression, could have manifested as hostility towards Evie.

Mal's Insecurity and the Burden of Expectation

Underneath Mal’s tough exterior lay a deep well of insecurity, primarily stemming from the immense pressure placed upon her by Maleficent. Maleficent demanded perfection, power, and a ruthless adherence to their villainous lineage. This constant scrutiny and the fear of disappointing her mother created a profound anxiety within Mal. She was never good enough, never powerful enough, never *villainous* enough. Evie, with her more easily achievable aspirations and her innate charm, represented a stark contrast to Mal’s internal struggles. Evie could make friends, she could adapt, and she seemed to naturally possess a warmth that Mal found elusive. This could have triggered a painful sense of inadequacy in Mal. She might have resented Evie for what seemed like an effortless ability to navigate the social landscape of Auradon, a landscape Mal found alien and challenging. Furthermore, Mal often felt responsible for Evie’s well-being and for their shared success. If Evie was perceived as not pulling her weight, or as being too easily swayed by Auradon’s allure, Mal might have felt a sense of frustration and a need to rein her in, which often manifested as harshness. This "tough love" approach, filtered through Mal’s villainous lens, could easily be misinterpreted as outright hatred. Think about it from Mal’s perspective: she’s tasked with a dangerous mission, burdened by the legacy of being Maleficent’s daughter, and trying to navigate a world that is inherently against her. Then, her closest companion, Evie, seems to be more interested in shopping and finding a boyfriend. It’s understandable that Mal would feel overwhelmed and perhaps even resentful that Evie wasn’t as intensely focused on their shared predicament.

The Shifting Dynamics and Eventual Reconciliation

It’s crucial to note that the animosity between Mal and Evie wasn't static. As the story progresses, and particularly as Mal begins to question her own destiny and the limitations of her villainous heritage, her feelings towards Evie begin to evolve. The initial animosity, fueled by Mal’s insecurities and Maleficent’s influence, gradually gives way to a more complex understanding and, ultimately, a deep and abiding friendship. The journey to Auradon, with all its challenges and temptations, forces both Mal and Evie to confront their true selves. Mal begins to see that Evie’s aspirations, while different from her own, are not necessarily lesser. Evie’s loyalty and her unwavering belief in the possibility of good, even when faced with Mal’s cynicism, become a source of strength for Mal. When Mal starts to embrace the idea of being good, or at least of forging her own path, Evie becomes her most steadfast ally. Evie's acceptance and her willingness to stand by Mal, regardless of her choices, are instrumental in Mal’s personal growth. This shared experience of overcoming their villainous legacies, and forging their own destinies, solidifies their bond. The moment when Mal truly begins to let go of her animosity towards Evie is likely when she recognizes Evie's genuine care and support. Evie never truly wavered in her friendship, even when Mal was at her most distant or her most hostile. This unwavering loyalty, a trait often lacking in the volatile world of villains, is what ultimately bridges the gap between them. My own perspective is that Mal’s initial "hate" was less about genuine loathing and more about a fear of vulnerability and a misinterpretation of Evie's intentions. As Mal begins to trust Evie, and as she starts to believe in the possibility of her own redemption, the walls she had built around her heart begin to crumble, revealing the deep affection and respect that had always been present, albeit hidden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mal and Evie's Relationship

How did Mal's upbringing on the Isle of the Lost influence her feelings towards Evie?

Mal's upbringing on the Isle of the Lost was incredibly formative and directly shaped her complex feelings towards Evie. The Isle was a place where survival was paramount, and that survival was often dictated by the legacy of one's villainous parent. For Mal, her mother, Maleficent, was a constant force, instilling in her a belief that power, ruthlessness, and the embrace of villainy were the keys to success and escape. This created a mindset in Mal where she viewed relationships and interactions through a lens of strategy and self-preservation. Evie, on the other hand, while also a product of the Isle, had a different maternal influence: the Evil Queen. The Evil Queen’s focus, though equally self-serving, was often on outward appearances, charm, and the pursuit of a prince and a fairy-tale ending. This resulted in Evie possessing a naturally more optimistic and socially adept disposition. Mal, constantly under the shadow of Maleficent's grander, more malevolent ambitions, might have viewed Evie's more superficial desires as naive or even a distraction from their shared predicament. Furthermore, Mal was raised with a deep-seated belief in the inherent nature of villainy. Maleficent likely taught her that goodness was a weakness, and that genuine connection was a luxury they couldn’t afford. Evie’s apparent ease in making friends and her desire for a "happily ever after" in Auradon could have been perceived by Mal as a capitulation to the very world they were meant to conquer, or at least, a misunderstanding of their true purpose. This fundamental difference in their understanding of what their lives should be – Mal’s focus on power versus Evie’s on romantic fulfillment – created an early rift. Mal's internal struggles with living up to Maleficent's expectations, coupled with her own insecurities about her worth beyond her magical abilities, likely made her envious of Evie's perceived simplicity and her ability to connect with others more readily. It was a dynamic of intense pressure versus outward charm, and for Mal, Evie's presence often highlighted her own internal battles.

Why did Mal find Evie's desire for a prince problematic?

Mal found Evie's desire for a prince problematic primarily because it clashed with her own understanding of their purpose and her mother's instilled beliefs. Maleficent had groomed Mal for a life of power and dominance, where true happiness and success were achieved through control and overcoming obstacles with dark magic. The idea of a "happily ever after" for Mal was intrinsically linked to achieving a level of power that would ensure her freedom and superiority, not necessarily to finding romantic love or domestic bliss. When Evie expressed her yearning for a prince and a fairy-tale ending, Mal likely viewed it as a trivial pursuit, a naive distraction from the more significant challenges they faced. It was a goal that seemed to align with the very "good" society they were from, a society that had imprisoned their parents. Mal, still deeply influenced by her mother's cynicism and her own struggle with her identity, may have seen Evie's aspirations as a form of betrayal of their shared heritage and their initial mission to prove that the children of villains were just as capable, if not more so, than the heroes. Additionally, Mal's own insecurities likely played a significant role. Constantly under pressure from Maleficent to be the most powerful and capable, she might have felt a sense of inadequacy when Evie seemed to possess an effortless charm and a seemingly achievable goal, like finding a prince. While Mal was wrestling with dark magic and the weight of her mother's legacy, Evie was focused on a more conventional, albeit still superficial, version of a happy ending. This disparity could have bred resentment in Mal, who might have felt that Evie was not taking their situation seriously enough, or that her aspirations were too easily won. The idea that Evie could pursue such a seemingly simple happiness, while Mal was grappling with existential threats and the dark nature of her own power, likely felt unfair and even infuriating to Mal.

How did Mal and Evie's experiences in Auradon affect their relationship?

The experiences Mal and Evie had in Auradon were pivotal in shaping and ultimately transforming their relationship, moving it from one of animosity to one of profound friendship. Initially, their arrival in Auradon brought their differences to the forefront. Mal, tasked with a specific mission to steal the Fairy Godmother's wand, was focused on her objective, often viewing Auradon's inhabitants and customs with suspicion and cynicism. Evie, on the other hand, was more readily captivated by Auradon's charm, its opportunities, and the prospect of a life she had only dreamed of. This divergence in their immediate reactions and priorities created friction. Mal might have felt that Evie was becoming too enamored with the "enemy," while Evie might have felt that Mal was being overly harsh and distrustful. However, the very challenges they faced in Auradon began to forge a stronger bond between them. As Mal grappled with the temptations of Auradon and the moral implications of her actions, she started to question the strict dictates of her villainous upbringing. Evie, with her more innate optimism and her developing understanding of genuine connection, became a crucial support system for Mal. Evie's unwavering belief in Mal, even when Mal was at her most conflicted and self-destructive, provided Mal with a much-needed anchor. Conversely, as Mal began to tentatively embrace the possibility of change and goodness, Evie was there to support her, often acting as a bridge between Mal's past and her potential future. Evie's ability to navigate the social complexities of Auradon and her genuine kindness helped Mal to slowly shed her hardened exterior. Their shared experiences of navigating a new world, facing prejudice, and making difficult choices together created a unique understanding between them. The moments where they had to rely on each other, where their bond was tested, ultimately solidified their friendship. Mal's initial "hate" or resentment gradually dissolved as she recognized Evie's steadfast loyalty, her genuine affection, and her integral role in Mal's own journey toward self-discovery and acceptance. Auradon, by forcing them to confront their individual challenges and rely on each other, allowed their relationship to evolve from a reluctant alliance to a true sisterhood.

Was there a specific moment or event that marked a turning point in Mal's feelings towards Evie?

While there isn't a single, isolated "aha!" moment that definitively eradicates all of Mal's prior animosity towards Evie, the overarching narrative arc of their journey in Auradon and beyond provides a series of turning points. One significant shift likely occurred as Mal began to truly grapple with the possibility of a different path – a path not solely dictated by Maleficent's malevolent agenda. As Mal wrestled with her identity, her magical abilities, and the ethical dilemmas presented by Auradon, Evie’s consistent presence and unwavering support became increasingly significant. Evie’s refusal to abandon Mal, even when Mal was distant, secretive, or exhibiting her more villainous tendencies, must have been deeply impactful. For someone raised by Maleficent, who likely expected loyalty to be transactional and conditional, Evie’s genuine, selfless devotion would have been a stark contrast. This persistent kindness and steadfastness, demonstrated through countless small interactions and more significant moments of support, would have gradually eroded Mal’s cynicism and forced her to reconsider her perceptions of Evie. Furthermore, as Mal started to make genuine connections with others in Auradon, particularly with Ben, her perspective on relationships began to broaden. She started to see that positive interactions and genuine affection were not weaknesses but sources of strength. Evie, being one of the first people Mal truly connected with from her past, became a symbol of this evolving understanding. When Mal began to embrace the idea of goodness, or at least of forging her own path distinct from her mother’s legacy, Evie was her staunchest ally. Evie's acceptance and willingness to stand by Mal, regardless of her choices, were crucial. This mutual reliance and the shared experience of navigating their complicated identities, facing external threats together, and supporting each other’s growth, created a powerful bond. The turning point wasn't a single event, but a cumulative process of realizing Evie's unwavering loyalty and her genuine care, which eventually transformed Mal's initial resentment into deep affection and sisterly love.

Can Mal and Evie's relationship be considered a form of sibling rivalry, even though they aren't biological sisters?

Absolutely, Mal and Evie's relationship can indeed be understood as a profound form of sibling rivalry, despite not being biologically related. Their shared upbringing on the Isle of the Lost, under the tutelage of two of Disney's most iconic villainesses, fostered a dynamic that mirrors the complexities often seen between siblings, albeit amplified by their villainous context. They were constant companions, thrust together by their circumstances and the proximity of their mothers’ lairs. This close proximity, coupled with the intense pressure and competition inherent in their upbringing, naturally led to a rivalry. Mal, as the daughter of Maleficent, was groomed for power and dominance. She was likely expected to be the more formidable of the two, the leader, the one to achieve the grandest of villainous feats. Evie, on the other hand, with her focus on beauty, charm, and romantic aspirations, presented a different, perhaps less overtly threatening, path. Mal might have resented Evie’s seemingly easier acceptance into Auradon’s social circles or her ability to charm people, seeing it as a different kind of success that Mal, with her more imposing and intimidating nature, couldn't replicate. This can be akin to siblings vying for parental approval or competing for attention. Furthermore, their mothers’ own dynamic, or at least the implied comparison between their achievements and their daughters' potential, likely seeped into their interactions. Mal might have felt that Evie was a constant reminder of what she wasn't, or that Evie's accomplishments were somehow a reflection of Mal's own perceived shortcomings. Conversely, Evie might have felt overshadowed by Mal's raw power and her mother's fearsome reputation. This push and pull, the constant comparison, the occasional moments of jealousy, and the underlying affection that exists between them despite the rivalry, all strongly resemble the complex bonds of siblinghood. Their eventual transition from rivalry to a sisterly bond, forged through shared adversity and mutual support in Auradon, further solidifies this interpretation, showing how rivalry can, with time and shared experiences, evolve into a deep and lasting connection.

The Unseen Influences: Maleficent and the Evil Queen's Shadow

It's impossible to discuss why Mal hated Evie without acknowledging the profound and often insidious influence of their mothers. Maleficent, in particular, cast a long and dark shadow over Mal's life. Her mother's relentless ambition, her belief in the inherent superiority of evil, and her constant need for control instilled in Mal a deep-seated insecurity and a warped understanding of the world. Mal's perception of Evie was undoubtedly filtered through this lens. If Maleficent was constantly emphasizing the importance of power and dominance, then Evie's more superficial aspirations might have seemed like a weakness, a deviation from the "true path" of villainy. Similarly, the Evil Queen, while perhaps not as overtly terrifying as Maleficent, was equally driven by self-interest and a desire for a perfect outcome. Her focus on beauty and securing a prince, while seemingly less destructive, was still rooted in deception and a pursuit of external validation. Evie absorbed these lessons, internalizing the idea that a certain type of "happily ever after" was attainable through specific means. This created a situation where Mal was being molded into a weapon, while Evie was being groomed for a more conventional, albeit still manipulative, fairy tale. When they were brought together in Auradon, these ingrained lessons and expectations inevitably clashed. Mal might have viewed Evie's willingness to embrace Auradon's superficialities as a sign of her mother's manipulative success, a success that Mal herself was trying to resist or reframe. The perceived superficiality of Evie's desires could have been a painful reminder to Mal of the superficiality of her own upbringing, or the limited vision her mother had for her. Moreover, the inherent competition between these mothers, even if unspoken, likely translated into a subtle rivalry between their daughters. It’s plausible that Maleficent, ever the strategist, saw Evie as a potential rival or a pawn in her grander schemes. This external pressure and the ingrained familial expectations certainly contributed to the tension between Mal and Evie. The weight of their mothers' legacies was a constant burden, and their interactions were, for a long time, a reflection of those inherited conflicts.

Evie's Perspective: Was She Unaware of Mal's Animosity?

It's a fair question to ask whether Evie was truly aware of the depth of Mal's initial animosity. Given Evie's generally optimistic and somewhat naive outlook, especially in the early stages, it's possible she didn't fully grasp the extent of Mal’s internal struggles or the negativity directed towards her. Evie was often portrayed as eager to please and quick to see the best in people, even those who were less than forthcoming with their affections. She likely interpreted Mal’s gruffness or dismissiveness as simply Mal being Mal – a product of her tough upbringing. However, as their time in Auradon progressed, and particularly as Mal began to open up and reveal her vulnerabilities, Evie would have undoubtedly become more aware of the complexities of their relationship. She would have seen the moments of doubt, the flashes of anger, and the underlying fear that fueled Mal's behavior. While she might not have always understood the root cause of Mal’s animosity, she was perceptive enough to sense when Mal was struggling or when she was pushing people away. Evie's own journey in Auradon involved learning to navigate social dynamics, build genuine friendships, and understand the nuances of emotion. This growth would have allowed her to become more attuned to Mal’s emotional state. While she might have been hurt by Mal's initial coldness, her innate kindness and loyalty likely prevented her from reciprocating with outright anger or resentment. Instead, she probably focused on trying to understand Mal and being there for her, a characteristic that ultimately became the bridge to their stronger friendship. Her resilience and her capacity for empathy meant that she likely didn't dwell on Mal's negative feelings but rather on how she could help Mal overcome them, a testament to her own evolving maturity and her deep care for Mal.

The Evolution of Their Bond: From Rivals to Sisters

The narrative arc of Mal and Evie's relationship is a beautiful testament to growth and transformation. What begins as a tense, often antagonistic dynamic, rooted in their disparate upbringings and the pressures of their villainous parents, evolves into one of the strongest and most heartwarming friendships in the *Descendants* saga. Initially, Mal's feelings towards Evie were a complex mix of envy, resentment, and a misplaced sense of duty, all filtered through the lens of Maleficent's teachings. She saw Evie's aspirations as naive and her outward charm as something Mal herself lacked. This could easily be mistaken for hatred, but it was more a product of Mal's deep-seated insecurities and her inability to process her own emotions in a healthy way. However, as they navigated the challenges of Auradon, their shared experiences began to chip away at the walls Mal had built. Evie’s unwavering loyalty, her genuine kindness, and her ability to see the good in Mal, even when Mal couldn’t see it in herself, were instrumental in this transformation. Evie’s persistence in offering friendship and support, despite Mal’s initial resistance, slowly began to break down Mal's defenses. When Mal started to embrace the possibility of a different path, one that involved making her own choices rather than blindly following her mother's agenda, Evie became her most steadfast ally. Evie’s acceptance of Mal’s evolving identity, her willingness to stand by her through thick and thin, and her own journey of self-discovery alongside Mal, forged an unbreakable bond. They moved from being companions in villainy to true sisters, finding strength and solace in each other's company. Their relationship ultimately serves as a powerful example of how shared adversity, mutual respect, and unwavering loyalty can overcome even the deepest-seated animosity, transforming rivalry into a profound and lasting love. The core of their evolved bond lies in mutual acceptance and understanding. Mal learned to appreciate Evie's strengths, recognizing that her charm and optimism were not weaknesses but valuable assets. Evie, in turn, saw past Mal's tough exterior to the kind and brave person within. This evolution highlights the powerful theme of redemption and the idea that even those with villainous origins can find genuine connection and forge their own destinies, often with the help of those who believe in them.