Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

As a seasoned traveler and adventurer of Tamriel, I can say without a doubt that the villains in this land are some of the most intriguing and formidable adversaries one could ever encounter. Among these nefarious characters, there are those who seek power, those who seek vengeance, and those who seek to reshape the very fabric of reality itself.


Nothing makes a heroic quest quite so satisfying as foiling the plans of a truly hateable villain. One of great strengths is the true evil of its villains.

The series’ villains span from over-the-top ambition, reminiscent of Dr. Evil, to simple malevolence and petty actions. These antagonists provide a diverse range of obnoxious characters.

Among all the characters from the Elder Scrolls series, these villains stand out for their particularly striking portrayals of wickedness, whether they bring about unity through chaos or destruction.

10 Miraak

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

With the wisdom and power bestowed upon him by the all-knowing Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora, the adversary in question is unscrupulous, as he deceitfully takes a dragon’s soul following its defeat at your hands. I’m afraid there are no new shouts for you, hero!

As a gamer, I can tell you that Miraak’s wicked plans aren’t about world domination like some other villains. Instead, he has a knack for messing with me in very tangible ways. His methods are certainly unique and unsettling.

In comparison to other characters who might commit more heinous acts, the act of kill-stealing turns the conflict between the Dragonborn and Miraak into a deeply personal feud for both parties.

9 Alduin

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

To start anew, Alduin, the first dragon, relentlessly pursues a sinister agenda: devouring the world. Despite the simplicity of his plan, his wickedness remains undiminished. His ultimate goal is clear: to consume the world and give birth to a new one.

In me, an insatiable hunger for devastation fuels my wickedness, as I arrogantly strive to leave the world barren and desolate, save for the dragons. Truth be told, I’m not exactly sly about it, but then again, with a giant lizard like myself, I suppose one can never truly be hungry for anything other than destruction.

8 Hircine

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

In the Bloodmoon expansion for Hircine, the ultimate adversary is a Daedric Prince who thrives on the thrill of the chase. If you combine the concept of The Most Dangerous Game with werewolves, frost giants, and other fantastical beasts, you’ll have a pretty accurate picture.

Hircine is a captivating antagonist since he differs from other Daedric Princes in his apparent disregard for morality and mortals. In essence, Tamriel functions as a hunting ground for him, an ongoing competition that ensures only the strongest survive – a spectacle he personally enjoys participating in.

It’s understood that Hircine is evil, however, it seems he himself does not share this viewpoint. This lack of moral compass indeed gives Hircine a peculiar quality, perfectly fitting for an enigmatic figure hailing from realms beyond our ordinary world.

7 Jagar Tharn

The Elder Scrolls: Arena

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

In the original Elder Scrolls game, Jagar Tharn serves as the primary antagonist, exhibiting a cunning intellect that rivals even the most formidable villains from subsequent games in the series. What makes him particularly despicable is his habit of mocking the player each time they meet an untimely demise.

Jagar Tharn stands out among power-hungry tyrants not only for his extensive list of unusual transgressions such as duplicating himself and trapping spirits in Oblivion, but also because he is exceptionally successful in his wicked endeavors. This formidable former Imperial Battlemage has proven to be one of the rare villains who actually achieves his objectives.

In the game ‘Arena’, Tharn has seized the Septim throne. Instead of trying to prevent Tharn from achieving his objectives, the player’s mission is about rectifying the chaos that has ensued as a result.

6 Almalexia

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

In a former existence as Lord Indoril Nerevar, I was unfortunately taken by the three divine beings known as the ALMSIVI Tribunal. It’s understandable then, that during my journey in Morrowind and its expansion, Tribunal, these deities may not have been eager to cross paths with me. However, when I finally encountered Almalexia, she presented herself with such warmth and elegance that it was hard not to be charmed by her.

As I delve deeper into the mystical realm of Morrowind, it’s becoming clear that Almalexia is playing a dangerous game. She’s ruthlessly scheming to become the sole deity, using any means necessary, even if it means turning against those closest to her. The thirst for power in this world is insatiable.

Almalexia’s readiness to deceive not just the player, but also those who were deeply loyal to her, marks her as one of the most deceitful figures within the series. Thankfully, she encounters her reckoning at the hands of the Nerevarine.

5 Mehrunes Dagon

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

When a villain attempts to “destroy the world,” it’s not always about annihilating the world literally. However, when it comes to this Daedric Prince, there’s no ambiguity – they truly aim for total destruction!

Mehrunes Dagon aspires not merely to snatch a handful of souls or bolster his dominion. Instead, his ambition reaches far beyond that: He aims to blend our mortal world seamlessly with the realm of Oblivion. Now that’s a vision!

Moreover, it’s not just those specific incidents when Mehrunes Dagon pursues his objective. His relentlessly malevolent personality serves to portray the Daedric Prince as an otherworldly being, one who is prepared to conspire and strategize over countless generations of mortal existence.

4 Dagoth Ur

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

As a devoted fan, it’s challenging to find a character more megalomaniacal than Dagoth Ur from Morrowind. This legendary antagonist not only cornered the market on divinity but also had grand designs within his volcanic fortress to rule the world by unleashing a colossal robot.

Overcoming him isn’t merely about physical combat, but also delving into crucial mysteries of Tamriel’s lore—such as the destiny of the Dwemer race, and the essence of divinity. As Dagoth Ur’s contagion continues to ravage Red Mountain, it poses a dire threat to Vvardenfell and even broader territories, spreading an insidious madness known as corpus.

Top that, James Bond.

3 Lord Harkon

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

Given that vampires are iconic figures in horror stories, it’s only natural that their ruler, Lord Harkon, appears high on our list. His aim is to plunge the world into eternal darkness by extinguishing the sun.

What sets Tamriel’s top vampire apart is that he is the original among all vampires, and takes great pride in this distinction. Unlike others, Lord Harkon didn’t become a vampire due to misfortune or affliction—he was simply a ruthless individual who willingly sacrificed a thousand human lives to Molag Bal.

Such a ruthless act, he wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice his cherished wife and child, for the sake of fulfilling his ultimate ambitions. Truly, it shows a lack of compassion.

2 Mannimarco

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

In the climax of the Mages Guild questline within Oblivion, you encounter a merciless necromancer who embodies a chilling form of immorality that mirrors human behavior. This character is none other than Mannimarco, a captivating adversary whose malevolence resonates with our own darker instincts.

In a more casual and readable style: The so-called “Worm King” might try to justify his wickedness with common excuses, but the things he does surpass what could be done without the use of dark magic. Mannimarco’s magical powers not only resurrect the dead, they also have the ability to control a person’s very soul.

Even death won’t let victims escape Mannimarco’s clutches.

1 Orvas Dren

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Most Evil Villains In The Elder Scrolls

At the pinnacle of our roster of world-dominating (or devastating) madmen lies a seemingly ordinary antagonist. In truth, Orvas Dren is the mastermind behind the Camonna Tong drug cartel, inflicting suffering upon Vvardenfell and amassing personal wealth in the process.

The Camonna Tong is an exceptionally vile organization, even within the context of fictional realms. They engage in a wide range of criminal activities such as theft, murder, and slavery. Orvas Dren and his associates are the root cause of numerous issues encountered during quests across Morrowind.

Furthermore, Orvas Dren doesn’t have any elaborate plan in mind. All he desires is wealth, and this selfish individual takes pleasure in the oppression of outlanders, considering them as his inferiors.

Ceasing Orvas Dren not only brings justice to his victims, it also liberates Vvardenfell’s administration from the Camonna Tong’s hidden control. Overthrowing Dagoth Ur guarantees the land’s longevity; vanquishing Orvas Dren offers a promising future.

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2024-11-22 19:41