Worst kept secret of all time: I’m a HUGE Elder Scrolls nerd. I’ve studied the lore backwards and forwards for no apparent reason (other than self-indulgence), and I have to say there are some pretty weird stories– particularly involving the Daedric Princes, which are gods of sorts. Each Daedric Prince has their own set of worshipers, and they control them almost as if they were puppeteers, wreaking havoc (intentionally or not) across all of Nirn.
Anyway, enough of the history lesson. Halloween is just around the corner, and I wanted to give you all a glimpse into the dark side of The Elder Scrolls. Here are, in my opinion, the top 5 scariest Daedric Princes!
SANGUINE
Ah, Sanguine: The Daedric Prince of Debauchery and Hedonism. At face-value, Sanguine just sounds like a drunk frat boy encouraging party-goers to drink more, but deep down, Sanguine is potentially one of the, if not the most dangerous dangerous Daedric Prince to the mortal realm. He entices mortals into the sins of greed, gluttony, and lust, and discourages the advancement of the mortals’ self. He’s basically the manifestation of procrastination. Many mortals see Sanguine as a savior and actively seek out his guidance. That’s how he lures them in: by pretending to be your best friend. His goal is a never-ending celebration. Mortals have a short life expectancy on Nirn, and what a better way to eliminate them all than by convincing them that life has no purpose, and they should just constantly indulge while they can, halting the progress of mankind?
BOETHIAH
Boethiah is the Daedric Prince of Deceit and Treachery. Boethiah is often represented by a warrior that towers above all others, mercilessly slaying anyone who steps in the way of their path to being the most powerful, intentional or not. This Daedric Prince loves to stir conflict in mortals, almost like it’s reality television for them. They care not for the lives of man and mer, and wish nothing more than to be entertained by the bloodshed of all those in conflict, which mostly manifests in war and politics. Though he seems like a killer who should be hated by all, the Dark Elves of Morrowind view him as a powerful ancestor. It may seem that Boethiah revels in the death of the defeated, the Dunmer see it more as reveling in the glory of the victor, proving that strength is true power. The Dunmer people’s longing for glory and justice is often why they’re viewed as rash and violent by other races. Thanks, Boethiah.
MEPHALA
The Daedric Prince of Lies, Manipulation, and Secrets, Mephala, is perhaps one of the most active Daedric Princes with the mortal realm. Without Mephala, politics would be straightforward and boring, but she is always 10 steps ahead, spinning her web in places where men and mer are bound to walk right into it. She feeds on the very psyche of mortals who lie, and sinks her teeth in the weakest of prey. Whether it be adultery or false politics, Mephala is amused by mortals who engage in sin: especially when they know it’s wrong. She loves to put one of her artifacts, the Ebony Blade, in the hands of the deceived, driving them mad until vengeance and justice is done.
MEHRUNES DAGON
The Daedric Prince of Revolution and Ambition, Mehrunes Dagon, was created by the Magna Ge in the Dawn Era in order to bring hope to Nirn. However, this hope was instilled with mortal ambition and destruction. He malevolently takes from the rich and gives to the poor, causing opportunity for chaos and revolution. Every single time the violent upheaval takes place and those who were mistreated revel in their new fortune, the cycle starts anew. This cycle never ends, either, for there is always mortals who are less fortunate to stoke the fires of ambition in. Mehrunes Dagon takes no pity on the downfalls of empires or the unjust actions on Nirn. He only cares that the cycle continues, and that violence never ceases.
MOLAG BAL
Molag Bal is easily the most evil Daedric Prince: The Daedric Prince of Domination and the Enslavement of Mortals. No matter how you spin that title, there’s no real way of misconstruing it in a positive light. Molag Bal’s followers follow him out of fear and manipulation. In his dreadful realm of Coldharbour, this Daedric Prince basks in the darkness, consuming the souls of mortals and damning them to enslavement for all eternity. Sure, Molag Bal enjoys destruction, calamity, and absolute abolishment, but that’s not even the worst part of it. He will go out of his way to find the most noble, well-liked, and all-around good mortal to do his bidding and carry out the evil task. Only then will he even be close to the feeling of “satisfied.”
There ya go! The top 5 scariest Daedric Princes. I wanted to put Sheogorath, but I didn’t want to risk being bludgeoned to death with a wheel of cheese, so here we are. Who do you think is the scariest? Hit me up on Twitter! PS: You should definitely check out our Elder Scrolls Crate by clicking the really cool blanket below:
