In the expansive universe of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players encounter a series of morally ambiguous entities known as the Daedric Princes. These deities reign over unique realms within the infamous Oblivion, contrasting starkly with the Divines, celebrated and revered within Tamriel. In stark opposition, the Daedra are often shunned, perceived as malevolent figures whose worshipers manifest in the shadows. The likes of the cunning Boethiah or the loathsome Peryite manipulate mortals, treating them as mere pawns in their grand schemes.
Among these deities, a range of malevolence exists, with some exhibiting traits that lean towards moral neutrality. While labeling any of them as “good”is a stretch, several Daedric Princes emerge above the rest as epitomes of evil and chaos in the Elder Scrolls lore. Presented below are the ten most notorious Daedric Princes that players will encounter in Skyrim, each infamous for their cruelty and malevolence.
10 Peryite – The Lord of Pestilence
A Twisted Form of Order That Only Brings Pain
Peryite, often perceived as a lesser Daedric Prince, exemplifies revulsion due to his dominion over disease and order. He perceives illness as a divine gift he dispenses to the aimless souls of the world, showing zero tolerance for dissent.
In the game, he personifies a skeever, utilizing the rodent as a representation of his infectious essence. Players will find Peryite requesting the Dragonborn to eliminate a priest who has failed in his duties, ironically claiming that this act will cleanse the infection. Moreover, he refers to his cursed followers, known as the Afflicted, as vessels to propagate suffering. Though he sees disease as a blessing, his true intention revolves around orchestrating an unending cycle of pain.
9 Clavicus Vile – The Master of Wishes
Be Careful What You Wish For
Clavicus Vile embodies the whimsical nature of wishes, often reveling in the art of betrayal. Although he can grant desires, the Daedric Prince enjoys twisting the words and wishes of mortals, leading to regret and misfortune.
Throughout the game, the Dragonborn learns that attempts to resolve conflict can lead to horrific outcomes at Vile’s hands — for instance, wishing for peace could result in mass mortality. Though sometimes counseled by his loyal dog, Barbas, Clavicus Vile’s sadism reveals his disregard for mortal life.
8 Namira – The Goddess of Decay
A Coven of Cannibals
Namira, ruling as the Daedric Prince of decay, has a notorious association with cannibalism within Skyrim. Her quests center on human sacrifice and consuming corpses, rewarding followers with heightened power through cannibalistic rituals. This relationship raises ethical questions regarding Namira’s encouragement of revulsion.
Despite not being considered as evil as some others, Namira’s affinity for decay gives rise to death and despair, showcasing her complex morality and deeply unsettling influences.
7 Sheogorath – The Prince of Madness
Don’t Let This God’s Jovial Demeanor Fool You
Sheogorath stands out among the Daedric Princes with his unpredictable and chaotic nature. As the embodiment of madness, his disposition can elicit both jubilation and disaster depending on his volatile moods.
Historical events linked to Sheogorath, particularly the decline of Emperor Pelagius III, involved the Daedric Prince’s chaotic influence, further contributing to his notoriety. Despite his seemingly harmless antics, his legacy is one of chaos and unpredictability, making him a menacing figure.
6 Vaermina – The Nightmare Prince
Tormenting People With Their Own Dreams
Vaermina is a Daedric Prince synonymous with nightmares and dark omens, inflicting terror through psychological torment on her victims. Famed for manipulating dreams, she uses individuals’ fears against them, perpetuating suffering.
Dawnstar, a city plagued by her nightmares, serves as testimony to her powers. She not only revels in instigating despair but also drains the good memories of her victims, leaving emotional devastation in her wake.
5 Boethiah – The Goddess of Betrayal
Deceit, Treason, and Murder
Boethiah’s dominion encompasses betrayal, conspiracy, and murder, and her actions resonate with malevolence for many within Skyrim. Her followers practice blood rites that compel individuals to sacrifice their allies to gain favor from this ruthless deity. Her legacy includes inciting brutal games and devouring the Orcish god Trinimac.
Despite her inherent evil, Boethiah is refreshingly transparent in her intentions, wearing her bloodlust openly. She may embody deceit, but her straightforwardness distinguishes her from the more clandestine Daedra.
4 Hermaeus Mora – The Keeper of Secrets
Prince of Knowledge, Lord of Apocrypha
Hermaeus Mora presents as the Prince of knowledge, often perceived as neutral. However, his dealings in Skyrim reveal a darker, vindictive side masked by the allure of forbidden wisdom. Tasks involving betrayal and manipulation unveil Mora’s true nature.
During a quest, the Dragonborn may be compelled to betray a scholar to serve Hermaeus Mora’s desires. In the subsequent DLC, players uncover twisted followers and witness the horrifying lengths Mora will go to for knowledge, including sacrificing innocents. This Daedra’s treachery solidifies his position as a genuine menace.
3 Mehrunes Dagon – The Prince of Destruction
An Ambitious Daedra with a Serious Thirst For Blood
Best known as the primary antagonist in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Mehrunes Dagon embodies destruction and ambition. With designs to conquer Tamriel through Oblivion Gates, he propelled chaos leveraging the cult of the Mythic Dawn.
His association with destruction is unwavering, and while driven by power rather than annihilation, this Daedra’s disregard for mortals places him among the most feared entities in the universe.
2 Mephala – The Spider with a Deadly Touch
This Daedra May Go By Another Name as Well
As the Daedric Prince of lies, Mephala possesses a penchant for manipulation and violence. She thrives on cold-blooded murder, particularly inciting her followers to betray those closest to them. Her influence is so strong that she even attempts to sway a child to murder his own father, Jarl Balgruuf.
Moreover, there’s a theory indicating that Mephala manifests as the Night Mother, the eerie figure commanding the Dark Brotherhood. If true, her grasp on both the Morag Tong and the Brotherhood reiterates her status as one of Tamriel’s most lethal divine influences.
1 Molag Bal – The Dark Prince of Domination
Nothing Is Worse than This Daedric Prince
Molag Bal is the epitome of evil among the Daedric Princes, embodying the darkest aspects of domination and enslavement. His intent transcends mere amusement, fixating on enslaving or destroying every living creature in Tamriel. His realm, Coldharbour, epitomizes misery, filled with tortured souls transformed into Daedric minions. From raising vampiric legions to incessantly tormenting his adversaries, he is the quintessence of malice.
Even Boethiah recognizes the peril posed by Molag Bal, a testament to his overwhelming malevolence. Despite his weakened form during Skyrim, lingering dangers persist; players should tread cautiously in his lingering domains.
Sources: Bethesda Softworks/YouTube, Bethesda Softworks UK/YouTube
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