Top 8 Elder Scrolls Characters, Ranked!

by

Summary

  • Iconic Elder Scrolls NPCs like Neloth and Lucien Lachance are memorable for their unique personalities and fan impact.
  • Characters like Saint Jiub and M’aiq the Liar became beloved for their quirks and indirect impact on the player’s experience.
  • Key characters like Dagoth Ur, Serana, Paarthurnax, and Sheogorath add depth, emotion, and humor to the rich lore of The Elder Scrolls.

Over the course of several decades, the The Elder Scrolls series has earned a reputation for its expansive realms, rich history, and memorable characters. In the games such as Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim, players have encountered an array of personalities ranging from the whimsical to the fear-inspiring, and some so iconic that they are now synonymous with Tamriel’s distinctive universe.

As a devoted fan, I can confidently say that certain non-player characters (NPCs) from the Elder Scrolls series have left an indelible mark on my gaming journey. These memorable figures, ranked by their influence on fans, story complexity, and unforgettable personas, have carved out a unique space in our collective hearts.

From captivating us with their immense power to making us laugh with their wit, or moving us with their heart-wrenching backstories, these characters have significantly contributed to the rich tapestry of experiences that the Elder Scrolls has offered to millions. It would take a soul as cold as Sithis or as vacant as Malacath’s Ash Pit not to remember them.

8. Neloth – Morrowind

The Sassiest Sorcerer In All Of Solstheim

Originally appearing in the game Morrowind and then resurfacing in Skyrim’s “Dragonborn” DLC following the destruction of his home, Neloth from House Telvanni is a potent sorcerer who tends to view others, from the Nerevarines of Morrowind to the Dragonborn of Skyrim’s “Dragonborn” DLC, as if they were just one step away from a mushroom-based intellectual leap.

Apart from being known for his impressive magic skills and towering fungus fortress, Neloth is frequently fondly recalled for his witty, sarcastic jabs and overt self-confidence. He embodies the stereotype of the grumpy wizard, with an arrogance rating of 110, and fans appreciate him precisely for this attitude, whether he’s nonchalantly commanding legendary heroes to gather staff for his mushroom research facility or critically assessing the morality of soul-trapping.

7. Lucien Lachance – Oblivion

The Lucious Voice In The Void That Fans Still Hear In Their Sleep

Few people would take pleasure in finding a skilled killer quietly approaching the foot of their bed only to hear a low whisper from him, but such an unexpected scenario is what makes Lucian Lachance stand out as one of the most cherished characters for many gamers.

In his role as the Speaker of the Dark Brotherhood’s Black Hand, Lucien is tasked with enlisting new members into the clandestine organization. He notably reaches out to the player directly, no matter where they rest, including in the deepest, most intricate dungeons within Oblivion. His reputation was solidified when he (or perhaps his spirit) made a comeback in Skyrim.

6. Saint Jiub, Eradicator of the Winged Menace – Morrowind

From Prisoner To Patron Saint

Prior to the existence of dragons, the Daedric Princes, and even tutorial prompts and character classes, there was Jiub. This seemingly ordinary Dunmer prisoner is the one who first meets the player’s character in the game Morrowind, greeting them as they regain consciousness on a rocking prison ship. Although it’s just a brief encounter for some, for many others, Jiub has become an unintentional legend.

At Bethesda, the developers always kept him in mind, and so did the gaming community. By the time they introduced Skyrim, Jiub had been reincarnated as a revered saint: Saint Jiub the Eradicator, a beloved figure, known for vanquishing the Cliff Racers that plagued countless individuals, including the Neverine. Jiub serves as an enduring testament to the idea that greatness can emerge from unexpected places, even from the back of a prison ship in Seyda Neen.

5. M’aiq The Liar – Morrowind, Oblivion, And Skyrim

The Khajiit Who Knows Too Much (Or Nothing at All)

In the vast regions of Tamriel, M’aiq the Liar is one of the oddest recurring characters in the Elder Scrolls series, and one of the most beloved. This robed Khajiit can be found in almost every game since Morrowind, providing peculiar commentary, mysterious insights, and playful jibes at both the game’s lore and mechanics. He isn’t a quest-giver, antagonist, or companion; instead, he’s simply a traveler who shares stories that may be factual (but likely aren’t).

M’aiq’s charm originates from his ability to merge the player’s reality with the game world, making it hard to distinguish between meta and immersion. For long-term fans, he serves as an inside joke, while for everyone else, he underscores that Tamriel can be lighthearted and fun, a notion reinforced by the Oblivion Remaster. In his discussions about marriage mods, spears, or cliff racers, M’aiq brings a touch of humor, a casual attitude, and the feeling that someone is watching all this absurdity unfold with amusement.

4. Dagoth Ur – Morrowind

The Antagonist Fans Can’t Stop Dreaming (Or Meming) About

In the world of “The Elder Scrolls”, the villains often possess sympathetic or complex aspects. However, Dagoth Ur, the final boss and main antagonist from Morrowind, might have one of the most relatable motivations, despite his divine insanity. Beneath Red Mountain, he speaks with a familiar warmth, inviting the player to share in his vision for transforming Tamriel. His allure, madness, and epic stature are derived from betrayal suffered at the hands of the Tribunal, a twisted quest for justice, and a fusion with the heart of a deceased god.

For many years following his debut, the influence of Dagoth Ur continues through a flood of memes featuring AI-generated humor based on his dialogues. Whether it’s a meme or not, phrases like “Come, Nerevar, friend or traitor, come” have become ingrained in gaming culture. Although Morrowind may be challenging to grasp from today’s gaming perspective (especially without modifications to enhance the experience), Dagoth Ur’s echo still resonates within the Heart.

3. Serana – Skyrim (Dawnguard)

Everyone’s Favorite Daughter Of Coldharbour

In her debut with the “Dawnguard” DLC for Skyrim, Serana left an instant mark. As a vampire of pure lineage entangled in ancient prophecy and family treachery, she distinguishes herself among secondary characters due to her dry wit, intricate feelings, and exceptionally responsive dialogue. Furthermore, she proves to be a reliable ally, assisting the Last Dragonborn in their odyssey through the Soul Cairn and/or their transition into a vampire ruler.

Instead of merely admiring her, many fans find themselves deeply smitten by her. Unfortunately, while Skyrim’s expansive world includes characters that can be courted and married, these devoted fans must have felt disheartened upon learning that this ancient, raven-haired vampire pays no heed to their affection, regardless of their personal traits or circumstances.

2. Paarthurnax – Skyrim

The Dragon Who Chose Love And Wisdom Over Rage And Domination

The initial encounter with Paarthurnax at the Throat of the World takes your breath away in a truly cinematic fashion. What makes this meeting even more unexpected is when this ancient dragon speaks not with rage, but with tranquility instead. As the head of the Greybeards and once a lieutenant to Alduin, Paarthurnax represents an intriguing paradox: a being who could bring destruction, yet chose the path of enlightenment, favoring wisdom and self-restraint over dominance.

Through his deep, thoughtful tone, slow speech, and introspective dialogues, this character in Skyrim has become one of the most cherished figures. He serves as a mentor, often acting as a moral guide for many players. Quotes like “Is it better to be born good or to strive to overcome a bad nature?” resonate deeply with many. Interestingly, a significant number of players may find their loyalty towards this philosophical dragon increase when one of the most disliked characters from The Elder Scrolls series, Delphine, instructs the player to eliminate him for past actions that he has already made amends for.

1. Sheogorath – Oblivion (The Shivering Isles)

The Daedric Prince of Chaos, Cheese, Charm, and Charisma

Cheese and pieces of human innards! Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince symbolizing madness, often provides some of the series’ most memorable lines, eccentric monologues, and humorous warnings. While ruling a domain that is actually divided in two, he seems to enjoy this arrangement. However, Sheogorath isn’t just a character for laughs; if challenged, he can prove his threats are not empty words.

Similar to how Wes Johnson’s renowned vocal performances breathe life into characters like the Imperial Guard, Lucian Lachance, and the Arena Announcer, so too does he embody the mad god, a role that the player assumes in the climactic scenes of “The Shivering Isles.” This is akin to loving oneself, as the game’s narrative culminates with the player adopting this character.

Read More

2025-05-09 08:55