Which Darkin is the Strongest? A Deep Dive into League of Legends’ Fallen Gods
Aatrox, the World Ender, is generally considered the strongest Darkin in League of Legends lore. His raw power, fueled by his immense size, martial prowess, and near-unstoppable thirst for annihilation, puts him a cut above his brethren. While others might possess cunning or strategic advantages, Aatrox’s sheer destructive capability reigns supreme.
Understanding the Darkin: A Fallen Legacy
The Darkin are ancient beings, once noble Ascended warriors of Shurima, twisted and corrupted by the Void during the Icathian War. Imprisoned within their weapons, they yearn to escape and dominate Runeterra, seeking to reclaim their former glory or, in Aatrox’s case, simply end all existence. Their strength stems from their celestial origins, their mastery of blood magic (hemomancy), and the weapons that serve as their prisons.
Evaluating Darkin Strength: Criteria and Considerations
Determining the strongest Darkin isn’t a straightforward task. It requires considering several factors:
- Raw Power: This encompasses physical strength, magical ability, and the potential for destruction.
- Strategic Acumen: The ability to plan, manipulate, and exploit weaknesses.
- Influence and Control: The power to command armies and shape events.
- Corruption and Transformation: The extent to which a Darkin can alter its host and the surrounding environment.
- Resilience: The ability to withstand damage and regenerate.
While Aatrox excels in raw power, other Darkin might surpass him in other areas.
The Darkin Contenders: A Power Ranking
Let’s examine each known Darkin and their potential for dominance:
Aatrox: The World Ender
As stated, Aatrox’s unparalleled strength makes him the prime contender. His enormous stature, coupled with his devastating sword, allows him to cleave through armies with ease. He can resurrect himself after death (in-game mechanic reflective of his lore), making him incredibly resilient. More than that, Aatrox is driven by a profound hatred for all things, pushing him to relentless violence and a desire to unmake the entire world. This nihilistic drive fuels his power, making him an unstoppable force of destruction.
Rhaast (and Kayn): The Shadow Reaper
Rhaast, the Darkin residing within the living weapon known as the Scythe of the Darkin, presents a unique case. His strength depends largely on his host, Kayn. A fully transformed Rhaast is a formidable warrior, capable of draining the life force of his enemies and healing himself. While individually powerful, Rhaast’s reliance on Kayn, and the potential for Kayn to control him, places him below Aatrox in terms of pure strength. However, Rhaast’s cunning and manipulation should not be underestimated.
Varus: The Arrow of Retribution
Varus, imprisoned within his bow, differs from the others. He is a composite being, a fusion of the Darkin Varus and the two Ionian hunters, Valmar and Kai, who sought to contain him. While Varus possesses significant power, including enhanced archery skills and the ability to corrupt minds, his divided nature weakens him compared to Aatrox. The ongoing struggle for control within Varus’s body limits his potential.
Naafiri: The Hound of a Hundred Bites
Naafiri’s strength lies in her pack. She embodies a collective consciousness, bound to a pack of Dune Hounds. While individually the hounds might not pose a significant threat to Aatrox, their sheer number and relentless ferocity offer a unique advantage. Her ability to corrupt and control creatures gives her a strong strategic advantage. Although a horde of wild animals is terrifying, Aatrox has already faced them.
Others: Unrevealed Darkin Potential
Many Darkin remain imprisoned, their powers and intentions unknown. It is possible that some possess abilities exceeding even Aatrox’s. However, based on available lore, Aatrox currently reigns supreme.
Why Aatrox Reigns Supreme: The Decisive Factors
- Unmatched Physical Prowess: Aatrox’s sheer size and strength are unmatched among the known Darkin.
- Unwavering Determination: Driven by an all-consuming hatred, Aatrox will stop at nothing to achieve his goal of universal annihilation.
- Resurrection: The ability to resurrect after death grants Aatrox a significant advantage.
- Lack of Restraints: Unlike Varus, who struggles with his human hosts, Aatrox fully dominates his vessel. Rhaast is in constant battle with Kayn. Naafiri is a pack, which is a strength but also a vulnerability.
The Future of the Darkin: Power Shifts and Uncertainties
The Darkin saga is far from over. As more Darkin are revealed, the power dynamics could shift. New weapons, new hosts, and new alliances could emerge, challenging Aatrox’s dominance. Riot Games may introduce new abilities and lore that elevate another Darkin to greater power. However, at the present moment, Aatrox remains the most powerful Darkin in League of Legends lore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Darkin
1. What exactly is hemomancy, and how does it relate to the Darkin?
Hemomancy is blood magic, a key source of the Darkin’s power. They manipulate blood to heal, corrupt, and reshape their surroundings. It allows them to bind to hosts, enhance their weapons, and unleash devastating attacks.
2. How many Darkin are there in total?
The lore suggests there were originally five Ascended warriors that transformed into Darkin. The lore implies a total number of unknown, however, many of them were hunted and their weapons were hidden away. Some of them were lost in the Void.
3. Can a Darkin be truly killed?
It’s complicated. Destroying a Darkin’s host body doesn’t necessarily kill the Darkin itself. Their essence remains bound to their weapon. The only known way to truly contain a Darkin is through powerful magic or a willing host. There is still not a known way of permenantly killing them off.
4. How did the Darkin become corrupted?
The Darkin were corrupted during the Icathian War. They fought against the Void, but were ultimately twisted by its power. They turned on each other and against humanity.
5. Is it possible for a human to completely resist a Darkin’s influence?
It seems possible, but highly unlikely. Kayn is currently the only character in the lore that is actively resisting his Darkin Rhaast.
6. What is the relationship between the Darkin and the Ascended?
The Darkin were Ascended. They were once noble warriors who were elevated by the Sun Disc. However, the Void corrupted them, turning them into the monstrous beings they are today. They were once revered heroes, now they are destructive monsters.
7. What are the goals of the Darkin?
Their goals vary. Aatrox seeks to end all of existence, while others may crave domination and the restoration of their lost glory. Naafiri seeks to unite all wild creatures under her command. Each Darkin has its own motivations, driven by their unique experiences and desires.
8. How does a Darkin weapon choose its host?
The process is not fully understood. It seems a combination of compatibility, vulnerability, and willpower plays a role. The weapon senses a potential host and attempts to exert its influence, seeking a being it can dominate and control.
9. What are the weaknesses of the Darkin?
They are not invincible. They can be weakened by magic, imprisoned within their weapons, or potentially resisted by a strong-willed host. Their reliance on hemomancy also makes them vulnerable to magic that disrupts or controls blood.
10. Are there any Darkin who are not inherently evil?
That’s debatable. Their corruption has twisted them to the point where they prioritize their own desires above all else. They could be considered inherently evil, because of this mindset.
11. How does the lore of the Darkin affect gameplay in League of Legends?
The Darkin’s lore is reflected in their abilities and playstyles. For instance, Aatrox’s resurrection ability embodies his resilience and relentless nature. Rhaast/Kayn’s transformation mechanic mirrors the internal struggle between the two entities.
12. What role do humans play in the Darkin’s plans?
Humans serve as hosts, tools, or pawns in the Darkin’s schemes. They are vessels for the Darkin’s power, armies to be commanded, or simply sacrifices to be made in pursuit of their goals.
13. Is it possible for new Darkin to be created?
It’s unlikely. The circumstances that led to the Darkin’s creation – the Ascended, the Void War, and the corruption – are unique. However, it is not impossible for existing entities to get a new host.
14. What is the relationship between the Darkin and the Void?
The Void is the source of their corruption. The Darkin were exposed to its power during the Icathian War, which transformed them into the beings they are today. The Void serves as a constant threat to Runeterra and a reminder of the Darkin’s origins.
15. Will we see more Darkin added to League of Legends in the future?
It’s highly likely. Riot Games has hinted at the existence of other Darkin, and their inclusion would provide exciting new story possibilities and gameplay opportunities.