Who Created Xerath? Unraveling the Lore of the Ascended Magus
Xerath, the Magus Ascendant, was not “created” in the traditional sense. He is a being of pure arcane energy, a result of a corrupted Ascended ritual. While he wasn’t directly birthed or manufactured, his existence can be attributed to the actions and ambition of himself and Azir, the Emperor of Shurima. He was once a loyal slave and confidant to Azir, but his lust for power and the freedom from his servitude ultimately led to the events that birthed the monstrous being we know today. It’s important to understand the context of Shurima’s history and the Ascended beings to fully grasp Xerath’s origins.
The Seeds of Destruction: Xerath’s Early Life
Xerath’s story begins long before his ascension. He was born into slavery in Shurima, a land renowned for its sun magic and powerful Ascended warriors. His innate magical talent was quickly recognized, even in his youth. This talent, however, was viewed not as a gift, but as a tool to be exploited. He became a highly valued slave, tasked with assisting the young Prince Azir.
From Slave to Confidant: A Twisted Bond
Over time, Xerath and Azir developed a complicated and unsettling bond. Xerath, despite his servitude, secretly admired Azir’s vision for a just and prosperous Shurima. He became Azir’s closest advisor, tutoring him in the arcane arts and manipulating events to subtly guide Azir towards a path that would eventually serve Xerath’s own ambitions. He fostered Azir’s dependence on him, carefully crafting a narrative that placed himself as indispensable to the Emperor’s success. The crucial point here is that Xerath never relinquished his desire for freedom and power.
The Grand Deception: A Plan Long in the Making
Beneath the veneer of loyalty, Xerath meticulously plotted his rise. He manipulated events leading to Azir’s early ascension ceremony, fueled by his own deep knowledge of Shuriman magic. He understood the power of the Sun Disc and the potential it held. His grand scheme was to usurp Azir’s place during the Ascension ritual, absorbing the divine power for himself.
The Ascension Ritual: A Cataclysmic Betrayal
The moment arrived during the height of Shurima’s glory. As Azir stood poised beneath the Sun Disc, ready to be reborn as an Ascended being, Xerath revealed his true intentions. He used his knowledge of the ritual and his close proximity to Azir to seize the Sun Disc’s power. The consequences were catastrophic.
The Fall of Shurima: A Nation Erased
Xerath’s betrayal triggered a massive surge of uncontrolled energy. The Sun Disc, meant to bestow divine power upon Azir, instead unleashed a wave of destruction that consumed Shurima. The capital city was leveled, its people obliterated, and the Ascended warriors scattered or corrupted. Azir himself was killed, his dreams of a glorious empire dashed in an instant. Xerath was transformed into a being of pure arcane energy, a living embodiment of destructive magic.
Imprisonment and Awakening: Centuries of Darkness
Despite his newfound power, Xerath was not invincible. The cataclysm left him weakened and vulnerable. He was eventually imprisoned within a magical sarcophagus, buried deep beneath the sands of Shurima. For centuries, he lay dormant, his power slowly regenerating. The rediscovery of the Tomb of Emperors and the subsequent re-ascension of Azir unknowingly freed Xerath from his prison, setting the stage for his return to Runeterra.
Xerath’s Goals: Dominion Through Destruction
Freed from his prison, Xerath now seeks to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his: dominion over Shurima and the world. He sees Azir as an obstacle to his ambition and vows to destroy him and all who stand in his way. His ultimate goal is not simply conquest, but the reshaping of Runeterra in his image, a world ruled by raw magical power and where the strong dominate the weak. He believes only he can bring true order to the chaos of Runeterra.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Xerath
1. Was Xerath always evil?
While Xerath possessed ambition and a thirst for power from a young age, his actions were primarily driven by his enslaved status. The system of Shurima played a crucial role in shaping his desire for freedom and the lengths he was willing to go to achieve it.
2. What are Xerath’s powers?
Xerath is a being of pure arcane energy. He can manipulate and project vast amounts of magical energy, summon bolts of lightning, and control the flow of magic around him. He is essentially a living conduit for arcane power.
3. How powerful is Xerath compared to other Ascended?
Xerath is arguably one of the most powerful Ascended beings. His ascension was unplanned and chaotic, resulting in a raw, untamed power that far surpasses most other Ascended, whose transformations were more controlled.
4. Is Xerath stronger than Azir?
Currently, Xerath possesses more raw power than Azir. However, Azir is a skilled tactician and leader, and his control over the sands of Shurima gives him a significant advantage in their conflict. The outcome of their battles is often dependent on the environment and circumstances.
5. What is Xerath’s relationship with other champions in League of Legends?
Xerath’s primary focus is on Azir and the reclamation of Shurima. He has little regard for other champions, seeing them as either potential allies or obstacles to his goals. Sivir is an example as an ally in her search of treasure and artifacts in Shurima.
6. Can Xerath be defeated?
Defeating Xerath is incredibly difficult due to his immense power and his intangible nature. However, he is not invincible. Exploiting his vulnerabilities and finding ways to disrupt his connection to arcane energy are potential avenues for his defeat.
7. Why did Xerath betray Azir?
Xerath’s betrayal stemmed from his deep-seated resentment of his enslaved status and his insatiable hunger for power. He saw Azir’s ascension as an opportunity to seize that power for himself and break free from his servitude.
8. What happened to the other Ascended beings of Shurima?
The fate of the other Ascended beings varies. Some were corrupted by the cataclysm caused by Xerath’s betrayal, while others were scattered across Runeterra. Some, like Nasus and Renekton, have remained relatively unchanged, while others have succumbed to madness and corruption.
9. What is the significance of the Sun Disc?
The Sun Disc is an ancient artifact of immense power, capable of transforming mortals into Ascended beings. It is the source of Shurima’s sun magic and a symbol of their cultural identity.
10. How did Xerath escape his imprisonment?
Xerath’s imprisonment was weakened over centuries. The re-ascension of Azir unknowingly disrupted the magical seals holding him captive, allowing him to escape and regain his power.
11. What are Xerath’s motivations for wanting to rule Runeterra?
Xerath believes that Runeterra is inherently chaotic and that only a strong, centralized power can bring order to the world. He sees himself as the only one capable of wielding that power and shaping Runeterra in his image.
12. What is the relationship between Xerath and the Void?
While Xerath is a being of immense arcane power, he is not directly connected to the Void. However, his actions and the destruction he causes can weaken the barriers between Runeterra and the Void, making him a potential threat to the world’s stability.
13. Does Xerath have any weaknesses?
Despite his incredible power, Xerath has weaknesses. He is vulnerable to magical disruption and control. He is also driven by his ego and his desire for power, which can cloud his judgment and make him susceptible to manipulation.
14. Will Xerath ever be redeemed?
Given Xerath’s history of betrayal, his insatiable hunger for power, and his dedication to destruction, redemption seems unlikely. However, the lore of Runeterra is constantly evolving, and anything is possible.
15. What role does Xerath play in the future of Shurima’s lore?
Xerath is a major antagonist in the Shurima storyline. His conflict with Azir is central to the region’s future, and his actions will likely have far-reaching consequences for the fate of Runeterra. His ambition and power make him a constant threat, ensuring his continued presence as a key figure in the lore.