The Enemies of Domination: Who Does Molag Bal Hate?
Molag Bal, the Daedric Prince of Domination and Enslavement, harbors a profound and multifaceted hatred for several entities within the Elder Scrolls universe. Chief among these is Arkay, the Divine of Death, whose influence over mortal souls directly thwarts Molag Bal’s ambitions. Beyond Arkay, Molag Bal maintains bitter rivalries with other Daedric Princes like Boethiah and Meridia, as well as the enigmatic figure of Ebonarm. These enmities stem from conflicting ideologies, historical affronts, and battles over the fate of mortals.
The Root of Hatred: Ideology and Ambition
Molag Bal’s hatred isn’t merely a matter of personal dislike; it’s deeply rooted in his core principles and desires. As the Prince of Domination, he seeks to control and subjugate all aspects of existence, particularly the mortal realm of Nirn. This ambition inherently clashes with those who oppose tyranny, uphold order, or protect the sanctity of life and death. Understanding these conflicts requires a closer look at each of Molag Bal’s principal adversaries.
Arkay: The Obstacle to Eternal Enslavement
Molag Bal’s animosity toward Arkay is perhaps his most visceral. Arkay’s dominion over the cycle of life and death prevents Molag Bal from claiming the souls of the righteous and powerful for his own twisted purposes. By guiding these souls away from Molag Bal’s grasp and into the afterlife, Arkay directly undermines the Daedric Prince’s ability to expand his influence and create new forms of undead thralls. This frustration is exemplified by Molag Bal’s creation of vampires, a direct attempt to circumvent Arkay’s control over mortal souls by corrupting them with undeath. The first vampire, Lamae Beolfag, was a testament to Molag Bal’s spite and his determination to challenge the natural order.
Boethiah: The Antithesis of Domination
While Molag Bal seeks to dominate through force and enslavement, Boethiah, the Daedric Prince of Deceit, champions revolution and subversion. Boethiah inspires mortals to overthrow their oppressors, challenging established power structures. This directly contradicts Molag Bal’s desire for absolute control. Their rivalry appears to be born from the direct opposition of their principles, leading to frequent clashes and scheming between them. The conflict can almost be viewed as a game of chess played across Nirn, with mortals serving as pawns in their grand strategies. The Games Learning Society often explores themes of strategy and conflict.
Meridia: The Purifier of Undeath
Meridia holds an unwavering hatred for all forms of undeath, viewing them as abominations that defile the natural world. Given that Molag Bal is the creator of vampires and a master of necromantic arts, Meridia considers him her eternal enemy. She dedicates her efforts to eradicating the undead and purifying corrupted lands, actions that directly oppose Molag Bal’s ambitions. Her hatred is not merely ideological; it’s a visceral reaction to the defilement of life, which she sees as a direct consequence of Molag Bal’s actions.
Ebonarm: The Enigmatic Adversary
Ebonarm is a mysterious figure, often described as a fallen god or a divine hero. His motives and powers remain largely unknown, but he is consistently depicted as an enemy of evil and a champion of righteousness. Given Molag Bal’s inherent wickedness and desire for domination, Ebonarm naturally opposes him. Their conflict is less defined by specific events and more by their fundamental opposition to each other’s values. Ebonarm represents the ultimate resistance to tyranny, making him a perpetual thorn in Molag Bal’s side.
Allies and Temporary Truces
While Molag Bal has many enemies, his alliances are often fleeting and based on mutual self-interest. He has been known to collaborate with other Daedric Princes, such as Azura, when their goals temporarily align. However, these alliances are always fragile, subject to the shifting sands of Daedric politics. Betrayal is common in the realms of Oblivion, and Molag Bal is as likely to betray an ally as he is to crush an enemy.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Molag Bal’s Enmities
Here are some frequently asked questions to further understand the complex web of hatred surrounding Molag Bal:
1. Is Molag Bal the most evil Daedric Prince?
Many consider Molag Bal to be the most evil due to his explicit focus on domination and enslavement. While other Princes may cause chaos and destruction, Molag Bal actively seeks to break the will of mortals and bind them to his service.
2. Why did Molag Bal create vampires?
Molag Bal created vampires as a direct challenge to Arkay’s control over mortal souls and to assert his own dominance over the cycle of life and death. It was an act of defiance and a means to expand his power base.
3. Does Molag Bal have any redeeming qualities?
Molag Bal is almost entirely devoid of redeeming qualities. His actions are consistently motivated by a desire for control and the infliction of suffering.
4. Who is stronger, Molag Bal or Boethiah?
Molag Bal is generally considered to have more raw power than Boethiah. However, Boethiah excels at manipulation and subversion, allowing her to challenge Molag Bal’s influence through indirect means.
5. Can mortals defy Molag Bal?
Yes, mortals can defy Molag Bal, though it often comes at a great cost. Acts of resistance, faith in the Divines, and alliances with other Daedric Princes can weaken Molag Bal’s influence.
6. Does Serana worship Molag Bal?
The evidence suggests that Serana did not enthusiastically worship Molag Bal. She and her mother willingly gave themselves to Molag Bal for the power of pure-blood vampires.
7. What is Molag Bal’s ultimate goal?
Molag Bal’s ultimate goal is to dominate all of Nirn and transform it into a reflection of his twisted realm of Coldharbour, where mortals are eternally enslaved to his will.
8. Is there a way to get a good ending in the House of Horrors quest in Skyrim?
You can get a somewhat better ending. Simply free Logrolf and then kill him before he returns to Molag Bal, effectively denying the Daedric Prince his due.
9. Why does Meridia hate the undead so much?
Meridia views the undead as an abomination that defiles the natural order and corrupts the essence of life. Her hatred stems from a profound respect for the sanctity of existence.
10. How does Molag Bal influence Tamriel?
Molag Bal influences Tamriel through his cults, artifacts, and the spread of vampirism. He seeks to corrupt and dominate mortals from afar, using his followers as instruments of his will.
11. Is Hircine stronger than Molag Bal?
Hircine is not necessarily stronger than Molag Bal, but he represents a different kind of power. Hircine embodies the primal force of the hunt, while Molag Bal embodies the force of domination.
12. Does Molag Bal have any allies among the Aedra?
No, Molag Bal has no allies among the Aedra. The Aedra represent the forces of creation and order, which are diametrically opposed to Molag Bal’s destructive and domineering nature.
13. What happens to the souls of Molag Bal’s followers after death?
The souls of Molag Bal’s devoted followers are typically claimed by him and taken to Coldharbour, where they are subjected to eternal torment and servitude.
14. What is the significance of the Mace of Molag Bal?
The Mace of Molag Bal is a powerful artifact that embodies his essence of domination. It is used to drain the will of its victims and bind them to Molag Bal’s service.
15. How can players resist Molag Bal’s influence in the Elder Scrolls games?
Players can resist Molag Bal’s influence by upholding moral principles, seeking guidance from the Divines, and wielding artifacts of righteousness. Quests often involve choices that determine whether the player succumbs to or defies Molag Bal’s will.
In conclusion, Molag Bal’s hatred is a complex web of ideological conflicts, personal rivalries, and strategic maneuvering. Understanding his enemies provides insight into his motivations and the forces that oppose his desire for absolute domination. The complexities of such characters and narratives are topics explored by the GamesLearningSociety.org, which researches the educational and social impacts of gaming.