Aatrox: A Chronicle of Deaths – Who Has Fallen Before the Darkin Blade?

Aatrox, the Darkin Blade, is a figure of immense power and destruction within the League of Legends lore. His history is stained with the blood of countless victims, ranging from common soldiers to god-like beings. The direct and devastating answer to the question of who Aatrox has killed is multifaceted: He has slain countless mortals, annihilated Spirit Gods, and most notably, ended the life of the Targonian Aspect of War, Pantheon. But these are just the highlights of a long and bloody campaign.

The Magnitude of Aatrox’s Carnage

It’s impossible to quantify precisely the number of lives Aatrox has taken. As a warrior of the Ascended Host and later a fallen Darkin, he has participated in numerous wars and conflicts across Runeterra. He thrives on battle, drawing power from the bloodshed and carnage he creates.

Victims Beyond Counting

Beyond the named figures, Aatrox’s impact on Runeterra is measured in the devastation he leaves in his wake. Entire armies have crumbled before his might. Civilizations have been torn apart by the wars he ignited or participated in. The sheer scale of this destruction paints a grim picture of his body count. Aatrox’s actions have shaped the history of Runeterra through loss and bloodshed.

The Fall of Pantheon: A God’s Demise

The most significant kill attributed to Aatrox is undoubtedly the slaying of Pantheon, the Targonian Aspect of War. This event had profound consequences, not only for Targon but for the entire world.

The Battle on Targon’s Peak

Aatrox sought to conquer Targon and use its power for his own dark purposes. Pantheon, embodied in the host Atreus, confronted the Darkin in a desperate attempt to stop him. The ensuing battle was a clash of divine power and corrupted celestial might. Ultimately, Aatrox proved victorious. His blade pierced Pantheon’s chest, extinguishing the Aspect’s essence and severing its connection to the celestial realm. This act erased Pantheon’s constellation from the skies, symbolizing the finality of his death.

The Legacy of a Fallen God

While the Aspect of War was slain, its host, Atreus, survived. Through sheer willpower and the lingering power of the Aspect’s weapons, Atreus managed to overcome Aatrox’s attack. He inherited the mantle of Pantheon, becoming the new Aspect of War, albeit one shaped by human resilience rather than celestial perfection. Aatrox’s victory over Pantheon inadvertently paved the way for a new, perhaps even stronger, incarnation of the Aspect.

The Fate of Other Gods and Powerful Beings

The article mentions that Aatrox fought and even killed Spirit Gods and other powerful beings. While these instances aren’t explicitly detailed, they further establish Aatrox’s formidable power and the scale of his conquests.

Implied Victories

These mentions suggest that Aatrox has faced and defeated entities of considerable power, possibly including other ascended beings or celestial entities during his reign. His status as one of the most powerful ascended warriors before his corruption implies he was more than capable of facing such threats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the strongest Darkin?

   While power levels can be subjective, Aatrox is generally considered the strongest Darkin in terms of raw combat prowess and influence. Before his corruption, he was a leader among the Ascended, and this experience and power carried over into his Darkin form.

2. Can anyone defeat Aatrox in lore?

   The article suggests that Aurelion Sol, Kindred, and potentially Rhaast, Varus, and Xerath could defeat Aatrox in lore. Aurelion Sol, as a celestial being of immense power, is arguably the most likely to overcome Aatrox. Kindred, representing death itself, also poses a significant threat.

3. What is Aatrox’s ultimate goal?

   Aatrox desires to end all life on Runeterra. This stems from his agonizing existence, trapped within his weapon. He believes that only through universal annihilation can he finally achieve oblivion and escape his torment.

4. How was Aatrox imprisoned?

   Aatrox, along with other Darkin, was eventually defeated by Targonians and humans. They were imprisoned within their weapons through the use of forbidden magic, a solution developed with the help of Zoe, the Aspect of Twilight.

5. What is the relationship between Aatrox and Tryndamere?

   Aatrox imbued Tryndamere with Darkin blood magic when the barbarian was on the verge of death. This magic fueled Tryndamere’s rage and prevented him from dying, effectively granting him a form of immortality tied to his fury.

6. Is Aatrox truly evil?

   Aatrox is undoubtedly a destructive force. He revels in violence and seeks to extinguish all life. While he might occasionally align himself with certain factions for his own purposes, his primary motivation is carnage and the hope of ending his own suffering. This makes him fundamentally an antagonist.

7. What is Aatrox’s sword called?

   The article does not specify a name for Aatrox’s sword. It is generally referred to as his Darkin Blade or greatsword.

8. Why does Aatrox hate Xolaani?

   Aatrox deeply despises Xolaani, so much so that he actively tried to erase her from history. The exact reasons are not fully explored, but it’s implied to stem from a fundamental ideological conflict or a past betrayal. Xolaani shares this resentment.

9. Was Aatrox always evil?

   No, Aatrox was once a noble warrior of the Ascended Host, a protector of Shurima. The horrors he witnessed during the Void War and his subsequent corruption twisted him into the being he is today.

10. Who is stronger, Aatrox or the current Pantheon (Atreus)?

    Aatrox is likely still stronger than the current Pantheon (Atreus) in a direct confrontation. While Atreus possesses the power of the Aspect of War and has demonstrated incredible resilience, Aatrox’s experience, raw power, and Darkin magic give him a significant edge.

11. What are the origins of the Darkin?

    The Darkin were originally Ascended warriors of Shurima who fought against the Void. However, they were corrupted by Void magic, transforming them into powerful, bloodthirsty beings.

12. How did Atreus survive Aatrox’s attack?

    Atreus survived due to his sheer willpower and human resilience. He was deemed unworthy of the Aspect of War, but was able to reclaim the power after it faded in order to spit into Aatrox’s face.

13. What role did Zoe play in the imprisonment of the Darkin?

    Zoe, the Aspect of Twilight, taught the Targonians the methods to seal the Darkin within their weapons. This knowledge was crucial in ending the Darkin’s reign of terror.

14. Is Aatrox’s physical form permanent?

    Aatrox is trapped within his sword, and he needs to possess host bodies to manifest in the physical world. He constantly seeks new, stronger hosts to maintain his power. So, no, his physical form isn’t permanent.

15. How does Aatrox feel about his existence?

    Aatrox is filled with agony and despair due to his cursed existence. He yearns for oblivion and believes that only the destruction of all life can bring him peace.

The lore of League of Legends continues to grow and evolve, and it’s fun to see the characters grow and change. Learning more about games and other related fields, you can check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.