Meet the Most Arrogant Characters in Elder Scrolls You Love to Hate!

by

Summary

  • Sheogorath, Ulfric Stormcloak, and Ancano are among the most arrogant Elder Scrolls characters, being incredibly dismissive of others.
  • Miraak, Mankar Camoran, and Vivec showcase arrogance through self-proclaimed superiority and god-like complexes.
  • Nazeem comes off as an especially annoying character, degrading the player with pompous remarks in Skyrim.

After the epic saga of “Lord of the Rings,” few fantasy worlds have gained as much recognition as it did. In the video game domain, the realm of Tamriel from the “Elder Scrolls” series might be its most successful heir to date, especially when it comes to mainstream popularity.

In a fantasy realm like Tamriel, it’s hard to avoid coming across characters brimming with pride and self-importance – whether they are mighty mages, tricky deities, or simply infamous know-it-alls. Here we list the most pompous Elder Scrolls characters that players may stumble upon during their journey.

8. Sheogorath

The King of Madness

  • Appears in Morrowind, Oblivion, Daggerfall, Online, and Skyrim.
  • The Daedric Prince of Madness.

Despite the fact that Oblivion is already highly respected within the gaming community, it’s the expansions, particularly The Shivering Isles, that have a special place in gamers’ hearts. In this expansion, players venture into the realm of the Daedric Prince, where they encounter inevitable madness and chaos.

In a more conversational tone: Sheogorath can be quite charming at times, yet there’s an underlying air of arrogance about him. He seems oblivious to the fact that his power pales in comparison to the player character, treating them more like playthings rather than equals. Having him as a friend is risky business, and he’s full of peculiar facts and hidden secrets that are fascinating to uncover.

7. Ulfric Stormcloak

A Rebel Leader

  • Appears in Skyrim.
  • The leader of the Stormcloak rebellion.

At the outset of the game “Skyrim“, Ulfric Stormcloak is initially positioned as a heroic figure. After all, it’s natural for gamers to favor the rebellious underdogs over a vast empire. However, as players delve deeper into the Stormcloaks, they might start questioning their stance on racial purity.

A significant portion of his actions can be traced back to Ulfric Stormcloak, the Jarl of Windhelm. While he appears to champion Nordic autonomy, many gamers suspect that his principles mask underlying racism and a secret ambition to seize the High King throne of Skyrim. This is hinted at by his overall haughtiness towards the player, which intensifies if they are not a Nord, making Ulfric one of the most divisive figures in the game.

6. Ancano

The Thalmor Incarnate

  • Appears in Skyrim.
  • The Monitor of Winterhold.

In Skyrim, the Altmers are undeniably contentious. Being the primary group forming the Thalmor and the Aldmeri Dominion, which have significantly impacted the Empire, Ancano embodies the most detestable aspects of Altmer arrogance.

From the first encounter, Ancano exudes an air of arrogance, frequently boasting about the superiority of the College of Winterhold’s magic versus that of Altmer and showing disdain towards the player’s skills or accomplishments. His character is not merely loved to be hated by fans; instead, they genuinely despise him, making him an exceptional antagonist for the Mages Guild storyline.

5. Miraak

The First Dragonborn

  • Appears in Skyrim.
  • The self-proclaimed First Dragonborn.

Upon entering Skyrim, the character quickly gains prominence due to being the Dragonborn – an individual who can converse with dragons and harness their abilities. To the Nords, this player appears to be the first Dragonborn in many generations.

In due course, it becomes clear that the protagonist will encounter the initial Dragonborn, or so he boasts. His name is Miraak, and he exudes arrogance at every opportunity. He frequently belittles the player character for being inferior to him and failing to meet the standards of a true Dragonborn. However, this only serves to make defeating him even more satisfying.

4. Mankar Camoran

The Oblivion Gate Big Bad

  • Appears in Oblivion.
  • The founder of the Mythic Dawn cult.

In the primary storyline of Oblivion, players work to track down the enigmatic leader of the Mythic Dawn faction, who orchestrated the Emperor’s murder in the game’s opening sequence. The identity of this leader remains a secret until Mankar Camoran is unveiled at last.

Despite being skillful and powerful, Mankar is a character marked by profound arrogance. With his ability to live indefinitely, he regards others as inferior, contributing to one of the franchise’s most morally complex figures. His sneer seems permanently affixed to him, earning him a reputation as one of the most haughty characters within the game.

3. Vivec

A Self-Proclaimed God-King

  • Appears in Morrowind, Online, and Legends.

Vivec, a character from The Elder Scrolls series, is renowned for his complexity and is adored by fans, despite his arrogant nature being one of the most prominent among all characters in Tamriel. Originally mortal but now divinized, Vivec enjoys his godhood and often communicates in enigmatic riddles and paradoxes.

He has an air of superiority, considering himself above the troubles of ordinary people. To make matters worse, he refuses to take action against the impending doom of Morrowind, assuming it was all part of a predetermined plan. He’s equally likable and irritating, and players are intrigued by the many secrets he keeps hidden.

2. Dagoth Ur

Awakened Lord of the Sixth House

  • Appears in Morrowind, Arena, and Legends.
  • Arguably the series’ best villain.

It’s hard to find anything more overconfident than someone who thinks they’re destined by a higher power, untouchable and unstoppable no matter what. Dagoth Ur embodies this stubborn mindset, considering himself invincible and beyond challenge, paying no heed to the player character’s words.

Dagoth Ur asserts that only he can lead Morrowind to independence from foreign powers and boasts of his invincibility, disdaining any potential adversaries and declaring himself divine. Fortunately, this arrogance makes his downfall even more satisfying, particularly given his status as one of the most captivating antagonists in a role-playing game set in an open world.

1. Nazeem

The Cloud District Enjoyer Supreme

  • Appears in Skyrim.
  • One of the biggest annoyances in all of Tamriel.

As an ardent fan, I must admit that among the characters in The Elder Scrolls series, there are quite a few who boast about their divine status, seeing themselves as invincible or eternal. This, ironically, serves to highlight how gratingly arrogant Nazeem can be. He’s the self-appointed town crier of Whiterun, and has become a popular target for memes and jest across the internet.

As the infamous gamer known for my snarky “You don’t frequent the Cloud District much, huh? Wait, what am I saying, of course you do!” line, I can’t help but let a drip of arrogance slip whenever a Dragonborn passes by. It’s ironic though, because in this city, no one seems to know who I am, which makes my pomposity even more grating and self-serving.

Read More

2025-03-15 07:46