Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Here is a simplified version of the story contents: Here is a lighthearted take on the story contents: Explore a different perspective:
In any story, just as there is always a protagonist, there must always be an antagonist; a hero, and a villain. Countless stories told throughout the world have these two factors entwined in their narrative, with multiple variations in how they have appeared. Whether as a character, a being, or an idea, a protagonist and an antagonist are both what’s needed to form a sound narrative and tell a compelling story.
With The Elder Scrolls, the same is no less true. In every game of the series, there has always been a protagonist and an antagonist. Just as fans know who the protagonists are in each game, so too do they know the antagonist, as they are arguably just as memorable. In The Elder Scrolls, there have been many villains throughout the rich history of Tamriel and Nirn. But out of the many, there are only a few that have truly made a mark on the world, leaving a dark legacy behind them. Yet, there are even fewer who have created such a dark legacy upon the world than the likes of Mannimarco.
Mannimarco is One of the Most Feared, Notorious, and Powerful Villains in The Elder Scrolls Franchise
The King of Worms
Mannimarco, known also by his epithet the Worm King, or King of Worms, is one of the most popular villains in The Elder Scrolls series, not to mention one of the most infamous. Regarded with both infamy and fear, Mannimarco is known throughout Tamriel, and all of Nirn even, as a major threat, even a cataclysmic one. From his dark hands, this vile necromancer has threatened the existence of the world multiple times over, leaving no small trail of darkness or destruction in his wake. As powerful as he is ambitious, as ambitious as he is egotistical, Mannimarco is a villain who puts most others to shame through corrupted magic, wildly chaotic ambitions, and no small amount of hubris.
Not much is known of Mannimarco’s early life, but from what we know of him, he was a character always filled with pride and arrogance. So much pride and arrogance that he even considered himself superior own race, the Altmer (High Elves), those who are known for their pride and ego. In fact, Mannimarco considered himself to be one of the Aldmer: the first undiluted elven race. Whether or not this is true is unknown, as this is something spoken by his mouth alone.
- Mannimarco is one of the most notorious and powerful villains in The Elder Scrolls series
- He is not only a powerful necromancer and lich, but also a possible god
- Mannimarco and his cult have threatened the whole of Tamriel and Nirn multiple times over
What is known about his past, however, is that he was an elf who came from great beginnings. Originally one of the Psijic Order, an organization comprised of the most powerful and intellectual mages of the world. Even among them, Mannimarco was someone of notable talent, as his skill in magic was quite potent. However, what was also notable about him was his need for power, and he had little qualms about the methods he used to obtain it.
These methods included questionable research, cruel experimentation, and the most vile of them all: necromancy. Because of his methods and his blatant disregard for its effect on the living, Mannimarco was banished from the Psijic Order entirely. That was a severe mistake, and one that a countless number of people in Tamriel would pay for. Finding little consequence for his actions, Mannimarco continued in his endeavors to gain knowledge and power, his focus solely devoted to the practice of necromancy.
It’s largely unknown just how old Mannimarco actually is, or exactly how long he has been alive. But some records show him being, at the very least, centuries upon centuries of years old, as he was said to have been present during the Middle Dawn, the longest recorded Dragon Break in Tamriel’s entire known history, which transpired during the days of the First Era.
His substantial life span — substantial even by Altmer standards — is likely attributed to his necromantic practices, and through them, he was able to not only become arguably the most powerful necromancer of all time, but also the very first lich (though this is largely debatable), and further still, achieving apotheosis. Over time, his actions would begin a following of his own, a cult following, both figuratively and literally. Named the Order of the Black Worm, or the Worm Cult as it’s most infamously known, this group of devoted yet depraved followers would follow in Mannimarco’s own dark footsteps, with both looming a dark shadow over Tamriel throughout history.
Mannimarco Has Been Present Through Multiple Titles in The Elder Scrolls Series
A Dark, Vile, and Corrupted Legacy
Because of his irregular longevity and basically immortal lifespan, Mannimarco has been a part of a great number of Tamriel’s crises throughout time; crises that he himself was the cause of. Arguably, the most notable of these would be the Planemeld, a cataclysmic event during the events of The Elder Scrolls Online where Mannimarco, in league with the Daedric Prince of Domination Molag Bal, attempted to merge the latter’s plane of Oblivion with Nirn, putting it under his domineering, sadistic thumb.
This is also where Mannimarco, in line with his arrogant and egotistical tendencies, attempted to undermine Molag Bal and steal the Prince’s power for his own. Thankfully, this plan backfired upon him, as not only were his plans thwarted by the Five Companions and the Vestige, he was also left to the ‘mercy’ of Molag Bal, who would torture the lich for centuries on end.
- Mannimarco was present in multiple entries of The Elder Scrolls series
- In The Elder Scrolls Online, Mannimarco was responsible for the Planemeld and was aligned with Molag Bal
- In Daggerfall, Mannimarco embroiled himself in the affairs of the Iliac Bay and, because of the Dragon Break, possibly became a god
- In Oblivion, Mannimarco attempted to destroy the Mages Guild during the events of the Oblivion Crisis
During the events of The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, Mannimarco would also make an appearance, though in a far less domineering role than before. Present in Iliac Bay, the area between the coasts of Hammerfall and High Rock respectively, the King of Worms schemed to obtain the Totem of Tiber Septim, a powerful artifact that would help grant access to the Numidium. During the events of Daggerfall, the Warp in the West occurred, another recorded instance of a Dragon Break.
In this Dragon Break, one of the outcomes involved Mannimarco obtaining both the totem and the Numidium. Having both of these powerful artifacts at hand, the King of Worms used them to achieve one of the most significant phenomena in The Elder Scrolls series: apotheosis. Finally, the last and latest recorded instance of Mannimarco’s dark influence was during the events of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. During which the Oblivion Crisis occurred, another cataclysmic invasion that the Daedric Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, was at the helm of.
This time, however, Mannimarco was not in league with a Prince, but operated on his own. Taking advantage of the chaos caused by the crisis, including the political rift between mages involving the banishment of necromancy, the King of Worms sought to destroy the Mages Guild across Tamriel, starting with the death of the guild’s Arch-Mage at the time, Hannibal Traven. However, he was only partially successful. While he was able to kill the Arch-Mage, Mannimarco’s plans would ultimately be thwarted by the Hero of Kvatch, who not only stopped but killed the King of Worms, ending his threat to Tamriel once again.
The events of Oblivion show the latest appearance of Mannimarco. However, it is not likely to be the last. With his necromancy, immortality, and sheer hubris and arrogance, it is more than fair to assume that the King of Worms will make his return to the series, and once more plant another dark impact on Nirn. Who knows? His return may even come with the arrival of The Elder Scrolls VI.
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
The Elder Scrolls Online
MMORPG Systems
Experience this epic adventure on your own or together with your friends, guild mates, and thousands of alliance members. Explore dangerous caves and dungeons, embark upon adventurous quests across Tamriel, and engage in massive player versus player battles, where the victors reap the spoils of war.
Powered by
Expand Collapse
6 Images 6 Images
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
RPG Systems
Powered by
Expand Collapse
Your Rating
Rate Now 0/10
Your comment has not been saved
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
RPG Systems
1 Powered by
Expand Collapse
