Who is the Dead God in Baldur's Gate 3?
In Baldur's Gate 3, Myrkul, the Lord of the Dead, is a central figure among the "dead gods" whose influence pervades the narrative. While often referred to as a singular entity, his presence is intertwined with two other powerful deities: Bane and Bhaal, who collectively are known as the Dead Three. These three ascended to godhood by claiming the portfolios of a previous, unnamed deity. Myrkul specifically became the lord of the dead, overseeing the domains of death, the undead, and decay.
The Lords of the Dead and Their Influence
Myrkul, Bane, and Bhaal are significant in the Forgotten Realms setting for their past deaths and subsequent returns or persistent influence, earning them the moniker "Dead Three." Their impact on the world of Faerûn, particularly in Baldur's Gate 3, stems from their dark ambitions and followers.
- Myrkul (Lord of the Dead): As the god of death, Myrkul's portfolio encompasses the end of life, the undead, and decay. His return to power, even in a diminished form, poses a dire threat in the game, influencing various cults and necrotic energies through his chosen.
- Bhaal (God of Murder): The deity of murder, Bhaal's legacy is deeply woven into the Baldur's Gate series, with the protagonist of the first two games being a Bhaalspawn (a child of Bhaal). His continued influence through his followers and remnants of his power drives key plot points in Baldur's Gate 3.
- Bane (Lord of Tyranny): Ruling over tyranny, hatred, and fear, Bane seeks absolute control. His followers, often militant and oppressive, contribute to the pervasive sense of dread and conflict found throughout the game's regions, notably through the Absolute cult.
These gods, once mortals who ascended to divinity by taking on the portfolios of a previous deity, later faced their own demise during the Time of Troubles. However, their essence and dark power persisted, allowing them to exert influence and seek resurrection or greater power, making them formidable antagonists in Baldur's Gate 3.
The Dead Three's Role in Baldur's Gate 3
The presence of the Dead Three is felt through their devoted followers and the consequences of their actions. Players often encounter cults dedicated to these deities, engaged in nefarious plots that align with their gods' dark domains.
Key Aspects of Their Influence:
- Mind Flayer Parasites: The conspiracy involving the illithid parasites, a central mystery of the game, is intricately linked to the machinations of the Dead Three and their chosen avatars.
- Narrative Threads: Quests, characters, and major plot developments frequently revolve around uncovering or thwarting the plans orchestrated by followers of Myrkul, Bane, and Bhaal.
- Villainous Archetypes: Each god embodies a distinct aspect of evil—death, murder, and tyranny—providing a multifaceted threat to the player and the Sword Coast.
| Deity | Portfolio | Influence in BG3 |
|---|---|---|
| Myrkul | Death, Undead | Necrotic energy, undead minions, his chosen Ketheric Thorm's schemes. |
| Bhaal | Murder, Assassins | Bhaalspawn legacy, cult of Bhaal, Orin the Red's actions, violence in the city. |
| Bane | Tyranny, Strife | Absolute cult, controlling minds, Gortash's rise to power. |
The Dead Three serve as ultimate antagonists, with their ambitions shaping the fate of Baldur's Gate and the entire region. Their "dead" status refers to their historical demise and subsequent attempts to regain power, making them a recurring and potent threat in the Forgotten Realms universe.
