In Baldur's Gate 3, the concept of "the dead god" most directly refers to Myrkul, who was the Lord of the Dead. He is one of the Dead Three, powerful gods who were once mortals before their apotheosis, and who seek to return to full power in the game.
The overarching antagonists of Baldur's Gate 3 are the Dead Three: Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. These deities are referred to as "dead gods" because they were once living beings who ascended to godhood, only to later perish or be significantly diminished. Their goal in Baldur's Gate 3 is to orchestrate their return to prominence and reassert their dominion over Faerûn.
Understanding the Dead Three
The Dead Three are former mortals who rose to godhood after competing in a divine game orchestrated by Jergal, the original Lord of the Dead. Jergal, weary of his portfolio, abdicated his divine responsibilities, distributing his powers among the three ambitious mortals:
- Bane: The god of tyranny and strife.
- Bhaal: The god of murder.
- Myrkul: The god of death, the dead, and the dying.
Myrkul: The Lord of the Dead
Myrkul's association with death makes him the prime candidate for "the dead god" in a literal sense. As the Lord of the Dead, his domain encompasses all aspects of mortality, souls, and the afterlife. In Baldur's Gate 3, Myrkul plays a pivotal role, particularly through his chosen avatars and the vast power he wields over the undead and the very essence of death.
The Return of the Dead Three in Baldur's Gate 3
The plot of Baldur's Gate 3 revolves around the machinations of the Dead Three to re-establish their influence. Through their chosen servants and various cults, they attempt to seize control of the Elder Brain, a powerful psionic entity, to become the Absolute – a new deity that would grant them ultimate power and a complete resurgence.
Here's a breakdown of the Dead Three:
| Deity | Portfolio | Role in Baldur's Gate 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Bane | Tyranny, Strife, Hatred | Seeks control through dominance and corruption, often through agents like Gortash. |
| Bhaal | Murder, Violence, Ritual Sacrifice | Drives chaos and destruction, typically through his Chosen, Orin the Red, and the Cult of the Absolute. |
| Myrkul | Death, The Dead, The Dying | Represents the power of undeath and the ultimate fate. Ketheric Thorm is his Chosen, a powerful general who wields necromantic might. |
While all three are "dead gods" by virtue of their past demise and current ambitions, Myrkul's specific portfolio as the Lord of the Dead makes him the most direct embodiment of the title "the dead god."
