The world of The Elder Scrolls has a vast history that has been shaped by a lot of people. Mages in particular have played both huge and small roles in the way the world of Tamriel has been shaped. The world of magic is just as unique and different as the races that live in it.

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While there are many mages in Skyrim, there are a few that have played important roles. Some have passed on to their respective afterlives, while others are still alive and changing the way the magical universe works.

Updated January 20, 2023, by Sarah Prado: Whether the people of Tamriel like it or not, mages have had a heavy hand in shaping the world around them. It’s understandable why most people are wary or distrustful of them since mages have done just as much bad as they have good. Some mages have become so powerful that even the Daedric Princes will acknowledge their strength and try to get them on their side. That, or stay out of their way. Whether they’re seeking power, knowledge, or something else, the most powerful Skyrim mages have played major roles in shaping Tamriel and the way that mages are viewed.

20 Abnur Tharn

Elder Scrolls Online Elsweyr Abnur Tharn

Fans of The Elder Scrolls Online know this talented mage very well since he’s part of the main quest in both the main storyline and the Elsweyr DLC. Abnur Tharn was the Imperial Grand Chancellor of the Elder Council as well as being the Imperial Battlemage for various emperors for 117 years. Thanks to dealings with the Daedric Princes and having immense power, the Three Banners War started in an attempt to dispose of Tharn and his family.

Despite this, Tharn remained in power as very few could even match him. He was the only one who knew the spell to imbue the Vestige (the player character) with enough power to stop Molag Bal and his Planemeld. He also helped to stop the dragons and prevent the magicka of the Aeonstone from destroying Elsweyr.

19 Verandis Ravenwatch

Elder Scrolls Online Markarth Verandis Ravenwatch

A pureblood vampire that uses his powers for moral good and a very powerful mage, Verandis is the founder of House Ravenwatch: a noble house that provided a safe haven for vampires who forsake their murderous ways and use their powers for good. For centuries, Verandis has helped other vampires to change their ways and make them part of his family. He’s a very powerful mage that knows how to hide his vampiric appearance so that mortals won’t feel uneasy around him, or know his true nature.

He helped in destroying the Lightless Remnant, an artifact that would’ve corrupted and devastated the entire region of Rivenspire by turning everyone into vampires or bloodfiends. Verandis also helped in stopping the Grey Host from using the Dark Heart to sacrifice all the souls in the Reach to bring back the Grey Host souls from Coldharbour. However, this means that Verandis is forever tied to the Dark Heart and now watches over it to make sure that it can never be used again.

18 Luciana Pullo

Elder Scrolls Online Clockwork City Luciana Pullo

In game, Luciana might seem like any other high-ranking member of the Apostles of Clockwork City, but this mage has some interesting history behind her. Before becoming an Apostle, Luciana was a battlemage and lieutenant in Reman Cyrodiil’s (founder of the Reman Dynasty) army during the First Akavari Invasion during the First Era. It is said that Luciana burned down a whole regiment of Tsaesci, which earned her the Tsaesci title of “Xhiado Kas,” the Flame Maiden.

Luciana also played a key part in the main quest for the Clockwork City DLC. She was the only one who could use a shadow-banishing light spell that was strong enough to keep the Daedric Prince, Nocturnal’s shadows at bay. Thanks to this spell, Sotha Sil was able to regain his shadow from Nocturnal’s control and banish her from his realm.

17 Vastarie, AKA The Witch Of Azurah

Elder Scrolls Online Legends Vastarie, AKA The Witch Of Azurah

Vastarie is an Altmer Lich who studied on Artaeum before leaving to further her studies on soul magic. She was also one of the first, if not the first, people to discover Black Soul Gems. Though Necromancy is outlawed in most areas and brings fear to most people, Vastarie has made it clear that she doesn’t wish to control the dead for power, but rather speak with and learn more about them. She and her husband, Telacar, were a part of Mannimarco’s Worm Cult for a short time, but Vastarie left when she saw he was after power. She also left because she saw Telacar following the same path after the death of their son.

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Since then, Vastarie has achieved lichdom and serves Azura, the Daedric Prince of Dawn and Dusk. She knows how to use illusion magic to keep her decayed appearance hidden, showing that she is well-versed in other schools of magic. If anything, Vastarie shows that not all necromancers have ill intentions when it comes to the art and uses her powers for good.

16 Mankar Camoran

Elder Scrolls Oblivion Legends Mankar Camoran

The leader of the Mythic Dawn, the cult that started the Oblivion Crisis. Mankar Camoran was given the Mysterium Xarxes, a Daedric Artifact, by Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric Prince of Destruction. The Mysterium Xarxes is known to corrupt the minds of those who have it, but Mankar didn’t suffer from any ill effects and was able to use it without any problems.

He was able to create his own plane of Oblivion known as Gaiar Alata/Paradise thanks to this book. Mankar was also able to wear the Amulet of Kings, an amulet that can only be worn by Dragonborn. This led some to believe that he is a Dragonborn or that he gained some kind of magic to be able to wear it.

15 Vanus Galerion

Elder Scrolls Vanus Galerion

Vanus Galerion is one of the most well-known mages in Tamrielic history. Born to common laborers, Vanus was taught by his father to read even though it was against the law for them. After his father was executed when he was eight years old, he fled to the other side of the Summerset Isles by himself. A traveling group of troubadours found him and nursed him back to health. A soothsayer in the group found Vanus to be gifted and sent him to Artaem when he was eleven years old.

It was here that Vanus trained under the Psijic Order. He and his friend, Mannimarco, were the best apprentices but were very different from each other. When Mannimarco left the Psijic Order to pursue the arts of necromancy, Vanus left to start the Mages Guild to stop him and be free of the Psijic Order's rules. Vanus fought against his former friend during the Second Era and died in battle.

14 Mannimarco, The King Of Worms

Mannimarco King of Worms Elder Scrolls

The Leader of the Worm Cult and one of the most notorious necromancers in Tamrielic history. Before becoming the King of Worms, he was a mage in the Psijic Order along with Vanus Galerion. During this time, he became interested in the art of necromancy. After being banished from the Order, Mannimarco didn't stop his research and delved deeper into his studies of the dark arts. He started the Worm Cult during the second era and served the Daedric Prince of Domination, Molag Bal.

After Molag Bal's failed attempt to take over Tamriel, Mannimarco and his former friend, Vanus Galerion would battle each other in a battle called The Great Battle. Mannimarco would turn himself into one of the first-known liches, an undead mage, during this.

13 Queen Potema Septim, AKA Potema The Wolf Queen

Potema Septim Elder Scrolls

Considered "unambiguously evil" by scholars, Queen Potema Septim is a very powerful mage. Born to the famous Septim family, Potema craved power and wanted to rule Tamriel as empress instead of settling for being the queen of Solitude. After she tried underhanded tactics to try to take over the Empire, she assembled an army and started the War of the Red Diamond.

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Potema used necromancy to summon armies of the undead to fight for her along with summoning Daedra. This has made her one of the most notable necromancers in history and cemented her evil reputation. She was almost successful in her attempt to resurrect herself but was stopped by the Dragonborn in Skyrim.

12 Divayth Fyr

Divayth Fyr Elder Scrolls

A powerful sorcerer that has lived for 4,000 years. Divayth Fyr is a mage from the famous House Telvanni. He has lived far longer than the average Dark Elf and has experienced a lot in his long life. He's dabbled in necromancy, studied alongside Sotha Sil, went to Oblivion, and later studied with the Psijic Order.

One other thing that shows just how powerful and well-versed in magic he is, he created four female clones of himself. All four of his clones are not just mindless dolls but have their own personalities.

11 Neloth

Skyrim Neloth On Solstheim

Another powerful wizard from House Telvanni. Elder Scrolls fans will recognize him from The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, but he also appeared in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim: Dragonborn DLC. This wizard is one the best in the Telvanni family and has lived a long time. He is a master-ranked member and a Councilor which shows just how powerful he is.

Some have even considered him the most powerful wizard in Morrowind. Though his experiments can be a little sketchy, there is no denying that his research has led to great feats. While in Solstheim, he was able to somewhat successfully transplant his former apprentice's heart with a heart stone, a stone with magical properties.

10 King Orgnum

King Orgnum Elder Scrolls

The Maormer Ruler of the island of Pyandonea. Orgnum is a wizard that seems to get younger with each century and is said to be deathless. Aside from his seeming immortality, he is also said to be able to tame and use the sea serpents that surround the island as his guards and his mounts.

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It is known that he's been alive for hundreds, if not thousands, of years as he is confirmed to be alive in the Second Era. Other than this, not much is known about him and just how powerful he really is, but the races in Tamriel aren't attacking Pyandonea to find out.

9 Shalidor

Shalidor Elder Scrolls

A Nord mage that was alive during the First Era, Shalidor battled with Dwemer of the Rourken Clan and King Rourken used the Daedric Artifact Spellbreaker against him. It is said that he was able to create the city of Winterhold with a whispered spell along with the Fortress of Ice, a citadel, near it.

Shalidor also created the Labyrinthian, a testing ground for aspiring mages. His greatest accomplishment would probably have to be his creation of Eyevea, an island that provides sanctuary for all mages to study and practice their magic away from discriminating eyes.

8 Zurin Arctus

Skryim 10 Strongest Mages Zurin Arctus

The first Imperial Battlemage and Grand Vizier of the Septim Empire during the Second Era and early Third Era, Zurin was responsible for making the Mantella, a massive green soul gem. This gem powered the Numidium, the Brass God created by the Dwemer. His magical skill was said to be unmatched by any other mage during his life. This led to the belief that the deity of magic, Mundus, inhabited his body. Others believed he was an avatar of Lorkhan, the Spirit of Nirn or god of all mortals.

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With his heart powering the Mantella, Tiber Septim was able to use the Numidium to conquer Tamriel and unite all the provinces under one ruler. Afterward, Tiber Septim used the Numidium to make families that had been neutral to his rule submit to his will. This resulted in Arctus becoming the undead Underking. He fought to reclaim the Numidium, which resulted in it being destroyed. He cursed the holy catacombs, Sancre Tor in Cyrodiil, and cursed the soldiers Tiber Septim sent after him.

7 Vahlok The Jailor

Skyrim 10 Strongest Mages Vahlok the Jailor

Vahlok the Jailor is a dragon priest that lived during the first era. According to Skaal legends, he fought against another dragon priest, the first known Dragonborn, Miraak. Their battle was so great that it split the island of Solstheim from Tamriel. He was able to defeat Miraak in combat and became the ruler of Solstheim.

A master in Destruction magic along with knowing some Alteration magic, Vahlok continues to protect Solstheim even in death. He swore an oath to his dragon masters that he would watch out for Miraak's return and continues to keep his undead vigil. He's also the only named Dragon Priest that doesn't have a mask to boost his powers, showing that he doesn't need one to be strong.

6 Ahzidal

Skyrim 10 Strongest Mages Ahzidal

The first great Nord enchanter was said to have mastered elven methods of magic. Ahzidal was another dragon priest that lived during the First Era and ruled along with Vahlok the Jailor. It was said that his aptitude for magic was apparent during his childhood and surpassed all his teachers by the time he was an adult. He left his hometown, wife, and child to learn more about magic. When he returned, the Snow Elves had destroyed the town and killed his family. After this, he traveled the world to learn from the Dwemer, Chimer, and Altmer to learn their magic so that he could use it against the Snow Elves.

When he learned of Ysgramor and his 500 Hundred Companions that came with him from Atmora, he offered all of his knowledge and enchanted their weapons. Because of his enchantments, Ysgramor and his comrades were able to defeat the Snow Elves. After this, Ahzidal continued to seek out knowledge, which led him to become a dragon priest. After this, he would travel to Oblivion and meet the Daedric Prince of Knowledge and Fate, Hermaeus Mora. However, his thirst for knowledge and power led to madness and the Dragon Cult was forced to seal him away.

5 Jagar Tharn

Jagar Tharn Elder Scrolls

The infamous mage who disguised himself as Emperor Uriel Septim VII, Jagar Tharn served as Uriel Septim VII’s Imperial Battlemage and arranged for the Staff of Chaos to be stolen from Mournhold. He used it to send the emperor to a realm of Oblivion where time moved a lot slower. Using Illusion magic, Tharn disguised himself as Uriel Septim and killed his apprentice, Ria Silmane, after she found out the truth.

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He ruled for a decade and even made a deal with the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon to invade the Battlespire. Though he was stopped, the damage he did was evident in the aftermath.

4 Kagrenac

Dwarven Centurion Elder Scrolls Skyrim

A Dwemer magecrafter who created a variety of weapons that many still seek out even now, Kagrenac created the legendary tools Wraithguard, Keening, and Sunder, which were used to siphon power from the Heart of Lorkhan. The Heart of Lorkhan was able to release divine power and Kagrenac was able to manipulate it to power up the Numidium, a colossal construct also known as the Brass God.

Kagrenac was close to using it, but the moment he struck the Heart of Lorkhan with his tools, he and the Dwemer disappeared. Even though it’s been thousands of years since his disappearance, many still seek his tools to study them.

3 Miraak

Skyrim Miraak Elder Scrolls Dragonborn DLC

Fighting him in the Dragonborn DLC is relatively easy, but Miraak is a pretty powerful man. He was a former Dragon Priest and calls himself the First Dragonborn. One of the leaders of the Dragon Cult, Miraak ruled over Solstheim and learned the Bend Will shout from the Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora. With this shout, he used it against his dragon masters to kill a great number of them. He was even sought out to defeat Alduin but refused to do so even though he was confident he could defeat him.

After his fight with Vahlok the Jailer, Miraak spent eras in Apocrypha, Hermaeus Mora’s realm. Though imprisoned, Miraak used his time in Apocrypha to gather power in order to break free and gathered enough of it to mind control most of Solstheim’s inhabitants.

2 King Anumaril

The Orrery in Elden Root Elder Scrolls

An Ayleid arch-mage who was king of Abagarlas, a city that worshipped the Daedric Prince Molag Bal. This city was at war with another Ayleid city known as Delodiil, a city that worshipped the Daedric Prince Meridia. Anumaril planned on using a necromantic ritual called the Mortuum Vivicus, which would sap all life inside Delodiil. He failed in this endeavor and the Meridians stormed Abagarlas and killed his family and destroyed the city.

Anumaril’s most known accomplishment would be his creation, the Staff of Towers. This staff is one of the most powerful staves in Nirn and could change the very fabric of time. He’s also created architecture such as the Great Seal of Belarata, the archives in the Reliquary of the Stars, and the Orrery in Elden Root.

1 Azra Nightwielder

Azra Nightwielder Elder Scrolls Shadowkey

The original Shadowmage and a pioneer of Shadow Magic, Azra Nightwielder is a very powerful mage that learned that shadows weren’t just an absence of light, but reflections of other worlds in conflict. He attempted to merge all versions of himself by manipulating his own shadow. The Redguards stopped him, but in doing so, caused Nightwielder to lose control of his magic. This created a huge crater and it was believed he died. A village would be built around it and named Azra’s Crossing.

Azra was also known to be the one to pioneer enchanting staves. The methods he used are considered outdated now, but it is thanks to him that it became possible. Even now, many still seek out his staves because they can learn a lot from them.

Skyrim: Anniversary Edition was released on November 11, 2021, and is currently available on PC, Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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