Prime Evils

Three brothers from the Burning Hells who merge to become the singular Prime Evil.

The Prime Evils are the three brothers who lead the Burning Hells in its eternal war against the High Heavens. According to Blizzard lore, Diablo acts as one of the seven Great Evils before absorbing his siblings to become the Prime Evil. This supreme form includes Baal, the Lord of Destruction, and Mephisto, the Lord of Hatred. These entities preside over their respective domains while driving the conflict that defines the history of Sanctuary. The series focuses on this ongoing war where humans, aided occasionally by angels like Tyrael, fight against these demon hordes led by Diablo.

Quick Facts

Members

Diablo
Baal
Mephisto

Domains

Terror (Diablo)
Destruction (Baal)
Hatred (Mephisto)

Affiliation

Burning Hells

Origin

The Burning Hells

Lore & Background

Sanctuary was created by rebel angels and demons tired of the war between their respective realms. The descendants of these creators are humanity, whose Nephalem heritage makes them a focal point for both sides. Diablo, the Lord of Terror, functions as one of the seven Great Evils presiding over the Burning Hells. Eventually, he absorbs the six other Great Evils, including his two brothers: Baal and Mephisto. This transformation allows him to become the Prime Evil. Two key figures oppose this threat: Deckard Cain, the last descendant of the original Horadrim who serves as the core narrator in the first three games, and Tyrael, a member of the Angiris Council sympathetic to humanity.

Reader's Guide

The Prime Evils are central to the plot across multiple titles in the franchise. In Diablo II, players choose from five distinct classes to stop the brothers, with specific motivations ranging from the Amazons' oracle prophecies to the Paladins seeking justice for Mephisto's role in a bloody crusade. The expansion Lord of Destruction allows players to destroy Baal specifically, introducing new characters like the Druid and Assassin. Later, in Diablo III set 20 years after the second game, the Nephalem protagonist faces the Prime Evil form of Diablo. In Diablo IV, set 50 years later, the focus shifts as Lilith returns, though the conflict with these forces remains a foundational element of the universe's history.