Zhaitan

Lore & Background

The story of Zhaitan is inextricably linked to the tragedy of Orr and the rise of the Kryptis. When the dragon finally rose, it unleashed waves of necromantic energy that devastated the region. The human and Charr forces, initially divided by their own conflicts, eventually found a common enemy in the Elder Dragon. Despite their combined efforts, they could not kill Zhaitan permanently; instead, they managed to seal the dragon away or drive it into a state of dormancy, leaving behind a scarred landscape that would take centuries to heal.

Reader's Guide

In the earliest myths of Tyria, Zhaitan is described as the first of the Elder Dragons to awaken, bringing death into a world previously untouched by such finality. Its influence shaped the geography of Orr, turning fertile lands into necrotic wastelands where life could not thrive. The First Age saw the dragon's full rise, leading to the Great Cataclysm that forced humanity and the Charr into a desperate alliance. This period ended with the dragon being driven back into slumber, though its minions continued to plague the land for millennia. In modern times, the legacy of Zhaitan resurfaces as the Elder Dragons begin to wake again. The corruption it left behind serves as a warning of what happens when death is allowed to dominate life, shaping the current conflicts in Tyria.

Did You Know?

• Zhaitan's influence is so profound that even after its defeat, traces of its magic can still be found in the corrupted zones of Orr.
• The dragon is often associated with the color green and the element of death, symbolizing decay and rebirth through destruction.
• Its minions include a variety of undead creatures, from simple skeletons to powerful lich-like beings that serve as generals in its army.