Hircine is a Daedric Prince central to the Elder Scrolls mythos. Worshippers and scholars alike recognize him as the Father of Manbeasts, the progenitor of lycanthropy, and the ruler of the Hunting Grounds—a savage, ever-changing realm of Oblivion.
 |
| Hircine, the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, the Great Game, the Sport of Daedra and the Chase |
Unlike some Daedric Princes who pursue followers through manipulation or terror, Hircine’s influence arises from his sphere's primal allure: the thrill of the hunt, the challenge of prey, and the unending cycle of predator and quarry. His laws and values, such as the Law of Fair Hunt, demand respect for the balance between predator and prey, earning him reverence among those who see the hunt as a test of skill and survival. While often depicted as an antlered figure wielding a great spear, Hircine’s appearance varies across cultural depictions and myths.
What Are Hircine’s Aspects and Roles?
Hircine embodies several aspects, each representing a different facet of the hunt. These aspects provide unique insight into his personality and influence over Nirn:
- Alrabeg (The Hunter): Alrabeg represents cunning and precision. Manifesting with the Spear of Bitter Mercy, Alrabeg seeks to test mortals through guile and skill, choosing prey that challenges even seasoned hunters. His name is invoked for a bountiful hunt.
- Storihbeg (The Manbeast): As the wolf aspect, Storihbeg symbolizes speed and ferocity. This aspect introduced lycanthropy to mortals, transforming them into predators. His howl is said to freeze prey in their tracks, and his speed leaves few able to escape.
- Uricanbeg (The Great Stag): Uricanbeg embodies the balance between strength and vulnerability. As prey, the stag aspect tests the resolve of hunters, luring them into the Hunting Grounds through the Blood Summons.
- Gulibeg (The Quick Fox): Gulibeg is the trickster and master of deception. Worshippers of this aspect learn to use cunning and misdirection, often outwitting stronger or faster opponents. His symbols include the Wand of Bone, crafted from Lorkhan’s ribs.
- Hrokkibeg (The Mighty Bear): Representing brute strength and endurance, Hrokkibeg is the slow but unstoppable force. This aspect grants strength to those who show reverence through offerings of mead or other tributes.
These aspects highlight Hircine’s multifaceted nature, illustrating his dominion over all parts of the hunt—hunter, hunted, and the cycle that binds them.
What is the Hunting Grounds?
Hircine’s realm of Oblivion, the Hunting Grounds, is an endless, wild expanse of forests, grasslands, and rugged terrain. Within this savage paradise, Hircine and his Huntsmen perpetuate the eternal cycle of the hunt. Souls of lycanthropes and other followers are claimed upon death and find themselves here, reliving the thrill of the chase and the violence of the hunt in an unending loop of death and rebirth.
The Hunting Grounds is not merely a place of punishment or torment. To Hircine’s devotees, it is paradise: a realm where the strongest survive and the thrill of the chase never wanes. Yet, it is also a domain of hierarchy and rules. Hircine’s Law of Fair Hunt dictates the terms of engagement, respecting prey’s ability to fight or flee.
Hircine and Lycanthropy: The Father of Manbeasts
Hircine is best known as the progenitor of lycanthropy, referred to as Hircine’s Gift by those who embrace it and Hircine’s Curse by those who fear or detest it. Lycanthropes—including werewolves, werebears, and other skinshifters—are considered Hircine’s children. He takes pride in their feral nature, seeing them as living embodiments of his ideals.
Legends suggest Hircine first introduced lycanthropy in the early Merethic Era, granting his "Gift" to hunters who sought to embody the strength and cunning of beasts. This curse-blessing spread across Nirn as infected mortals passed it down through bloodlines and bites.
Hircine’s influence extends beyond the transformation. He often claims the souls of lycanthropes upon death, bringing them to the Hunting Grounds. Those who reject their gift or fail to meet his expectations may find themselves hunted and slain by Hircine’s servants, ensuring only the worthy remain.
What Are the Great Hunts?
The Great Hunt is a signature event hosted by Hircine, either within the Hunting Grounds or on Nirn. Participants—mortals, beasts, and Daedra—become both hunter and prey, competing for the Prince’s amusement and favor. These hunts often culminate in a grand battle, with the victor earning a boon from Hircine.
One of the most notable Great Hunts occurred during the Bloodmoon Prophecy, an event foretold by the Skaal of Solstheim. This prophecy predicted Hircine’s arrival on the island, heralded by three signs: Fire From the Eye of Glass, the Tide of Woe, and the Bloodmoon itself. During this hunt, the Nerevarine confronted Hircine’s champions and ultimately defeated the Prince in his own game.
Another hunt took place in Cyrodiil during the Third Era, where Hircine tasked the Hero of Kvatch with slaying the last unicorn. This hunt, while tragic in its outcome, underscores the unpredictable and primal nature of Hircine’s contests.
How Does Hircine Interact with Mortals?
Hircine’s interactions with mortals are direct and unambiguous. Unlike Princes who rely on manipulation or subterfuge, Hircine values clarity and fairness. He often tests mortals through challenges, offering rewards to those who prove themselves worthy.
Artifacts such as the Savior’s Hide and the Ring of Hircine are examples of his tangible influence. These gifts embody his ideals, granting wearers abilities tied to the hunt, such as protection from magic or control over lycanthropic transformations.
Hircine also appears during summoning rituals, particularly on his summoning day, the 5th of Mid Year. Devotees may call upon him to seek blessings, boons, or challenges. However, his favor is not easily earned, and his displeasure is often fatal.
What Role Does Hircine Play in the Elder Scrolls Games?
Hircine’s presence is felt throughout the Elder Scrolls series, both directly and indirectly. Key appearances include:
Hircine’s most prominent role occurs during the Morrowind Bloodmoon Prophecy. The Nerevarine confronts the Daedric Prince in a Great Hunt, ultimately defeating him and escaping the Mortrag Glacier as it collapses.
Hircine plays a central role in two Skyrim quests: "Ill Met by Moonlight" and the Companions’ questline. In "Ill Met by Moonlight," players encounter Sinding, a werewolf cursed by Hircine. Depending on their choices, players may side with Sinding or participate in the hunt to claim Hircine’s Savior’s Hide or his purified Ring.
The Companions’ questline explores the origins and consequences of lycanthropy within the warrior guild. Hircine’s influence looms large as players grapple with the moral and spiritual implications of the "gift."
The Elder Scrolls Online
Hircine’s presence in ESO is widespread. He influences numerous quests and factions, including the Reachfolk, Glenmoril Wyrd, and werewolf clans. His aspects and artifacts play pivotal roles in shaping the lore and gameplay mechanics tied to lycanthropy.
Why is Hircine Important in Elder Scrolls Lore?
Hircine’s importance lies in his embodiment of primal instinct and natural law. Unlike more abstract Princes, his domain resonates with universal themes of survival, competition, and transformation. His values challenge mortals to embrace their strengths and confront their weaknesses, making him both a feared and respected figure across Tamriel.
As the progenitor of lycanthropy, Hircine’s influence extends to cultures and factions throughout the Elder Scrolls universe. From the feral werewolves of Skyrim to the cunning Reachfolk, his legacy shapes the lives of countless mortals.
Through his artifacts, Great Hunts, and direct interactions, Hircine’s presence remains a constant reminder of the fragile balance between predator and prey—a balance that defines life on Nirn.
Hircine's Raw Power
Hircine’s raw power, characterized by his physical might, magical abilities, and combat effectiveness, earns him a well-deserved rating of 8.5/10. His unparalleled mastery over lycanthropy, coupled with his feral strength and the magical potency of his artifacts, secures his place as one of the most fearsome beings in the Elder Scrolls universe. While his specialization in hunting may limit his versatility in certain contexts, within the realm of direct combat and raw strength, he is a near-unmatched force of nature.
Strength
Hircine's physical strength manifests primarily in his chosen avatars, each an aspect of his domain, such as the Great Dark Stag, the Manbeast, or the Mighty Bear. These manifestations are not only symbols of raw physical might but also embodiments of primal ferocity. In his wolf or bear forms, Hircine can rend prey with unmatched brutality, crushing bones and tearing flesh with ease. His physical might, while undeniably overwhelming within his sphere, is not omnipotent outside the context of the hunt. His strength is balanced by his tendency to engage in contests where fairness is a central tenet, which occasionally restricts the full application of his raw strength. Nonetheless, his capacity to overpower mortal and immortal beings alike cements his place as a force of unrelenting physical dominance.
Magical Ability
Hircine's magical prowess is one of his most defining features. As the progenitor of lycanthropy, he possesses unparalleled mastery over transformation magic, granting his followers the ability to become werewolves, werebears, and other lycanthropic creatures. His influence extends to creating and manipulating the Hunting Grounds, a realm teeming with supernatural phenomena. The Hunting Grounds themselves are a testament to his magical might, as they are filled with boundless creatures and challenges, all shaped by Hircine's will.
Beyond lycanthropy, Hircine wields the Spear of Bitter Mercy, a weapon imbued with potent magic capable of summoning storms and dispatching powerful foes with ease. His control over natural and supernatural forces enables him to bend the elements to his advantage during hunts. While his magical abilities are vast, they are often utilized in service of his sphere, limiting their diversity compared to more generalist Daedric Princes.
Combat Prowess
In battle, Hircine is both a hunter and a predator, combining raw strength with tactical precision. His combat style emphasizes endurance, speed, and ferocity, allowing him to dominate his prey through relentless pursuit and overwhelming force. Each of his aspects brings unique combat abilities to the fore. For instance, the wolf aspect, Storihbeg, is a terrifyingly fast predator, while the bear aspect, Hrokkibeg, relies on sheer strength to pulverize opponents.
Hircine's use of the Spear of Bitter Mercy enhances his combat prowess further, providing him with a weapon that is both a symbol of his power and an extension of his feral lethality. His combat effectiveness is amplified in his own domain, the Hunting Grounds, where the terrain and conditions are skewed heavily in his favor. Although he thrives in one-on-one or small-scale encounters, his single-minded focus on hunting can be a limitation when confronted with unconventional or large-scale threats.j
Hircine's Tactical Ability
Hircine’s tactical ability, marked by his strategic insight, resourcefulness, and formidable arsenal, earns him a rating of 7.5/10. While his dominance within the sphere of the hunt is unparalleled, his strict adherence to the principles of fairness and his specialization in hunting scenarios limit his effectiveness in broader strategic contexts. Nevertheless, his ability to manipulate his environment, mobilize powerful agents, and orchestrate complex challenges ensures that he remains a cunning and dangerous tactician within his domain.
Strategic Mind
Hircine’s strategic approach is rooted in his mastery of the hunt. His capacity to orchestrate complex events, such as the Great Hunts within his realm and on Nirn, highlights a deep understanding of timing, terrain, and the psychology of his prey. For example, the Bloodmoon Prophecy on Solstheim illustrates his ability to leverage celestial phenomena, using the red hue of Secunda as both a symbol and a tactical tool to heighten fear and tension among his prey.
Hircine’s hunts are meticulously designed to test his chosen quarry’s limits, demonstrating his aptitude for tailoring strategies to specific challenges. However, his methods, while effective within the hunt’s framework, are limited by his insistence on fairness and adherence to the “Law of Fair Hunt.” This self-imposed constraint reduces his capacity for unpredictable or unorthodox tactics that might be required in more generalized conflicts or battles outside his domain.
Resourcefulness
Hircine’s resourcefulness is evident in his ability to adapt the environment to his advantage. His realm, the Hunting Grounds, is an ever-shifting expanse of dense forests and rugged terrains designed to disorient and challenge his prey. By manipulating the very fabric of his domain, Hircine ensures that every chase is a test of survival, turning even the most inhospitable landscapes into extensions of his will.
On Nirn, his manipulation of lycanthropy serves as a powerful resource. By granting mortals the ability to transform into werewolves and other lycanthropes, he creates a network of agents who carry out his will across Tamriel. This symbiotic relationship between Hircine and his “children” not only spreads his influence but also provides him with an array of formidable allies.
Despite these strengths, Hircine’s reliance on a defined set of tools—his realm, his lycanthropic followers, and his adherence to the hunt’s principles—limits his ability to innovate beyond his established strategies. His resourcefulness is potent but specialized, making it less effective in scenarios that deviate from the hunt’s structured dynamics.
Resource Arsenal
Hircine’s arsenal is as diverse as it is deadly. The artifacts associated with him, such as the Spear of Bitter Mercy and the Savior’s Hide, are imbued with powerful enchantments that reflect his dominion over the hunt. These tools not only augment his own abilities but also serve as coveted rewards for mortals who prove themselves worthy in his contests.
His Hunting Grounds provide him with an endless supply of supernatural creatures, from werewolves to daedric beasts, which he can deploy as hunters or guardians. This vast array of resources ensures that he remains a formidable opponent in any conflict. However, Hircine’s focus on maintaining the integrity of the hunt means that these assets are rarely utilized in ways that deviate from their intended purpose. This limitation reduces the flexibility of his resource arsenal compared to more versatile tacticians.
Hircine's Influence
Hircine’s influence earns a rating of 7.5, driven by his mastery in inspiring loyalty, commanding reverence, and maintaining steadfast willpower. His sway over mortals and supernatural beings alike stems from the universal appeal of his sphere, but his focus on the hunt limits his ability to transcend his domain. Nevertheless, his presence is felt across Tamriel and beyond, solidifying his status as one of the more influential Daedric Princes within his realm.
Persuasion
Hircine’s ability to sway individuals and groups lies in the primal allure of the hunt. His philosophy emphasizes a return to fundamental instincts, offering mortals the opportunity to transcend societal restrictions and embrace their predatory nature. Many willingly accept his “gift” of lycanthropy, not out of coercion, but because they are seduced by the power and freedom it grants. His followers perceive lycanthropy as a blessing rather than a curse, a testament to his ability to inspire loyalty through his philosophy alone.
His persuasive influence is most evident in the stories of those who defy him, only to eventually succumb to his promises or seek redemption through him. Even powerful mortals, such as Harbingers of the Companions, have grappled with his sway over their choices, illustrating his ability to plant seeds of doubt and conviction within even the most resolute individuals. However, Hircine’s persuasion is largely indirect and lacks the nuanced charisma of other Daedric Princes, making it powerful within his domain but less universally effective.
Reverence
Hircine commands awe and respect across diverse cultures, from the Reachmen who venerate him as the “Lord of the Arena” to the Khajiit, who see him as the “Hungry Cat.” His sphere of hunting, which spans life and death, aligns deeply with mortal and beast instincts, creating a reverence that feels innate rather than imposed.
Among the Reachfolk, his worship is seen as an integral part of their survival, granting his teachings a near-mythic status. Similarly, in Bosmer culture, he is invoked in hunts and feared for his association with shapeshifting. Even cultures that reject him, such as the Skaal, acknowledge his significance through prophecies like the Bloodmoon Prophecy, which depicts him as an inescapable force of nature.
This reverence extends beyond mortals; the Hunting Grounds are populated by supernatural beings who willingly serve Hircine, further underscoring his ability to command not only fear but respect. However, his reverence is tied tightly to his sphere, limiting his appeal to those whose lives do not intersect with hunting or lycanthropy.
Willpower
Hircine’s willpower is reflected in his unyielding focus on his domain. His singular devotion to the hunt ensures that his influence remains steady and uncontested within this sphere. This focus enables him to maintain control over the souls of lycanthropes, ensuring their eternal service within the Hunting Grounds regardless of their personal beliefs.
His interactions with mortals and Daedra alike demonstrate a resolute and confident demeanor. Even in defeat, as during the events of the Bloodmoon Prophecy, Hircine’s will remains intact, and he vows to return, emphasizing his eternal and unshakable nature. While his willpower is formidable, it is not all-encompassing; his lack of interest in areas outside the hunt means he does not exert influence in broader contexts, leaving him vulnerable to being overshadowed by more versatile entities.
Hircine's Resilience
Hircine’s resilience earns him a robust score of 8.0. His extraordinary capacity for recovery, coupled with his near-immunity to both physical and magical harm and the perpetuity of his existence, solidifies his position as one of the most resilient figures across fantasy universes. This rating reflects not only his enduring presence but his embodiment of survival, renewal, and unyielding determination.
Physical Resistance
Hircine’s physical form, while subject to variation based on the aspect he chooses to embody, consistently demonstrates formidable physical resistance. As the Master of the Chase, he often takes on manifestations like the Great Stag or the Skinchanger, each of which exemplifies physical durability. His ability to absorb physical damage is symbolically tied to the natural predators he governs; like an apex predator, he is nearly impervious to conventional harm.
In battle, Hircine’s body is protected by the innate defenses of his Daedric essence. Physical strikes are not only difficult to land due to his supernatural speed and guile but are largely ineffectual unless they are wielded by artifacts imbued with unique anti-Daedric properties. His form regenerates in his plane of Oblivion, the Hunting Grounds, meaning that even severe physical damage is only a temporary inconvenience. Despite this near-invulnerability, Hircine’s strength is slightly situational, as his full power depends on his connection to his realm and the cyclical nature of his hunts.
Magical Resistance
Hircine’s resistance to magical effects is deeply tied to his status as a Daedric Prince. Mortal magic, even in its most potent forms, is insufficient to cause him significant harm. His supernatural nature makes him immune to enchantments and spells that would otherwise incapacitate mortal or lesser Daedric beings.
This magical resilience is complemented by the protections he provides to his followers. Artifacts such as the Savior’s Hide, granted as rewards for those who prove their worth in his hunts, demonstrate his capacity to nullify magical attacks. The Hide itself is said to resist spells and magic with incredible effectiveness, a testament to the power of Hircine’s gifts and by extension, his own resilience.
Only rare, god-tier magical interventions or direct conflicts with other Daedric Princes or Aedra pose a challenge to his magical defenses. These instances, however, are anomalies in the otherwise unassailable wall of his magical resistance.
Longevity
As a Daedric Prince, Hircine’s existence is effectively eternal. His realm, the Hunting Grounds, is an unending cycle of death and rebirth, reflecting his philosophy and the resilience of his being. The cyclical nature of the Great Hunt ensures that his influence and presence are perpetual, unfettered by the passage of time or the challenges of mortal and immortal adversaries.
Even when defeated in the context of his hunts—such as the Bloodmoon Prophecy or the Hunter’s Game—Hircine merely withdraws temporarily, vowing to return stronger and more prepared. His ability to endure existential threats and maintain his dominion over his sphere is unmatched. While his manifestations on Nirn are subject to temporary limitations, his essence remains untouched, anchored in the endless vitality of Oblivion.
Hircine's Versatility
Hircine’s versatility is undeniably impressive, reflecting his multifaceted nature as a Daedric Prince who commands respect and fear across multiple realms. His high adaptability, ability to manipulate circumstances, and knack for using hidden advantages solidify his position as one of the most versatile figures in fantasy lore. However, his strong thematic focus on the hunt places a cap on his flexibility, resulting in a score of 8.0 that acknowledges his exceptional abilities while recognizing the limitations of his singular focus.
Adaptability
Hircine’s adaptability is showcased in his ability to manifest in various forms, known as his aspects, which each align with specific traits of the hunt. These include Alrabeg, the cunning hunter, and Storihbeg, the swift wolf, among others. This shapeshifting allows Hircine to approach challenges in ways that suit the situation at hand, adapting his tactics and abilities to the nature of his prey.
In addition, Hircine’s capacity to operate across different cultures and regions demonstrates his flexibility. His influence spans a variety of mortal civilizations, from the Nord Skaal to the Reachfolk, each interpreting his sphere in ways that suit their cultural needs. Despite their differences, Hircine seamlessly integrates into these frameworks, tailoring his approach to ensure continued reverence and engagement.
However, Hircine’s adaptability is tied closely to his sphere of the hunt, which can sometimes limit his effectiveness in non-predatory or highly abstract situations. His singular focus on the thrill of the chase means that, while versatile within his domain, he may be less inclined to adapt to challenges outside of his purview.
Luck
The unpredictability of Hircine’s influence often plays to his advantage, showcasing an inherent “luck” in his interactions with mortals and other entities. His Great Hunts, for instance, are often engineered to tilt the odds in his favor, whether by trapping prey in environments specifically designed to disadvantage them or by leveraging his intimate knowledge of their weaknesses.
While Hircine does not rely on luck in the traditional sense, his ability to foresee outcomes and manipulate circumstances gives him the appearance of uncanny fortune. This ability allows him to consistently emerge victorious, even in situations where other Daedric Princes might falter.
The absence of reliance on luck as a central aspect of his power, however, prevents this trait from elevating his versatility to an even higher level. His calculated, deliberate actions leave little room for the serendipitous events that define true luck.
Shaved Knuckle in the Hole
Hircine’s greatest strength lies in his ability to invoke unexpected resources when the need arises, akin to a metaphorical “shaved knuckle in the hole.” This is most evident in his creation and bestowal of unique artifacts, such as the Savior’s Hide and the Ring of Hircine, which empower his chosen champions and tilt the balance of power in his favor.
In the context of his hunts, Hircine frequently demonstrates an ability to outwit and overpower his prey through unconventional means. For example, his ability to manipulate the environment of his Hunting Grounds to disorient and confuse intruders reflects a hidden depth of strategic ingenuity. His capacity to surprise his opponents often leads to their downfall, reinforcing his dominance in both his realm and on Nirn.
While Hircine’s resources are formidable, they remain tied to his role as the Lord of the Hunt. This thematic consistency, while contributing to his overall strength, slightly limits the scope of his versatility. Hircine is most potent in scenarios that align with his sphere, but his influence diminishes in situations that fall outside his realm of expertise.
Hircine's Alignment
Hircine is a Daedric Prince, a unique entity within the Elder Scrolls universe. As a Daedric Prince, Hircine is not bound by mortal definitions of race, but he manifests through his aspects, such as Alrabeg (hunter), Storihbeg (wolf), and Uricanbeg (stag), each embodying facets of his dominion over the hunt. These aspects can be seen as symbolic "subraces" within his sphere, reflecting his varied but interconnected personas.
Hircine is associated with his followers, the Hunters, and lycanthropes (werewolves and other were-creatures), who often consider him their progenitor and patron. While he is not officially part of any mortal faction, his influence permeates cultures like the Reachfolk, Skaal, and Glenmoril Wyrd, among others. Hircine’s domain, the Hunting Grounds, is his Oblivion plane and serves as a faction of sorts, hosting an eternal cycle of predator and prey.
Hircine’s alignment as Chaotic Neutral is rooted in his adherence to the natural laws of the hunt, tempered by his indifference to mortal morality. His actions reflect a chaotic worldview driven by primal instincts, constant change, and the thrill of pursuit. At the same time, his neutrality is evident in his lack of malice or altruism—his interests revolve around the purity of the hunt, not moral considerations of good or evil.
Hircine’s chaotic nature is defined by his rejection of structured, static systems in favor of fluid, ever-changing dynamics. As the Lord of the Hunt, he thrives on unpredictability and the thrill of the chase, embracing the chaos of nature and the primal instincts of predator and prey. The Great Hunts he orchestrates are governed by his "Law of Fair Hunt," but this rule is less about lawfulness and more about ensuring the sport retains its intensity and unpredictability.
Unlike truly lawful entities, Hircine does not impose rigid systems of control or adherence. Instead, he sets loose conditions designed to challenge and test his participants. This free-spirited and instinct-driven approach places him firmly on the chaotic side of the alignment spectrum.
Hircine’s neutrality in the moral axis comes from his lack of inherent malice or benevolence. He does not seek to cause harm for harm’s sake, as a malevolent being might, nor does he actively work to protect or nurture life, which would mark him as good. Instead, Hircine is a force of nature—he tests mortals through the hunt, rewarding those who prove themselves worthy and punishing those who fail or betray his ideals.
His indifference to the consequences of his hunts reflects his neutrality. To Hircine, mortals are participants in his eternal game, and their survival or demise is a byproduct of the hunt, not a deliberate moral choice. For example, his creation of lycanthropy—viewed by some as a gift and by others as a curse—is not an act of cruelty but a natural extension of his sphere.
Hircine’s chaotic neutrality stems from his devotion to the primal chaos of the hunt, combined with his morally indifferent approach to his actions. His role as a Daedric Prince ensures he operates outside conventional mortal frameworks, focusing solely on his domain and the eternal cycle of predator and prey. This alignment is consistent with his race as a Daedric Prince and his factional affiliations with lycanthropes and hunters, reinforcing his position as a wild, unpredictable force of nature in the Elder Scrolls universe. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Hircine's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2 (2024-2025) | TBD (of 204) |
Overall Conclusion on Hircine and Position Across Planes of Existence
Hircine, the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, holds a unique and formidable position within the multiverse of fantasy characters, earning a 7.9 rating on the power scale. While this places him in the upper echelons of power, it falls short of the pinnacle reserved for reality-warping entities and multiverse-dominating forces. His domain, the Hunting Grounds, reflects his power as an eternal force of nature, but his influence is focused on the sphere of the hunt, which limits his impact on a grander cosmic scale.
Hircine's raw power is considerable, especially within his realm and through his influence on lycanthropy. As the progenitor of all were-creatures, Hircine wields dominion over their transformation and fate, with their very souls bound to his eternal hunt after death. This connection grants him a persistent influence across Tamriel, extending his reach far beyond the borders of his Oblivion plane. However, his power is specific to his domain; Hircine does not extend significant influence into other spheres such as creation, destruction, or time manipulation.
In tactical ability, Hircine demonstrates a cunning and strategic mind befitting a master predator. His Great Hunts are not random displays of chaos but carefully orchestrated challenges designed to test and reward the worthy. While his strategies are brilliant within his context, they are rooted in primal instincts and the laws of the hunt, making them less adaptable in broader conflicts against beings with more versatile intellects or omnipotent foresight.
Hircine's influence is another strength, as his sphere resonates deeply with mortals. The appeal of the hunt, the thrill of survival, and the allure of lycanthropy have made him one of the most widely revered Daedric Princes. His mythos is woven into the cultures of Tamriel, from the Reachfolk's reverence to the Skaal's dread of the Bloodmoon Prophecy. Yet, his influence is often indirect—he does not impose his will universally, and his appeal is limited to those drawn to the primal aspects of existence.
Resilience is where Hircine's position shines but also reveals his limitations. As an immortal Daedric Prince, he cannot be permanently destroyed within the mortal realm. His essence is tied to Oblivion, ensuring his persistence even after apparent defeats. However, his lack of adaptability outside his sphere leaves him vulnerable to entities that operate beyond the laws of his domain.
Ultimately, Hircine’s 7.9 rating reflects his significant but specialized power. His presence is undeniable within his sphere, but his influence wanes when compared to characters who possess multiversal control or transcendental abilities. Hircine’s legend thrives in the balance between predator and prey, ensuring his place as a formidable, respected, and feared force across the Elder Scrolls universe. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
