Who is Akarat in Diablo 4? Discussing Lore of the Vessel of Hatred Cinematic
Blizzard cinematics never disappoint, and that certainly holds true for the announcement trailer for Vessel of Hatred, Diablo 4's first expansion. A grisly, haunting few minutes focus on Neyrelle and her burden, the soulstone containing none other than the eldest Prime Evil himself, Mephisto. As we watch Neyrelle pray at the beginning of the cinematic, one name stands out above everything else — Akarat.
Who exactly is Akarat, the Prophet of Zakarum? Why do people invoke his name for protection or salvation? What even is the «Inner Light» and what do Akarat and Zakarum have to do with it? We're taking a closer look at Akarat, the wandering ascetic.
If you would like to know more about the history of the Zakarum as well as its greatest Paladin Champion, consider reading this previous lore deep dive!
Whatever Happened to the Diablo 2 Paladin?: The Zakarum and Paladin Marshal Carthas
Akarat the Ascetic
To know Akarat is to know not of just the man and why he sought a new way, but of their wisdom and the failure of those who sought to walk the path of Zakarum. Regarded as kind, selfless, and beyond compassionate, Akarat wished to share his wisdom with all peoples; not out of any personal gain, but simply to teach others.
«I say unto you, let not the foul darkness engulf the Light within you.
For whosoever hears these words and knows them to be true shall be reborn.» — Akarat
The Fires of War and Divine Inspiration
The war between the Vizjerei, Ennead, and Ammuit clans wreaked devastation across the lands of Kehjistan. The capital city of Viz-jun lay strewn in ruins, wrought by reckless magic and the depraved act of unleashing enslaved Demons. In the aftermath of such atrocities, many who once revered magic came to scorn what was once a way of life, the fabric which once weaved so thoroughly through society was burned away by the terrified masses. Feeling lost from its absence, however, many people flocked to faith over the subsequent decades, praying
