Dhuum
The original God of Death, sealed in the Hall of Judgment yet waiting to reclaim all living souls.
Dhuum is the original God of Death, who was usurped and sealed by Grenth. His corruption is an independent force that waits for a chance to reclaim dominion over life and death.
- Role
- Original God of Death / Ancient Entity
- Affiliation
- Independent (Formerly God of Death, Usurped by Grenth)
- Location
- Hall of Judgment, the Underworld
- Status
- Sealed by Grenth
- First Appearance
- Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire (2017)
- Weakness
- The power of Grenth and the Living
Lore & Background
Long before the current era, Dhuum was the original God of Death, ruling over the Underworld until he was usurped and sealed by Grenth. His physical form remained dormant, yet his influence seeped out as a corrupting force that affected the local wildlife. His presence is said to be accompanied by an unnatural cold and a pervasive sense of dread among those who venture near his prison.
In Their Own Story
Deep within the caverns, where the ice had turned black as obsidian, a heartbeat echoed—not of flesh and blood, but of ancient, slumbering malice. A lone warrior pressed forward, their breath misting in the air, drawn by whispers promising an end to suffering. As they approached the central chamber, the ice cracked with the sound of breaking bones, revealing a silhouette that seemed to drink the light from the torches. The God of Death did not speak; he simply waited, his eyes opening like fissures in the earth, ready to claim another soul for his endless domain.
Reader's Guide
Dhuum serves as a pivotal antagonist representing the corruption of death itself. Originally a deity who governed the natural cycle of life and death, his fall led him to become a force that seeks to consume all existence rather than allow it to pass naturally. His power is immense, capable of freezing entire landscapes and twisting creatures into mindless servants. In combat, he relies on ice-based attacks, soul manipulation, and the ability to summon undead minions from the frozen earth. His defeat requires not just strength but a deep understanding of the balance between life and death. The defining moment of his arc occurs when heroes breach his icy prison, confronting him in a battle that tests their resolve against an ancient god. His eventual sealing or destruction marks a turning point in Tyria's history, proving that even gods can be overcome by mortal courage.
Did You Know?
- Dhuum is the original God of Death, not an usurper; he was usurped and sealed by Grenth.
- His physical form remained dormant, yet his influence seeped out as a corrupting force that affected local wildlife.
- His presence is said to be accompanied by an unnatural cold and a pervasive sense of dread among those who venture near his prison.
- Dhuum was sealed by Grenth, the deity who usurped his title as God of Death.
- His corruption is an independent force that waits for a chance to reclaim dominion over life and death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dhuum?
Dhuum is an ancient entity that once stole the title of God of Death from Grenth before being imprisoned. He resides frozen within the Shiverpeak Mountains, waiting to escape his icy prison.
What are Dhuum's powers and role?
As a usurper of death, he commands necromantic magic and seeks to reclaim dominion over all living souls in Tyria. His corruption acts as an independent force that predates the current Elder Dragons.
How does Dhuum's story end?
Players ultimately defeat him during the Guild Wars Prophecies campaign, allowing Grenth to reclaim his divine authority over death. This victory permanently seals Dhuum away from influencing the mortal realm again.
Why is Dhuum important to Tyria's history?
His existence highlights the history of Tyria's gods and serves as a major antagonist in the original Guild Wars storyline. Defeating him was crucial to restoring balance between life and death before the events of Guild Wars 2.
Where can players find Dhuum?
He is trapped deep within Mount Mhaere inside the Shiverpeak Mountains, frozen in ice until his seal is broken. This location serves as the final dungeon for heroes seeking to stop his return to power.
More in Heroes & NPCs
Related in Guild Wars 2
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Elsewhere in the Guild Wars 2 universe
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