The story of Diablo 4 continues the epic war between the forces of Heaven and Hell.
While Lilith, the Daughter of Hatred, plays a central role in this game, another significant character is Inarius, an Archangel who has a deep history intertwined with hers.
Understanding Inarius’ background helps us appreciate his role in the latest game.
Inarius’ History and the Endless War
Inarius is one of the alternate characters, who was also an Archangel that fought in the everlasting battle called the Great Conflict. Despite not being part of the Angiris Council, he was an adviser of Tyrael, the Aspect of Justice, and contributed in combating the Prime Evils such as Diablo, Baal and Mephisto.
His name was Inarius and he was a genius when it came to fighting, liberties that he took leading many skirmishes. At one point, he even killed the prince of a class of rather unpleasant creatures such as Azmodan who is one of the Lesser Evils. But finally, frustrated with ceaseless strife spanning across many wars that took place Inarius decided he had enough.
At this he attempted to persuade Tyrael that the fighting was senseless but Tyrael remained resolutely determined to continue fighting the forces of Hell. Not longer able to feel that there is more people like him who wants to experience peace, Inarius started to doubt other people.
Hearing Maribel’s cry of joy, Inarius was overwhelmed by it and while fighting at Pandemonium Fortress, he was captured by demons . He was captive to Mephisto, Lord of Hatred where he was chained up, raving about the cessation of the war. Unexpectedly, Lilith Mephisto’s daughter set him free. She too felt thet the fighting was boring and something different was needed for a change.
The Creation of Sanctuary and the Birth of the Nephalem
Inspired by Lilith’s similar beliefs, Inarius joined forces with her. Together, they gathered angels and demons who wanted peace and used the powerful Worldstone to create a new world, Sanctuary. This new realm was meant to be a safe place, away from the conflicts between Heaven and Hell. Inarius secretly linked the Worldstone’s power to himself, making him the most powerful being in Sanctuary.
Over time, Inarius and Lilith fell in love and had children known as the Nephalem. These powerful beings were the ancestors of humanity. However, their creation sparked fear among both angels and demons, who saw them as a threat. As Sanctuary’s inhabitants grew wary of the Nephalem, Lilith became protective of her children, to the point of turning murderous.
Unable to bring himself to kill Lilith, Inarius chose to banish her to the Void—a place of complete emptiness. After Lilith’s exile, Inarius used the Worldstone to weaken the powers of the Nephalem and established the Cathedral of Light to protect Sanctuary from threats like the Triune, a cult led by demons who discovered Sanctuary.
The Sin War and the Fall of Inarius
During an event known as the Sin War, Lilith managed to escape from the Void and rallied an army called the Edyrem, led by a powerful Nephalem named Uldyssian.
They waged war against both Inarius’ Cathedral of Light and the Triune. Although Lilith made significant progress, she couldn’t defeat Inarius and was banished once more.
In a final confrontation, Uldyssian managed to sever Inarius’ control over the Worldstone. With his power stripped, Inarius was captured and turned over to Mephisto, who would punish him for his betrayal. Mephisto chose to torture Inarius for eternity as part of a fragile peace agreement between Heaven and Hell.
Inarius’ Role in Diablo 4
In Diablo 4, Lilith has returned once again, seeking revenge on Inarius for betraying her. The game’s cinematic trailer shows her summoning new followers to her cause. This time, she appears to care deeply about the fate of Sanctuary’s people, even though her methods are ruthless.
Meanwhile, Inarius has escaped his chains and returned to Sanctuary. He has rebuilt his Cathedral of Light and commands an army known as the Pale Knights.
While initially indifferent to Lilith’s plans, Inarius slowly begins to take action against her. He even kills their son, Rathma (the first Necromancer), for refusing to hand over the Key to Hell.
