Raziel (Legacy of Kain)

Raziel (Legacy Of Kain)

Raziel is a fictional character in the Legacy of Kain video game series. Introduced in 1999 as the protagonist and playable character of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver, he was created by Amy Hennig and Seth Carus of Crystal Dynamics, and designed by Arnold Ayala. He reappears as the protagonist of Soul Reaver 2, and returns as a playable character alongside series eponym Kain in Legacy of Kain: Defiance, which closes his story arc.

Portrayed as both an antihero and tragic hero, Raziel is described as a soul-devouring "ex-vampire". Introduced in Soul Reaver as one of Kain's lieutenants, he is executed after surpassing Kain, but is resurrected by The Elder God as a reaver of souls, bent on avenging himself by slaying his brethren and former master. Over the course of this journey, his history is revealed in reverse, and his motivations and loyalties gradually change as he unearths the truth behind his cyclic destiny.

Raziel's story and appearance were inspired by several influences, including the 1920 silent film The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, John Milton's Paradise Lost, and the Hindu god Vishnu. Outside of the main series, he has featured in two tie-in comics, and in Crystal Dynamics' Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. In all of his voiced appearances, he has been played by Michael Bell. Video game critics and players have reacted positively to his character, praising his design, backstory and development.