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Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred (D4)

Who is Rathma?

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★ NEW: Season 11 Guide | Season 11 Release Date
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Diablo 4 - Who is Rathma

Rathma is known as the son of Inarius and Lilith in Diablo 4 (D4). Read on to learn more about Rathma the First Necromancer, and his role in the opening story sequences of game!

Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for the First Act of the Diablo 4 main story.

List of Contents

Who is Rathma?

Son of Inarius and Lilith

Diablo 4 - Lilith and Inarius

In Diablo lore, Rathma is known as the son of the angel Inarius, and the demon Lilith (the two creators of Sanctuary). He is one of the first beings to walk Sanctuary as part of the first Nephalem born in the world of mortals. Rathma's status as the son of both Inarius and Lilith is explored in Diablo 4, with him making an appearance during the game's first Act.

Originally Mistaken to be Elias in the Diablo IV Announce Cinematic Trailer

Diablo 4 - Elias

Initially, fans mistook Elias for Rathma when the official Announce Cinematic Trailer was released by Blizzard. However, the Open Beta confirmed that it was Elias who appeared in the trailer and that it wasn't Rathma summoning Lilith back to Sanctuary.

The First Necromancer of Sanctuary

Diablo 4 - Maltorius

During the Level 25 Necromancer specialization quest, Call of the Underworld, the spirit of a Necromancer named Maltorius will share that Rathma was the first Necromancer in Sanctuary. The spirit mentions that Rathma was aware of the importance of life, death, and the balance between the two concepts.

Rathma's Role in Diablo 4

Keeper of the Key to the Burning Hells

Diablo 4 - Inarius and Rathma

Once you enter Rathma's sanctuary underneath the Fractured Peaks, you will see visions of himself and Inarius arguing about a key that opens the gate to Hell. In these visions, Rathma will share that he saw a prophecy where the key would be taken from him in the future. He refused to hand it over to Inarius, stating that his father would get it only if he was destined to be the possessor.

Corpse is Discovered by Lilith After Crossing the Black Lake

Diablo 4 - Death of Rathma


I don't know if you would have chosen to stand beside me in this new world, Rathma, but I would have saved your place just the same. And now, all that you might have been has been stolen from me.

Later on, while viewing a memory of Lilith inside Rathma's sanctuary, the character will witness Lilith discovering her son's corpse for the first time. From the staff embedded into Rathma's torso, Lilith will produce the key to Hell while proclaiming that her son's sacrifice was not in vain.

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