Cursed by the Past: The Origins of Varus in League of Legends

3 Jul

Aidan van Vuuren

Varus is a champion in League of Legends. He’s one of the ancient Darkin—god-warriors corrupted by war, rage, and immortality. Today, Varus exists as a hybrid of three souls in one body: the Darkin himself and two mortal hunters, Valmar and Kai.

His story spans centuries, beginning in ancient Shurima and continuing into modern-day Ionia. His path is shaped by loss, revenge, and a slow search for redemption.

Early Life in Shurima

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Varus was once a mortal archer from the Shuriman Empire. He lived with a strong sense of honor and duty. Appointed a temple warden, he protected sacred grounds during the Icathian Uprising.

While other wardens fled to save their homes, Varus stayed at his post. His homeland was destroyed. His family was killed. Still, he defended the temple alone.

This act of loyalty earned him a place among the Ascended—powerful beings created by ancient Shuriman magic.

From Ascended to Darkin

Becoming an Ascended twisted Varus further. Grief turned to hatred. His focus shifted to revenge, especially against the Icathians. He became known for torturing his enemies before delivering the final blow.

After Shurima collapsed, many Ascended turned against each other. These fallen warriors became known as the Darkin. Varus was one of them.

He no longer cared about the cause. Killing was all he knew. His siblings used him as an assassin, sending him to destroy armies and generals alike.

The Great Darkin War

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The war between mortals and Darkin devastated Runeterra. Celestial beings from Targon intervened. They taught humans how to seal the Darkin into weapons.

Varus was eventually trapped in his bow after being ambushed by warriors and mages. The queen who wielded him fell to his corruption. She ordered herself sealed in a temple in Ionia, burying Varus for centuries.

Varus Is Reborn

In time, the bow resurfaced in the hands of two Ionian hunters: Valmar and Kai. They fought against Noxian invaders to protect their village. Kai was mortally wounded. Valmar, desperate, heard whispers from the sealed bow.

He believed the forbidden magic inside could save his lover.

The two jumped into the sacred well where Varus was buried. Their bodies were broken and remade into a new form—Varus was reborn, but now shared a body with both mortals.

Three Minds in One Body

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Valmar and Kai did not die. Their minds lived on inside the new Varus.

At first, Varus took control. He unleashed his vengeance on the Noxians, using his powers to kill anyone in his path. But the voices of Valmar and Kai fought back.

Kai wanted mercy. Valmar wanted revenge, but not at the cost of innocent lives. Together, they began to resist Varus. Their love gave them strength to overpower him at times.

Varus began to change. He started remembering who he once was. The voices inside him did not fade. They became part of him.

Varus Today

Now, Varus exists as a fusion of all three souls. He is not fully Darkin, not fully human. But he acts with a sense of purpose.

Though he still seeks revenge on those who imprisoned him, he no longer follows the blind hatred that once ruled him. He questions his path and wonders if he can return to the honor he once had.

Varus also searches for his fellow Darkin—Aatrox, Rhaast, Naafiri, and a mysterious fifth sibling. He believes they were meant to unite. But he’s no longer sure if their goal—world-ending destruction—is the right one.

The Hunt for Naafiri and Xolaani

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Varus’s search led him back to Shurima. He followed rumors and signs to find Naafiri, one of his closest Darkin allies. But she had already escaped her tomb.

Later, when the Darkin warrior Xolaani returned in a new body, Aatrox called the others to arms. Varus didn’t answer right away. Instead, he chose to gather allies from across the world to help defeat her.

His team included a Zaunite scientist, a sea monster hunter, an Avarosan archer, and a Lunari priest. Each had their reasons for joining. Varus gave them fragments of his own power, letting them fight at his side.

Varus’s Appearance and Powers

Varus has pale skin, white hair, and glowing purple markings. His form is unsettling but striking, his heart glows where Kai’s fatal wound was, covered only by a leather strap.

His main weapon is the bow that once imprisoned him. It glows with corrupt magic. He can fire single arrows or multiple at once. His powers include:

Corruption Magic: Used to poison enemies or empower allies.
Hemomancy: A form of blood magic that reshaped Valmar and Kai into his body.
Gestalt Consciousness: All three minds remain active and influence his choices.
Immortality: As long as the bow remains intact, so does Varus.

Allies and Conflicts

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Varus sees most Darkin as siblings. He shares a strong connection with Naafiri and once fought beside Valeeva, a fellow Darkin warrior. He respects Aatrox but disagrees with him on power and purpose.

Valmar and Kai continue to influence him. Kai is the voice of mercy. Valmar, driven by grief, still wants justice—but not without reason.

Their presence helps Varus remember who he used to be. They stop him from becoming the monster he once was.