The story of a chosen one often begins with prophecies, moments of awakening, and the eventual fulfillment of destiny. However, some chosen ones are bound to futures that also bring chaos, disruption, and even mass death. One such is Paul Atreides from Dune by Frank Herbert, who does not fit the usual pattern of a chosen one as a force for good in the universe. As he becomes the Fremen messiah and overthrows the Emperor, his win starts a crusade that leads to the deaths of billions across the galaxy, which he is ultimately unable to stop.

Paul’s character in the 1965 science fiction novel challenges the conventional idea of a chosen one and asks the question of whether such a destined one might instead cause harm or lead to morally complex consequences. After Paul, several fictional characters were drawn that had a similar twisted fate as the chosen one.

Another such powerful character who fell to fear is Anakin Skywalker from the Star Wars saga, who eventually became Darth Vader. The first Star Wars film was released in 1977, which was 12 years after the publication of Dune. Interestingly, Anakin Skywalker begins a similar journey to Paul Atreides as a saviour.

However, Skywalker’s fears and obsessions are manipulated, pulling him toward the dark side, as he ultimately becomes a cause of mass suffering. Critics have often compared how the concepts of worlds, battles, and downfall are represented in both stories. Another character who shares a fate similar to Paul Atreides is Eren Yeager.

Eren Yeager begins his journey as the protagonist of the famous Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama. As a soldier, he seeks revenge against the man-eating giants. However, he ultimately causes more harm than good due to his plan, known as the Rumbling. Through the Rumbling, he unleashes countless Colossal Titans, which destroy about 80% of the world’s population outside Paradis.

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Much like Paul Atreides, he saves his people but also becomes the reason for the deaths of many others.

Daenerys Targaryen has a similar beginning as a savior. Throughout most of her journey in Game of Thrones, she saves people, frees slaves, and takes down tyrants. However, the character who was meant to protect others eventually turns against them. Towards the final episode of the series, she is shown burning King’s Landing using dragonfire to instill fear.

Along with this transformation, the show portrays her struggle with pain, trauma, and the loss of her loved ones. A complex and layered character, Daenerys Targaryen is often compared to Paul Atreides, who is played by Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Three.

Rand al’Thor from The Wheel of Time is a “chosen one” known as the Dragon Reborn, destined to either save the world or destroy it. As Rand gains power, conquers lands, and leads armies of male magic-users, he becomes colder and more intimidating. He was a powerful but conflicted and troubling savior.

Lelouch is an exiled prince of the Holy Britannian Empire who became the masked rebel Zero and fought against a powerful empire. Using his mind-control ability, Geass, the character sparked a revolution and presented himself as a savior of the oppressed. But as the conflict grows, his actions become darker, leading to manipulation, violence, and even tragic mistakes. 

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In the end, he plans his own death so the world can unite in peace by hating him together.

Another character that initially sought justice but turned into a complex antagonist is Light Yagami. He sees himself as a god-like figure delivering justice as he uses a supernatural notebook to kill criminals, believing he is creating a better, crime-free world. However, his sense of justice quickly becomes twisted as he starts eliminating anyone who opposes him. This includes investigators and even innocent people, showing how far he is willing to go to maintain power. 

Griffith begins as a brilliant and admired war hero. But after losing everything and enduring torture, he makes a horrific choice to sacrifice his own comrades to achieve his dream. This transforms him into a powerful, demonic being, abandoning his humanity entirely. Yet later, he returns as a charismatic leader once again, building a seemingly perfect city and gaining people’s devotion. While he is a savior, betrayal is a part of his journey.

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What do you think about these 7 characters? Let us know in the comments.