Some villains have heroic qualities. Maybe they’re doing the wrong thing for the right reason. Maybe they have a code of honor and there’s a line they won’t cross. Sometimes they realize they’re wrong and try to redeem themselves.
Here are five of my favorite villains who I believe have some heroic qualities. Who are yours?
1. Prince Nuada from Hellboy II The Golden Army – Not only is he one of the best looking villains ever, but he’s more than just a pretty face with an evil heart. Watching this movie, I don’t believe Nuada’s is evil at all. He’s angry and rightfully so. He’s fighting for his people who live in hiding and are in danger of fading from existence. Maybe living in self-imposed exile affected his mind, but he’s willing to do just about anything, no matter how violent, to return his people to their rightful place in the world. He’s not entirely wrong and in his mind he’s at war with the human race. Nuada has a sense of honor, but it’s buried under rage and desire for revenge.
2. Mr. Hyde from the television series Jekyll – Mr. Hyde enjoys causing trouble. He’s dangerous, unpredictable and childlike, but one thing is certain, he loves his family. He doesn’t generally harm people who haven’t given him cause. If destroying a man who tosses a child into the cage of a hungry lion makes a villain, then Hyde fits the description, but depending on your point of view, his actions might be justified. This is a villain who is the ultimate family protector and it’s hard to fault him for that.
3. Morrigan from the Hercules the Legendary Journeys television series – She started out nasty, violent, destructive and seemingly lacking compassion, but she’s another character who was trying to protect her family–namely her young daughter. Once cleansed of her old habits and given a chance, Morrigan’s courage and strength make her a powerful ally.
4. Hawk from the Buck Rogers in the 25th Century television series – Hawk, like Prince Nuada, is at war with the human race. His people have been hunted to the verge of extinction by humans and he’s had enough. He strikes back violently, but when his wife is injured and Buck tries to help save her, Hawk is willing to let his enemy walk away. Hawk has a code of honor and he never loses his ability to love. Similar to Morrigan, he eventually becomes a worthy ally.
5. Merle Dixon from The Walking Dead television series – Surly, bigoted and obnoxious, Merle doesn’t have many endearing qualities, but somehow he’s compelling. He’s the kind of guy who adds excitement to a scene and you love to hate him. Merle has his own brand of courage and there’s no doubt he’s tough. Somewhere down deep inside he knows right from wrong. Unfortunately for Merle, just when he starts to reveal some truly heroic tendencies, his life is cut short.
I agree about Prince Nuada. The Golden Army is one of my favorite movies. He was played by Luke Goss, a favorite actor. 🙂 So Nuada and his subtle cruelty and broken honor was a win win for me. Think this is going to be a rocking site. I love the idea of focusing on the dark side of a story for a change. Every villain is the hero of his own story.
Hi Kayelle! Nuada was unforgettable, that’s for sure. Luke Goss is one of my favorites too. He’s great at playing dark characters who seem to still have a code of honor. Thanks for commenting!