The Most Powerful Wizard in DnD: Mordenkainen

Mordenkainen looking over castle — *The Most Powerful Wizard in DnD: Mordenkainen* by Sawyer Bohannan

The Archmage so powerful that he was played by Gary Gygax himself.

Mordenkainen’s genesis dates back to 1973, persisting through to the 5th edition of Dungeons and Dragons. This human wizard, native to the Yatil Mountains within the Greyhawk setting, has made a remarkable journey from his humble beginnings as a 1st-level character in the Castle Greyhawk module, crafted by the late founder to test out the now-renowned tabletop role-playing game.

Who is Mordenkainen? What has led to him starring on multiple covers, namesake of multiple spells, and being one of the community’s most well-known characters?

“I really must admit Mordenkainen is my favorite. I enjoy playing fighters, rangers, thieves, clerics, and multi-classed sorts in OAD&D, but the magic-user is usually most fun for me.”
– GARY gYGAX

Who is Mordenkainen?

Being around for longer than the game (51 years compared to the 50 year history as of 2024) itself means that Mordenkainen has nearly as much lore and history as the world’s best roleplaying game itself.

Description

Over the past five decades, Mordenkainen’s portrayal has undergone numerous transformations, evident in the artistic representations found within the official publications of the game. Initially depicted with varying features and attire, his current depiction presents him as a towering figure adorned with a distinguished Van Dyke beard. Often found in lengthy boots and wielding a staff, this rendition of Mordenkainen exudes an aura of authority and mystique. If that wasn’t enough, it is said that his eyes have a penetrating gaze that can persuade alone.

Beyond his physical appearance, Mordenkainen’s personality is as enigmatic as his ever-changing visage. Preferring solitude over soliciting advice from others, he exhibits little tolerance for what he deems foolishness. Yet, his approach to matters of morality and ethics raises eyebrows among scholars and adventurers alike. Operating under a controversial banner of neutrality, the wizard navigates the intricate web of power dynamics with a keen eye for equilibrium. His paramount concern lies in preserving the delicate balance between forces of Good and Evil, steadfastly preventing either from tipping the scales and subjugating the other. Through his actions, Mordenkainen emerges as a figure driven not by personal ambition, but by a profound reverence for maintaining cosmic harmony.

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Mordenkainen’s Origins

Gary Gygax’s creation of Mordenkainen delved into the rich tapestry of Finnish mythology, drawing inspiration from two heroic figures: Mordecai and Lemminkainen. The fusion of these legends birthed the iconic name that we are familiar with today: Mordenkainen. Despite the apparent disparity between the personas of these mythic heroes and the enigmatic leader of the Circle of Eight as he is known in contemporary Dungeons & Dragons lore, exploring the tales of Mordecai and Lemminkainen unveils interesting tales among their own.

Mordecai and Lemminkainen, each are powerful in their own right within Finnish folklore, as they both embody traits and exploits that must’ve captivated the imagination of Gygax during the inception of his legendary wizard.

Mordecai, renowned for his wisdom and cunning, stands as a paragon of strategic prowess and sagacity. His exploits often revolve around feats of intellect and guile, traits that echo faintly within the labyrinthine mind of Mordenkainen, albeit through a distinct lens shaped by the realms of fantasy and magic.

On the other hand, Lemminkainen emerges from the mythos as a bold and adventurous figure, renowned for his daring exploits and fearless spirit. His tales brim with daring escapades and perilous encounters, evoking echoes of the adventurous spirit that beats within the heart of many a wizard, including Mordenkainen.

Though the personalities of Mordecai and Lemminkainen may differ from the character of Mordenkainen as we know him today, exploring their narratives enriches our understanding of the mythic underpinnings that infuse the world of Dungeons & Dragons with depth and intrigue.

The world need not be, nor cannot be swallowed by the Abyss or drawn into the Heavens. In so doing, its destruction is assured. Oerth is Oerth, a place for all and any, and there are but few who can act to assure that it remains so. I resolve to be one of them.
– Mordenkainen in The Codex of Mordenkainen,

MordenKainen In Game Lore

Embarking on a perilous quest, Mordenkainen ventured into the depths of Castle Greyhawk alongside his trusted companions. Their journey through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle proved treacherous, claiming the lives of numerous comrades and underscoring the dangers that lurked within. Yet, amidst the perils, Mordenkainen emerged as one of a select few to reach the eighth level beneath Zagig’s Tower of Magic in hundreds of years, a testament to his abilities.

Mordenkainen assumed leadership of the Citadel of Eight, a newly formed adventuring group inspired by Lord Mayor Zagig Yragerne’s Company of Seven legacy. With the noble aim of uncovering lost treasures and unraveling the mysteries of ancient civilizations, the Citadel embarked on a journey across the central Flanaess. Among its esteemed members stood the formidable Lord Robilar and the virtuous mage Tenser, whose philosophical differences with Mordenkainen would lead to the Citadel of Eight to break apart.

Amidst their adventures, Mordenkainen’s exploits reached legendary proportions as he unearthed the forgotten deity Dalt. Delving deeper into the realms beyond, he uncovered the mysterious Phantom Plane within the Abyss, a testament to his insatiable thirst for knowledge and discovery. Yet, it was within the shadowed confines of Castle Greyhawk that Mordenkainen’s journey reached its zenith. Thirteen years of relentless exploration yielded the discovery of the formidable Godtrap, setting into motion a chain of events that would reshape the fate of gods and mortals alike, leaving an indelible mark upon the annals of history.

Mordenkainen’s depiction in D&D 5th Edtion

Circle of Eight

After feeling accountable for the release of Iuz, Mordenkainen formed the Circle of Eight, gathering renowned mages like Bigby, Otto, Rary, Nystul, Drawmij, and Bucknard. Operating subtly under Mordenkainen’s guidance, the Circle thwarted many of Iuz’s machinations, sometimes through indirect means like sponsoring adventurers.

Despite keeping a distance from the Circle’s operations, Mordenkainen suffered a devastating blow when Vecna, the lich, annihilated the entire Circle. Attempting to halt Vecna’s ascent to godhood, Mordenkainen led a failed effort, followed by painstaking efforts to revive the slain members through cloning. This slow process hampered his ability to prevent the Greyhawk Wars, although Circle members still played significant roles in the conflict.

The Greyhawk Wars concluded with a treaty, but betrayal struck as Rary and Lord Robilar turned on the Circle. Tenser and Otiluke were slain by Rary, while Bigby was gravely wounded. Lord Robilar destroyed the means of resurrection for Tenser and Otiluke, leaving Mordenkainen bewildered by his former ally’s defection.

Afterwards

Following these events, Mordenkainen’s journey led him to Barovia, a land shrouded in darkness and despair. It was here that tragedy befell the wizard, as he descended into madness, losing not only his spellbook and staff but also his memory. Elminster and Storm Silverhand would provide aid and assist him in getting his mind back.

Through their wisdom and compassion, they became custodians of Mordenkainen’s lost memories, piecing together the fractured tapestry of his past. Together, they embarked on a journey of rediscovery, delving into the recesses of his consciousness to reclaim that which was lost.

Empowered by the bonds forged in adversity, Mordenkainen embarked once more upon the path of the arcane, his spirit unyielding and his resolve unshaken by the trials that lay ahead.

Universal Madness

Mordenkainen made his abode within the Tower of Urm, utilizing it as a conduit for traversing the vast expanses of the multiverse. His sojourns often led him to Avernus, where he meticulously observed the interplay between the infernal realms and the arcane arts. Through Mordenkainen’s studies, he sought to maintain the delicate equilibrium that governed the fabric of existence, ensuring that the forces of magic and cosmic balance remained in harmonious alignment.

Just as a side note, I had no idea that Earth existed in the Dungeons and Dragons universe. Let alone the fact that Mordenkainen has visited our world. I won’t go too far into it, but our universe is a non-fantasy universe that is cut off from the rest of the multiverse. However, Mordenkainen would figure out a way to enter our universe and chop it up with Ed Greenwood, a writer for the Forgotten Realms.

“The original [Circle of Eight] was composed of my PCs – Mordenkainen, Bigby, Yrag, Rigby, Felnorith, Zigby, Vram & Vin. In the novel version the Circle was expanded to encompass other PCs in my campaign such as Tenser. It came into being because Mordenkainen and Associates had a lot of wealth stored up from successful adventuring, located a place for a stronghold deep in enemy territory to assure plenty of action, and then went to work building the citadel. As there was a small army of dwarves associated with the larger, mounted field army, the building project went relatively quickly, about three game years to complete. While it was in progress, the ‘boys’ were active in raiding the lands around to keep the enemy forces back on their heels.”
– Gary Gygax Q&a in 2003

Appearances in the Game

Over the span of the past five decades, Mordenkainen has transcended, evolving into a legendary figure within the realms of fantasy gaming. His visage has graced numerous formats, from the meticulously illustrated pages of rulebooks to the vibrant canvases adorning cover art, each portrayal capturing the essence of his enigmatic persona. As the face of countless spells and incantations, his name has become synonymous with arcane prowess and mystical mastery, revered by spellcasters far and wide who seek to emulate his legendary feats.

Spells

There are currently 21 spells named after the wizard as follows:

Mordenkainen certainly leads a bustling life, and his repertoire of spells is nothing short of extraordinary. Take, for instance, the widely acclaimed Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion, a spell so revered that its magic echoes across countless realms and is coveted by countless spellcasters. Let me tell you about this spell—it’s a personal favorite of mine.

Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion

With Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion, you wield the power to conjure a luxurious extradimensional abode at your fingertips. Picture this: you create a grand entrance, shimmering faintly, beckoning those you designate to step into its embrace. Once inside, guests are greeted by a majestic foyer leading to a series of chambers, all furnished and decorated according to their whims. The ambiance is pristine, the air filled with warmth and vitality.

Now, here’s where it gets truly remarkable. You have the freedom to design the layout of this mansion, with the only limit being a total space of 50 cubes, each measuring 10 feet on every side. And the amenities? They’re nothing short of fantastic. From sumptuous banquets capable of satisfying the most discerning palate to a retinue of 100 ethereal servants, each ready to fulfill your every desire with unwavering obedience, the mansion offers an experience fit for royalty.

But wait, there’s more. These servants, though transparent, are as efficient as they come, capable of executing any task a human servant could handle—be it serving food, tending to the hearth, or attending to guests’ needs. And while the mansion may seem like a slice of paradise, its magic is bound to its confines. Any objects or furnishings created within dissipate into smoke should they venture beyond its walls. And when the spell eventually wanes, its occupants are gently ushered back into the world.

In Offiical Publication

While Gary Gygax never wanted the wizard’s stats to be released, after TSR forced him out in 1985, the intellectual property rights of the wizard had been taken by the company. I bring this up only because they were published in The Rogues Gallery in 1980, but Gygax has stated that he never gave the author, Brian Blume, any info which means that these are Blume’s stats.

Mordenkainen’s AD&D stats were also published alongside Mordenkainen’s Fantastic Adventure (1984), The City of Greyhawk (1989) and Epic Level Handbook (2002).

On top of that, he was either mentioned of featured in the following material:

Expedition to the Ruins of Greyhawk
“The Wizards Three” series in Dragon Magazine
Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Emporium
Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes
Mordenkainen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse
Castle Greyhawk
Curse of Strahd
Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Neverwinter Nights

Reception of Mordenkainen

Since his inception, Mordenkainen has captivated fans with his rich history, enigmatic persona, and unwavering dedication to maintaining balance in the tumultuous realms of fantasy. His portrayal as a neutral figure, navigating the intricate web of moral ambiguity with finesse and impartiality, adds a layer of complexity to his character that resonates deeply with audiences. Yet, it is not merely his alignment that draws admirers, but also his penchant for mischief and adventure, infusing every campaign with a sense of unpredictability and excitement.

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