SkekZok is a Skeksis and an antagonist in the The Dark Crystal franchise. He was the Skeksis' Ritual Master.
Background[]
Official Description[]
- “SkekZok the Ritual Master was thought to hold control of the court entirely in his own hands. He had the ear of skekSo the Emperor, whose wishes were absolute; no one could hope for success except through skekZok. The other Skeksis he sought to rule through prophecies he invented and false apparitions he conjured. SkekZok found that the Emperor raised favorites only to enjoy the pleasure of their fall, while other distrustful Skeksis practiced their own secret divinations.”
- ―The Dark Crystal Encyclopedia
Personality[]
SkekZok is the darker half of urZah and is the darker aspects of the UrSkek, ZokZah. Like his entire race, SkekZok feared death and wanted to achieve immortality by absorbing rays of the Dark Crystal that was emitted from the Three Suns and later, drinking Gelfling essence. However, in doing so, the Skeksis recklessly unleashed the Darkening upon Thra.
Apart from his cruel and evil nature, SkekZok acted more diplomatic than his more wayward companion, SkekVar, similar to SkekOk during his trip to Ha'rar with SkekLach. One such event was during his visit with the All-Maudra, Mayrin, he acted with diplomacy and showed disgust when SkekVar ate one of the Unamoths instead of remaining professional. He later scolded SkekVar for the Maudra's death, saying they were only there to collect volunteers, not cause bloodshed. He was proud, pompous, arrogant, and the most zealous of the Skeksis, viewing laws as immutable and absolute.
He is also cruel, taking pleasure in the Peeper Beetle gorging out SkekTek's eye and consuming it. SkekZok was also obsessed with creating many rituals, as his title suggests.
By the events circumstancing Jen's quest in the original The Dark Crystal film, SkekZok grew to be more murderous, rather chosing to kill any Gelfling the Skeksis came across rather than harvesting them for their essence. This was extremely showcased when SkekSil took the Gellfing, Kira, hostage and SkekZok wanted to kill her right away and showed disappointment when SkekUng said they would drain her first, then kill. His murderous rampage is shown before Jen healed the Dark Crystal, where SkekZok took his dagger out and stabbed and murdered Kira.
Gallery[]
