Who Are the Monarchs in Solo Leveling?

The Monarchs: An Ancient Race of Monsters Created by the Absolute Being and Sworn Enemies of the Rulers

Except for Ashborn, these beings are the main antagonists of the Solo Leveling series.

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Origins and History

In the beginning, when only light and darkness existed, the Absolute Being divided the light to give birth to the Rulers and the darkness to create the Monarchs. Born for destruction, they opposed the Rulers in an ancient, devastating war.

After the tragic fall of the Absolute Being eons later, the Rulers, wielding fragments of its power, hunted down the Monarchs and notably captured Legia, a major strategic victory. In response, Ashborn, the Shadow Monarch, attempted to rally the remaining Monarchs for a common front―a reluctant alliance.

Despite overwhelming power, Ashborn was betrayed by Rakan and Baran, who ambushed him. Although Ashborn won, his army was badly weakened, forcing him to retreat. On his return, Antares—the mightiest Monarch—offered support, as other Monarchs struggled to regain their former strength.

Centuries later, the Monarchs launched an assault on humanity to rebuild their armies, while the Rulers attempted to stop them. Using the Absolute Being’s Chalice of Reincarnation, the Rulers rewound time by ten years repeatedly, trying to change the war’s outcome. However, no matter the timeline, humanity’s fate seemed sealed.

Jeju Island Arc

Shortly after the S-Rank Gate appeared on Jeju Island, Rakan detected powers sealed by the Shadow Monarch and started investigating with Sillad. Both agreed the war with the Rulers had to resume.

Japanese Crisis Arc

A few months later, the Rulers created an S-Rank Gate in Tokyo, offering Legia a chance to escape—but he was killed by Sung Jinwoo, host of the Shadow Monarch. Meanwhile, the Monarchs escalated their hunt, killing notable figures like Christopher Reed, a powerful American Hunter and Ruler’s vessel.

International Guild Conference Arc

As the conference neared, the Monarchs eliminated Jonas, Brazil’s greatest Hunter and another vessel for the Rulers, escalating their aggression.

Monarchs’ War Arc

On the conference’s final day, Sillad assassinated Go Gunhee, Korea’s second-strongest Hunter and vessel of the Rulers. Upon learning that the Shadow Monarch had found a human host and turned against them, the Monarchs split—some wanted to kill Jinwoo immediately, others awaited Antares’ return.

Three Monarchs invaded Seoul to eliminate Jinwoo. They defeated Thomas Andre and managed to kill Jinwoo, but thanks to Sung Il-Hwan’s intervention, Jinwoo was resurrected and awakened the Shadow Monarch’s full power. He swiftly took down his attackers.

Final Battle Arc

After losing more forces, Antares learned through Yogumunt that the Shadow Monarch had betrayed them. Despite their losses, Antares assembled the remaining Monarchs for a last assault.

They invaded humanity through a massive Gate in Canada, spreading devastation—but were unaware Jinwoo had a plan to counter them. After Jinwoo killed two Monarchs, the final clash took place on an island in Japan. Initially, Antares dominated, but was unexpectedly killed by the arriving Rulers, ending the war.

Epilogue

After the Rulers used the Chalice of Reincarnation at Jinwoo's request, all Monarchs except Baran were resurrected with their memories. To break the cycle, Jinwoo spent 27 years hunting them down, ultimately triumphing.

Strengths of the Monarchs

Born from the Absolute Being, Monarchs are among the most powerful entities, surpassed only by gods. Their skills and experience make them virtually invincible—far above average S-Rank Hunters, and even the strongest National Hunters are powerless before them. Each Monarch commands an army of millions.

All possess Spirit Body Manifestation, allowing them to reveal their true form and unleash full power. They can also open portals for instant travel across vast distances or even between worlds.

Weaknesses

Lacking a true organic body and composed of mana, Monarchs can’t enter the human world without suitable human vessels, just like the Rulers. But while Rulers coexist partly with their hosts, Monarchs take complete possession. This dependency is risky: if the vessel is destroyed, so is the Monarch.

Succession System

As explained in Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, if a Monarch dies, succession may be claimed by a magical being chosen by the Absolute Being or by a priest loyal to the fallen Monarch. Since the Absolute Being’s disappearance, priests handle succession.

To succeed, candidates must face the legendary eight-headed serpent Nidhogg and sever one head—a feat only possible with great power or help, such as when Esil succeeded Baran with Suho’s aid.

List of Monarchs

• Antares: Monarch of Destruction, King of Dragons
• Ashborn: Shadow Monarch, King of the Dead
• Sung Jinwoo: Ashborn’s successor, second Shadow Monarch
• Baran: Monarch of White Flames, King of Demons
• Rakan: Monarch of Fangs, King of Beasts
• Sillad: Monarch of Frost, King of the Snowfolk
• Tarnak: Monarch of Iron Body, King of Monstrous Humanoids
• Legia: Monarch of the Beginning, King of Giants
• Querehsha: Monarch of Plagues, Queen of Insects
• Yogumunt: Monarch of Transfiguration, King of Demonic Spirits

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