Horned King

The **Horned King** is the main antagonist of Disney's 1985 animated feature film, *The Black Cauldron*. His main goal was to find the Black Cauldron and use its power to unleash an army of immortal warriors called the Cauldron Born. The Horned King has a vast army under him, which includes the troll-like Creeper, the hunters of Annuvin, the draconic Gwythaints, and, obviously, the Cauldron Born.

## Appearance

The Horned King is a skeletal creature with green, rotting flesh and two gnarled horns from which he earns his name. It is debatable whether the Horned King was undead or living; since Creeper served him wine at some point during the film, it can be assumed he possesses a digestive tract, implying he is a living being or at least that he is still able to enjoy food and drink. It is possible that in his quest for power, he tried several dark magical approaches, which left his physical appearance deteriorating.

It is also possible that in his obsession with godhood, the king has used his magical abilities to stave off death but is unable to keep his body from deteriorating as he is a skeletal creature with rotting flesh. Nevertheless, the decomposition seems only external as he is physically strong, fast and agile and able to project his voice.

## Personality

The Horned King is one of the most ruthless and merciless villains in the Disney Universe. He's cold and very collected, only showing anger when his plan fails and at that point he throws himself at Taran, believing it was his fault (under Creeper's suggestion). He's quite mysterious, and it's implied that not even his underlings know what he is, and he's one of the few active villains, his only move in the movie (that is not done by his servants) is his role in the awakening of the Cauldron Born. Also, he has no secrets about his intentions, he's very open about his dream of becoming "a god between mortal men." He shows no sense of humor or makes evil laughs, and the only time he does so, it is scornful and sarcastic.

## Powers and Abilities

Although it is implied the Horned King is a sorcerer of some sort, he actually performs very little magic, only displaying his powers to teleport into his castle's mess hall and calling upon the spirit of the Black Cauldron. How he became King is unknown. Perhaps he was a great warrior or soldier, but then again he is never seen wielding a sword. He did have great physical strength, however, as he used that to assault Taran in the climax. He used the Heartless to find the Black Cauldron

## Role in Sora’s Adventures

The Horned King is one of the main antagonists of the show, and takes Maleficent's place when the both of them are revived again and she becomes an anti-hero, as he is revealed to be the true leader of the Villains' Syndicate and her superior. Master Yen Sid had sealed him away many years ago, but Luxu's meddling brought him out with a vengeance.

His debut appearance was in the first episode, where it is revealed that Luxu had broken the seal to his eternal prison. He also reveals that he is the true leader of the Council of Villains, and that Maleficent was merely his second-in-command. The villains still alive discuss their plans with their leader, and he empowers them with Heartless summoning and control.

In Ventus' Adventures in Prydain he use the Heartless for his biddings.

In Sora’s Adventures in Saint Canard, the Horned King wanted the Black Book so he and Luxu could capture Kingdom Hearts and rule all of the worlds. He of course sent Maleficent and Pete to retrieve it from the Forbidden Library, but due to Morgana and Sora's meddling, the two failed their boss one time too many in his eyes. This leads to their firing, and they are replaced by the Coachman and Mortimer Mouse.

## Trivia

* The Horned King is quite possibly one of the most evil Disney villains in history, along with Maleficent and Master Xehanort.
* Unlike in his movie of origin, the Horned King does not get sucked into the cauldron in Sora's Adventures; rather, his Heartless does this for him. He survives until the semifinal episode, where he is killed alongside Luxu.