Overview
- S-Class hunters in Solo Leveling are powerful but overshadowed by formidable gods known as Monarchs.
- Characters like Baran, Rakan, and Legia highlight the unique traits and abilities of these divine beings.
- Sung Jin-Woo transforms from being the weakest hunter to an omnipotent god, eclipsing his mentor Ashborn.
In the enthralling universe of Solo Leveling, the protagonist, Sung Jin-Woo, begins his journey as the weakest hunter. Following a harrowing life-or-death scenario, he is granted the extraordinary ability to level up continuously, ultimately taking control of his fate.
As he embarks on his journey toward unprecedented power, Sung Jin-Woo uncovers the reality that S-Class hunters are not the apex of strength. Instead, myriad destructive gods exist, capable of catastrophic domination. Among these beings are the Monarchs, a faction keenly interested in Earth. With each level he ascends, Jin-Woo recognizes a plethora of gods lurking in the shadows, more numerous and daunting than he initially perceived.
Updated February 7, 2025 by Oluwatokiloba Folami: In the realm of Solo Leveling, the gods represent the pinnacle of strength. However, even within this class of deities, disparities persist. Characters like Ashborn reveal a complex nature where individuals evolve from supreme forces into diverse Monarchs, with powerful and weaker factions engaged in intricate scheming to pursue their agendas—whether to terminate a conflict, eradicate the Monarchs, or eliminate rivals like the Shadow Monarch.
Rulers and Monarchs possess the ability to eliminate S-Class and National Ranked Hunters with ease. Their presence signals impending chaos, whether by choice or duty.
12 Learn
A Fighter Who Gives His All, Even In Defeat
- Debut Chapter: 85
- Epithet: Demon King, Monarch of White Flames
Among the Monarchs depicted, Baran is unique as he had already perished before the main events of the story. Jin-Woo encounters a semblance of Baran during his journey to the 100th floor of the Demon Castle, though this version is merely a projection created by the Architect.
The true essence of Baran, as found in Ashborn’s memories, is that of an unyielding warrior who fights valiantly even in the face of overwhelming odds—exemplified in his clash with Ashborn.
While determining Baran’s authentic strength is challenging, he stands among the mightiest Monarchs. He showcased his might by actively participating in the ancient war, even conspiring against Ashborn—an act that would terrify less formidable Monarchs.
In contrast to the fleeing tactics employed by Rakan and Sillad against Jin-Woo, Baran faces his demise stoically, showcasing his pride and resilience in battle.
11 Stand
Arrogant Monarch That Despises Humans
- Debut Chapter: 140
- Epithet: King of the Monstrous Humanoids, Monarch of Iron Body
Tarnak, akin to Yogumunt, refrained from confronting Jin-Woo until the arrival of Antares. His demeanor radiates arrogance, evident in his disdain for humanity, perceiving Jin-Woo as unworthy of Monarch status.
During the pivotal battle between Sung Jin-Woo and Antares, Tarnak took on formidable allies, only to be overwhelmed by the collective strength of Jin-Woo’s companions, which highlighted his limitations.
10 Legion
Monarch With A Cunning Personality
- Debut Chapter: 137
- Epithet: King of Giants, Monarch of the Beginning
The Monarch of the Beginning, Legia, is briefly depicted, making it challenging to gauge his true strength. Some fans suggest his capture indicates weakness, while others argue it disrupted the balance between Rulers and Monarchs, potentially indicating his higher status.
Irrespective of speculation, Legia surpasses the S-rank hunters and exemplifies immense physical prowess as the King of Giants. Even in captivity, his attempts to deceive Jin-Woo show his cunning nature.
9 Friends
A Fierce Monarch But Cowardly
- Debut Chapter: 107
- Epithet: King of Beasts, Monarch of Fangs
Renowned as the King of Beasts, Rakan possesses innate abilities that surpass those of S-Class hunters. Faced by Baek Yoonho, his primal instincts foretold the inevitable outcome—he would dominate.
Rakan favors physical combat, utilizing his claws over magical prowess. He showcases ferocity in battle but reveals a cowardice when faced with overwhelming odds, retreating and abandoning allies during crucial moments—a stark contradiction to his fierce reputation.
Despite his predatory appearance, Rakan exhibits a surprising level of docility when confronted by a stronger opponent. He ultimately chooses survival when faced with Jin-Woo’s full might, transforming from hunter to hunted.
8 Sillad, Monarch Of Frost
A Relentless Pursuer Till The End
- Debut Chapter: 107
- Epithet: King of the Snowfolk, Monarch of Frost
Among the Monarchs, Sillad is notable for his acts of aggression against Jin-Woo, driven by a thirst for revenge following his lethal encounter with Go Gunhee, the chairman of the Korean Hunters Association.
While clearly outmatched by Jin-Woo, Sillad tirelessly plots to eliminate the hunter, demonstrating his obsessive hatred for both Rulers and humanity, reveling in the suffering of his adversaries.
7 Querehsha
A Monarch Skilled In Weakening And Incapacitating Her Enemies
- Debut Chapter: 140
- Epithet: Queen of Insects, Monarch of Plagues
Querehsha, known as the Queen of Insects, is amongst the first Monarchs to be vanquished, though her capabilities should not be underestimated. She allies with Sillad, aiming to eliminate Jin-Woo before he realizes his full potential.
In a critical conflict, Querehsha becomes distracted by her ambitions for domination, allowing Jin-Woo to strike her down. Her mastery over insects, combined with a deadly arsenal of poisons and ailments, emphasizes her lethal nature.
6 Yogumunt
The Greatest Sorcerer In The Chaos World
- Debut Chapter: 111
- Epithet: King of Demonic Spectres, Monarch of Transfiguration
Yogumunt, though one of the antagonistic Monarchs, has a relatively subdued role in the narrative. Notably recognized as a powerful sorcerer, he gains the title of King of Demonic Specters.
Yogumunt appears minimally but affirms his strength by evading direct confrontation with Jin-Woo until more pressing threats arise. His enigmatic nature keeps fans intrigued about his abilities.
5 Antares
A Representation Of Destruction And Chaos
- Debut Chapter: 163
- Epithet: King of Dragons, Monarch of Destruction
Antares stands out as a unique Monarch, displaying unparalleled strength that rivals Ashborn’s might. During battles on Earth, he systematically eliminated S-Class hunters, exhibiting his tremendous power and confidence.
In one of the iconic confrontations, Jin-Woo manages to wound Antares, an outcome neither anticipated. Rather than register disappointment, Antares respects Jin-Woo’s strategic mind, suggesting that true strength lies in intellect as well as brute force.
Antares ultimately represents the pinnacle of rivalry in Solo Leveling. He encapsulates both menace and majesty while preserving his status as the series’ formidable antagonist.
4 Sung Jin-Woo
A Human Turned Monarch
- Debut Chapter: 1
- Epithet: Shadow Monarch
Within Solo Leveling, Sung Jin-Woo emerges as the youngest and most recent god, inheriting the legacy of Ashborn. He harnesses an innovative system designed by the Architect, facilitating his evolution into a force of great magnitude.
Driven by a desire to protect humanity, Jin-Woo’s actions reflect selflessness, even leading him to contemplate the use of time travel for the greater good.
Despite his youth among gods, he is arguably the strongest, with boundless potential. His abilities evolve dynamically, allowing him to surpass earlier limits set by predecessors.
During his initial confrontation with the Monarchs, he faces insurmountable odds; however, after gaining mastery over Ashborn’s powers, he decisively overthrows Antares, emphasizing his unparalleled growth.
3 Ashborn
A Ruler Turned Monarch
- Debut Chapter: 128
- Epithet: King of the Dead, Shadow Monarch
Ashborn initially served as a Ruler engaged in conflict against the Monarchs. Following a bitter betrayal from his kind, he awakens a darker power that leads him to become a Monarch himself.
As both a Ruler and Monarch, Ashborn’s complexity looms large over the narrative. His eventual decision to empower Sung Jin-Woo underscores his disillusionment with perpetual combat, positioning him more as a mentor than a ruler.
The depth of Ashborn’s character is marked by his dual existence, embodying both light and shadow. He, too, was an object of dread for both the Rulers and Monarchs, prompting a unique perspective on godhood.
2 The Rulers
The Adversaries Of The Monarchs
- Debut Chapter: 129
- Epithet: Fragments of Brilliant Light, Messengers of God
The Rulers represent the antithesis of the Monarchs, dedicated to safeguarding the realm yet reluctant to intervene in Earth’s strife until summoned by Jin-Woo. These gods, utilizing human vessels, gained considerable power but remained inferior when matched against true divine entities like the Monarchs.
The Rulers employ tactics aimed at preserving humanity, actively utilizing the Cup of Reincarnation to shield as many lives as possible amidst the ongoing war.
While the Monarchs operate from a place of dominion, the Rulers maintain an enigmatic status, their true power veiled in obscurity yet potentially surpassing their adversaries.
1 The Absolute Being
The Creator Of The Rulers And Monarchs
- Debut Chapter: 162
- Epithet: God
As the architect of both the Rulers and Monarchs, The Absolute Being epitomizes the essence of divinity. The Absolute Being forged the Rulers to secure the realm while crafting the Monarchs to challenge it, inadvertently sparking an endless cycle of conflict.
Ultimately, the Rulers rebel against their creator, culminating in The Absolute Being’s demise in a bid to cease the eternal strife it birthed. Although shrouded in mystery, evidence suggests it relished in the discord between the Rulers and Monarchs throughout its existence.
Leave a Reply ▼