Ra's al Ghul
Demon's Head
An eco-terrorist seeking immortality and the arch-nemesis of the Dark Knight, Batman.
Quotes
- "The world must die"
- "Balance is order"
- "You are the Detective, worthy of being my successor"
- "Immortality is true power"
- "Do not underestimate the power of the Lazarus Pit"
Trivia
- Name means 'Demon's Head' in Arabic
- Debuted in Batman #232, June 1971
- Achieved immortality via Lazarus Pit, but it causes mental instability as a side effect
- One of the few who knows Batman's identity (Bruce Wayne)
- As leader of the League of Assassins, seeks to protect world order
- Portrayed in many media; Liam Neeson is famous for his performance in the films
Alternate names
Ra's al Ghul
Ra's
The Demon's Head
Ra's
Profile
- Species
- Human
- Gender
- Male
- Birth year
- Around the 15th century (over 600 years ago)
Appearance
- Overall appearance
- A dignified man with long hair. He appears youthful but is an immortal being who has lived for centuries.
- Height
- About 180cm
- Eye color
- Brown
- Hair color
- Black
- Distinguishing features
-
- Youthful face with few wrinkles
- Long black hair
- Dignified expression
- Iconic items
-
- Black robe
- Lazarus Pit spring
- Sword
- Mask (as leader of the League of Shadows)
Personality and abilities
- Core personality
- Ruthless
- Detailed personality
- A strict and ruthless ideologue who seeks to eliminate most of humanity to preserve the world's environmental balance. He chooses any means for his ideals, being cunning and strategic. He respects Batman and even considers him as a potential successor.
- Keywords
-
- Ruthless
- Strategist
- Genius
- Immortal
- Martial Artist
- Philosopher
- Environmentalist
- Motto
- Maintain the order of the world. Those who disrupt the balance must be eliminated.
- Talents
-
- Genius-level intellect
- Advanced combat skills
- Swordsmanship
- Alchemy
- Marksmanship
- Acrobatics
- Skills
-
- Close-quarters combat skills
- Ninjutsu and stealth
- Strategic planning
- Incitement and persuasion
- Scientific and medical knowledge
- Motivation
- To secure immortality and maintain the world's environmental balance by eliminating large numbers of humans and creating an ideal world.
- Habits
- Refers to Batman as 'Detective' and treats him with respect. Uses the Lazarus Pit to extend his lifespan but struggles with mental stability.
- Hobbies
- Swordsmanship practice, Alchemy research, Pursuit of ancient knowledge
- Favorite places
- Lazarus Pit, League of Shadows headquarters (deep in the Himalayas)
- Disliked situations
- Those who disrupt world order, Corrupt society
History
- Backstory
- Originally from a desert nomadic tribe, he had a strong interest in the mysteries of life and pursued science. Becoming a doctor, he discovered the secret of the Lazarus Pit, gaining immortality, but suffered mental instability as a side effect. Persecuted and imprisoned by a traitorous prince, he escaped, exacted revenge, and declared himself 'The Demon's Head.' Since then, as the leader of the secret organization League of Assassins, he continues ruthless actions to maintain global environmental equilibrium. He has long been Batman's arch-enemy but views him as a potential successor in a complex relationship.
- Debut date
- 1971-06
- Work title
- Batman #232
- Media type
- Manga
- Episode or chapter
- Daughter of the Demon
Discovery of the Lazarus Pit
- Significant event
- Discovery of the Lazarus Pit
- Description
- Discovered the secret of the Lazarus Pit spring, which grants immortality and regenerative abilities, allowing him to extend his life indefinitely.
Formation of the League of Assassins
- Significant event
- Formation of the League of Assassins
- Description
- Leads the secret society League of Assassins to maintain world order.
Beginning of conflict with Batman
- Significant event
- Beginning of conflict with Batman
- Description
- Knows Batman's identity yet establishes an adversarial relationship while targeting him as a successor candidate.
Appearance of body double Henri Ducard
- Significant event
- Appearance of body double Henri Ducard
- Description
- Uses body doubles to act in his place.
Repeated death and resurrection
- Significant event
- Repeated death and resurrection
- Description
- Revives from death multiple times thanks to his immortal body via the Lazarus Pit.
Relationships
Talia al Ghul
Child
Daughter. A member of the League of Assassins with a complex parent-child relationship.
Damian Wayne
Child
Grandson. Son of Batman (Bruce Wayne), sharing blood ties.
Dusan al Ghul
Child
Son. Relationship between enmity and cooperation.
Bruce Wayne
Rival
Tries to make him his successor, but their adversarial relationship continues.
League of Assassins
League of Assassins: leader
Secret Society of Super Villains
Secret Society of Super Villains: unknown
Demon
Demon: leader
Media appearances
Batman (Anime)
Anime / Supporting
1990s
Batman Begins
Movie / Antagonist
2005 theatrical release
The Dark Knight Rises
Movie / Cameo
2012 theatrical release
Arrow
Drama / Antagonist
Season 3
Batman: Under the Red Hood
Anime / Antagonist
Animated film
Batman: Arkham City
Game / Antagonist
2011
Voice cast and creators
津嘉山正種
- Voice actor
- 津嘉山正種
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- Batman Begins Nippon TV version
若本規夫
- Voice actor
- 若本規夫
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- Batman Begins Fuji TV version
田中正彦
- Voice actor
- 田中正彦
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- Batman (Anime)
山野井仁
- Voice actor
- 山野井仁
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- Gotham
Liam Neeson
- Voice actor
- Liam Neeson
- Language
- English
- Version or series
- Batman Begins
- Notes
- Theatrical release
Jason Isaacs
- Voice actor
- Jason Isaacs
- Language
- English
- Version or series
- Batman: Under the Red Hood
- Notes
- Animated film
David Warner
- Voice actor
- David Warner
- Language
- English
- Version or series
- Batman (Anime)
Dennis O'Neil
- Creator name
- Dennis O'Neil
- Role
- Original author
Neal Adams
- Creator name
- Neal Adams
- Role
- Character designer
Related goods
Figure
- Item name
- Figure
- Category
- Figure
- Availability
- Regular
Plush
- Item name
- Plush
- Category
- Plush or doll
- Availability
- Regular