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** Taken further in the movie adaption of ''Literature/PrinceCaspian'', where the Minotaurs (all dark furred and intimidating looking) are fighting against an evil king. The Pevensie children even mistook some for villains when they first saw them after getting back to Narnia -- after all, the last time they were in Narnia, the Minotaurs fought on the Witch's side.
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** Taken further in the movie adaption of ''Literature/PrinceCaspian'', where the Minotaurs (all dark furred and intimidating looking) are fighting against an evil king. The Pevensie children even mistook some for villains when they first saw them after getting back to Narnia -- after all, the last time they were in Narnia, the Minotaurs fought on the Witch's side. Additionally in both the book and film, the Pevensie children befriend the Trumpkin the Dwarf, despite Dwarves having been the servants of Jadis. Though Trumpkin is noted to be heroic by Dwarf standards.
* ''Literature/DeltoraQuest'':
** Doom, the enigmatic figure introduced in ''City of Rats''. He's tall, scarred, dark haired and befitting his name is so menacing the trio immediately distrust him and for multiple books believe he's really a servant of the Shadow Lord. While he does look bad and have a chip on his shoulder, Doom is really the RebelLeader and as the heroes discover pulling Doom into a DetectEvil magical gateway in ''Valley of the Lost'', he's truly a good man simply hardened by the trauma he suffered in the Shadow Lands. Much of his darkness and unpleasantness is also a result of amnesia being unable to remember the man he was before. [[spoiler:Return to Del reveals he's actually Jared the DecoyProtagonist of the first book and Jasmine's DisappearedDad.]]
** The Dread Gnomes of Dread Mountain are initially viewed as [[OurGoblinsAreDifferent essentially goblins]] by Lief, Barda and Jasmine being cruel and canny and almost. After getting to know them and slaying the monster toad Gellick who was subjugating their race, the trio learn the Gnomes are NotEvilJustMisunderstood being one of the founding tribes of Deltora. They actively help out in the FinalBattle and ''Tales of Deltora'' details how they were the second tribe to ally with the first king Adin.
** The Jalis Tribe are BloodKnight berserkers with one of the last of their kind Glock being introduced as TheBrute. Despite their barbarity the Jalis are ultimately deeply noble people having fought the Shadow Lord's takeover to the bitter end. Glock along with many of their tribe in days past display HiddenDepths, with Adin in ''Tales of Deltora'' being very taken aback by their better qualities after he reveals his [[DreamingOfThingsToCome dream of the Belt]] to them. In the present Lief is shocked to see Glock displaying ManlyTears in ''Return to Del'' when he touches the diamond, representing the Jalis in the Belt ceremony.
** The actual Goblins of the setting known as the Plumes, are in spite of their unpleasant appearance (deathly pale, tender skin, dog-like heads and faces, with small pale eyes, large pointed ears, and a long muzzle for a nose) an innocent species that were mistreated by the tribes of Del. They along with other members of their race aid the trio in the second book series.
** The Dragons, while fierce and happy to snack on almost anything, are not inherently evil at all. When properly reawakened, they act as TheCavalry for the third book series.
** Doom, the enigmatic figure introduced in ''City of Rats''. He's tall, scarred, dark haired and befitting his name is so menacing the trio immediately distrust him and for multiple books believe he's really a servant of the Shadow Lord. While he does look bad and have a chip on his shoulder, Doom is really the RebelLeader and as the heroes discover pulling Doom into a DetectEvil magical gateway in ''Valley of the Lost'', he's truly a good man simply hardened by the trauma he suffered in the Shadow Lands. Much of his darkness and unpleasantness is also a result of amnesia being unable to remember the man he was before. [[spoiler:Return to Del reveals he's actually Jared the DecoyProtagonist of the first book and Jasmine's DisappearedDad.]]
** The Dread Gnomes of Dread Mountain are initially viewed as [[OurGoblinsAreDifferent essentially goblins]] by Lief, Barda and Jasmine being cruel and canny and almost. After getting to know them and slaying the monster toad Gellick who was subjugating their race, the trio learn the Gnomes are NotEvilJustMisunderstood being one of the founding tribes of Deltora. They actively help out in the FinalBattle and ''Tales of Deltora'' details how they were the second tribe to ally with the first king Adin.
** The Jalis Tribe are BloodKnight berserkers with one of the last of their kind Glock being introduced as TheBrute. Despite their barbarity the Jalis are ultimately deeply noble people having fought the Shadow Lord's takeover to the bitter end. Glock along with many of their tribe in days past display HiddenDepths, with Adin in ''Tales of Deltora'' being very taken aback by their better qualities after he reveals his [[DreamingOfThingsToCome dream of the Belt]] to them. In the present Lief is shocked to see Glock displaying ManlyTears in ''Return to Del'' when he touches the diamond, representing the Jalis in the Belt ceremony.
** The actual Goblins of the setting known as the Plumes, are in spite of their unpleasant appearance (deathly pale, tender skin, dog-like heads and faces, with small pale eyes, large pointed ears, and a long muzzle for a nose) an innocent species that were mistreated by the tribes of Del. They along with other members of their race aid the trio in the second book series.
** The Dragons, while fierce and happy to snack on almost anything, are not inherently evil at all. When properly reawakened, they act as TheCavalry for the third book series.
** ''Literature/{{Maskerade}}'' features a Phantom of the Opera pastiche [[spoiler:Walter Plinge, the AlmightyJanitor]], who in addition to the usual gothic musicality, is TheCowl saving Granny and another old woman from a group of muggers like Batman or Zorro. He pretty much steals the hero role from Agnes Nitt in the third act. [[spoiler:Subverted with the other Opera Ghost Salzella who is DarkIsEvil.]]
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* ''Literature/{{Dracula}}'': Every Vampire in the story is seen and described as [[DarkIsEvil Dark Is Evil]], including the Count himself. However [[ThisIsNotThatTrope consider this]], with the numerous weaknesses these so-called predators have, one cannot help but [[SupportingTheMonsterLovedOne pity instead of fear them]]. They die in sunlight, despise holy symbols and MUST feed from the blood of others. Worse yet, their coffins have to contain some earth/soil of their native land. No wonder many of these traditional weaknesses were removed, from later and more modern interpretations.
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* ''Literature/{{Dracula}}'': ''Literature/{{Dracula}}'':
** Every Vampire in the story is seen and described as [[DarkIsEvil Dark Is Evil]], including the Count himself. However [[ThisIsNotThatTrope consider this]], with the numerous weaknesses these so-called predators have, one cannot help but [[SupportingTheMonsterLovedOne pity instead of fear them]]. They die in sunlight, despise holy symbols and MUST feed from the blood of others. Worse yet, their coffins have to contain some earth/soil of their native land. No wonder many of these traditional weaknesses were removed, from later and more modern interpretations. Lucy at least is absolutely sympathetic, particularly [[KillTheCutie in her last moments]].
** A straightforward example in the book is Mina, after she is infected with vampirism by the Count. She's burned by a communion wafer, is deathly pale and becomes increasingly frightening; at one point staring hungrily at Helsing while he sleeps -- something that greatly unnerves him. Regardless beneath her affliction Mina is still the same AllLovingHero and TeamMom with her PsychicLink to Dracula allowing her husband Johnathan and co to take him down.
** Every Vampire in the story is seen and described as [[DarkIsEvil Dark Is Evil]], including the Count himself. However [[ThisIsNotThatTrope consider this]], with the numerous weaknesses these so-called predators have, one cannot help but [[SupportingTheMonsterLovedOne pity instead of fear them]]. They die in sunlight, despise holy symbols and MUST feed from the blood of others. Worse yet, their coffins have to contain some earth/soil of their native land. No wonder many of these traditional weaknesses were removed, from later and more modern interpretations. Lucy at least is absolutely sympathetic, particularly [[KillTheCutie in her last moments]].
** A straightforward example in the book is Mina, after she is infected with vampirism by the Count. She's burned by a communion wafer, is deathly pale and becomes increasingly frightening; at one point staring hungrily at Helsing while he sleeps -- something that greatly unnerves him. Regardless beneath her affliction Mina is still the same AllLovingHero and TeamMom with her PsychicLink to Dracula allowing her husband Johnathan and co to take him down.
* PlayedWith throughout ''Literature/{{Dune}}'':
** The Fremen are essentially nocturnal sand ninjas and assassins with their stillsuits described as grey and sleek. Despite the sneaky and bloodthirsty aspects of their culture, they are far more noble and likeable than the corrupt Great Houses and in the first book at least it's very easy to root for them in their war against the unapologetically evil Harkonnens. That being said, they become more terrible after DarkMessiah Paul leads them to glory and they serve as his EliteMooks. The 2021-2024 film adaptations give the Fremen light brown coats, shawls and headgear over their dark stillsuits to contrast against the DarkIsEvil Harkonnens and the LightIsNotGood Emperor's troops.
** Paul himself is described as having dark hair, a hard expression and much of his actions are TheUnfettered as the conquering emperor. He begins to become a case of DarkIsEvil as a radical emperor but eventually has a HeelRealization and becomes TheAtoner. Downplayed with his son Leto II who becomes an outright HumanoidAbomination, though it is still stated everything he does is for humanity's survival.
** The Bene Gesserit are another downplayed example, their description, bearing and methods are highly sinister and off-putting. They're explicitly likened to witches and barring Jessica they all look and the part to various degrees. Although morally questionable, the Bene Gesserit still ultimately want to help to direct humanity along a path of insight and stability. Their antagonism towards Paul and especially Leto II, his PersonOfMassDestruction son, is justified to a degree.
** The Fremen are essentially nocturnal sand ninjas and assassins with their stillsuits described as grey and sleek. Despite the sneaky and bloodthirsty aspects of their culture, they are far more noble and likeable than the corrupt Great Houses and in the first book at least it's very easy to root for them in their war against the unapologetically evil Harkonnens. That being said, they become more terrible after DarkMessiah Paul leads them to glory and they serve as his EliteMooks. The 2021-2024 film adaptations give the Fremen light brown coats, shawls and headgear over their dark stillsuits to contrast against the DarkIsEvil Harkonnens and the LightIsNotGood Emperor's troops.
** Paul himself is described as having dark hair, a hard expression and much of his actions are TheUnfettered as the conquering emperor. He begins to become a case of DarkIsEvil as a radical emperor but eventually has a HeelRealization and becomes TheAtoner. Downplayed with his son Leto II who becomes an outright HumanoidAbomination, though it is still stated everything he does is for humanity's survival.
** The Bene Gesserit are another downplayed example, their description, bearing and methods are highly sinister and off-putting. They're explicitly likened to witches and barring Jessica they all look and the part to various degrees. Although morally questionable, the Bene Gesserit still ultimately want to help to direct humanity along a path of insight and stability. Their antagonism towards Paul and especially Leto II, his PersonOfMassDestruction son, is justified to a degree.
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*** Hagrid's stance on most dark and dangerous magical creatures as being this is also backed up and proven right by fellow FluffyTamer [[Film/FantasticBeastsAndWhereToFindThem Newt Scamander]]. Newt has met and tamed numerous creatures that are considered terrifying man-killing abominations, in his suitcase he's even got TheDreaded Nundu which is considered the most dangerous in the world yet it's as tame as a kitten under his care. As Newt says the majority of these creatures are simply misunderstood and are beautiful in their own unique ways. It's really humans whom Newt personally considers "[[HumansAreTheRealMonsters the most dangerous creatures]]" that make them out to be worse than they actually are.
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*** Hagrid's stance on most dark and dangerous magical creatures as being this is also this, is backed up and proven right by fellow FluffyTamer [[Film/FantasticBeastsAndWhereToFindThem Newt Scamander]]. Newt has met and tamed numerous creatures that are considered terrifying man-killing abominations, abominations in his suitcase he's suitcase. He's even got TheDreaded Nundu Nundu, which is considered the most dangerous in the world world, yet it's as tame as a kitten under his care. As Newt says says, the majority of these creatures are simply misunderstood and are beautiful in their own unique ways. It's really humans whom Newt personally considers "[[HumansAreTheRealMonsters the most dangerous creatures]]" creatures]]", that make them out to be worse than they actually are.
* ''Literature/ThePhantomOfTheOpera'':
** Subverted and deconstructed with the titular character. While Erik wholly views himself as both DarkIsNotEvil and CreepyGood, he's really DarkIsEvil being a PsychopathicManchild and TortureTechnician with his musical genius and love for Christine being his only redeeming qualities (and the latter [[BunkerWoman is still highly problematic]]). Countless LighterAndSofter adaptations tend to nudge the Phantom into this trope, usually thanks to AdaptationalHeroism or AdaptationalNiceGuy.
** Played straight with other characters. The Persian aka Daroga is considered a sinister figure within the Palais Garnier, with the superstitious residents in terror of his "evil eye". In actuality he's a MysteriousProtector and BigGood, who safeguards Christine and Raoul for most of the book from the shadows and greatly helps Raoul in rescuing her from Erik's control. The mysterious and nameless Shade in a felt hat, while very frightening keeps Operagoers from venturing into the cellars during performances for their own safety, making him a literal example of this. Additionally Christine while usually LightIsGood being HairOfGoldHeartOfGold, wears a black DominoMask and black dress to the maskerade ball and is no less heroic.
** Subverted and deconstructed with the titular character. While Erik wholly views himself as both DarkIsNotEvil and CreepyGood, he's really DarkIsEvil being a PsychopathicManchild and TortureTechnician with his musical genius and love for Christine being his only redeeming qualities (and the latter [[BunkerWoman is still highly problematic]]). Countless LighterAndSofter adaptations tend to nudge the Phantom into this trope, usually thanks to AdaptationalHeroism or AdaptationalNiceGuy.
** Played straight with other characters. The Persian aka Daroga is considered a sinister figure within the Palais Garnier, with the superstitious residents in terror of his "evil eye". In actuality he's a MysteriousProtector and BigGood, who safeguards Christine and Raoul for most of the book from the shadows and greatly helps Raoul in rescuing her from Erik's control. The mysterious and nameless Shade in a felt hat, while very frightening keeps Operagoers from venturing into the cellars during performances for their own safety, making him a literal example of this. Additionally Christine while usually LightIsGood being HairOfGoldHeartOfGold, wears a black DominoMask and black dress to the maskerade ball and is no less heroic.
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* In Creator/JRRTolkien's universe, two of the Valar (gods that run the world), Mandos, the lord of fate and the halls of the dead, and Nienna, the lady of pity and remorse, who always wears grey and lives out on the edge of the world, are both benevolent entities. When the sun and moon were created, a third Vala, Este, the lady of rest, asked that the sun not always illuminate the Earth, and that there be a period of darkness every day so that creatures could sleep. The Elves awoke in the darkness before the Sun and the Moon, and always love night more than the day, which belongs to humans.They revere the night sky and love the stars above all other sources of light, many of them were unwilling to leave their homeland to go to the Home of the Valar, the land of light, and so are called Dark Elves, but they are not evil. In [=LotR=] DarkIsEvil is the result of the corruption spread by Morgoth, rather than an innate quality of darkness itself. Well, except perhaps the Outer Darkness, from which Ungoliant spawned.
** ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'': The work is mainly associated with DarkIsEvil, but also contains examples of this trope. Frodo says he trusts Aragorn on their first meeting despite his dark and shabby appearance because he believes an emissary of Sauron would try to make himself appear fair. The other Rangers of the North are often misliked by other Hobbits who aren't as thoughtful about it as Frodo for the same reason.
** Also, [[TimeAbyss Tom Bombadil]] mentions that he remembers when the dark under the stars was fearless, before the Dark Lord came from outside.
** ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'': The work is mainly associated with DarkIsEvil, but also contains examples of this trope. Frodo says he trusts Aragorn on their first meeting despite his dark and shabby appearance because he believes an emissary of Sauron would try to make himself appear fair. The other Rangers of the North are often misliked by other Hobbits who aren't as thoughtful about it as Frodo for the same reason.
** Also, [[TimeAbyss Tom Bombadil]] mentions that he remembers when the dark under the stars was fearless, before the Dark Lord came from outside.
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** Two of the Valar (gods that run the world), Mandos, the lord of fate and the halls of the dead, and Nienna, the lady of pity and remorse, who always wears grey and lives out on the edge of the world, are both benevolent
** When the sun and moon were created,
** [[TimeAbyss Tom Bombadil]] mentions in [=LotR=] that he remembers when "the dark under the stars was fearless", before the Dark Lord came from outside.
** Gandalf is cloaked in grey, is described as fierce and ill-tempered, called "Stormcrow" and his most mundane use of magic is making his shadow grow so large it fills entire room. He's still the BigGood WizardClassic and by the time he CameBackStrong as Gandalf the White in [=LotR=] is unmistakably LightIsGood. Gandalf's darkness and rough appearance is a result of him being BroughtDownToNormal by top Valar Manwë, as he's actually one of the Maiar, literal angels. The same applies to Radagast though he's more HeroicNeutral in the books.
** Dwarves, specifically Durin's folk certainly play this straight. Thorin outright states to Bilbo in ''Literature/TheHobbit'' they "like the dark", which is justified since mining and caving is their entire culture. It is revealed in ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'' much like the elves they were born in darkness when Aulë created them. Attitude-wise Dwarves also play this straight, being coarse, rough, impatient and thanks to a curse have a great lust for gold. However the more benevolent of their race seen in the Hobbit and [=LotR=] prove to be heroic, compassionate and [[TrueCompanions loyal]] to TearJerker extremes. Gimil for instance was as rough as they come, yet Galadriel -- seeing the goodness in his heart -- lovingly gifted him three strands of her hair. Something she coldly denied Fëanor, her LightIsNotGood uncle, when he greedily requested the same thing. The Dwarves also have the Mirrormere, a dark lake which is considered beautiful and pure, as it perfectly reflects the stars at night.
** In ''Literature/BerenAndLuthien'', the usually fair SemiDivine Lúthien willing shapeshifts into the great vampire Thuringwethil and uses her magic to disguise Beren as Draugluin the Werewolf. They're still their heroic selves underneath the dark disguises and use said forms to effectively infiltrate Angband. Though GodOfEvil Morgoth sees through Lúthien's disguises.
** Beorn from ''Literature/TheHobbit'' is one of the purest examples. His human form is a giant menacing man with wild black hair and beard. Beorn's other form that he can shapeshift into is a great black bear. Bilbo is terrified of him, and at one point fears Beorn will lead the goblins to the party as rest within his halls; something Gandalf chides him for thinking. Beorn proves to be really a BruiserWithASoftCenter, doting on the Bilbo and company after he learns they slew the great goblin. By the FinalBattle Beorn proves to be the biggest BigGood besides Gandalf, single-handedly bringing down HeroKiller Bolg and his bodyguard in a BigDamnHeroes moment.
** Additionally Bilbo is a retroactive case of this in ''The Hobbit''. He's the only character in the entire universe who wields ArtefactOfDoom the One Ring in a positive fashion, using the Ring to rescue and protect his friends (none of which Sauron had in mind when he created it). For comparison every other character who claimed the Ring was twisted by its dark power and used it selfishly. Even Gandalf claims as much as he would want to use the Ring to do good, he too would ultimately be corrupted by it. Not to mention Bilbo's vital WhatYouAreInTheDark moment: sparring Gollum occurred while he was wearing the Ring. It may be an evil SoulJar, but Mr. Baggins is a good soul.
** ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'': The
-->'''Aragorn''': [chuckling] While I look foul and feel fair is that
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** This is represented well by Vimes and Carcer in ''Literature/NightWatchDiscworld''. Carcer is a garrulous, smiley, talkative chap who is able to charm even Vimes, to a degree. Vimes, on the other hand is a JerkWithAHeartOfGold, a crowning example of GoodIsNotNice, and sports an eyepatch and a nasty facial injury. Carcer is an unrepentant murderer, while Vimes is a quasi-mythical force for justice, who only wants to protect the innocent.
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** This is represented well by Vimes and Carcer in ''Literature/NightWatchDiscworld''.''[[Literature/NightWatchDiscworld Night Watch]]''. Carcer is a garrulous, smiley, talkative chap who is able to charm even Vimes, to a degree. Vimes, on the other hand is a JerkWithAHeartOfGold, a crowning example of GoodIsNotNice, and sports an eyepatch and a nasty facial injury. Carcer is an unrepentant murderer, while Vimes is a quasi-mythical force for justice, who only wants to protect the innocent.
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ought to go on light is not good.
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* Subverted horrifically in ''ComicBook/AnyasGhost'' with [[CuteGhostGirl Emily,]] who appears to be a very useful aide to our teenaged protagonist at first...[[spoiler:then we find out that when she was alive, [[IfICantHaveYou she murdered the boy she had a crush on and his girlfriend by burning down the house they were in.]]]]
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* The hero of Neil Gaiman's novel ''Literature/AmericanGods'' is [[EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep known as Shadow]], somewhat ironically, as he is an incarnation of [[spoiler:the god Balder of Myth/NorseMythology, who is associated with purity and light]].
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* The hero of Neil Gaiman's novel ''Literature/AmericanGods'' is [[EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep known as Shadow]], somewhat ironically, as he is an incarnation of [[spoiler:the god Balder of Myth/NorseMythology, who is associated with purity and light]].
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* L.E. Modesitt Jr.'s ''Literature/TheSagaOfRecluce'' series:
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* L.E. Modesitt Jr.'s ''Literature/TheSagaOfRecluce'' series:''Literature/SagaOfRecluce'':
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* Light and Shadow are balanced aspects of creation in "Literature/NoNeedForACore", and are represented by mirror-twin goddesses. Shadow tends to have connotations of Chaos, but a healthy balance of Order and Chaos is also needed for a universe to thrive.
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* ''Literature/TheElenium'': The Pandion Knights wear black armor, and have a reputation of being ready to resort to torturing their enemies at the drop of a hat. In reality, they are [[ThePaladin religious knights]] who hold strongly to their vows to the Church, and wouldn't stoop to torture even if ordered to. The rumors about their savagery were planted by the Pandions themselves, to terrify their enemies in advance.
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** The Huorns of Fangorn Forest seem to prefer traveling at night, and can wrap themselves in shadow as they move, so that no mortal eye can see them. They aren't exactly "good", but they certainly aren't evil. Like Treebeard himself, the Huorns aren't really on anybody's side except their own.
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** Windsom and Aldir. The former wears a black and gold military uniform and overcoat and has ExoticEyeDesigns that resemble miniature galaxies, the latter wears a suit of black and purple armor. Despite their menacing appearances, both were sent down from Epheotus by Kezess to act as advisors to the Council in the face of the impending Alacryan invasion. However, in Volume 8 [[spoiler:it is revealed that Kezess is a genocidal tyrant who is no better than Agrona. In light of this reveal, Windsom ends up being a {{Subversion}} while Aldir ends up being a {{DoubleSubversion}}. Windsom, being Kezess's MouthOfSauron, is a carbon copy of his master in terms of personality and has no regard for the lives of the lessers he claims to protect. Aldir on the other hand was empathic towards the lessers, and after being forced by Kezess to destroy Elenoir in an ultimately futile gambit has a HeelRealization, deserts his master's service entirely, and eventually gives up his life out of atonement for his actions]].
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** Windsom and Aldir. The former wears a black and gold military uniform and overcoat and has ExoticEyeDesigns that resemble miniature galaxies, the latter wears a suit of black and purple armor. Despite their menacing appearances, both were sent down from Epheotus by Kezess to act as advisors to the Council in the face of the impending Alacryan invasion. However, in Volume 8 [[spoiler:it is revealed that Kezess is a genocidal tyrant who is no better than his nemesis Agrona. In light of this reveal, Windsom ends up being a {{Subversion}} while Aldir ends up being a {{DoubleSubversion}}.{{Double Subversion}}. Windsom, being Kezess's MouthOfSauron, is a carbon copy of his master in terms of personality and has no regard for the lives of the lessers he claims to protect. Aldir on the other hand was empathic towards had empathy for the lessers, and after being forced by Kezess to destroy Elenoir in for the sake of an ultimately futile gambit has a HeelRealization, deserts his master's service entirely, and eventually gives up his life out of atonement for his actions]].
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* Speaking of which, [[spoiler:the aforementioned spectral wolf and the manifestation of the Acclorite Arthur received from Wren, Regis. Despite his form of choice, Regis is loyal to Arthur. Not only that, but his terrifying appearance belies his snarky and comedic personality, and he is prone to referencing popular culture from his master's PastLifeMemories]].
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* ''Literature/TheBeginningAfterTheEnd'':
** Windsom and Aldir. The former wears a black and gold military uniform and overcoat and has ExoticEyeDesigns that resemble miniature galaxies, the latter wears a suit of black and purple armor. Despite their menacing appearances, both were sent down from Epheotus by Kezess to act as advisors to the Council in the face of the impending Alacryan invasion. However, in Volume 8 [[spoiler:it is revealed that Kezess is a genocidal tyrant who is no better than Agrona. In light of this reveal, Windsom ends up being a {{Subversion}} while Aldir ends up being a {{DoubleSubversion}}. Windsom, being Kezess's MouthOfSauron, is a carbon copy of his master in terms of personality and has no regard for the lives of the lessers he claims to protect. Aldir on the other hand was empathic towards the lessers, and after being forced by Kezess to destroy Elenoir in an ultimately futile gambit has a HeelRealization, deserts his master's service entirely, and eventually gives up his life out of atonement for his actions]].
** The Alacryans seem to be look the part as Agrona's minions, tending to wear DarkIsEvil and RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver attire and sporting their master's HornsOfVillainy. However, one of the major reveals from Volume 8 onward is [[spoiler:that the Alacryans are as much victims of the DivineConflict as the Dicathians are and have the same level of moral complexity. Initially, this is seen with Caera, Arthur's traveling companion during his time away from Dicathen. It turns out that Caera is the protégé of Seris Vritra, one of the Scythes whom Arthur fought against during the war. In turn, Seris is revealed to be GoodAllAlong as she was never loyal to Agrona and throws in her lot with Arthur as she recognizes his potential to end the war, even going so far as to launch a revolt against Agrona. To a lesser extent, there is Seris's Retainer Cylrit, who follows his mistress into her rebellion]].
** Post-Volume 9, [[spoiler:Arthur himself. He wears a dark suit of armor, conjures supernatural purple flames, and is accompanied by a terrifying spectral wolf. Fortunately, he would rather spare your life rather than resort to violence first (though if you still insist on fighting, he is more than willing to oblige to show you just how big of a mistake you just made). That is, unless you are of the Indrath or Vritra Clans (except Sylvie, and even she has disowned both sides of her WarringNatures), in which case he ''will'' show you no mercy]].
* Speaking of which, [[spoiler:the aforementioned spectral wolf and the manifestation of the Acclorite Arthur received from Wren, Regis. Despite his form of choice, Regis is loyal to Arthur. Not only that, but his terrifying appearance belies his snarky and comedic personality, and he is prone to referencing popular culture from his master's PastLifeMemories]].
** Windsom and Aldir. The former wears a black and gold military uniform and overcoat and has ExoticEyeDesigns that resemble miniature galaxies, the latter wears a suit of black and purple armor. Despite their menacing appearances, both were sent down from Epheotus by Kezess to act as advisors to the Council in the face of the impending Alacryan invasion. However, in Volume 8 [[spoiler:it is revealed that Kezess is a genocidal tyrant who is no better than Agrona. In light of this reveal, Windsom ends up being a {{Subversion}} while Aldir ends up being a {{DoubleSubversion}}. Windsom, being Kezess's MouthOfSauron, is a carbon copy of his master in terms of personality and has no regard for the lives of the lessers he claims to protect. Aldir on the other hand was empathic towards the lessers, and after being forced by Kezess to destroy Elenoir in an ultimately futile gambit has a HeelRealization, deserts his master's service entirely, and eventually gives up his life out of atonement for his actions]].
** The Alacryans seem to be look the part as Agrona's minions, tending to wear DarkIsEvil and RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver attire and sporting their master's HornsOfVillainy. However, one of the major reveals from Volume 8 onward is [[spoiler:that the Alacryans are as much victims of the DivineConflict as the Dicathians are and have the same level of moral complexity. Initially, this is seen with Caera, Arthur's traveling companion during his time away from Dicathen. It turns out that Caera is the protégé of Seris Vritra, one of the Scythes whom Arthur fought against during the war. In turn, Seris is revealed to be GoodAllAlong as she was never loyal to Agrona and throws in her lot with Arthur as she recognizes his potential to end the war, even going so far as to launch a revolt against Agrona. To a lesser extent, there is Seris's Retainer Cylrit, who follows his mistress into her rebellion]].
** Post-Volume 9, [[spoiler:Arthur himself. He wears a dark suit of armor, conjures supernatural purple flames, and is accompanied by a terrifying spectral wolf. Fortunately, he would rather spare your life rather than resort to violence first (though if you still insist on fighting, he is more than willing to oblige to show you just how big of a mistake you just made). That is, unless you are of the Indrath or Vritra Clans (except Sylvie, and even she has disowned both sides of her WarringNatures), in which case he ''will'' show you no mercy]].
* Speaking of which, [[spoiler:the aforementioned spectral wolf and the manifestation of the Acclorite Arthur received from Wren, Regis. Despite his form of choice, Regis is loyal to Arthur. Not only that, but his terrifying appearance belies his snarky and comedic personality, and he is prone to referencing popular culture from his master's PastLifeMemories]].
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* In "The Charnel God" from Creator/ClarkAshtonSmith's Zothique Cycle, the dreaded titular deity Mordiggian takes the form of a vast, inchoate darkness; leads an order of [[MalevolentMaskedMen masked]], [[BlackCloak black-cloaked]] [[spoiler:[[OurGhoulsAreCreepier ghoul]]]] priests; and demands that all Zul-Bha-Sair's dead be taken to his private temple for [[spoiler:consumption]]. However, while he strictly enforces his DueToTheDead, he doesn't punish the bereaved for being uncooperative and excuses a trespasser of breaking into his inner sanctum for good reasons. Given what {{Necromancer}}s and {{the Undead}} get up to in Zothique, Mordiggian's method of corpse disposal is fairly beneficial overall.
* The Overlords in Arthur C. Clarke's ''Literature/ChildhoodsEnd'' aren't evil even though [[spoiler:they looked like demons]].
* The Overlords in Arthur C. Clarke's ''Literature/ChildhoodsEnd'' aren't evil even though [[spoiler:they looked like demons]].
to:
* In "The Charnel God" from Creator/ClarkAshtonSmith's Zothique Cycle, the dreaded titular "Literature/TheCharnelGod": The deity Mordiggian takes the form of a vast, inchoate darkness; leads an order of [[MalevolentMaskedMen masked]], [[BlackCloak black-cloaked]] purple-cloaked [[spoiler:[[OurGhoulsAreCreepier ghoul]]]] priests; and demands that all Zul-Bha-Sair's dead be taken to his private temple for [[spoiler:consumption]]. consumption. However, while he strictly enforces his DueToTheDead, he doesn't punish the bereaved for being uncooperative and excuses as long as they don't outright try to keep or take a trespasser of breaking into his inner sanctum for good reasons. corpse away from him. Given what {{Necromancer}}s and {{the Undead}} get up to in Zothique, Mordiggian's method of corpse disposal is fairly both beneficial overall.
and merciful.
* ''Literature/ChildhoodsEnd'': The Overlordsin Arthur C. Clarke's ''Literature/ChildhoodsEnd'' aren't evil even though [[spoiler:they looked they look like demons]].demons.
* ''Literature/ChildhoodsEnd'': The Overlords
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* ''Literature/{{Worm}}''. Okay, it centres around villains whose only fully heroic member is [[TheFettered the protagonist herself]], but it is repeatedly shown that even at their worst none of The Undersiders are truly evil or anything close to it. However, unlike other such villains in the series, their powers are a collection of nightmare-inducing horrors that even includes someone with literal darkness powers. [[spoiler: He is a villain in order to get money and a respectable facade so he can take care of his younger sister away from his extremely messed up mother. He worries about his lack of social awareness and is shown to forget how unpleasant his darkness is as he can see, hear and feel normally in it.]]
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* In the {{Web Serial Novel}} ''Literature/TheZombieKnight'', Garovel is a {{Grim Reaper}}, but a case of {{Dont Fear The Reaper}} is soon established. Also, the protagonist himself may qualify, as he uses gruesome powers of [[OurZombiesAreDifferent zombification]] to help people in serious danger.
to:
* In the {{Web Serial Novel}} ''Literature/TheZombieKnight'', ''Literature/TheZombieKnight'':
** The story centers around Garovelis and Hector, a {{Grim Reaper}}, but a case [[TheGrimReaper reaper of {{Dont Fear souls]] and his [[CameBackStrong deathless servant]]. The Reaper}} reason Garovel bothered to take a servant was to [[DontFearTheReaper have a means of saving lives]], a role Hector enthusiastically embraces.
** Strongly averted for some other reapers and servants, though; some reapers subscribe to a ReligionOfEvil called Abolish, whose goal issoon established. Also, the protagonist himself may qualify, as he uses gruesome powers of [[OurZombiesAreDifferent zombification]] to ''[[OmnicidalManiac wipe out humanity]]'', and take [[AxCrazy servants who'll help people in serious danger.them]] do ''that''.
** The story centers around Garovel
** Strongly averted for some other reapers and servants, though; some reapers subscribe to a ReligionOfEvil called Abolish, whose goal is
