SkekZok

The High Priest

SkekZok was the Skeksis High Priest (also called the Ritual Master). His Mystic counterpart was the Ritual Guardian. He was the tallest Skeksis, made more imposing by his regal golden carapace and unusual-looking hat. It was the High Priest who led the Skeksis in their daily rituals of drawing power from the Dark Crystal, and he also enforced Skeksis law and served as the Emperor's advisor.

He continued in the latter capacity after the original emperor's death and the ascent of the General, however the General ignored his advice at every turn. When Kira was captured, the High Priest advocated killing her, as they were sworn to kill all Gelflings on account of the Prophecy.

To his consternation, the General-Emperor instead heeded the advice of the Scientist, that they should drain Kira's life essence first. However he promised him they would kill her after.

Later, during the ceremony of the Great Conjunction, Kira (who had escaped the Scientist) and her fellow Gelfling Jen appeared. When Kira picked up the dropped shard and threw it to Jen, it was the High Priest who stabbed her in the back with a dagger, killing her, Shortly afterward, when the Skeksis and Mystics recombined, the High Priest joined with the Ritual Guardian to form the UrSkek ZokZah.

Comments

• SkekZok's precise title is debatable. In the script and end credits of The Dark Crystal he is identified as simply "High Priest." However the novelization and comic book call him "Ritual Master." This article reflects the movie credits.
• The novelization of the film by A.C.H. Smith depicts the skekZok as being power hungry and constantly plotting to overthrow skekUng. This is in direct contradiction to the film wherein skekZok seems uninterested in taking the throne for himself, and allies himself with skekUng early (despite skekUng's refusal to heed his advice).
• In the Marvel Comics adaptation, skekZok's hat is incorrectly drawn as being part of his head.