Akarat

"May Akarat guide and protect me. May he shepherd my soul...and grant it mercy."

- A Zakarum priest

Akarat was an ascetic from Xiansai. It was he who would develop the faith that would give rise to the Zakarum church.

By all accounts, Akarat was kind, generous, and unassuming, and exuded selflessness and compassion.

The Coming of Yaerius
"And Yaerius appeared unto Akarat and showed him the Light that illuminates all souls with its blessed power. So long as we trust in this sacred force, we shall have strength everlasting and falter not in our trials."

- Excerpt from a mystic’s account of the life of Akarat

According to historical accounts, Akarat was a wandering ascetic from Xiansai. Having become disillusioned with society and its incessant conflicts, he joined the ranks of a humble meditative order that sought enlightenment and peace. One night, while deep in meditation, he envisioned a spectacular flash of light and energy cascading across the sky. According to most accounts, this was the coming of an angel named Yaerius, or "son of light" in Akarat's native language. It is said that Yaerius revealed to Akarat the tenets of what was to become the Zakarum faith. These teachings stressed the necessity of resisting all things evil, and embracing, with total devotion, the Light. The angel appointed Akarat to be the prophet of these new teachings, and bade him take the word to the people of all lands.

A theory postulated by Deckard Cain diverged from this account however. He believed that Akarat had instead seen an echo of Uldyssian's sacrifice at the end of the Sin War, as there had been reports of mystics with similar experiences. Thus he theorized that while in meditation, Akarat had seen the same phenomenon and attributed it to a being named Yaerius, which meant "Son of Light" in his native language. Whatever the truth behind the matter, Akarat came from the experience with a belief that humans were powerful vessels of light, and that all should seek their "inner light" in order to live good lives.

Word of the Prophet
Moved by what he'd seen, Akarat set out on a grand journey to the cities of Kehjistan, intent on enlightening his fellow men about the divine Light he claimed existed within everyone. He claimed that his words were not new, that the Ancients had also embraced the Light. Over time, a number of local disciples flocked to his side.

Legacy
"Akarat...why...why have you abandoned us?"

- Elder Owen

Akarat disappeared in the jungles of Kehjistan. While his teachings had left their mark, they would flounder in obscurity for a millennium. It was not until Emperor Tassara's codification of the Zakarum faith that it became an actual church, and subsequently, the dominant religious force on Sanctuary. Shortly afterwards, when the Sons of Rakkis were sent to bring the Light to the West, the Crusaders traveled east on what was rumored to be the path Akarat took before his disappearance. People may pray to Akarat at times, along with giving thanks.

Zebulon I claimed to have received visions from Akarat when he initiated his reform of the Zakarum faith.

The Paladin Akarat was named after the ascetic.

In-game
In Diablo III, several Legendary items bear Akarat's name, including the Relic of Akarat Templar Relic and the Akarat's Awakening Crusader Shield. The Akarat's Champion ability also exists.