In The Seven Deadly Sins anime, there’s a powerful group known as The Ten Commandments. Much like the Seven Deadly Sins, they each have unique powers and backstory. However, these Commandments aren’t based on moral rules; instead, they’re more like curses that affect anyone who breaks them.
They are led by Zeldris and play a crucial role in the storyline as enemies of the Seven Deadly Sins. Here’s a look at each of the Ten Commandments, their abilities, and how their powers work.
1. Zeldris – Commandment of Piety
Zeldris, the leader of the Ten Commandments and younger brother to Meliodas, wields the Commandment of Piety, which forces anyone who turns their back on him to become his slave. A loyal son to the Demon King, Zeldris is stoic, serious, and driven by a deep sense of duty to his family and kingdom. However, beneath his cold demeanor, he harbors a tragic love for Gelda, a vampire princess, which humanizes him. His fierce loyalty to his father is tested by his love for Gelda and his bond with Meliodas, creating an intersection character torn between duty and personal desires.
2. Estarossa – Commandment of Love
Estarossa, one of the most tragic figures in the series, holds the Commandment of Love, which causes anyone who harbors hatred to lose their strength. He is initially portrayed as a calm and peaceful figure, but his true nature is far more unstable and darker. His obsession with Elizabeth, his confusion about his identity, and his complicated relationship with Meliodas make him a deeply layered character. Estarossa’s descent into madness as he grapples with his repressed memories reveals his fragile mental state, which becomes an important part of the Holy War arc.
3. Galand – Commandment of Truth
Galand embodies the Commandment of Truth, where anyone who lies in his presence is turned to stone. A brash, bloodthirsty warrior, Galand loves combat and takes great pride in his strength. He enjoys challenging opponents and has a straightforward, no-nonsense attitude. Despite his fearsome appearance and raw power, Galand often underestimates his enemies, leading to his downfall. His straightforward personality is a good fit with his commandment, as those who try to deceive him suffer a fatal consequence.
4. Melascula – Commandment of Faith
Melascula controls the Commandment of Faith, which punishes those who lose faith by sealing their soul away. She is a manipulative and cunning member of the Ten Commandments, specializing in controlling souls and summoning the dead. Often taking the form of a snake, Melascula’s sinister personality aligns with her commandment, as she delights in trapping her enemies in hopeless situations. Her arrogance and belief in the absolute power of demons often blind her to the possibility of defeat, though she faces several humbling moments when confronted by the Seven Deadly Sins.
5. Monspeet – Commandment of Reticence
Monspeet wields the Commandment of Reticence, which silences anyone who expresses hidden feelings. In contrast to his curse, Monspeet is thoughtful, reserved, and unusually polite for a demon. His deep, unspoken affection for Derieri, another member of the Ten Commandments, highlights his personal struggle with his own commandment. Monspeet’s calm and strategic nature contrasts with the more impulsive and violent personalities within the group, making him a more introspective figure. His sacrifice for Derieri reveals his capacity for love, marking a rare emotional moment among the otherwise ruthless demons.
6. Derieri – Commandment of Purity
Derieri carries the Commandment of Purity, which punishes those who commit impure actions. She is a fierce warrior with a blunt and aggressive personality, known for her relentless combat style. Derieri is not one for pleasantries, often speaking her mind without a filter, and she holds deep grudges against the Goddess Clan for past betrayals. Her bond with Monspeet softens her character, as their relationship shows her capacity for loyalty and care, particularly when Monspeet sacrifices himself for her. Over time, Derieri grows weary of the endless cycle of war, seeking peace rather than destruction.
7. Gloxinia – Commandment of Repose
Gloxinia, the former Fairy King, holds the Commandment of Repose, which weakens anyone who fights with a restless heart or mind. After betraying the Fairy Clan, Gloxinia joined the Ten Commandments, disillusioned by the cruelty of the Goddess Clan. He possesses deep sorrow for his past actions, especially his betrayal of his people, and struggles with the concept of forgiveness. His personality is somewhat reflective, and his commandment aligns with his desire for peace within his conflicted heart.
8. Drole – Commandment of Patience
Drole, also known as the Giant King, wields the Commandment of Patience, which punishes those who act impatiently by removing their strength. As a former king of the Giant Clan, Drole is calm and composed, valuing strength and wisdom in battle. His commandment reflects his belief in measured actions and patience in warfare. Like Gloxinia, Drole joined the Ten Commandments after losing faith in the Goddess Clan. His immense size and ability to control the earth make him a powerful adversary, but his reflective nature and search for purpose show a deeper, more philosophical side to his character.
9. Grayroad – Commandment of Pacifism
Grayroad’s Commandment of Pacifism punishes anyone who kills in her presence by rapidly aging them until death. Unlike the other members, Grayroad is not a warrior but a manipulator, using her ability to control life spans to her advantage. Her unique form, a mass of amorphous creatures, reflects her unconventional nature within the group. She is calculating and strategic, preferring to outsmart her enemies rather than engage in direct combat.
10. Fraudrin – Commandment of Selflessness
Fraudrin holds the Commandment of Selflessness, which causes anyone who acts out of selfishness to lose their sense of self. Unlike the other Commandments, Fraudrin is not an original member, having taken the place of Gowther. He is a schemer who infiltrated the Kingdom of Liones by possessing Dreyfus, one of its Holy Knights. Fraudrin’s personality is cold and manipulative, but he also shows moments of surprising humanity, particularly in his interactions with Dreyfus’s son, Griamore.