Zeref Dragneel

Zeref was once the strongest and most evil mage in history who possessed a very dangerous magic. Now, he is under a "Slumbering state" and is a self-hating seemingly young man with uncontrollable power.

Appearance
Zeref looks like a late teenager, much like the main cast, despite his advanced age. Zeref wears red and tan robes, along with a large white flowing toga draped around his main body across his chest. Zeref has black hair and an unusual set of sharp canines. Coincidently, his hair is similar to that of Hughes of Edolas.

Personality
"I...will continue to be rejected by this world"

- Zeref about his loneliness

Zeref was said to have been the darkest, most evil mage in the history of the magic world. He lived up to this reputation by mastering the black arts of magic and giving life to thousands of demons which continue to wreck havoc upon the world.

However, something happened. After his defeat, he has somehow gained a softer, kinder personality. Now, he wishes to die to atone for all the sins he committed in the past. However, when he realizes that the only mage strong enough to kill him isn't ready yet, he breaks down in tears.

He is said to be in a slumbering state, but when he awakens, he could submerge the world into total darkness. It is also shown that when he is angry, he becomes incredibly powerful and his eyes form ripples.

History
Zeref is known to be from ancient times and presumably wields nearly unimaginable power. Ultear mentions that he, alighted an ancient land, mastered black magic, gave birth to tens of thousands of demons, and threw the world into chaos.

At some point, Zeref was defeated and sealed away for centuries. However, one day he apparently managed to set himself free despite the fact that Grimoire Heart is still collecting keys to his prison. Apparently, the slumber made him a very kind person as he cares for others' safety now and wishes to die. At some point in the past, he apparently met Natsu and realized he could kill him someday. It can be presumed that he later wandered by himself, eventually finding Tenrou Island, and wanting seclusion, decided to have it as his foster home, completely unaware that the island falls under the jurisdiction of the Fairy Tail Guild (and no one else were allowed to step foot in it), and locking himself away from the rest of the world.

It can be assumed Zeref is very powerful considering that even the strongest mage's in the world shiver hearing his name. Ultear used Zeref's name to manipulate a young Jellal Fernandes. Somehow, Zeref may have achieved immortality, as he is stated to still be alive, just trapped in his prison. He is later shown to be The Killing mage in the S-class promotion arc.

Synopsis
Throughout the entire series, Zeref and his creations have played an influential part as antagonists of missions. Lullaby, Deliora, and the Tower of Heaven have all been somehow effected by his invisible hand. However, it seems that this is just because they were just acting on their own accord as he has been by himself the entire time. Still all the evil he did in the past has greatly affected the series.

S-Class Trial arc
After killing some wolves, Zeref apologizes and wallows in misery. Later, Charle receives a vision that he is somehow going to be involved with the Trial.

During the trial, he runs into Elfman and Evergreen and warns them to stay away from him as his magic starts to involuntarily activate but Natsu saves the two. Zeref was happy to see Natsu but Natsu didn't recognise him. When he tells the Fairy Tail mage's that he has been expecting Natsu's arrival, Natsu misinterprets this as a form of challenge and rushed towards him, landing a fierce blow to Zeref's face. Although Natsu punched him, Zeref is unaffected and just stares at him, somewhat disappointed. Just then his magic activates again but no one is killed. This is likely due to Natsu's scarf protecting the Fairy Tail mage's. After this Zeref escapes somewhere. However, after using his powers, Grimoire Heart seems to have found him. He is next seen leaning against a tree, sobbing because that Natsu is not yet powerful enough to kill him. Later, it is revealed that Zeref is still in a "slumbering state". As fighting begins on Tenrou Island between Fairy Tail and Grimoire Heart, Zeref states, "another war is going to begin", indicating that he may have fought in a war at some point.

He then crosses paths with Ultear, and comments how sad it was for Grimoire Heart to have managed to anger him. Instead of his normal fully filled black eyes, his eyes gain an extra ring compared to normal eyes; similar to Zancrow's eyes, except his pupils are filled in. After Zeref asks Ultear if it is power they want Ultear states that she wants his entire existence but Zeref states that he has no intention of assisting them or doing anything in this period and doesn't want to see any wars or people dying. Zeref then tells Ultear to stop the attack and leave the island at once and repeated that he is angry his statement shocks Ultear. Rustyrose states to Elfman and Evergreen that when they aquire Zeref the current magic world will end and a new one will begin, an ultimate world of magic where those that don't posses magic will either die or suffer, other Grimoire Heart members say similar statements. Zeref then is beaten by Ultear who states that Zeref is powerless in his sleeping state to which Ultear tells Zeref not to underestimate her the eldest of the Seven Kin then Ultear tells Zeref that they have the key which will wake him up Zeref tries to tell Ultear to stop to which Ultear shouts "I GOT ZEREF". As Zeref lies unconscious, Ultear holds onto him tightly, stating that he now belongs to her and that he will become the king of the world for the sake of the ultimate magic world.

Magic and Abilities
Caster Magic User: Zeref is known as "The Black Mage" for his infamy of mastering the Black Arts. According to the discussion between Ultear and Hades, Zeref alighted on ancient land, mastered Black Magic, gave birth to tens of thousands of demons and threw the world into chaos. Zeref is unanimously considered to be the strongest and also the most evil of all known dark mage's, if not mage in general, to have ever lived. Another note of is power is that, even during his "sleeping state" where it can be assumed that he pales in comparison to what he is "awake" he still managed to injure Ultear (oldest and presumably strongest member of the Seven Kin of Purgatory).

Black Magics
He was able to master all forms of dark magic at a very early age, and brought countless demons to life. His magical strength is so enormous, in fact, that he cannot consciously control his own magic, though whether this was always the case is unknown.

Death Magic: Zeref has the ability to cause any living thing around him to die when he uses magic. The name of said magic is unknown. This magic seems to burst at random times but he can tell when it is going to happen, so this gives people a chance to escape. Certain things can protect people from the mage's blast such as Natsu's scarf saving himself, Evergreen, and Elfman. It is implied that the magic activates whenever he is agitated, scared, or surprised. Zeref involuntarily releases a wave of Death Magic and anything hit by it dies. Like the rest of his Death Magic, he has no control over it.

Living Magic: Apparently a very ancient, long-forgotten form of magic that brings things to life under the master's control. Some creations of Zeref have minds of their own and continue his unknown evil quest. Most of his creations are giant demons.


 * Deliora (デリオラ Deriora): Deliora was a monstrous demon that attacked the icy villages in the North. According to Erza, Zeref created it. Deliora was imprisoned in a block of ice by Ur. Lyon Bastia tried to unfreeze him so he could kill the demon, however, after years of being imprisoned in Ur's ice, the demon's life force was drained so much that it died before Lyon could attack it.
 * Lullaby (ララバイ Rarabai): A flute that can transform into a giant demon. Whoever hears Lullaby's song (aside from the caster) will die. Erigor hoped to use this to kill the Guild Masters at their meeting. As Kageyama failed to carry out the mission due to being changed, Lullaby transformed into its demon form to feast on souls. However, Natsu, Gray Fullbuster, and Erza Scarlet were able to defeat the demon flute. It currently is in the Council's hands.(Its magic seal is what we assume Zeref's is, however this is likely not the case as even though it was controlled by Zeref, the Lullaby still had its own thoughts and will so it probably also has its own seal.)

Others
Enhanced Durability: Zeref seems to be physically powerful as well. When Natsu, who is known for being strong, punched him in the face, Zeref just took the hit and somersaulted back on his feet in mid air. The punch seemed to have no effect on him and he had no bruise or marking on his face. This indicates that Zeref is not as frail as he looks.

Trivia

 * Charle had a vision of him at the S-Class Wizard Promotion Trial. In it, he was apparently standing over a body with angered eyes.
 * He seems to have almost the same hairstyle as Hughes from Edolas, with the exception of the highlight.
 * Zeref has been alive for 400 years, making him possibly the oldest character in Fairy Tail.