10 Most Terrifying Video Game Enemies (And What They Represent)

5. Spriggans - The Elder Scrolls

A mainstay of The Elder Scrolls series, Spriggans are found primarily in the dense forests of Bethesda's RPGs, with Skyrim's version of the enemy being particularly deadly.

Using elemental attacks, the tree-like creatures appear to have sprouted from the very world itself, so it can be confusing as to why these strangely majestic monsters are so aggressive in their pursuit of the player. Unlike some of the other enemies, Spriggans can't be reasoned with, but there's a good reason why: they're a manifestation of Mother Earth getting revenge for how the land has been treated.

Tapping into myths that cast this elemental being as an encompassing entity attempting to preserve the natural order, everything from the woodland theme to the female physique evokes classic interpretations of Mother Nature.

It's not exactly subtle in its symbolism, but it colours the powerful enemies in a rather sympathetic light that makes you feel a bit guilty for cutting so many of them down.