Since the beginning of the series,Stranger Thingshas constantly made reference toDungeons & Dragons. From the very first episode featuring Mike and his friends playing through a tabletop session to major enemies being named the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer,Dungeons & Dragonshas always been an integral part of the show. With its latest antagonist, Vecna,Stranger Thingsmakes a reference to the tabletop game’s most infamous villain and pulls inspiration more directly than ever.
For what it’s worth,Stranger Thingshas tended to base its creatures only vaguely on theirDungeons & Dragonscounterparts. The Mind Flayer inStranger Things, for instance, bore almost no physical resemblance to its namesake, but possessed an affinity for mind control and psionic powers similar to theMind Flayers fromDungeons & Dragons. When it comes to Vecna, however,Stranger Thingspulled more closely from the game than it ever has.
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Comparing The Powers of Both Vecnas
The original Vecna is arguably thestrongest being in all ofDungeons & Dragonsat his peak. While Vecna fromStranger Thingsboasts impressive proficiency in mind control and psionic magic that makes him at a potentially world-ending threat, Vecna fromDungeons & Dragonsliterally ascended to godhood, cementing his place as one the most powerful magic users in existence - a multiversal threat.
Vecna ofStranger Thingsborrows a few spells from his namesake, but shows significantly lesser magical abilities. Despite wreaking havoc on Hawkins, Vecna’s abilities are fairly typical of alow-level spellcasterinDungeons & Dragons. For comparison’s sake, the Hand of Vecna - which acts as a powerful magic item inDungeons & Dragonsand is literally Vecna’s severed hand - grants its user finger of death, teleport, and a myriad of other high-level abilities that are on-par with feats shown by Vecna inStranger Things. When used in conjunction with the Eye of Vecna, these artifacts grant the user access to the wish spell, which far exceeds anything shown inStranger Things.
Comparing The Lore of The Two Vecnas
WhileVecna’s lore inDungeons & Dragonshas undergone a number of changes, the foundation has remained consistent. Vecna began life as either a human or half-elf before transitioning into a lich by studying dark magic. From there, Vecna formed a massive army, championed by his lieutenant Kas, in order to facilitate his ascension to godhood. Ultimately, Kas betrayed Vecna, resulting in Vecna never reaching his full potential, and the two aforementioned artifacts - the Hand and Eye of Vecna - came into creation.
Oddly enough,Vecna ofStranger Thingsshares a backstory that, while not couched in high fantasy, remains similar. After being corrupted by his preternatural powers, Henry Creel attempts to manipulate and recruit Eleven to join his crusade, but is sent into the Upside Down and turns into Vecna. In both cases, Vecna begins life as a talented yet darkly-inclined individual who undergoes a complete physical transformation in an attempt to achieve their true potential. They’re both inevitably betrayed by someone they consider close to them, someone who was personally recruited to aid them.
Further, Vecna inStranger Thingsbears a striking physical resemblance to Vecna fromDungeons & Dragons5E,as both are sleek and undead, yet imposing figures. It’s also clear that Vecna’s enlarged left hand is a nod to thepowerful magical item inDungeons & Dragonsthat made the character so famous. While the Eye of Vecna may not be explicitly referenced inStranger Things, Vecna’s victims are often left with their eyes mutilated.
