Dornkirk

ドルンカーク

The leader of Zaibach and the series' primary antagonist. He is described as being equivalent to two hundred Earth years in age and is revealed throughout the series as

Spoiler

In his youth, Dornkirk learned that the physical attraction between matter is caused by the force of gravity. Consequently, he believed that everything in the universe, including fate and destiny, is driven by a force and governed by a universal law. His theories and discoveries led him to invent machines capable of predicting and altering the future. He was transported to Gaea and subsequently became Emperor Dornkirk of Zaibach.
Dornkirk constantly uses his Destiny Prognostication Engine to look into the future, aiming to create an ideal future for Gaea by unlocking the secrets of Atlantis. However, Hitomi's visions of the future and Van's connection to Escaflowne continually interfere with his efforts.
The future he seeks to create is the "zone of absolute fortune," a state in which everyone's wishes would come true. However, it is that very power that destroyed Atlantis.
In the 1994 manga, Donkirk plays the same role as the villain, but with a different goal in mind. His ultimate plan is to return to Earth, as he is one of the ancients who came to Gaea from Earth.
In the 1996 manga, he appears as a much younger-looking man and is related to the Fanelian royal family. His role as a villain is portrayed in a more sympathetic light.