Beld, originally known as the red-haired mercenary, rose from the barbarian tribes of Marmo to become a formidable warrior on Lodoss. Hired by the Duke of Skard to train Prince Nasher, he partnered with the sorcerer Wort. Betrayed by the prince, Beld and Wort turned mercenary. Beld later joined the Hundred Heroes, contributing significantly to victories against the demon army and ultimately slaying the Demon King with the Soul Crusher sword, though this victory cost him his love Flaus, who sacrificed herself in the battle.

Returning to Marmo with the Soul Crusher, Beld established himself as Emperor. Influenced by inner darkness and Karla's manipulations, he initiated the War of Heroes to conquer Lodoss. His campaign united Marmo's people, allied with dark elves, and conquered Kanon, Valis, and Alania. The war culminated in a duel where Beld killed his former ally King Fahn, only to be struck by a stray arrow and beheaded by King Kashue of Flaim.

Beld's protégé Ashram inherited the Soul Crusher and continued his conquest ambitions. Ashram and his followers sailed to Crystania, founding the region of Beldia in the late emperor's honor. A shrine in Beldia featured a large mural depicting Beld alongside Ashram. During events in Crystania, the animal god Barbas possessed Ashram's body but struggled to suppress Ashram's soul. To maintain control, Barbas manifested within Ashram's subconscious as the image of Emperor Beld, exploiting Ashram's loyalty and memories of his mentor as a suppression mechanism until Ashram regained autonomy with assistance from Redon and Pirotess.