The answer to this question depends on how you define "biggest enemy." While Sherlock Holmes has faced many adversaries throughout his adventures, Professor Moriarty is widely considered his most formidable and enduring antagonist.
Professor Moriarty: The Napoleon of Crime
- Intellectual Equal: Moriarty is often described as Holmes' intellectual equal, a criminal mastermind who operates on a grand scale and poses a significant threat to society.
- Mastermind of Crime: Moriarty is the mastermind behind many of the crimes that Holmes investigates, pulling the strings from the shadows and orchestrating elaborate schemes.
- Mortal Enemy: Their rivalry is not just a game of wits but a battle for justice, with Moriarty representing the dark forces of evil that Holmes strives to defeat.
Other Notable Enemies:
While Moriarty is the most famous, other notable enemies include:
- Irene Adler: A cunning and independent woman who outsmarted Holmes, leaving a lasting impression on him.
- Colonel Sebastian Moran: A skilled assassin and former military officer who becomes obsessed with revenge against Holmes.
- The Hound of the Baskervilles: A terrifying and supernatural entity that haunts the Baskerville family and tests Holmes' deductive skills.
Conclusion:
While Sherlock Holmes has faced many enemies throughout his career, Professor Moriarty stands out as his most formidable and enduring adversary, representing the ultimate embodiment of evil that Holmes must constantly battle against.