Was he a prisioner or a guard?

Maybe even a blade?

A prisioner who tried to escape but failed?

Who was the zombie at the begining of the game,post your theories and ideas.

His name was Marius, and he had this freak accident involving a torch, a carrot, several bottles of ale, and several rats. It was so hilarous that Sheogorath turned him into a zombie so he could watch it over and over again.