Category: Deep Dive into Lore

Posted on

The Orc

Origins and Transformation:

  1. Trinimac and Malacath:
    • The Orcs were originally followers of Trinimac, a powerful Aldmeri (High Elf) deity. Trinimac was the champion of the Aldmeri pantheon.
    • The Orcs’ transformation into Orsimer is linked to the events of the Velothi Exodus. Boethiah, another Daedric Prince, tricked and consumed Trinimac, corrupting him into Malacath. The followers of Trinimac were transformed into Orcs.

Society and Culture:

  1. Stronghold Life:
    • Orcs live in strongholds scattered throughout Tamriel. These strongholds are isolated, fortified communities that follow a rigid social structure.
    • The Orcs are led by a chief, and their society is militaristic and focused on honor and strength in battle.
  2. Forge-Wives and Stronghold Roles:
    • Female Orcs, known as Forge-Wives, are highly respected for their crafting skills. They play a crucial role in the strongholds’ economy.
    • Orcs take on various roles within the stronghold, such as hunters, warriors, and smiths.
  3. Code of Malacath:
    • The Orcs follow a strict code of honor known as the Code of Malacath. This code emphasizes strength, endurance, and combat prowess.
    • Weakness is not tolerated, and those who cannot uphold the code are often cast out from the stronghold.

Religion and Worship:

  1. Worship of Malacath:
    • Malacath is the Daedric Prince of the Ostracized and the Spurned. He is considered the patron deity of the Orcs, and they worship him with fervor.
    • Orcs believe that their hardships and struggles are tests from Malacath, and overcoming them proves their strength.
  2. Forging Traditions:
    • Orcs are skilled blacksmiths, and their forging traditions are highly respected. They are known for crafting powerful weapons and armor, including the famous Orcish gear.

Relations with Other Races:

  1. Marginalization and Prejudice:
    • Orcs often face prejudice and marginalization from other races. They are sometimes viewed as brutish and uncivilized, leading to isolationist tendencies among Orcish communities.
  2. Mercenaries and Adventurers:
    • Despite the challenges they face, Orcs are valued as mercenaries and adventurers due to their combat prowess and craftsmanship.

Notable Orcs:

  1. Gortwog gro-Nagorm:
    • Gortwog, a prominent Orc, established the independent Orcish state of Orsinium in the Iliac Bay region during the events of The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall.
  2. Urag gro-Shub:
    • Urag is the librarian at the College of Winterhold in Skyrim. He showcases the diversity of Orcish skills and knowledge beyond just combat.

In summary, Orcs in the Elder Scrolls universe have a rich and complex history. Their transformation from followers of Trinimac to the Orcs of today, their unique societal structure, worship of Malacath, and their contributions as skilled blacksmiths make them a fascinating and integral part of Tamrielic lore.

Posted on

The drow

  1. Origin and Homeland:
    • The Dunmer are one of the races of Mer (Elves) in Tamriel. They were originally Chimer, a group of Aldmer (High Elves) who followed the teachings of the prophet Veloth and were transformed into the Dunmer by the Daedric Prince Azura.
    • The Dunmer’s homeland is Morrowind, a region on the northeastern part of the continent of Tamriel.
  2. Culture and Society:
    • Dunmer society is complex, with a strong influence from their religious beliefs and the worship of the Tribunal, three powerful god-like beings: Vivec, Almalexia, and Sotha Sil. These deities played a significant role in the history and culture of the Dunmer.
    • The Great Houses, such as House Redoran, House Hlaalu, and House Telvanni, are powerful political and social entities in Dunmer society, each with its own values and traditions.
  3. Religion:
    • The Dunmer revere their ancestors and maintain a strong connection to the spirits of the dead. Ancestor worship is a crucial aspect of their religious practices.
    • Daedra worship is also prevalent among the Dunmer, with Azura being one of the most revered Daedric Princes. The events surrounding the transformation from Chimer to Dunmer are tied to Azura’s curse.
  4. Appearance:
    • Dunmer typically have ash-gray skin, reflecting the volcanic nature of Morrowind. Their eyes can be red or, in some cases, blue.
    • Their appearance is distinct from other Elves in Tamriel, setting them apart in terms of aesthetics.
  5. Conflicts and History:
    • Morrowind has faced various conflicts throughout its history, including the eruption of the Red Mountain and the resulting destruction of the city of Vivec.
    • The Dunmer have played significant roles in various Elder Scrolls games, such as Morrowind, where the player takes on the role of the Nerevarine, a prophesied hero.

Conclusion:

While the Dunmer share some thematic elements with the Drow, such as a connection to darkness and complex societal structures, they are distinct entities with their own unique lore and history in The Elder Scrolls universe. If there have been any developments or additions to the lore since my last update, I recommend checking more recent sources or official Elder Scrolls materials for the latest information.

Posted on

The Bosmer

The Bosmer, also known as the Wood Elves, are one of the diverse races inhabiting the continent of Tamriel in the Elder Scrolls universe. They hail from the province of Valenwood, a dense and untamed forest that is home to some of the most unique flora and fauna in Tamriel. The Bosmer have a rich and fascinating cultural history, shaped by their close connection to nature, their unique religious practices, and their distinctive way of life.

Origins and History:

The Bosmer’s history is deeply intertwined with the god Y’ffre, also known as the Storyteller. According to Bosmeri mythology, Y’ffre bestowed the “Green Pact” upon them, a sacred agreement that binds the Bosmer to the Valenwood forest. This pact prohibits the Bosmer from harming the vegetation of Valenwood, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the land.

The Wood Elves are descendants of the Aldmer, the ancient race that inhabited Tamriel before the various races split off into distinct cultures. The Bosmer, however, diverged from the traditional Aldmer way of life due to the influence of Y’ffre and the Green Pact.

Culture and Society:

The Bosmer have a unique societal structure that reflects their connection to nature and their commitment to the Green Pact. Their settlements are often built in the treetops, and they are known for their agility and skill in archery. Valenwood itself is a maze of gigantic, interconnected graht-oak trees, forming the setting for the Bosmer’s arboreal lifestyle.

The Green Pact has also shaped their martial traditions. The Wild Hunt, a ritual transformation, allows Bosmer to temporarily shape-shift into feral and powerful forms, often used in times of war. This ritual is seen as both a blessing and a curse, as it involves breaking the Green Pact by consuming the vegetation of Valenwood.

Religion:

Bosmer worship a pantheon of deities, with Y’ffre being the most central figure. Y’ffre is considered the god of the forest and is credited with teaching the Bosmer the ways of the Green Pact. Other deities, such as Auri-El and Arkay, are also venerated, reflecting the Bosmer’s complex religious beliefs that incorporate aspects of Aldmeri traditions.

Trade and Diplomacy:

Despite their insular lifestyle, the Bosmer are not completely isolated. They engage in trade with neighboring regions, exchanging unique goods from Valenwood, such as rare timber and alchemical ingredients. The city of Falinesti, a massive graht-oak tree that serves as a mobile settlement, travels across Valenwood and occasionally beyond, facilitating trade and diplomacy.

Role in Tamriel:

The Bosmer have played significant roles in the major events of Tamriel’s history. They are known for their fierce defense of their homeland and their expert archery skills, which make them formidable allies or adversaries in conflicts. The Bosmer have also been involved in various alliances, such as the Aldmeri Dominion, where they joined forces with the Altmer and Khajiit to pursue common goals.

Conclusion:

The Bosmer’s lore is a tapestry woven with the threads of nature, magic, and tradition. Their unique cultural practices, shaped by the Green Pact and their ancient connection to the land, set them apart in the diverse mosaic of the Elder Scrolls universe. As the guardians of Valenwood, the Bosmer continue to be a fascinating and enigmatic presence in the ever-evolving tapestry of Tamrielic history.