The Hidden Mysteries of The Elder Scrolls Unveiled

The Elder Scrolls is a dynamic world, encompassing a vast history and events that span continents and dimensions. The inaugural game in The Elder Scrolls series, Arena, was released in 1994, and its world map remains relatively unchanged in subsequent titles. Over nearly three decades of expansion, the lore of this expansive story universe has grown exponentially, resulting in certain aspects of its world and history becoming more well-known among fans, particularly those related to Skyrim. However, the lesser-known lore of The Elder Scrolls is just as captivating as its mainstream counterpart.

A significant portion of this obscure lore can be discovered through in-game books, scattered throughout the series. Some of these books align with the established lore, while others provide insights into historical events as commentaries after they have transpired in the game's timeline. These literary treasures offer glimpses into the whole, requiring readers to piece together various texts to gain a comprehensive understanding, much like deciphering real-world history. For instance, the Accession War and its potential causes are explored in the journal of Lymdrenn Telvanni, waiting to be unearthed within Skyrim.

World-Changing Events That Happen Across The Elder Scrolls

The Oblivion Crisis, the main event of The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, had a wide-reaching impact across all provinces of the Empire, despite taking place primarily in Cyrodiil. While the Hero of Kvatch and Martin Septim are renowned for their role in sealing the Gates to Oblivion, stories exist throughout Tamriel of ordinary individuals bravely combating the invading Dremora.

One notable instance of resistance during the Oblivion Crisis was the An-Xileel Daedric Resistance in Black Marsh. In this region, the Argonians rose up and organized a highly effective army, ultimately venturing into the planes of Oblivion themselves. The strength of their assault led the Dremora lords to close their Gates, fearing being overwhelmed by the Argonian forces.

The Argonians, with their connection to the Hist, the ancient tree-like beings native to Black Marsh, successfully defended their province and ensured no additional Gates were opened during the Crisis. Their ability to foresee the invasion through the Hist's connection to Nirn provided them with advanced warning, allowing them to prepare for resistance even as the Empire withdrew its forces from the Province.

The Effects of a Stronger Black Marsh in Morrowind

The triumph of the An-Xileel Daedric Resistance reverberated throughout the region, birthing a revitalized Black Marsh. Consequently, in retaliation for the centuries-long pillaging and enslavement, the Argonians initiated a forceful invasion of southern Morrowind during the Accession War. This conflict would have never come to pass if it weren't for the rise of the An-Xileel, made possible by the success of the Resistance. Additionally, Morrowind's vulnerability stemming from the Crisis and the eruption of Red Mountain further contributed to its weakened state. The Accession War irreversibly altered the dynamics between Morrowind and Black Marsh, resulting in the collapse of several prominent Dunmer Houses and triggering a massive influx of Dunmer refugees into Skyrim.

The connection between Skyrim and Morrowind is evident due to their geographic proximity. However, the Dunmer and Nords also share surprising ties in their beliefs and mythology. This includes their association with Solstheim, an island, and significant events centered around Red Mountain. Within this mountain lies the Heart of Lorkhan, an artifact that was supposedly taken from the god Lorkhan as punishment for his creation of the mortal plane. As Red Mountain is situated in Morrowind, the Dunmer have an unmistakable link to the Heart, as evidenced by the death of Indoril Nerevar and the subsequent rise to power of the Tribunal.

Lorkhan is considered a mischievous deity among the elves, credited with deceiving the other Aedra into sacrificing some of their power in the creation of Nirn, the Mortal Plane. Due to his punishment, Lorkhan is the sole Aedra believed to be truly deceased. His physical remnants are said to encompass various elements of Nirn such as the two moons and, most notably, the Heart of Lorkhan, which is situated within Red Mountain. Although despised by all elves apart from the Dunmer, Lorkhan holds a special place in their hearts due to his role in bestowing mortality upon them.

Lorkhan, known as Shor among the Nords, holds a significant place in their belief system regarding Sovngarde and the afterlife. This sets him apart from the other religions in Tamriel, who perceive him as deceased. Interestingly, Lorkhan also shares an unexpected affiliation with Sithis, the god of the Dark Brotherhood. The prevalent belief in Tamriel is that Sithis created Lorkhan, who was intended to obliterate everything the Aedra had enslaved. This perspective corresponds with the perception of Lorkhan among most Mer, excluding the Dunmer, as he introduced mortality to the world.

Humans view Lorkhan in a contrasting manner compared to the elves, regarding him as the creator of all mortals. They attribute their existence to him, which results in a more positive perception. This disparity may clarify why a Dragonborn who identifies as the Listener for the Dark Brotherhood encounters hostility when interacting with Tsun in Sovngarde. It implies that the connection with Sithis is not inherently favorable.

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Lorkhan is one of the two Aedra that are present in all religions in Tamriel. Interestingly, Lorkhan also appears in the Yokudan religion of Hammerfell, which is different from the Imperial Provinces. Unlike other provinces, Hammerfell does not worship the Eight Divines and instead follows its own religion from the continent of Yokuda. In Hammerfell, Lorkhan is known as Sep and is considered the helper of the chief god in the Redguard pantheon. According to their creation myth, Sep deceived other spirits into creating a new world by promising them access to The Far Shores, the Redguard afterlife, if they transformed into mortal beings by rolling up old snake skins.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Anniversary Edition is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.