Rediscovering Ebonarm, the Lost Redguard God of War

Rediscovering Ebonarm, the Lost Redguard God of War

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Legend of Ebon Arm
3. Ebon Arm in Daggerfall
4. Eben Arm's Appearance and Symbolism
5. Worship of Eben Arm
6. Eben Arm's Relationship with Daedric Princes
7. The Battle Lords and their Worship of Eben Arm
8. Eben Arm and the Khajiit Deity
9. Eben Arm's View on Battle and Conflict
10. Eben Arm in Fictional Stories
11. Eben Arm's Retcon and Potential Return

Article

Introduction

In the vast universe of The Elder Scrolls, there are countless deities worshipped by various races and cultures. While some gods have a well-established presence, others have been forgotten or considered retconned over time. One such deity is Eben Arm, the Redguard god of war. In this article, we will delve into the lore surrounding Eben Arm, his significance, and his intriguing journey throughout the Elder Scrolls series.

The Legend of Ebon Arm

Eben Arm, also known as Raymond Eben Arm, is a deity who has captured the imagination of Elder Scrolls lore enthusiasts. However, in recent years, his existence has been subjected to debate and uncertainty. Back in the day, Eben Arm held a prominent place in the lore, but since Daggerfall, he has been largely absent.

Ebon Arm in Daggerfall

Daggerfall, the second installment in The Elder Scrolls series, was the last game to prominently feature Eben Arm. In this game, he was depicted as the god protector of warriors and fighters. He appeared as a larger than average man clad in full ebony war armor, accompanied by two gigantic ravens and riding a golden stallion named Warmaster. His ebony armor earned him the moniker "the Black Knight." Eben Arm carried a large ebony shield with a red rose emblem and had his right arm fused with an ebony sword.

Eben Arm's Appearance and Symbolism

Interestingly, concept art from the early stages of The Elder Scrolls Online revealed a different depiction of Eben Arm. The art portrayed a more generic variation of ebony armor instead of the distinct imagery associated with Eben Arm from Daggerfall. The lack of a fused sword and a rose on the shield sparked fan discussions and theories. To shed light on this discrepancy, some fans even took it upon themselves to create their own interpretations based on the original vision of Raymond Crowley, the creator of Eben Arm.

Worship of Eben Arm

Eben Arm has been worshipped as a deity since ancient times on Yokuda, the ancestral home of the Redguards. He is revered as the Redguard god of war and is held in high esteem by warriors and fighters. References to Eben Arm in recorded memories and stories reveal that warriors regularly seek his blessings and attribute their battle prowess to his divine intervention. Eben Arm's presence in battle is considered a sign of necessity rather than an endorsement of mindless conflict.

Eben Arm's Relationship with Daedric Princes

In the Elder Scrolls lore, Eben Arm is said to be an enemy of all Daedric Princes, except for Sheogorath. His disdain for the meddling of the Daedric Princes in matters of war is evident. As a protector of warriors, Eben Arm favors battles fought for justifiable reasons and opposes unnecessary bloodshed. This aspect of his character further solidifies his role as a deity committed to honor, justice, and the preservation of life.

The Battle Lords and their Worship of Eben Arm

A knightly order known as the Battle Lords has dedicated itself to the worship of Eben Arm. They construct their citadels in the shape of mosques, paying homage to their patron god of war. These devoted knights uphold the teachings and principles associated with Eben Arm, blending martial prowess with a sense of duty and honor.

Eben Arm and the Khajiit Deity

Curiously, recent lore from The Elder Scrolls Online suggests that the Khajiit also have a deity resembling Eben Arm. While the connection between this unnamed deity and Eben Arm is not confirmed, the similarities are worth mentioning. In some Khajiit stories, this unnamed deity appears as a large black panther, while in others, it takes the form of a warrior clan donning ebony armor. This parallel hints at a shared reverence for war and the preservation of peace among different cultures within the Elder Scrolls universe.

Eben Arm's View on Battle and Conflict

Eben Arm's position on battle and conflict is nuanced. While worshippers seek his aid in times of war, Eben Arm is not an advocate for needless violence. Legends recount instances where Eben Arm intervened in battles, causing red roses to bloom on the battlefield. He then compelled the leaders of the warring factions to come before him, listening to their pleas and understanding their grievances. In doing so, he often revealed that conflicts were based on misunderstandings, leading to peaceful resolutions.

Eben Arm in Fictional Stories

Within the fictional narratives of The Elder Scrolls universe, Eben Arm appears in the story of King Edward in Daggerfall. According to this tale, Eben Arm offers a particularly unlucky mortal immortality, transforming him into Psy, the Redguard god of luck. Eben Arm later guides Psy back on the right path when he loses his way. While the veracity of this story remains uncertain, it adds another layer to the complex legend of Eben Arm.

Eben Arm's Retcon and Potential Return

For some time, Eben Arm's presence in the lore has been considered retconned, with earlier mentions of him removed from subsequent lore books. However, recent additions through Skyrim Special Edition's Creation Club have reignited discussions about the potential return of Eben Arm. Although the nature of these additions remains questionable, fans speculate that a return in Elder Scrolls 6, set in Hammerfell and exploring ancient Redguard lore, could bring Eben Arm back into the spotlight.

In conclusion, Eben Arm, the Redguard god of war, elicits fascination and intrigue. His complex lore, worship, and relationship with conflict make him a distinct deity within The Elder Scrolls universe. While his retconned status has left an air of uncertainty, the potential for his return and the impact he could have in future games keeps fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in his story.

Highlights:

• Eben Arm is the Redguard god of war and protector of warriors
• The depiction and symbolism of Eben Arm have been subject to debate and retcons over the years
• Worshippers of Eben Arm believe in the necessity of battle and seek his aid for their fighting prowess
• Eben Arm is an enemy of all Daedric Princes, except for Sheogorath
• The Battle Lords, a knightly order, is dedicated to the worship of Eben Arm
• Similarities between Eben Arm and a Khajiit deity suggest shared reverence for war and peace
• Eben Arm intervenes in battles to bring about peaceful resolutions
• Eben Arm's potential return in future Elder Scrolls games sparks speculation and anticipation

FAQ:

Q: Is there any official confirmation on Eben Arm's retcon? A: While earlier mentions of Eben Arm were removed from subsequent lore books, recent additions through Skyrim Special Edition's Creation Club have created uncertainty surrounding his retconned status.

Q: Are there any other Redguard deities similar to Eben Arm? A: While the lore suggests a possible connection between Eben Arm and a Khajiit deity, no other Redguard deities with similar attributes have been explicitly mentioned.

Q: What role does Eben Arm play in battles? A: Eben Arm is viewed as a deity who supports battles only when necessary and not as a means for mindless conflict. His intervention in battles often leads to peaceful resolutions.

Q: Will we see Eben Arm in future Elder Scrolls games? A: The potential for Eben Arm's return in Elder Scrolls 6, set in Hammerfell and exploring Redguard lore, has sparked speculation about his reappearance. However, nothing has been officially confirmed at this time.