Unveiling the Secrets of Dark Elves in Skyrim

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The History of the Dunmer
3. The Tribunal: Living Gods of the Dunmer
4. The Reclamation: Dunmer Religion
5. Ash Landers: Worshipers of Old Gods
6. Great Houses: Clans of the Dunmer
7. Funeral Rites and Ancestors: Importance in Dunmer Culture
8. Necromancy and Heresy
9. Cremation of the Dead
10. Conclusion

Introduction

The Dunmer race in The Elder Scrolls series is known for its rich and complex lore. From the Tribunal of Living Gods to the Morag Tong assassins, the Dunmer have a fascinating history and culture. In this article, we will delve into the world of the Dunmer and explore five key facts that provide insight into their deep and complex lore.

The History of the Dunmer

The Dark Elves, also known as the Dunmer, were not always the gray-skinned, red-eyed beings they are today. In the past, they resembled the High Elves and were known as the Chimer. The Chimer were a group of Daedra-worshipping elves who left the Summerset Isles under the guidance of the Prophet Veloth. They settled in a place they would later name Resdayn, which is now known as Morrowind. The transformation of the Chimer into the Ashen Dunmer, as they are known today, is a long and complex story. It involves alliances with the Dwemer, a war against the Nords, and the acquisition of god-like powers by three individuals known as the Tribunal.

The Tribunal: Living Gods of the Dunmer

The Dunmer worship three living gods known as the Tribunal. These gods were Almalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec. Until the events preceding The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, they were revered as the main religion of the Dark Elves. Almalexia, known as the Healing Mother, represented mercy and was greatly loved by the people. Sotha Sil, the Mystic Wizard, was the god of mysteries and a powerful magic user. Vivec, the Warrior Poet, represented spirit and spirituality. However, the disappearance or death of the Tribunal led to a shift in Dunmer religion, giving rise to the modern pantheon known as the Reclamations.

The Reclamation: Dunmer Religion

The Dunmer now worship the three Daedra known as the Reclamations. These Daedra are Azura, Mephala, and Boethiah. They are considered the "good" Daedra, despite their complex natures. Azura is associated with prophecy and fate, Mephala with lies and murder, and Boethiah with deceit and treachery. The Dunmer also acknowledge the existence of the "bad" Daedra, known as the Four Corners of the House of Troubles. This group includes Molag Bal, Mehrunes Dagon, Malacath, and Sheogorath. The Dunmer's religious beliefs add depth and complexity to their culture.

Ash Landers: Worshipers of Old Gods

Not all Dunmer worship the Tribunal or the Reclamations. The Ash Landers, a subset of the Dunmer, continue to worship the old gods, known as the House of Pholiota. They consider the Tribunal to be false gods and despise the tribunal temple and all foreigners. The Ash Lander clans, led by an Ash Khan and spiritually guided by a wise woman, were once looked down upon by the rest of the Dunmer. However, they are now venerated for their adherence to the worship of the true gods. Many Dunmer embark on pilgrimages to seek the counsel of the wise women in the ash wastes.

Great Houses: Clans of the Dunmer

The Dunmer society is organized into clans called Houses. Each House has its own unique cultural elements and way of life. At the end of the Third Era, there were five Great Houses: House Redoran, House Hlaalu, House Indoril, House Telvanni, and House Dres. Each house has its own focus and characteristics. House Redoran values tradition and the ways of the warrior. House Telvanni is filled with ambitious and powerful mages. House Hlaalu is closely tied to business and diplomacy. House Indoril is orthodox and conservative, closely associated with the Tribunal Temple. House Dres is known for its wealthy agricultural society with vast plantations and many slaves. However, recent events have led to changes in the balance of power among the Great Houses.

Funeral Rites and Ancestors: Importance in Dunmer Culture

The Dunmer place a high emphasis on funeral rites and the veneration of ancestors. Every home has a family shrine where respect is paid to ancestors through sacrifices, prayers, oaths, and reports on family affairs. This shrine, known as the Waiting Door, symbolizes the door to Oblivion or the afterlife. Different households may have varying levels of dedication to ancestral veneration, ranging from small alcoves to entire rooms dedicated to the purpose. Necromancy is seen as heresy when performed on Dunmer, but performing necromancy on the other races of Tamriel is seen as acceptable. Dark Elves cremate their dead in giant pits, as depicted in Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and the Dragonborn DLC.

Necromancy and Heresy

The practice of necromancy is considered heresy within Dunmer culture when performed on fellow Dunmer. This is due to the belief that necromancy disturbs the natural cycle of life and death and goes against the teachings of the Reclamations. However, necromancy performed on other races of Tamriel is seen as more acceptable, as they are viewed as being similar to animals in the Dunmer's eyes. Despite this distinction, necromancy remains a controversial and complex topic within Dunmer society.

Cremation of the Dead

Dark Elves have a unique tradition of cremating their dead in giant pits. This practice is showcased in Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and the Dragonborn DLC. The cremation process serves as a final farewell to the deceased and a way to honor their memory. The burning of the body is seen as a purification ritual, allowing the soul to depart and find its place in the afterlife. This cultural practice adds depth to the Dunmer's relationship with death and the way they commemorate their ancestors.

Conclusion

The Dunmer race in The Elder Scrolls series is a fascinating and complex group with a rich history and culture. From their transformation from Chimer to Dunmer and the worship of the Tribunal gods to their current beliefs in the Reclamations, the Dunmer offer a unique perspective on religion and spirituality. The importance of ancestral veneration and funeral rites, as well as the complexities surrounding the practice of necromancy, further add to the intricacies of Dunmer culture. Understanding these aspects of the Dunmer race enhances the immersion and appreciation of The Elder Scrolls lore.

Highlights:

• The Dunmer race in The Elder Scrolls series has a rich and complex lore.
• The Chimer transformed into the Dunmer, known as the Dark Elves.
• The Tribunal gods were revered by the Dunmer until their disappearance or death.
• The Reclamations, consisting of three Daedra, are the current focus of Dunmer worship.
• The Ash Landers, a subset of the Dunmer, continue to worship the old gods.
• The Dunmer society is organized into Great Houses, each with distinct characteristics.
• The veneration of ancestors and funeral rites are significant in Dunmer culture.
• The practice of necromancy is seen as heresy within Dunmer society.
• Dark Elves cremate their dead as a way of honoring their memory.
• Understanding Dunmer culture enhances the immersion in The Elder Scrolls lore.

FAQ

Q: Are the Dunmer related to other Elven races? A: Yes, the Dunmer are descended from the Chimer, who were once part of the larger Elven race.

Q: What are the other notable races in The Elder Scrolls series? A: The other major races include Nords, Imperials, Altmer, Bosmer, Khajiit, and Argonians.

Q: Can players choose to play as a Dunmer in The Elder Scrolls games? A: Yes, players can choose to play as a Dunmer character in games like Skyrim and Morrowind.

Q: Are there any notable Dunmer characters in The Elder Scrolls lore? A: Yes, there are many notable Dunmer characters, such as Vivec, Almalexia, and Neloth.

Q: What is the significance of the Tribunal in Dunmer culture? A: The Tribunal gods played a crucial role in Dunmer religion and were revered as living gods.