The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Build More on A Key Wood Elf Aspect

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The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Build More on A Key Wood Elf Aspect

Highlights

  • Bosmer in The Elder Scrolls practice cannibalism due to their Pact with a forest deity, a controversial aspect rarely explored in the series.
  • The secretive nature of the Wood Elves in Valenwood makes it difficult for outsiders to visit, adding to the mystery surrounding their culture.
  • The possibility of exploring cannibalism in The Elder Scrolls 6, could provide a nuanced look at Bosmer culture without perpetuating harmful cliches.

As a seasoned Elder Scrolls gamer with countless hours spent traversing the fantastical landscapes of Tamriel, I must say that the prospect of delving deeper into the enigmatic culture of the Wood Elves, particularly the Bosmer, has me positively thrilled. The tantalizing hints at their cannibalistic practices have always piqued my curiosity, and I firmly believe that exploring this aspect in a thoughtful, nuanced manner could breathe new life into an already rich series.

In “The Elder Scrolls” game series, the character creation tool offers great depth, and crafting a distinctive player character has always been an essential part of the franchise. Among the many playable races is the Bosmer, or Wood Elves, who are native to Valenwood, a region in the southern part of Tamriel. From an initial glance, these Wood Elves resemble typical Wood Elves found in other fantasy works: they dwell in forests, possess keen hunting and archery skills, and maintain a strong bond with nature. However, unlike their counterparts in other fantasy properties, the Bosmer from “The Elder Scrolls” possess a darker character that is seldom explored within the games, and is only subtly suggested through in-game literature and other materials.

In the forest realm of Valenwood, Bosmeri folk have entered an agreement with their forest deity, pledging abstention from consuming plant life. Consequently, their diet primarily consists of meat. However, this sacred pact imposes a peculiar condition: they must also devour the remains of their adversaries. This custom, while seemingly acceptable at first glance, frequently borders on cannibalism. This peculiar practice is relatively unknown beyond Valenwood, but it’s a subject that warrants examination in The Elder Scrolls 6.

The Sinister Side of the Wood Elves of The Elder Scrolls

In the realm of Valenwood, the Bosmer are infamous for their practice of cannibalism, often consuming the remains of defeated foes. This is a contentious issue within the universe of The Elder Scrolls, given its history of violent cults. Interestingly, cannibalism has been previously addressed in The Elder Scrolls, notably during the quest “The Taste of Death” in Skyrim. In this storyline, the player character, or Dragonborn, interacts with a cult of cannibals and even has the option to join their ranks.

In the realm of The Elder Scrolls, the Bosmer, or Wood Elves of Valenwood, have often been less spotlighted compared to other races. Given their enigmatic nature and the challenging geography of their land, which is filled with dense jungles and tricky terrains, it’s largely up to the Bosmer themselves to decide how much they wish to be seen by outsiders.

Bosmer follow a unique tradition called the Green Pact with their forest deity Y’ffre. This agreement prohibits them from consuming plants or utilizing plant materials in construction. However, it mandates that they consume the body of a fallen enemy within three days. This rule applies only to vegetation grown within the forests of Valenwood. As a result, imported wood can be used for building purposes, and cannibalism is not typically practiced outside of Valenwood.

Depicting the Bosmer in The Elder Scrolls 6

In other realms, this specific cultural element isn’t discussed, but it might find its way into “The Elder Scrolls 6” if the game is set in Hammerfell. Given its challenging terrains like jungles and vast deserts, Hammerfell could offer a setting where cannibalism among NPCs could potentially occur. This could be linked to Namira’s Daedric cult or presented as a tale where a Wood Elf guides their party of adventurers, suggesting they partake in this practice together for survival.

In modern times, once-taboo subjects like cannibalism have gained more acceptance, partly due to video games such as Baldur’s Gate 3, which weave darker themes into their narratives through the Dark Urge storyline. This depiction is not intended for shock value or darkness, but rather to create a richer and more complex portrayal of the Wood Elves as a culture. By steering clear of stereotypes and offensive tropes that might offend real-world minority groups, such an approach enriches the gaming experience without causing harm.

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2024-07-31 16:33