The Elder Scrolls: What is The Void?

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The Elder Scrolls: What is The Void?

Highlights

  • The Elder Scrolls lore goes beyond what Skyrim reveals, delving into the complex Void and its connections to Sithis and Lorkhan.
  • The Void is a cosmic realm of nothingness, where Sithis created Lorkhan, Daedra, and Aedra, and is believed to be the origin of Oblivion planes.
  • While most reject worship of Sithis and the Void, there are still groups like the Dark Brotherhood, Argonians, and vampire cults who revere them.

As a seasoned gamer with thousands of hours spent immersed in The Elder Scrolls universe, I can confidently say that the lore behind the Void and its connections to Sithis, Lorkhan, and the Aedra is some of the most intriguing and complex aspects of this expansive fantasy world. Having delved deep into the Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim and explored the rich history of The Elder Scrolls Online, I have come to appreciate the depth and nuance of these concepts that go beyond a casual playthrough.

In simpler terms, the mythology of “The Elder Scrolls” series is much deeper than what can be gleaned from a casual gameplay experience. Spending over 100 hours in “Skyrim,” for instance, only scratches the surface of its intricately woven lore, especially when it comes to its diverse pantheon of deities. The Void is one such enigma, frequently referenced in the Dark Brotherhood questline yet also alluded to as a curse by various NPCs.

In essence, the Void signifies the realm inhabited by Sithis, the enigmatic deity and patron of the Dark Brotherhood. This is where souls of those unjustly slain by the Brotherhood’s assassins ultimately end up, while dedicated followers seek eternal service to Sithis upon their own demise. The Void, much like Sithis, carries intricacies that intertwine with Lorkhan, the creator god, and Mundus, as well as other Daedra entities. Despite the widespread fear of Sithis and the Void, there remain devotees who revere him and long for union with him in death.

The Origin of Everything in The Elder Scrolls

In simpler terms, the Void is an ancient, empty realm thought to be the source of Oblivion’s planes. It exists beyond Mundus, the plane inhabited by Tamriel. The Land Between acts as a barrier keeping these realms separate. The Void came before all other places and planes in “The Elder Scrolls” universe, even preceding those of Oblivion.

Sithis is said to have brought forth Lorkhan, the Aedra, and the Daedra from the emptiness of the Void. He reportedly crafted Lorkhan as a mischievous deity, leading him to eventually create Mundus and mortal beings. In “The Elder Scrolls,” including “The Elder Scrolls Online,” Sithis, Lorkhan, and the Daedra share intricate connections. For instance, the Dark Heart, thought to symbolize Lorkhan’s essence, functions as a passageway to the Void in The Reach. In this game, Namira, one of the Daedric Princes, seized control of the Dark Heart, while Lorkhan’s genuine Heart rested within Red Mountain.

The enigmatic power of the Void granted the Dark Heart the ability to transform and bestow strength upon those who interacted with it. The Nighthollow Coven of vampires harnessed this power, enabling them to reduce their bloodthirst. Meaningless beings were altered into Shades, whereas witches employed it to evolve into Voidmothers.

Worship of the Void Across Tamriel

I’ve always been intrigued by the enigmatic figure of Sithis and the Void, despite the general aversion and fear they instill in most inhabitants of Nirn. Rejected by the mainstream society that follows the Nine Divines, I find myself drawn to those who hold Sithis in high regard.

Some followers and scholars of Daedra believe that the Night Mother from the Dark Brotherhood is actually a Daedra god, possibly Namira or Mephala. This assumption stems from the fact that in the Second Era, Namira was linked to the Dark Heart, which caused the Void’s emergence. Additionally, Mephala, as the Daedric Prince of Whispers, and her general nature make her a strong candidate for this title, given Sithis’ connection to the Daedra.

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2024-07-29 21:36