Elder Scrolls Lore » Discussions
Discussion: Trinimac or Malacath?
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As I have begun to expose myself to research and lore more and more, I have grown an affinity for Orc history. I think part of the reason is it is so limited and thus easy for me as a newer ES scholar to understand and follow. Anyways, as I have done some research I have come across an interesting piece of info that I think can serve as an interesting discussion/debate within the site.
Orcs are essentially "cursed" Aldmeri who worshipped the Aldmeri hero Trinimac. Trinimac served as arguably the strongest of the Aldmeri ancestor spirits and in some instances, he is considered more popular than Auri-El (though it is my personal opinion that his popularity stemmed from the Elves who turned Orc). During the exodus of the Chimer during the Merethic Era, Trinimac stood up to the Daedric Prince Boethiah who was leading the exodus. In an epic battle of gods, Boethiah was victorious and it is said that he ate Trinimac and relieved himself of his opponent thus transforming Trinimac into the Orc's current diety, Malacath or Maulach. The defeat of Trinimac is said to have transformed his followers into what we know as Orcs (Guide to Daedra).
Since that time, the Orcs are known to worship the Daedric Prince Malacath. Malacath's sphere is the patronage of the spurned and the ostracized (outcasts) (Guide to Daedra). If any race in the ES series can be considered outcasts, it is certainly the Orsimer. From the first era to the fourth era, the Orcs have built the city of Orsinium two times and both times the city and its people have been destroyed and separated by a combination of Bretons and Redguards (Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Ed.). Furthermore, the fact alone that the Orcs were once elves who worshiped Trinimac only to be cursed by Boethiah further shows their ostracism.
The second coming of Orsinium (Nova Orsinium) during the 3rd Era (3E 399) saw a rise in the Orc political and war leader Gortwog gro-Nagorm. Under Gortwog's leadership, the Orcs gained political influence on a road that they hoped would lead them to joining the Empire. The Orcs bested many of their neighboring opponents and gained territory growing stronger and stronger with the help of the Numidium (Warp of the West). Of course, in the early part of the 4th Era, Gortwog's empire crumbled once again from the alliance of Redguards and Bretons (Lord of Souls).
However disheartening the story of the Orcs may be, I would like to turn our attention back to their religious practices. According to the 3rd Edition of the Pocket Guide to the Empire, during the leadership of Gortwog gro-Nagorm, he installed a new priesthood in Orsinium. This religious sect was designed to encourage the worship of the original idol of the Orsimer, Trinimac. Gortwog believed Trinimac to be a separate entity to Malacath and believed Trinimac to still be living. His argument was that Malacath intended to keep the Orcs as outcasts forever rather than allow them to build strength. Of course, this worship caused a divide among the people both inside and outside of the province (Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Ed.). Unfortunately there is little information regarding anything Orc-related after this point which brings us to the assumption that the Orcs still remain divided on the issue (although it does not show in the game). Therefore I pose a question to all of you. What do you think? Do Trinimac and Malacath exist as separate entities or is the initial tale of transformation valid? Maybe you think it is something in between. Whatever you think, let's discuss in the comments below!
Note: Please feel free to correct my info or critique my writing. I wanted to post something to increase activity in this group and also to test out discussions to encourage more activity and to of course take away some of the workload from Vix
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