Elder Scrolls Lore » Discussions


What are Argonians?

  • Member
    December 23, 2014

    I have no clue if this was done or not but I find it very interesting.

    It's simple... okay maybe not, but what actually are Argonians? Are they lizards? But they can breath underwater... So are they crocodiles? They also lick a sap from a tree that determines their form.. 

    Bruh...

    I'd like to now the truth or your opinions. 

  • Member
    December 23, 2014

    Every single one of them seems to be a Shadowscale and they're the second worst race in TES after Bosmer

    Seriously though, read up on them in Emer's reposting of Vix's seminal work: The Argonians Part 1. Culture and Society.

    It may also be interesting for you to check out ESO's Loremaster's Archive on the subject.

  • Member
    December 23, 2014

    For me personally, they are a fascinating and unique race that is easily prone to misunderstanding. They also desperately need some other archetypal group beyond the Shadowscales... Seriously.

    The biggest thing to understand about Argonians is their connection to the Hist. The Hist and Argonians live in symbiosis, sharing thoughts and dependencies with one another (although it is possible for Argonians to exist disconnected from the Hist). Argonians are indeed like crocodiles in that they are reptiles, but they also possess amphibious traits. The Hist genetically shape and form the Argonians to act as their arms and legs in Tamriel, and they can change these genetic qualities as needed.

  • Tom
    Member
    December 24, 2014

    You might as well read up about the Hist while you're at it. The two races are so interconnected as to be indistinguishable when it comes down to it.

  • Member
    December 24, 2014
    There's the An-Xileel
  • Member
    December 24, 2014
    There is, but we don't really know enough about them to say anything useful.
  • Member
    December 24, 2014

    The way I understand it, is that they're genetically modified lizards. Crocodile, salamander or whatever is up to debate. Once they ingest Hist Sap they undergo a massive transformation, becoming bipedal and their brain capacity improving exponentially. This is mere speculation, but I believe the sentient Hist trees sought after the Argonians in the Dawn time to use them as their protectors. It's a mutually beneficial relationship, Argonians get brain, the Hist get brawn.

  • Member
    December 24, 2014

    When I said "archetypal group," I wanted to draw a parallel to knights or samurai. You know, groups known for otherwise being iconic. I don't think there's a term for that...

  • December 24, 2014
    Tree-tenders.
  • Member
    December 25, 2014
    What the hell is up with their waterbreathing trait. Waterwalking would have been way more accurate. I don't understand why we have so many Argonian fans with so little background on them :p yay lizards lol