In the Elder Scrolls universe certain elements have a metaphysical manifestation. Water for instance is Memory, this is likely the reason why Herma-Mora is a tentacle squid monster(1) and why Sotha Sil's domain was said to be the sea(2), since Memory is essentially Knowledge.
Air on the other hand if often equated with souls, this is likely the reason why Kyne\Kynareth\Khenarthi is a wind goddess and is said to escort souls to the afterlife as well as gifting the Thu'um to mortals which is essentially weaponising souls via air. Vivec's domain is also said to be the "middle-air" and that does make some sense since he was definitely the most spiritual of the Tribunal with a lot of his teachings being about how to escape the mortal coil.
But what about other elements like Earth and Fire? Do these have any manifestations?
In the Elder Scrolls universe certain elements have a metaphysical manifestation. Water for instance is Memory, this is likely the reason why Herma-Mora is a tentacle squid monster(1) and why Sotha Sil's domain was said to be the sea(2), since Memory is essentially Knowledge.
Air on the other hand if often equated with souls, this is likely the reason why Kyne\Kynareth\Khenarthi is a wind goddess and is said to escort souls to the afterlife as well as gifting the Thu'um to mortals which is essentially weaponising souls via air. Vivec's domain is also said to be the "middle-air" and that does make some sense since he was definitely the most spiritual of the Tribunal with a lot of his teachings being about how to escape the mortal coil.
But what about other elements like Earth and Fire? Do these have any manifestations?
Maybe we've been too defining with our categories. Maybe it is a broad category, that some Ehlnofey became the Earthbones, some became the ancestors of mer and men, while others became guardian spirits. They are all et'Ada at the end of the day.
Maybe we've been too defining with our categories. Maybe it is a broad category, that some Ehlnofey became the Earthbones, some became the ancestors of mer and men, while others became guardian spirits. They are all et'Ada at the end of the day.
I keep an open mind on the whole water = memory thing. It was exciting back when I read it but since then there was the Zenimax AMA and the writer said this:
I'm glad you liked that. It was a fun piece to write. Keep in mind, however, that fact was asserted by a Dremora Herma-Mora cultist. This is Elder Scrolls, so every "truth" is bounded by perspective.
Of course he would say that, rarely is anything set in stone in TES I don't think memory is an Ehlnofey, though. If once could somehow remove that Ehlnofey then would everyone lose their memory?
Rather, I think it's a symbolism thing. We know how the Azure Plasm in the realms of Oblivion work, how it holds the identity of the Soul Shriven to some degree. The parallels between these two mechanisms, Daedric plasm and mortal water, are interesting. Yet do I think that when a character goes for a dip in the sea he is swimming through memory? Not nearly so literally.
I keep an open mind on the whole water = memory thing. It was exciting back when I read it but since then there was the Zenimax AMA and the writer said this:
I'm glad you liked that. It was a fun piece to write. Keep in mind, however, that fact was asserted by a Dremora Herma-Mora cultist. This is Elder Scrolls, so every "truth" is bounded by perspective.
Of course he would say that, rarely is anything set in stone in TES I don't think memory is an Ehlnofey, though. If once could somehow remove that Ehlnofey then would everyone lose their memory?
Rather, I think it's a symbolism thing. We know how the Azure Plasm in the realms of Oblivion work, how it holds the identity of the Soul Shriven to some degree. The parallels between these two mechanisms, Daedric plasm and mortal water, are interesting. Yet do I think that when a character goes for a dip in the sea he is swimming through memory? Not nearly so literally.
Aww but it's such a cool idea especially when considering how it's related to Sotha Sil and Herma Mora, as well as the idea that the Dreugh are litteral memories of a past Kalpa.
So do you also think that wind doesn't = souls?
Aww but it's such a cool idea especially when considering how it's related to Sotha Sil and Herma Mora, as well as the idea that the Dreugh are litteral memories of a past Kalpa.
So do you also think that wind doesn't = souls?
Fire is the element of power. The people of the Fire Nation have desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want.
Earth is the element of substance. The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring.
Air is the element of freedom. The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns, and they found peace and freedom.
Water is the element of change. The people of the Water Tribes are capable of adapting to many things. They have a sense of community and love that holds them together through anything.
- Iroh
With that out of my system, I concur with Veloth on air and water.
Earthbones are fairly obvious. Earth is the element of substance and stability. The Ehlnofey have become the substance of Mundus, laws, races, planets, etc.
Fire is probably more tricky. Vivec is often shown with a halo of fire around his head, which is symbolic of enlightenment. Fire is also very prevalent with beings like Mehrunes, dragons, and Red Mountain. Great symbols of very powerful beings or locations.
Fire is Power.
Earth is Stability.
Air is Spirit.
Water is Memory.
Fire is the element of power. The people of the Fire Nation have desire and will, and the energy and drive to achieve what they want.
Earth is the element of substance. The people of the Earth Kingdom are diverse and strong. They are persistent and enduring.
Air is the element of freedom. The Air Nomads detached themselves from worldly concerns, and they found peace and freedom.
Water is the element of change. The people of the Water Tribes are capable of adapting to many things. They have a sense of community and love that holds them together through anything.
- Iroh
With that out of my system, I concur with Veloth on air and water.
Earthbones are fairly obvious. Earth is the element of substance and stability. The Ehlnofey have become the substance of Mundus, laws, races, planets, etc.
Fire is probably more tricky. Vivec is often shown with a halo of fire around his head, which is symbolic of enlightenment. Fire is also very prevalent with beings like Mehrunes, dragons, and Red Mountain. Great symbols of very powerful beings or locations.
Fire is Power.
Earth is Stability.
Air is Spirit.
Water is Memory.
The way I see it is that if magicka = souls, souls = two parts, identity and energy, then water is the mechanism in which identity is transmitted. I know it's a minor distinction but in my mind it resonates nicely with Kyne's Tears. In that respect evaporation takes on a much more significant metaphysical role.
As for souls = wind, as far as I know that is a purely Nordic viewpoint and for them it is true. I really like it.
The way I see it is that if magicka = souls, souls = two parts, identity and energy, then water is the mechanism in which identity is transmitted. I know it's a minor distinction but in my mind it resonates nicely with Kyne's Tears. In that respect evaporation takes on a much more significant metaphysical role.
As for souls = wind, as far as I know that is a purely Nordic viewpoint and for them it is true. I really like it.
I'm not disagreeing but my viewpoint is more metaphorical than literal. Plus it also changes depending on cultural perspective. The Ayleids had light as their purest element and we know that light = magicka and magicka = souls/spirit. So is there room in Ayleid culture for air being spirit?
I'm not disagreeing but my viewpoint is more metaphorical than literal. Plus it also changes depending on cultural perspective. The Ayleids had light as their purest element and we know that light = magicka and magicka = souls/spirit. So is there room in Ayleid culture for air being spirit?