Elder Scrolls Lore » Discussions

Morality of Necromancy

• Ernilcrabanar Lagorvyrthur

  

  Member
   

  October 8, 2015

  Actually, Vastarie's methods aren't necessarily lost: she had pupils, and they didn't disappear with her. They probably still practice and pass on her techniques in secret. Also, an Animus Geode is one of the ingredients used in the ritual detailed in Practical Necromancy (link above). What you've said doesn't mean necromancy itself is evil, just that most necromancers are evil. And while it would be interesting to see if Falion will cast a reanimation spell, the game and the lore are two very different things: there are many instances where elements of game play contradict the lore, and so data gathered from such in-game tests should be taken with at least one grain of salt.

  Actually, Vastarie's methods aren't necessarily lost: she had pupils, and they didn't disappear with her. They probably still practice and pass on her techniques in secret. Also, an Animus Geode is one of the ingredients used in the ritual detailed in Practical Necromancy (link above). What you've said doesn't mean necromancy itself is evil, just that most necromancers are evil. And while it would be interesting to see if Falion will cast a reanimation spell, the game and the lore are two very different things: there are many instances where elements of game play contradict the lore, and so data gathered from such in-game tests should be taken with at least one grain of salt.
• Deleted Member

  
   

  October 8, 2015

  Necromancy is the darkest you can go with magic

  I disagree.

  It possess a unique cause for worry - all magic does in its own way - but even Destruction mages have a stereotype of possessing some form of megalomania (Response to Bero's Speech). Naris the Wicked and the Torturer in Helgen Keep are examples of sadists who employed Destruction magic, and The Liturgy of Affliction details an individual torturing himself.

  At what point does one decide which cruelty deserves more attention than another?

  As for the characters of those involved with necromancy, I keep in mind self-fulfilling prophecies to not forget those who possess some abnormal qualities will be drawn to the taboo and will likely be more extreme in their deeds, creating the impression necromancy is somehow more evil than other magics.

  About the lack of neutral or estimable practices of necromancy, some Altmer study it for medical purposes (Corpse Preparation) and the Ash'abah use necromancy -the language of their practices and effects of their spells imply it - to cleanse tombs of the undead. One would have the question the stability of the College of Winterhold, with its acceptance of necromancy, if necromancy was especially baleful, and even Hannibal Traven, despite his stance, acknowledged necromancy can be used for benefit.

  Necromancy is the darkest you can go with magic

  I disagree.

  It possess a unique cause for worry - all magic does in its own way - but even Destruction mages have a stereotype of possessing some form of megalomania (Response to Bero's Speech). Naris the Wicked and the Torturer in Helgen Keep are examples of sadists who employed Destruction magic, and The Liturgy of Affliction details an individual torturing himself.

  At what point does one decide which cruelty deserves more attention than another?

  As for the characters of those involved with necromancy, I keep in mind self-fulfilling prophecies to not forget those who possess some abnormal qualities will be drawn to the taboo and will likely be more extreme in their deeds, creating the impression necromancy is somehow more evil than other magics.

  About the lack of neutral or estimable practices of necromancy, some Altmer study it for medical purposes (Corpse Preparation) and the Ash'abah use necromancy -the language of their practices and effects of their spells imply it - to cleanse tombs of the undead. One would have the question the stability of the College of Winterhold, with its acceptance of necromancy, if necromancy was especially baleful, and even Hannibal Traven, despite his stance, acknowledged necromancy can be used for benefit.

• Impaleification

  

  Member
   

  October 22, 2015

  Well, I personally don't see anything to be inherently good or evil. Whether something is good or evil is up to the perspective of the individual. To me, reality isn't black and white, but rather grey.

  "There is nothing either good nor bad, but thinking makes it so" -William Shakespeare

  Well, I personally don't see anything to be inherently good or evil. Whether something is good or evil is up to the perspective of the individual. To me, reality isn't black and white, but rather grey.

  "There is nothing either good nor bad, but thinking makes it so" -William Shakespeare