#but since tes lore is conflicting all the time i reserve to take what makes sense to me and run like oblivion

[nerevar-quote-and-star]

Okay, here are my current notes on the Markarth Incident. This is more of an evolution of thought rather than a final product, 'kay? 'kay. XOXO

4E 174 – The Empire recalls all Legions from the far corners of the Empire to participate in the final assault against the Aldmeri-held Imperial City. Every town and city not on the frontlines is left with a skeleton garrison. 

The Reachmen of Western Skyrim chooses to capitalize on this movement. The Reachmen populate an area of Western Skyrim, Eastern High Rock, and Northern Hammerfell. Although they appear similar to the Bretons of High Rock, they are wholly distinct, worshipping gods completely detached from those of Breton culture. During the Second Era, they once ruled Cyrodiil as the Longhouse Emperors; in recent history, they have lived subject to other races, primarily the Nords, who rule much of the Reach. More often than not, Reachmen are second-class citizens, though very rarely have they received decent though not preferential treatment from a Nordic Jarl.

When the Empire recalls their Legions, the capital of the Reach, Markarth, is left functionally undefended. A Reachman leader, Madanach, takes this opportunity to seize the city and install a Reachmen government in place of the Nords. Madanach declares himself King of the Reach and succeeds the Reach from Skyrim. Contemporary Imperial documents show that Madanach sent emissaries to Emperor Titus Mede II in an attempt to have the Reach recognized as its own Imperial Province wholly separate from Skyrim. Titus Mede appeared to have taken this into serious consideration, though he was unable to give it his full attention as the Empire was planning their attack on the Imperial City. 

Conflicting reports on the time frame of the Reachman takeover exist. Reports vary between the takeover beginning in Fourth Era 174 and 177 when the conflict was over. Contemporary Imperial and Forsworn documentation claim that Madanach’s rule was relatively stable, saying he was fair to the Nords, his people ousted from power, and allowed them to remain in the city so long as they recognized his government. It is said that live around Markarth continued in the same way as before, though under the Reachmen rather than the Nords. It may be important to note that Nord landholders who “mistreated” their Reachmen servants were put to death. 

The Nordic perspective (as shared by Jarl Igmund in Fourth Era 201) claims that the Reachmen takeover was violent, leading to a chaotic period in which Nords were heavily discriminated against and no civil cooperation between races. 

[Madanach’s version of events MAY be closer to the truth. N.B: During his rule, he seems willing to help a group of dissident Blades in exchange for a favor.]

The White-Gold Concordat is signed 11th of Sun’s Dusk, Fourth Era 175; Surviving veterans of the Battle of the Red Ring return to their homes, including large populations of Nordic legionnaires. Talos worship is outlawed. Talos temples are closed, though many continue to worship him in private. Ulfric Stormcloak takes offense to the banning of Talos worship, viewing it as a central aspect of Nord culture. His father, Hoag, the Jarl of Windhelm and Bear of Eastmarch, does not legalize Talos worship despite Ulfric’s religiosity. It may be that he wishes to avoid a conflict with the Empire. Jarl Hrolfdir of Markath, in exile by Madanach’s government, promises Ulfric and his supporters religious freedom should they take back the Reach from the Reachmen. This is in blatant disregard of the White-Gold Concordat. 

Ulfric leads a militia across Skyrim to the Reach where they took back Markarth. A few Reachmen leaders were imprisoned, though others were killed, along with most of their warriors, though some were driven off into the surrounding wilds. The survivors in exile began to call themselves the Forsworn. They attack Nords and the Empire indiscriminately due to anger and feelings of betrayal.

Most of the Reachmen leaders are killed. However, allegedly at the request of the Silver-Blood family, Madanach is taken prisoner and held in the depths of Cidhna Mine. The Forsworn claim that the Nords, under Jarl Hrolfdir and Ulfric Stormcloak, took back the city through an excess of unnecessary violence, putting to death or imprisoning anyone who had even spoken to Madanach or said his name. It is also said that the family members of those who were deemed to be against the Nords’ rule were imprisoned or killed, even down to young children. Purported Imperial propaganda puts forth that Ulfric himself killed everyone in Markarth who would not join his cause. 

It is true that there was bloodshed and death of innocents during the retaking of Markarth. The factuality of this claim can be traced to those Reachmen who survived the incident, sharing their experiences twenty-five years afterward. 

Jarl Hrolfdir was assassinated during attempted peace talks with the Forsworn after the retaking of Markarth. It may be that the incident only grew violent after this point due to Nordic retaliation. 

Why would Ulfric and Jarl Hrolfdir use that much unnecessary violence and brutality against the Reachmen if they intended to negotiate with them afterward?

Perhaps Igmund instigates the brunt of the violence against the Reachmen following his father’s death.

Jarl Hrolfdir was marked for death by the Dark Brotherhood. It is unknown who performed the Black Sacrament on the Jarl. It is possible someone from outside the conflict placed the contract on Jarl Hrolfdir’s head as a means of sewing chaos between the opposing sides (it could have been Igmund or Raerek [crack theory; maybe the brother was trying to Lion King his way into power and failed miserably? Or one of them opposed making peace with the Reachmen], or perhaps it was the Aldmeri Dominion?). Regardless, the Jarl’s death is the probable instigator for the deaths of many of the Reachman remaining in Markarth. 

The Imperial Legion shows up not long after the city is retaken. They are seemingly thankful that Ulfric’s militia took back the Reach. When Ulfric lets them into the city, he asks that they recognize the free worship of Talos that Jarl Hrolfdir had legalized in the Reach; otherwise, the Legion would be fought off. The Imperial Legate (or general?) present at the time okays Ulfric’s request, effectively breaking the White-Gold Concordat. Again. Not long after, the Thalmor discovered this and took issue with this breach of treaty. They give the Empire an ultimatum: disband Talos worship in the Reach or prepare for the Great War to be renewed. 

Ulfric and his followers are arrested and imprisoned by the Empire as Talos worship is again banned. The Empire must crack down on cases of Talos worship across the province. In consequence of the incident, the Thalmor gain access to Skyrim for their Justiciars through an Embassy. This is allegedly to enforce the terms of the White-Gold Concordat after it had been broken by the Nords in Fourth Era 176/7, but on an underground level, this allows the Thalmor to hunt, capture, and torture suspected Talos worshippers. The coming of the Thalmor Justiciars to Skyrim is technically a domino effect caused by Ulfric’s demand for free and open Talos worship.

Jarl Hrolfdir’s assassination happens during Ulfric and his supporters imprisonment. It may be possible that it was Ulfric OR one of his men who performed the Black Sacrament (though how could they do this while in an Imperial prison? Ulfric had to smuggle out his eulogy for his father’s funeral – what is the Imperial prison smuggling system like? Could any of them have had access to a dead body? Smuggled in or that of a fellow prisoner?). Whoever performed the Black Sacrament on Jarl Hrolfdir is the root cause for the retribution killings of the Reachmen. (Perhaps it was Thonar Silver-Blood?)

Ulfric is an uncooperative asset to the Thalmor, not because he ever cooperated with them in the first place, but because he is the (unintended) reason they have such a strong foothold in Skyrim now. 

#yes I know the timeline is conflicted by different parties #but since tes lore is conflicting all the time i reserve to take what makes sense to me and run like oblivion #ulfric is at fault here not because he crazy killed people but because he was a stupid guy in his late 20s and he didn't get subtlety yet #i guess? also how long after his imprisonment/torture by the dominion was this? dude's head was HOT #kinda thought igmund would be the funny choice here but nah a silver blood makes more sense #everyone here is an idiot except hoag who had the good sense to NOT be a part of this #this is important now because leara is going to markarth in keeping count act ii and I HAVE ALWAYS WANTED HER TO MEET MADANACH #saw a thing comparing madanach to nerevar indoril as they both were the only ones to unite the warring tribes/clans/house of their people #i also need to take a crash course in reachmen and figure out what the HECK cael's deal is #neither cael nor the markarth incident were supposed to be in keeping count AND YET HERE WE ARE #gladly accept feedback and thoughts but also please don't hurt me lore is too messy and he said she said what even the crap to get mad abou #I didn't know you were keeping count #ulfric stormcloak #markarth incident #forsworn #the great war #the elder scrolls #tes #skyrim #mod post #stuff like this is why I don't do lore posts #lore #meta #maybe? dunno ANYWAY #aldmeri dominion #madanach

[tentacle-explosion]

Okay so today’s episode of “over-analyzing everything related to Miraak” is about his depiction in two different pieces of canon prose: The Dragon Aspect word walls and the book The Guardian and the Traitor.

The Guardian and the Traitor says:

One of the more intriguing legends found on the island of Solstheim is the story of a mythical figure whose name is long forgotten, but whom time remembers as "the Traitor."

Certain that this myth is rooted in history I set out to learn what I could and perhaps piece together a presumptive account of the events that gave rise to the legend.

The tale is remembered best by the shamans of the Skaal, that unique tribe of Nords whose culture evolved along an entirely divergent path than that of their brethren in Skyrim.

I spoke at length to the shaman of Skaal Village, a wise and hospitable man named Breigr Winter-Moon. He described an age long ago when dragons ruled over the whole world and were worshipped as gods by men. Presiding over this cult of dragon-worshippers were the Dragon Priests, powerful mages who could speak the dragon language and call upon the power of the thu'um, or Voice.

According to the legend, one such Dragon Priest was seduced by a dark spirit named Herma-Mora, an unmistakable analogue for the Daedric prince Hermaeus Mora. Lured by promises of power, this treacherous priest secretly plotted against his dragon master.

The Traitor's plot was discovered by one of his contemporaries, another Dragon Priest whom legend named The Guardian. The two fought a mighty battle that lasted for days, each hurling terrible arcane energies and thu'um shouts at the other.

So great and terrible were the forces unleashed in this contest that Solstheim was torn apart from the mainland of Skyrim. Here, the myth clearly descends into the realm of pure fantasy.

The Guardian, whom the legend presents as a paragon of loyalty and nobility, finally defeats the despicable Traitor, who seems to represent all that is corrupt and evil in men. Their epic duel is clearly representative of a greater struggle between good and evil. Perhaps it is this timeless quality that has kept the tale alive for so long.

Unlike many similar myths, the tale of the Guardian and the Traitor does not feature a suitably heroic ending. Herma-Mora snatches the Traitor away just as the Guardian is about to strike the killing blow.

The dragons appoint the Guardian ruler of Solstheim, but not before he is compelled to swear an oath of vigilance to watch for the Traitor's return. His reign is, by all accounts, a time of peace and prosperity for the people of the island, and he is remembered as a wise and just leader.

No further mention is made of the Traitor, but neither is he thought to be dead. The legend ends on a cautionary note that the people of Solstheim, the heirs of the Guardian, must remain wary, lest the dark influence of Herma-Mora, or even the Traitor himself, return someday.

Although no physical clues exist now on Solstheim to suggest the presence of the dragon cult, is it hardly difficult to believe that it might once have flourished here. Perhaps some hidden tomb still waits to be discovered that will tell the truth of the tale.

There are other tantalizing clues, though perhaps these connections strain the bonds of credibility. For example, is it possible that the Skaal deity, the All-Maker, is some distant echo of mighty Alduin, the World-Eater of the ancient Nord pantheon?

Perhaps not, but one thing is certain: Solstheim's history is riddled with unanswered questions. Perhaps future generations will pull aside the veils of mystery and reveal the truth about the origins of the Skaal and the identities of the Guardian and the Traitor.

There’s so much info about the Dragon Cult to pick apart here!:

The Skaal are descended from Vahlok, either literally (meaning that the Dragon Priests could have families, which we have no info on from any other source), and/or figuratively, meaning that their culture and religion is an evolved/bastardized form of the Dragon Cult.

Since the author (Lucius Gallus) makes a connection between the Skaal’s All-Maker and Alduin, option #2 seems pretty plausible. (This isn’t mutually exclusive of option #1, though.)

The fact that the Dragon Priests being able to “speak the dragon language” is noteworthy leads me to believe that Dovahzul was not commonly spoken by any other group. This was likely a barrier between the clergy and the commoners - peasants can’t speak to god(s) if they literally don’t speak the language. (Assuming the dragons wouldn’t just straight up eat any peasant who dared to approach them.)

Further evidence that Dovahzul was reserved for the ruling elite: Alduin’s condescending “You do not even know our tongue, do you? Such arrogance, to dare take for yourself the name of Dovah.” during A Blade in the Dark, and Morokei’s "You do not answer... Must I use this guttural language of yours?" during The Staff of Magnus.

Vahlok is referred to as “one of (Miraak’s) contemporaries,” which alludes to something I’ve always wondered about: Did all of the named Dragon Priests live at the same time? It seems like fanon says so, but this seems incredibly unlikely to me given the duration of the Dragon Cult’s reign and evidence like Rahgot’s little pocket of Dragon Cult survivors over a century into the First Era.

In fact, the only canon I’m aware of that indicates any timing whatsoever about when each Dragon Priest was around is Ahzidal’s Descent (establishing that Ahzidal was an adult with a family [before joining the Cult] when Saarthal was sacked during the Night of Tears, which doesn’t seem to have a known date, but it was very late in the Merethic Era), Skorm Snow-Strider’s Journal (much more concrete dates!, showing that Rahgot commanded the mass suicide at Forelhost in 1E 140), and the fact that both Vahlok and Miraak were around for the fall of the Dragon Cult in the late Merethic. Considering that Vahlok would have been intolerant of any blasphemy like Miraak’s, we can also assume that all of the other Solstheim Dragon Priests (including Ahzidal) were around either before Miraak or were also his contemporaries.

Lucius Gallus specifically says, “...plotted against his dragon master,” not masters. In TESO (which I haven’t played much of, so I’m going solely by the wiki), Arthosiis is also said to have served one specific dragon. This raises more questions, though: Did all dragons have a single priest assigned to them? Or more than one? Or were only some dragons considered worthy of their own priest? Etc.

“The dragons appoint the Guardian ruler of Solstheim” - but only upon Miraak’s defeat. This, combined with Miraak having his own unique mask (while the other priests, specifically referred to as acolytes, had generic masks) and having the largest and most central temple, confirms that Miraak was essentially king of Solstheim.

Here’s my translation of the Dragon Aspect word walls:

All praise glorious Miraak, most powerful of all Priests, whose strength was granted by the Gardener of Men

Here once stood Miraak, who wore his faith as armor, shielded by the Daedra for his eternal loyalty

This stone commemorates great Miraak, Priest of great wisdom, slave of the wyrm and enemy of mankind

First of all, I’m fascinated by the dissonant tones in these lines. Praise this dude! He was great! He was and will always be loyal to the Daedra, but he was also just a slave of the dragons and a traitor to his own race! What a wild ride in just three word walls. Which leads me to wonder, who authored these? Were they all written by the same person/people? Dragon Aspect is Miraak’s own Shout, evidently of his very own creation, but I’m dubious that he would have written these walls himself, since it’s highly unlikely that he’d refer to himself as “slave of the wyrm and enemy of mankind.” Overall, these seem like they were written by somebody(s) who had intensely conflicted feelings about Miraak - major respect, but also disgust/hatred towards him for serving the gods who subjugated his own people. 

Second, compare this to the tone of TGatT, which paints Miraak as a power-obsessed, duplicitous monster, and Vahlok as a saint who saved the world from him and his Daedric master. (But like all historical lore in TES, this account is also incredibly biased, since it was told by Vahlok’s own descendants.) Much of it is consistent, but the word walls turn the focus from Miraak betraying the dragons to Miraak being loyal to Hermaeus Mora - same thing, really, but a shifted perspective.

So again, who the hell wrote those walls? Who would word these lines as though Miraak’s loyalty to Hermaeus Mora was a good thing, but then also call him an enemy of mankind? Here’s where I hit my head against that “am I missing something or is Bethesda lore just kind of shitty and inconsistent” thing.

This concludes today’s episode, I hope you enjoyed my meandering thoughts. Please tip your acolytes.

#skyrim #the elder scrolls #miraak #headcanon #and over-analysis