Norse influence of TES lore

[RegalNerd]

Ive been reading a book on Norse mythology recently and found somthing of interest. As we all know the Nords in TES are heavily influenced by the early Nordic culture of scandinavia, but do you know that there are stories of Dark Elfs? In these stories The Dark Elfs were one of two Elf species (the other being light elves.) that existed in the world, and also of note was the fact that dwarves lived under the land inhabited by the dark elfs (infact the two are synonyms for the other.) Is it a coincidence that the heart of the former Dwemer empire is now the home of the dark elfs? I think naught.

[RobotNixon]

Bethesda knows no end when it comes to Lore.

And that is why I love them.

[Ongar]

Well, you also have your different types of Nordo-culture. I have always thought you had your Scandans, and then there are those who are more pro-Russian Slavic type. I'm sure the Skyrimian culture is a bit different depending on where you actually are settlement wise. For instance, the Nords located in Windhelm would be different culturally by those in Karthwasten, near Dragonstar.

[RegalNerd]

more interesting bits about dunmer and dwemer. Dwarves in the Norse tradition worship their ancestors, and since Dwarf and Dark elf were largly interchangeble that could be the origin of the Dunmer tradion of ancestor worship. there are also stories about using fallen enemy hearts to enhance their own power. do I really need to explain that one?

[Ongar]

Not for me anyway. For the others you may. I understand it just fine.

Interesting theory indeed, I'll have to research this more.

[kertaw48]

Heh...

Dunmer lore is realy great...
Bethesda realy put an effort there...

[Mjällharth]

Perhaps it might not be completely related to the thread, but as atleast the human races seem to be all based on real-life influences, am I the only one thinking there's a connection between the Dwemer and Mesopotamia? Whilst it might be merely the beards (:lol:), both Mesopotamians (and Arabs of older times, come to think of it) have been credible inventors just as the Dwemer. And the whole overambition leading to demise thing at the Red Mountain reminds me of the Tower of Babel story, the tower's real life counterpart (the most likely one anyway) being the Etemenanki in Babylon. Thoughts, anyone?

[Caractacus]

Good job in pointing out the Norse influence. Look at King Harald Hairy-breeks. Easily based off of Harald Finehair who did in fact unite Norway under one banner (his, or course), as well as Ragnar Lothbrok, a semi-legendary king, Lothbrok meaning "Hairy-legs". I didn't see just how influnced the Dark Elves (Svartalfr) were.

Yes, other cultures are borrowed. It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to see the Imperials are based off of Rome. The Ayleid language (and other game specifics) have a Hebrew underlining (Adonai, Mara, ect). The question is; how's 'bout them Redguards? The history of Yokuda reads like a book on feudal japan, the Yoku language sounds similar to Japanese, yet, their architecture seems to denote an Arabic/Turkish influence.

Mjällharth, I never looked as the dwemer as having to do with Mesopotamia. Interesting case, no?

[ronenum]

Interesting. It's quite possible that the entire ES world is loosly based on norse mythology including the structure of the world. The Norse believed in several levels, or planes, of existance very similar to what we see is the ES.

Also, it would be interesting to know what the earliest Tamrielic religion is, pressumably the Aldmeri religion, and campare it the the Nordic beliefs.
Perhaps in the next game?


We can always dream

[Mjällharth]

Mjällharth, I never looked as the dwemer as having to do with Mesopotamia. Interesting case, no?

What should I make of this?

Anyway, although I'm not quite sure if I've any reasoning whatsoever, but I've always thought of Redguards as Nubians.

[The Ordinator]

Bethesda is run by pure geniuses of mythology, that's why ES lore itself is so rich. They draw not only upon their own heads like other games and stories, but also from real life myths. I think that's one of the reasons that The Elder Scrolls games are still going strong, the other being that they're fun and awesome games.