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Themes/Motifs

Symbols and Motifs Write-upWe have currently explored the themes of jealousy, trust, and belief briefly in the dream interpretations so a full rendition is not necessary, just a continuation of a topic already covered. We see these human characteristics in the rather small backgrounds along the main quest line. Sven and Faendal show jealousy toward each other and the outcome is hate from the party that receives no help from the character. This is an example of direct interaction themes. The second and third of these, belief and trust, are mainly indirect interaction themes, in other words, the character does not have to interact with the AI for these themes to be present. When finishing the Dragonstone quest, the character encounters Delphine who keeps her identity hidden for the simple fact found out later that she cannot trust anyone. The Thalmor, the enemy of the Blades, are after the Blades to eliminate them, hence why Delphine set precautions. The belief comes from Irileth and Delphine and pretty much all others  in Skyrim who are skeptical to the overall  concept of Nordic Legend and require proof of the Dragonborn. For some, like the Nords and the Greybeards, the proof is as simple as the power the Dragonborn has. To others, such as Irileth, it is a basis of what the Dragonborn can do to save the people under her command; or in case of all Skyrim, its people.   

The First Dragonborn from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Unique Symbols

Sources

Hall, James, and Chris Puleston. Illustrated Dictionary of Symbols: In Eastern and Western Art. New York: Icon, 1995. Print.

 

 

Hornung, Clarence Pearson. Handbook of Designs & Devices: 1836 Basic Designs and Their Variations. New York: Dover Publications, 1959. Print.

 

 

 

Jordan, Mark D. "Celtic Symbol Meaning - Celtic Shield Knot." Ezinearticles.com. Ezine Articles, 27 June 2008. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. <http://ezinearticles.com/?Celtic-Symbol-Meaning---Celtic-Shield-Knot&id=1282364>.

 

 

 

Tougas, Andree, and Patrick Guyou. "Triskelis - Home Page." Triskelis - Home Page. N.p., 20 Nov. 2007. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. <http://pguyou.free.fr/triskele/index.html>.

 

 

 

"Triskelion." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Nov. 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triskelion>.

 

 

"Wikia." The Elder Scrolls Wiki. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. <http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/The_Elder_Scrolls_Wiki>.

One rather interesting symbol that comes from many different peoples is the Triskelion. This symbol can be found on the shield of a guard in Hjaalmarch. This symbol is representative of many things but mainly those occurring in triplets, for instance the Christian Trinity(Hall 7). “Celtic Reconstructionists use the symbol to represent a variety of triplicities in their cosmology and theology.” (Triskelion). This is also relevant to Skyrim as soon as the player exits the beginning tutorial. The different stones, primarily the Mage stone, Warrior stone and Thief stone are the first symbolic representation of the triskele. Many more representations are later found throughout the game in various places and forms. Another example where the tri-aspect lies is in the main quest line when bringing opposing parties together to the Greybeards residence. The Three authoritative powers, the Imperials, the Stormcloaks and the Greybeards, are congealed in one area to cooperate together in harmony.

Triskele

Hjaalmarch Sheild

The triskele symbol shown below was a symbol of good fortune among other things and was found on early coinage as seen below on a didrachm(Hall 7). The triskelion is a tri-radial figure whose three arms may be simple curves, scrolls, or angular lines(Hornung 214)

(The Elder Scrolls Guard Hold Sheilds- Hjaalmarch)

(Tougas page 3)

Authority

This brings us to the motif of Authority. The three great bodies of power, Arngeir, Tullius and Ulfirc, are brought together in a time where the world is at an end to meet with the “Chosen One” for compromise. The question of who to follow is given to the character to choose. He can either reason with either side or side with one of the groups more than the other. Either way, neither opposing side is happy with the compromise. The one power that isn’t fighting for the land is the Greybeards, revered by the Nords and ignored by the Imperials. The question of who to obey is three-sided and is up to the character. The question of authority really lies in the heart of the character and if the inward views they have are reflective of a certain group. There are three choices: The Greybeards who are peace loving, the Imperials who provide safety but do not prize culture and modernization, or the Stormcloacks who believe in tradition and culture.

Ulfric Stormcloack, (below left), leader of the Stormcloaks and murderer of the High King

Genereal Tullius (above middle) and Arngeir (above right), two characters of major authority. General Tullius is the leader of the Imperials and Argneir is the speaker of the Greybeards.

(The Elder Scrolls, Tullius)

(The Elder Scrolls, Arngeir)

(The Elder Scrolls, Ulfric)

Lore of the Land

Lastly is the lore of the land, primarily spoken through the songs of the bards. Tales of heroes past and the present Dragonborn progress as the character progresses in the plot. When the tales of heroes of old dissipate, the new heroes songs ring in the halls of the inns around Skyrim to be forever heard and remembered. Below are a few songs which show both old and new heroes’ tales. The preservation of folk lore was primarily through bards, as seen in the Cycle of Kings, a series of poems that meshed history and myth of different kings past in the Celtic realm. Similarly, the Dragonborn replaces the songs of the old and new ones are written to be remembered by the grateful people of Skyrim.

Ragnar the Red

The story of Ragnar the Red which tells of an old hero's tale.

G, Brett. "Skyrim Bard Songs - Ragnar the Red (HQ Sound)." YouTube. YouTube, 27 Nov. 2011. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uijSRDVxQdw>.

The Dragonborn Comes

Malukah's cover for "The Dragonborn Comes" which is the story of the current hero in Skyrim.

Malukah, and Jeremy Soule. "‪The Dragonborn Comes - Skyrim Bard Song and Main Theme Female Cover‬." YouTube. YouTube, 29 Nov. 2011. Web. 11 Nov. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z9TdDCWN7g>.

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