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Creata pagina con "<noinclude>{{featured article}}{{Lore Places Trail}} {{Lore Place Summary |continent=Tamriel |province=Skyrim |image=SR-map-Skyrim.jpg |imgdesc={{#ifeq:{{NESTLEVEL}}|0| '''Nat..."
<noinclude>{{featured article}}{{Lore Places Trail}}
{{Lore Place Summary
|continent=Tamriel
|province=Skyrim
|image=SR-map-Skyrim.jpg
|imgdesc={{#ifeq:{{NESTLEVEL}}|0|
'''Nation:''' Skyrim<br>
'''Capital:''' {{Lore Link|Windhelm}} (until {{Year|1E 420}}), {{Lore Link|Winterhold (city)}} (unknown),<br/> {{Lore Link|Solitude}} (as of {{Year|4E 201}}){{ref|group=nb|While Solitude has been the seat of the High King and thus the capital of Skyrim for "[[Lore:Walking the World, Vol XI|centuries]]" prior to 4E 201 [[Lore:Skyrim's Rule|because of its importance to the Empire]], Windhelm was the capital of the kingdom from the time of its founding by High King {{Lore Link|Harald}} at least until the collapse of the {{Lore Link|First Empire of the Nords}} in {{Year|1E 420}}. One of [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]'s [[Skyrim:Loading Screens|loading screens]] also mentions that Winterhold once served as capital, but does not specify when.}}<br>
'''Native Populace:''' Nords<br>
'''Founded:''' Circa {{Year|1E 143}}<br>
'''Official Language:''' Tamrielic<br>
'''Head-of-State:''' High King<br>
'''Currency:''' Septim<br>|Skyrim}}
|appears=[[Arena:Skyrim|Arena]], [[Dawnstar:Camp|Dawnstar]], [[Shadowkey:Skyrim|Shadowkey]], [[Skyrim:Skyrim (place)|Skyrim]], [[Online:Ebonheart Pact|Online]]
}}</noinclude>
{{Lore Link|Skyrim}}, the northernmost province of [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]], is a cold and mountainous region also known as the '''Old Kingdom''', '''Mereth''', or the '''Fatherland''',{{ref|name=PGE1S|{{Cite book|PGE|1|Skyrim}}}}{{ref|name=POT|{{Cite book|Provinces of Tamriel}}}} or '''Keizaal''' in the [[Lore:Dragon Language|dragon tongue]].{{ref|[[Skyrim:Odahviing|Odahviing]]'s dialogue}} Many past battles have given it a ravaged appearance and many ruins.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=PGE3S|{{Cite book|PGE|3|Skyrim}}}} Though currently inhabited primarily by {{Lore Link|Nord}}s, the {{Lore Link|Mer|Elves}} who they replaced had resided there since time immemorial.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=PGE3S}} The sovereign, the High King of Skyrim, is chosen by the {{Lore Link|Moot}}, a convention of [[Skyrim:Jarl|jarls]].{{ref|name=SR|{{Cite book|Skyrim's Rule}}}} A jarl is a regional ruler chosen through heredity and, rarely, through right of arms.{{ref|name=SR}}{{Ref|name=Skyrim|Events of [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}} The High King typically rules until death, though acts of dishonor, particularly the appearance of cowardice, can lead to the recall and reconsideration of the Moot.{{ref|name=SR}}{{ref|name=Sybille|[[Skyrim:Sybille Stentor|Sybille Stentor]]'s dialogue in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}} Since the {{Lore Link|Pact of Chieftains}} was signed in {{Year|1E 420}}, the Moot does not give serious consideration to anyone but the High King's direct heir unless one is not available.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}<includeonly>
For more information, see the [[Lore:Skyrim|main Lore article]].</includeonly><noinclude>{{TOCright}}
[[File:SR-book-Sky Haven Temple.jpg|thumb|right|Copy of a map of Skyrim dating to the late [[Lore:First Era|First Era]]]]
[[File:PGE1-map-Skyri.jpg|thumb|right|Skyrim circa {{Year|2E 864}}]]
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==Geography==
[[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]] lies to the east over the {{Lore Link|Velothi Mountains}}, {{Lore Link|Cyrodiil}} is south beyond the {{Lore Link|Jerall Mountains}}, {{Lore Link|Hammerfell}} (and the latest incarnation of {{Lore Link|Orsinium}}) is to the south and west, {{Lore Link|High Rock}} is past the {{Lore Link|Druadach Mountains}} to the west, and the {{Lore Link|Sea of Ghosts}} runs along the province's long northern coastline. Skyrim holds four of the five highest mountains in Tamriel (the {{Lore Link|Red Mountain}} being the only one outside Skyrim). Much of the northern half of Skyrim is cold and covered in snow. However, the southern regions of the province are relatively mild.{{ref|name=Skyrim}}
===Holds===
The Nords long ago divided the province into nine geopolitical regions known as '''holds''', each of which has a ruling jarl. Each hold is a large area of land roughly equivalent to a county in [[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]], each individually governed by a jarl who maintains court in the hold's capital city. There are nine of them in total: {{Lore Link|Haafingar}}, {{Lore Link|Hjaalmarch}}, {{Lore Link|The Pale}}, {{Lore Link|Winterhold (region)}}, {{Lore Link|Eastmarch}}, {{Lore Link|The Rift}}, {{Lore Link|Whiterun Hold|Whiterun}}, {{Lore Link|Falkreath Hold|Falkreath}}, and {{Lore Link|The Reach}}.{{ref|name=THOS|{{Cite book|The Holds of Skyrim}}}}
Winterhold, Eastmarch, The Rift, and The Pale lie to the north and east of the province and are known as the '''Old Holds''' and remain isolated from the rest of [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]], both geographically and politically. In contrast, the western hold of The Reach has historically been more cosmopolitan and members of all the races of the continent have made their homes there.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}
====Eastmarch====
{{Lore:Eastmarch}}
====The Pale====
{{Lore:The Pale}}
====Winterhold====
{{Lore:Winterhold (region)}}
====Hjaalmarch====
{{Lore:Hjaalmarch}}
====Haafingar====
{{Lore:Haafingar}}
[[File:SR-place-Markarth 02.jpg|thumb|right|Markarth]]
====The Reach====
{{Lore:The Reach}}
====Whiterun Hold====
{{Lore:Whiterun Hold}}
[[File:SR-place-Lake Ilinalta.jpg|thumb|left|Lake Ilinalta]]
====Falkreath Hold====
{{Lore:Falkreath Hold}}
====The Rift====
{{Lore:The Rift}}
[[File:BM-place-Solstheim.jpg|thumb|right|Solstheim circa {{Year|3E 427}}]]
===Solstheim===
Although the history of the island of {{Lore Link|Solstheim}} is somewhat complicated, there was a time when it was considered a part of Skyrim.{{ref|name=DBLoading|[[Dragonborn:Loading Screens#Lore|Loading screen]] in [[Dragonborn:Dragonborn|Dragonborn]]}} The {{Lore Link|Skaal}}, an offshoot tribe of Nords, inhabit the northeastern corner of the island.{{ref|name=BM|Events of [[Bloodmoon:Bloodmoon|Bloodmoon]]}}{{ref|name=DB|Events of [[Dragonborn:Dragonborn|Dragonborn]]}} In {{Year|3E 433}}, the Nords of Skyrim launched a successful campaign to claim the whole of Solstheim.{{ref|Rumors in Oblivion}} In {{Year|4E 16}}, the High King of Skyrim formally gave the island to {{Lore Link|Morrowind}} as a refuge for the {{Lore Link|Dunmer}} after the events of {{Lore Link|Red Year}}.{{ref|name=DBLoading}} The northern half of the island is snowy and mountainous. The southern half was originally covered in coniferous forests, but after the Red Year it was transformed into an {{Lore Link|Solstheim Ashlands|ashland}} similar to those seen in Morrowind.{{ref|name=BM}}{{ref|name=DB}}
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[[File:ON-place-Bleakrock Isle.jpg|thumb|left|Bleakrock Isle]]
===Bleakrock Isle===
{{Lore Link|Bleakrock Isle}}, also considered a part of Skyrim, is a small, snowy island in the {{Lore Link|Sea of Ghosts}} between {{Lore Link|Windhelm}}, {{Lore Link|Blacklight}} and {{Lore Link|Solstheim}}. A small populace of the Nords inhabited the {{Lore Link|Bleakrock Village}} until they were driven from the island by the {{Lore Link|Daggerfall Covenant}} in {{Year|2E 582}}. It is unknown if the island was resettled afterwards.{{ref|name=Online}}
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[[File:Lore-race-Nord.png|thumb|right|Illustration of a typical {{Lore Link|Nord}} male]]
==History==
Skyrim's history is mostly [[Lore:Nord#History|that of the Nords]]. The Nords believe the sky, {{Lore Link|Kyne}}, breathed life into them at the summit of the {{Lore Link|Throat of the World}}, which is now considered the tallest mountain in Tamriel (the Red Mountain was acknowledged as the tallest before its eruption during the Red Year).{{ref|name=COTS|{{Cite book|Children of the Sky}}}}{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=Loading|[[Skyrim:Loading Screens|Loading screen]] in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}} While historians tend to portray Ysgramor as the first Nordic settler of Skyrim, ushering in concurrent waves of immigration from {{Lore Link|Atmora}}, this is not the case. While their exact origins are unknown, the most widely accepted theory is that the early {{Lore Link|Nedic}} peoples (a now extinct culture) settled in Skyrim after arriving from Atmora well before the arrival of Ysgramor, and from there spread to the rest of Tamriel.{{ref|name=FC|{{Cite book|Frontier, Conquest}}}}
In ancient times, Skyrim was ruled by the malevolent {{Lore Link|Dragon Cult}}. This early society revolved around the worship of dragons through intermediaries known as dragon priests, who ruled as gods above men. Sometime in the late {{Lore Link|Merethic Era}}, the mythical {{Lore Link|Dragon War}} saw the overthrow of the Dragon Cult when {{Lore Link|Alduin}}, Akatosh's firstborn, was defeated atop the Throat of the World. The veneration of animals gods was eventually replaced by the Eight Divines.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim|{{Cite book|EGT|Skyrim}}}}
The many mountain ranges in and around the province resulted from unknown cataclysms in the {{Lore Link|Dawn Era}}.{{ref|name=PGE3S}} The only known relic from this time is the {{Lore Link|Skyforge}}, an ancient, powerful, and still-active forge built into the living rock in modern-day Whiterun. Who built it remains a mystery, but the Elves feared it, and this led the invading {{Lore Link|Atmora}}ns to claim it for themselves.{{ref|name=SOTR7|{{Cite book|Songs of the Return, Vol 7}}}}
The {{Lore Link|Aldmer}} and {{Lore Link|Snow Elf|Snow Elves}} occupied Skyrim until the late Merethic Era, when the final wave of Nordic immigration from Atmora, led by {{Lore Link|Ysgramor}}, finally established Nordic supremacy in modern-day Skyrim.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=FC}} Settlers from Atmora crossed the Sea of Ghosts and made landfall here many times, often clashing with those who had already established themselves.{{ref|name=PGE3S}}{{ref|name=FC}} These early settlers called the land "Mereth", after the Elves that roamed the untamed wilderness. While the Nedic peoples were generally peaceful, the arrival of Ysgramor and the proto-Nords sparked a long, antagonistic chain of conquests that ultimately expelled the Elves from Skyrim.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}}{{ref|name=PGE1S}} The instigating spark of conflict was the infamous {{Lore Link|Night of Tears}}, where the Elves attacked the human settlement of {{Lore Link|Saarthal}}. According to Imperial scholars, the Elves realized that this newer race could outpace their relatively stagnant own. Others posit that the human inhabitants had discovered a powerful artifact, the {{Lore Link|Eye of Magnus}}, that the Elves desired.{{ref|name=Skyrim}} Nonetheless, Ysgramor escaped the carnage, returning to Skyrim with his now legendary band of {{Lore Link|Five Hundred Companions}}, slaughtering the Elves and establishing man as the foremost race in Skyrim.{{ref|name=PGE1S}} Ysgramor's clan expanded their territory, and it continued to expand and contract by winning and losing territories in {{Lore Link|Morrowind}} and {{Lore Link|High Rock}} during the {{Lore Link|First Era}}.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=PGE3S}}{{ref|name=TLST|{{Cite book|The Legendary Sancre Tor}}}} Elven rule of Skyrim is thought to have ended under the reign of King {{Lore Link|Harald}} ({{Year|1E 143}} - {{Year|1E 221}}), though pockets of {{Lore Link|Snow Elf|Snow Elves}} hid away in the wilderness.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}
In the years after {{Year|1E 420}}, however, the {{Lore Link|Dwemer}} of {{Lore Link|Kragen|Clan Kragen}} migrated into Skyrim from {{Lore Link|Resdayn}}, following in the footsteps of {{Lore Link|Rourken|Clan Rourken}}'s exodus. Clan Kragen founded the city of {{Lore Link|Arkngthamz}}, which flourished despite constant attacks from the Nords. The success of Arkngthamz encouraged other Dwemer clans to settle in Skyrim, and these joined with Clan Kragen to form a loose alliance of four city-states that were considered unassailable. Clan Kragen's presence eventually extended further west into the {{Lore Link|Dragon's Teeth Mountains}}, where they carved out an even larger bastion called {{Lore Link|Fang Lair|Arkngthamz-Phng}}.{{ref|name=AP|{{Cite book|Arkngthamz-Phng}}}} The prosperity of Skyrim's Dwemer city-states was relatively short-lived, as the discovery of rich deposits of {{Lore Link|Aetherium}} and the creation of the Aetherium Forge immediately shattered the alliance and launched decades of internal conflict. With the Dwemer distracted and weakened, the Nords under High King {{Lore Link|Gellir}} finally conquered the squabbling city-states in only three years, though the Dwemer would return a century later and reclaim their former holdings.{{ref|name=TAW|{{Cite book|The Aetherium Wars}}}} When the entire Dwemer race disappeared around {{Year|1E 700}}, they left behind the {{Lore Link|Falmer}}, Snow Elves who they had allowed to take refuge with them and then twisted into rebellious slave monsters.{{ref|name=TFAS|{{Cite book|The Falmer: A Study}}}} They remained under the ground, occasionally making forays to the surface and creating legends among the Nords of their presence and malevolent intent.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=TFAS}}
[[File:Skyrim map Oblivion.jpg|thumb|right|Skyrim circa {{Year|3E 432}}]]
After the assassination of High King {{Lore Link|Logrolf}} in {{Year|2E 431}}, a dispute over the succession resulted in Skyrim's division into two independent kingdoms. It began when Jarl {{Lore Link|Svartr}} of {{Lore Link|Solitude}} challenged the legitimacy of Logrolf's heir, {{Lore Link|Freydis}}, and a {{Lore Link|Moot}} was convened. Although Freydis was accepted by the Crown of Verity, a magical artifact crafted to test the worthiness of potential rulers of Skyrim, and named High Queen in {{Lore Link|Windhelm}}, a partial Moot held in Solitude declared Svartr to be High King. From then on, Skyrim was divided into two kingdoms. In the east, Freydis and her successors ruled over {{Lore Link|the Rift}}, {{Lore Link|Eastmarch}}, {{Lore Link|the Pale}}, and {{Lore Link|Winterhold (region)}}, while in the west, Svartr and his successors ruled over {{Lore Link|Falkreath}}, {{Lore Link|Whiterun Hold}}, {{Lore Link|Hjaalmarch}}, and {{Lore Link|Haafingar}}.{{ref|name=TCOF|{{Cite book|The Crown of Freydis}}}}{{ref|group=oog|name=LEoERP|[[General:Loremaster's Episode of ESO-RP ZOS Interview|Loremaster's Episode of ESO-RP]]}} This schism persisted at least until the time of the {{Lore Link|Three Banners War}} in {{Year|2E 582}};{{ref|name=SIR|{{Cite book|Second Invasion: Reports}}}} Eastern Skyrim fought in the war as a member of the {{Lore Link|Ebonheart Pact}}, while Western Skyrim remained neutral.{{ref|name=TSAI|{{Cite book|The Second Akaviri Invasion}}}} At that time, {{Lore Link|the Reach}} did not belong to either kingdom and the Reachmen had banded together under the {{Lore Link|Despot of Markarth}}, who allied himself with {{Lore Link|Mannimarco}}.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}}{{ref|group=oog|name=LEoERP}}
{{Lore Link|Orc}} strongholds dot the wilderness; many Orcs were escorted into Skyrim by the {{Lore Link|Imperial Legion}} following the sacking of {{Lore Link|Orsinium}} in the early Fourth Era.{{ref|name=TIF|{{Cite book|The Infernal City}}}} Besides the Orcs, the Elven population has also increased due to the {{Lore Link|Red Year}} of {{Year|4E 5}}, when natural disasters in [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]] sent many {{Lore Link|Dunmer}} fleeing into eastern Skyrim.{{ref|name=TRY|{{Cite book|The Red Year}}}}{{ref|name=DOS|{{Cite book|Dunmer of Skyrim}}}} Following the {{Lore Link|Great War}}, {{Lore Link|Thalmor}} officials hunted for and persecuted {{Lore Link|Talos}} worshippers, thus bringing some small measure of Elven rule back to Skyrim.{{ref|name=Skyrim}}{{ref|name=NA|{{Cite book|Nords Arise!}}}} While these smaller creatures vied for dominance over the millennia, the {{Lore Link|giant}}s have been largely ignored (and often protected by law).{{ref|name=Skyrim}}
===Rulers===
[[File:SR-icon-armor-Jagged Crown.png|thumb|right|The Jagged Crown]]
The political structure of the Elves who first inhabited Skyrim is unknown. When the Atmorans first migrated to Skyrim, before the {{Lore Link|Dragon War}} of the {{Lore Link|Merethic Era}}, the {{Lore Link|Dragon Priest}}s of the {{Lore Link|Dragon Cult}} held roles on par with kings, but the Atmorans recognized relatively secular chieftains as their leaders.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=TDW|{{Cite book|The Dragon War}}}} Ysgramor is the first known human ruler of Skyrim.{{ref|name=SOTR|{{Cite book|Songs of the Return}}}} His progeny would continue to rule after his death; King Harald, the 13th of his line, is considered the first "historical" ruler.{{ref|name=FC}}{{ref|name=TAA|{{Cite book|The Annotated Anuad}}}} Since Harald's time or even before, the High King traditionally wore the {{Lore Link|Jagged Crown}}, though it was lost with {{Lore Link|Borgas|King Borgas}} in {{Year|1E 396}} until its rediscovery in {{Year|4E 201}}.{{ref|name=Skyrim}} A new symbol of rulership, the Crown of Verity, later called the Crown of Freydis, was crafted to determine the worthiness of potential rulers following the death of Olaf One-Eye, but has not been seen beyond the Second Era.{{ref|name=TCOF}} Known High Kings and their reigns are listed below:
* '''Pre-Schism'''
** {{Lore Link|Harald}} (1E 143 - 1E 221){{Ref|name=Plaque|Plaque in [[Skyrim:Windhelm|Windhelm]]}}
** {{Lore Link|Hjalmer}} (1E 221 - 1E 222){{ref|name=FC}}{{Ref|name=DC|{{Cite book|The Daggerfall Chronicles|ns_base=Books}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Vrage|Vrage the Gifted}} (1E 222 - 1E ?){{ref|name=DC}}{{ref|name=KE10|{{Cite book|King Edward, Part X}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Borgas}} (1E ? - 1E 369){{Ref|name=AHoD|{{Cite book|A History of Daggerfall}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Olaf One-Eye}} (1E 420 - 1E 452){{Ref|name=Plaque}}
** {{Lore Link|Kjoric the White}} (1E 452 - 1E 478){{ref|name=TCOF}}{{ref|group=nb|{{Lore Link|Rislav The Righteous}} states that Kjoric the White was killed eight months before certain events in 1E 478, placing his death either in that year or in 1E 477.}}
** {{Lore Link|Hoag Merkiller}} (1E ? - 1E 480){{ref|group=nb|Hoag Merkiller was [[Lore:Five Songs of King Wulfharth|said to have]] died at the {{Lore Link|Battle of Glenumbria Moors}}, after which Wulfharth ascended to the throne. However, [[:File:SR-misc-Wulfharth Plaque.png|some sources]] place the date of the battle at 1E 480, and [[Lore:The Last King of the Ayleids|others]] at 1E 482.}}
** {{Lore Link|Wulfharth}} (1E 480 - 533){{Ref|name=Plaque}}
** {{Lore Link|Gellir}} (1E ? - 1E ?){{ref|name=TAW}}{{ref|group=nb|Gellir could not have reigned any earlier than 1E 533. His chief accomplishment is the conquest of Skyrim's Dwemer city-states, and according to ''{{Lore Link|Arkngthamz-Phng}}'', those city-states were not established until the decades after Clan {{Lore Link|Rourken}} founded {{Lore Link|Volenfell}} in {{Year|1E 420}}. Since the consecutive reigns of four other High Kings span the years between 1E 420 and 1E 533, Gellir could only have ruled sometime after 1E 533. ''{{Lore Link|The Aetherium Wars}}'' notes that the Dwemer reclaimed their lands "a century" after Gellir's conquests, and since the Dwemer had disappeared by {{Year|1E 700}}, it is likely that Gellir's reign occurred before the end of the 6th Century of the First Era.}}
** {{Lore Link|Hale the Pious}} (1E ? - 1E ?){{Ref|name=OO|{{Cite book|On Oblivion}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Erling}} (?E ? - ?E ?){{ref|name=WTW}}
** {{Lore Link|Logrolf}} (2E ? - 2E 431){{ref|name=TCOF}}{{ref|name=RM4|{{Cite book|Crafting Motifs 4: The Nords}}}}
* '''Schism'''{{ref|group=nb|name=Schism Rulers|Skyrim split into independent Eastern and Western kingdoms in 2E 431 amid a dispute over the succession. Freydis was proclaimed High Queen in Windhelm, and her successors (who include Mabjaarn Flame-Hair, Nurnhilde, and Jorunn the Skald King) ruled Eastern Skyrim. Svartr was proclaimed High King in Solitude, and his successors ruled Western Skyrim.}}
** '''Rulers of Eastern Skyrim'''
*** {{Lore Link|Freydis}} (2E 431 - 2E ?){{ref|name=Oengul|[[Skyrim:Oengul War-Anvil|Oengul War-Anvil]]'s dialogue in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}}{{ref|name=TCOF}}
*** {{Lore Link|Mabjaarn Flame-Hair}} (2E ? - 2E 572){{ref|name=TCOF}}
*** {{Lore Link|Nurnhilde}} (2E 572 - 2E 572){{ref|name=TBW|{{Cite book|The Brothers' War}}}}{{ref|name=SIR}}
*** {{Lore Link|Jorunn|Jorunn the Skald King}} (2E 572 - 2E ?){{ref|name=JTSK|{{Cite book|Jorunn the Skald-King (book)}}}}{{ref|name=Online|Events of [[Online:Online|ESO]]}}
** '''Rulers of Western Skyrim'''
*** {{Lore Link|Svartr}} (2E 431 - 2E ?){{ref|name=TCOF}}
*** {{Lore Link|Svargrim}} (2E ? - 2E ?){{ref|name=JJ|{{Cite book|Jakolar's Journal|ns_base=ON}}}}
* '''Post-Schism'''
** [[Lore:Pelagius Septim III|Pelagius]] (3E 137 - 3E 145){{ref|name=WTW|{{Cite book|Walking the World, Vol XI}}}}{{ref|name=TWQ8|{{Cite book|The Wolf Queen, v8}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Istlod}} (4E ? - 4E ?){{ref|name=Sybille}}
** {{Lore Link|Torygg}} (4E ? - 4E 201){{ref|name=Skyrim}}
[[File:SR-place-Winterhold.jpg|right|thumb|The stone and timber buildings of Winterhold]]
[[File:SR-place-Blue Palace.jpg|left|thumb|The Blue Palace of Solitude]]
===Architecture===
Nord architects are masters of creating structures that last for generations, with designs that can be found from {{Lore Link|Bruma}} to {{Lore Link|Solstheim}} dating over 3,000 years old.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}} Many ancient Nordic ruins built into the mountains dating back to the Merethic and First eras remain standing throughout Skyrim.{{ref|name=Skyrim}} They are towering, foreboding structures of black granite. Some were settlements and temples from when the Nords lived under the rule of the Dragon Cult and after; others are burial tombs for the honored dead. Most modern buildings in Skyrim are built partly underground to conserve heat, and are made with stones, with wood used only for support, and roofs of straw. The Nords are known as masters of lumber construction, and these houses are essential to keep in heat in the freezing climate.{{ref|name=PGE1S}} Some Nord wells are known to have spikes attached to the bottom of buckets to crack through ice.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}}
After the reign of Ysgramor, Nord stonesmiths created a method of erecting igneous rock. Initially, these blocks were hewed from porphyry deposits, although by the Second Era, they were somewhat supplanted by hard-wearing granite and volcanic stone gathered from the eastern side of the province. Each block was slotted together without requiring seams or mortar, allowing huge walls, structures, and towers to be constructed with both ease and haste, even with irregularly-shaped stone. Many of these structures proved difficult for invaders to dismantle, such as the Old Fort, a royal bastion on Skyrim's northern frontier, which still stood in the mid-Second Era after being built in the time of the First Empire.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}}{{ref|name=PGE1S}}
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==Flora==
[[File:SR-place-Falkreath Hold.jpg|left|thumb|Skyrim's Pine Forest]]
[[File:SR-place-Eldergleam.jpg|thumb|right|The {{Lore Link|Eldergleam}}]]
Skyrim's frigid environment still supports a great wealth of flora, notably its many pine forests.{{ref|name=Loading}}{{ref|name=HGTS|{{Cite book|Herbalist's Guide to Skyrim}}}} Many of its plants and fungi are useful for alchemy, including {{Lore Link|Bleeding Crown|bleeding crown}} mushrooms, the {{Lore Link|deathbell}} flower, {{Lore Link|jazbay}} grapes, and {{Lore Link|nightshade}}. {{Lore Link|Tundra Cotton|Tundra cotton}} is not only used for making potions, but for making many of the fabrics for clothing and other purposes in Skyrim.{{ref|name=HGTS}}
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[[File:SR-book-Horkerscene.png|right|thumb|A horker attack]]
[[File:SR-creature-Ice Wolf.jpg|right|thumb|{{Lore Link|Ice Wolf}}]]
[[File:SR-creature-Ice Wraith.jpg|thumb|right|Ice Wraith]]
[[File:SR-place-Druadach Mountains.jpg|thumb|right|Druadach Mountains]]
[[File:SR-place-Blackreach.jpg|thumb|right|Blackreach]]
[[File:SR-creature-Frost Dragon.jpg|thumb|right|Frost Dragon]]
[[File:SR-place-Bonestrewn Crest.jpg|thumb|right|A peak in Eastmarch]]
[[File:SR-place-Nilheim.jpg|thumb|A Nordic ruin]]
[[File:ON-place-The Rift.jpg|thumb|right|The Rift]]
[[File:SR-place-Winterhold (region).jpg|thumb|right|Winterhold]]
==Fauna==
The [[Lore:Bestiary|beasts]] of Skyrim are as diverse as they are dangerous. {{Lore Link|Horker}}s line the northern coast, posing a greater danger to hunters and fisherman, and {{Lore Link|Ice Wolf|ice wolves}} prowl in pairs all over the province.{{ref|name=Skyrim}}{{ref|name=HA|{{Cite book|Horker Attacks}}}} {{Lore Link|Slaughterfish}} and other types of fish glide through the rivers and lakes.{{ref|name=Skyrim}} Other common beasts roam the wilderness, and rumors abound of less common ones like {{Lore Link|Werewolf|werewolves}} and {{Lore Link|wispmother}}s.{{ref|name=LL|{{Cite book|Lost Legends}}}} Many of them, such as {{Lore Link|hagraven}}s and {{Lore Link|Luna Moth|luna moths}}, yield body parts used in alchemy.{{ref|name=HGTS}} {{Lore Link|Ice Wraith|Ice wraiths}} and other creatures are hunted in the mountains by young traditional Nords as rites of passage.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=HB|{{Cite book|Herbane's Bestiary}}}} Undead {{Lore Link|draugr}} still guard the ruins of the province.{{ref|name=ATD|{{Cite book|Amongst the Draugr}}}} Of course, the most legendary "creatures" are the majestic and intelligent {{Lore Link|dragons}}, who have left their mark on Skyrim in more ways than one. Ancient structures dedicated to the {{Lore Link|Dragon Cult}} and "word walls" in the {{Lore Link|Dragon Language|language of the dragons}} still dot the landscape.{{ref|name=Skyrim}}{{ref|name=DLMNM|{{Cite book|Dragon Language: Myth no More}}}}
==Notable Places==
;[[Lore:Bleakrock Isle|Bleakrock Isle]]: A small island northeast of Skyrim and south of Solstheim.
;[[Lore:College of Winterhold|College of Winterhold]]: A famous school for Magic in the city of Winterhold.
;[[Lore:Dawnstar|Dawnstar]]: A busy port on the northern coast and capital of the Pale.
;[[Lore:Dunmeth Pass|Dunmeth Pass]]: The main pass and one of the few traversable roads leading through the Velothi Mountains between northwestern Morrowind and eastern Skyrim.
;[[Lore:Falkreath|Falkreath]]: The capital of the eponymous hold is in southwestern Skyrim, close to the border with both Cyrodiil and Hammerfell.
;[[Lore:Lake Geir|Lake Geir]]: A lake in the western Rift.
;[[Lore:Hsaarik Head|Hsaarik Head]]: At the extreme northern tip of Skyrim's Broken Cape, it is the place where tradition holds that Ysgramor's Five Hundred Companions made landfall.
;[[Lore:Lake Ilinalta|Lake Ilinalta]]: A lake in west-central Falkreath Hold, in the middle of Skyrim's Pine Forest.
;[[Lore:Karth River|Karth River]]: A western river running the length of Skyrim before emptying into the Sea of Ghosts near Solitude.
;[[Lore:Labyrinthian|Labyrinthian]]: An ancient Nordic ruin. Named for the labyrinth built sometime in the First Era by Arch-Mage {{Lore Link|Shalidor}}, although the ruins themselves are much older, having been the city of Bromjunaar, the capital of the Dragon Cult.
;[[Lore:Markarth|Markarth]]: The capital of the Reach is in the southwest corner of the province.
;[[Lore:Morthal|Morthal]]: The fairly small, humble town of little economic or strategic importance is noteworthy as the capital of Hjaalmarch.
;[[Lore:Pale Pass|Pale Pass]]: A secluded pass through the Jerall Mountains on the Cyrodiil-Skyrim border.
;[[Lore:Riften|Riften]]: The capital of the Rift, long a center for crime, lies close to both Cyrodiil and Morrowind.
;[[Lore:Saarthal|Saarthal]]: An ancient Nordic city that was sacked in the Night of Tears, Saarthal is where the {{Lore Link|Eye of Magnus}} was found in the Fourth Era.
;[[Lore:Sky Haven Temple|Sky Haven Temple]]: Fortress stronghold in the Druadach Mountains built by {{Lore Link|Reman|Reman Cyrodiil}}'s {{Lore Link|Akavir}}i [[Lore:Blades|Dragonguard]].
;[[Lore:Snowhawk|Snowhawk]]: A city located in Hjaalmarch, abandoned sometime during the Fourth Era.
;[[Lore:Solitude|Solitude]]: A major port city and capital of Haafingar.
;[[Lore:Throat of the World|Throat of the World]]: The highest peak in the province of Skyrim. Though once considered second to Red Mountain, it is now known as the highest mountain in all of Tamriel.
;[[Lore:Treva River|Treva River]]: A river at the center of the Rift. It flows from Lake Honrich to Lake Geir.
;[[Lore:White River|White River]]: The longest river in Skyrim, stretching from the south of the province to the northeast corner. Its source is Lake Ilinalta, north of Falkreath. It flows northeast to join the Sea of Ghosts past Windhelm.
;[[Lore:Whiterun|Whiterun]]: A city in central Skyrim, and the capital of Whiterun Hold. Built at the spring of the White River.
;[[Lore:Windhelm|Windhelm]]: The capital of Eastmarch lies close to the border with Morrowind. It's the famed location of the Palace of the Kings.
;[[Lore:Winterhold (city)|Winterhold]]: The capital of the eponymous hold was once quite prosperous, but was devastated in the Great Collapse in {{Year|4E 122}}.
==Notes==
<references group=nb/>
==See Also==
* For game-specific information, see the [[AR:Skyrim|Arena]], [[Shadowkey:Skyrim|Shadowkey]] and [[Skyrim:Places|Skyrim]] articles.
===Books===
* {{Book Link|The Aetherium Wars}}
* {{Book Link|Amongst the Draugr}}
* {{Book Link|Annals of the Dragonguard}}
* {{Book Link|Arkngthamz-Phng}}
* {{Book Link|Atlas of Dragons}}
* {{Book Link|The Bear of Markarth}}
* {{Book Link|Before the Ages of Man}}
* {{Book Link|The Betrayed}}
* {{Book Link|Biography of the Wolf Queen}}
* {{Book Link|Brief History of the Empire}}
* {{Book Link|Cats of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Children of the Sky}}
* {{Book Link|The City of Stone}}
* {{Book Link|Deathbrand}}
* {{Book Link|Dragon Language: Myth no More}}
* {{Book Link|The Dragon War}}
* {{Book Link|Dunmer of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Dwemer Inquiries}}
* {{Book Link|Fall from Glory}}
* {{Book Link|The Falmer: A Study}}
* {{Book Link|Five Songs of King Wulfharth}}
* {{Book Link|Frontier, Conquest}}
* {{Book Link|A Gentleman's Guide to Whiterun}}
* {{Book Link|Great Harbingers}}
* {{Book Link|Herbalist's Guide to Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Herbane's Bestiary}}
* {{Book Link|Holdings of Jarl Gjalund}}
* {{Book Link|The Holds of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Imperial Report on Saarthal}}
* {{Book Link|The Legendary Sancre Tor}}
* {{Book Link|Lost Legends}}
* {{Book Link|A Minor Maze}}
* {{Book Link|Night of Tears (book)}}
* {{Book Link|Nords Arise!}}
* {{Book Link|Nords of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Notes on Yngol Barrow}}
* {{Book Link|Of Crossed Daggers}}
* {{Book Link|On the Great Collapse}}
* {{Book Link|Orcs of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition/Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition/Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Scourge of the Gray Quarter}}
* {{Book Link|Shadowmarks}}
* {{Book Link|Skyrim's Rule}}
* {{Book Link|Songs of Skyrim: Revised}}
* {{Book Link|Songs of the Return}}
* {{Book Link|Varieties of Faith...}}
* {{Book Link|Walking the World, Vol XI}}
* {{Book Link|Watcher of Stones}}
* {{Book Link|The Windhelm Letters}}
* {{Book Link|The Wolf Queen}}
==References==
<references/>
{{OOG}}
<references group=oog/>
{{Nirn}}</noinclude>
{{Lore Place Summary
|continent=Tamriel
|province=Skyrim
|image=SR-map-Skyrim.jpg
|imgdesc={{#ifeq:{{NESTLEVEL}}|0|
'''Nation:''' Skyrim<br>
'''Capital:''' {{Lore Link|Windhelm}} (until {{Year|1E 420}}), {{Lore Link|Winterhold (city)}} (unknown),<br/> {{Lore Link|Solitude}} (as of {{Year|4E 201}}){{ref|group=nb|While Solitude has been the seat of the High King and thus the capital of Skyrim for "[[Lore:Walking the World, Vol XI|centuries]]" prior to 4E 201 [[Lore:Skyrim's Rule|because of its importance to the Empire]], Windhelm was the capital of the kingdom from the time of its founding by High King {{Lore Link|Harald}} at least until the collapse of the {{Lore Link|First Empire of the Nords}} in {{Year|1E 420}}. One of [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]'s [[Skyrim:Loading Screens|loading screens]] also mentions that Winterhold once served as capital, but does not specify when.}}<br>
'''Native Populace:''' Nords<br>
'''Founded:''' Circa {{Year|1E 143}}<br>
'''Official Language:''' Tamrielic<br>
'''Head-of-State:''' High King<br>
'''Currency:''' Septim<br>|Skyrim}}
|appears=[[Arena:Skyrim|Arena]], [[Dawnstar:Camp|Dawnstar]], [[Shadowkey:Skyrim|Shadowkey]], [[Skyrim:Skyrim (place)|Skyrim]], [[Online:Ebonheart Pact|Online]]
}}</noinclude>
{{Lore Link|Skyrim}}, the northernmost province of [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]], is a cold and mountainous region also known as the '''Old Kingdom''', '''Mereth''', or the '''Fatherland''',{{ref|name=PGE1S|{{Cite book|PGE|1|Skyrim}}}}{{ref|name=POT|{{Cite book|Provinces of Tamriel}}}} or '''Keizaal''' in the [[Lore:Dragon Language|dragon tongue]].{{ref|[[Skyrim:Odahviing|Odahviing]]'s dialogue}} Many past battles have given it a ravaged appearance and many ruins.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=PGE3S|{{Cite book|PGE|3|Skyrim}}}} Though currently inhabited primarily by {{Lore Link|Nord}}s, the {{Lore Link|Mer|Elves}} who they replaced had resided there since time immemorial.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=PGE3S}} The sovereign, the High King of Skyrim, is chosen by the {{Lore Link|Moot}}, a convention of [[Skyrim:Jarl|jarls]].{{ref|name=SR|{{Cite book|Skyrim's Rule}}}} A jarl is a regional ruler chosen through heredity and, rarely, through right of arms.{{ref|name=SR}}{{Ref|name=Skyrim|Events of [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}} The High King typically rules until death, though acts of dishonor, particularly the appearance of cowardice, can lead to the recall and reconsideration of the Moot.{{ref|name=SR}}{{ref|name=Sybille|[[Skyrim:Sybille Stentor|Sybille Stentor]]'s dialogue in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}} Since the {{Lore Link|Pact of Chieftains}} was signed in {{Year|1E 420}}, the Moot does not give serious consideration to anyone but the High King's direct heir unless one is not available.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}<includeonly>
For more information, see the [[Lore:Skyrim|main Lore article]].</includeonly><noinclude>{{TOCright}}
[[File:SR-book-Sky Haven Temple.jpg|thumb|right|Copy of a map of Skyrim dating to the late [[Lore:First Era|First Era]]]]
[[File:PGE1-map-Skyri.jpg|thumb|right|Skyrim circa {{Year|2E 864}}]]
{{NewLeft}}
==Geography==
[[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]] lies to the east over the {{Lore Link|Velothi Mountains}}, {{Lore Link|Cyrodiil}} is south beyond the {{Lore Link|Jerall Mountains}}, {{Lore Link|Hammerfell}} (and the latest incarnation of {{Lore Link|Orsinium}}) is to the south and west, {{Lore Link|High Rock}} is past the {{Lore Link|Druadach Mountains}} to the west, and the {{Lore Link|Sea of Ghosts}} runs along the province's long northern coastline. Skyrim holds four of the five highest mountains in Tamriel (the {{Lore Link|Red Mountain}} being the only one outside Skyrim). Much of the northern half of Skyrim is cold and covered in snow. However, the southern regions of the province are relatively mild.{{ref|name=Skyrim}}
===Holds===
The Nords long ago divided the province into nine geopolitical regions known as '''holds''', each of which has a ruling jarl. Each hold is a large area of land roughly equivalent to a county in [[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]], each individually governed by a jarl who maintains court in the hold's capital city. There are nine of them in total: {{Lore Link|Haafingar}}, {{Lore Link|Hjaalmarch}}, {{Lore Link|The Pale}}, {{Lore Link|Winterhold (region)}}, {{Lore Link|Eastmarch}}, {{Lore Link|The Rift}}, {{Lore Link|Whiterun Hold|Whiterun}}, {{Lore Link|Falkreath Hold|Falkreath}}, and {{Lore Link|The Reach}}.{{ref|name=THOS|{{Cite book|The Holds of Skyrim}}}}
Winterhold, Eastmarch, The Rift, and The Pale lie to the north and east of the province and are known as the '''Old Holds''' and remain isolated from the rest of [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]], both geographically and politically. In contrast, the western hold of The Reach has historically been more cosmopolitan and members of all the races of the continent have made their homes there.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}
====Eastmarch====
{{Lore:Eastmarch}}
====The Pale====
{{Lore:The Pale}}
====Winterhold====
{{Lore:Winterhold (region)}}
====Hjaalmarch====
{{Lore:Hjaalmarch}}
====Haafingar====
{{Lore:Haafingar}}
[[File:SR-place-Markarth 02.jpg|thumb|right|Markarth]]
====The Reach====
{{Lore:The Reach}}
====Whiterun Hold====
{{Lore:Whiterun Hold}}
[[File:SR-place-Lake Ilinalta.jpg|thumb|left|Lake Ilinalta]]
====Falkreath Hold====
{{Lore:Falkreath Hold}}
====The Rift====
{{Lore:The Rift}}
[[File:BM-place-Solstheim.jpg|thumb|right|Solstheim circa {{Year|3E 427}}]]
===Solstheim===
Although the history of the island of {{Lore Link|Solstheim}} is somewhat complicated, there was a time when it was considered a part of Skyrim.{{ref|name=DBLoading|[[Dragonborn:Loading Screens#Lore|Loading screen]] in [[Dragonborn:Dragonborn|Dragonborn]]}} The {{Lore Link|Skaal}}, an offshoot tribe of Nords, inhabit the northeastern corner of the island.{{ref|name=BM|Events of [[Bloodmoon:Bloodmoon|Bloodmoon]]}}{{ref|name=DB|Events of [[Dragonborn:Dragonborn|Dragonborn]]}} In {{Year|3E 433}}, the Nords of Skyrim launched a successful campaign to claim the whole of Solstheim.{{ref|Rumors in Oblivion}} In {{Year|4E 16}}, the High King of Skyrim formally gave the island to {{Lore Link|Morrowind}} as a refuge for the {{Lore Link|Dunmer}} after the events of {{Lore Link|Red Year}}.{{ref|name=DBLoading}} The northern half of the island is snowy and mountainous. The southern half was originally covered in coniferous forests, but after the Red Year it was transformed into an {{Lore Link|Solstheim Ashlands|ashland}} similar to those seen in Morrowind.{{ref|name=BM}}{{ref|name=DB}}
{{NewLeft}}
[[File:ON-place-Bleakrock Isle.jpg|thumb|left|Bleakrock Isle]]
===Bleakrock Isle===
{{Lore Link|Bleakrock Isle}}, also considered a part of Skyrim, is a small, snowy island in the {{Lore Link|Sea of Ghosts}} between {{Lore Link|Windhelm}}, {{Lore Link|Blacklight}} and {{Lore Link|Solstheim}}. A small populace of the Nords inhabited the {{Lore Link|Bleakrock Village}} until they were driven from the island by the {{Lore Link|Daggerfall Covenant}} in {{Year|2E 582}}. It is unknown if the island was resettled afterwards.{{ref|name=Online}}
{{NewLeft}}
[[File:Lore-race-Nord.png|thumb|right|Illustration of a typical {{Lore Link|Nord}} male]]
==History==
Skyrim's history is mostly [[Lore:Nord#History|that of the Nords]]. The Nords believe the sky, {{Lore Link|Kyne}}, breathed life into them at the summit of the {{Lore Link|Throat of the World}}, which is now considered the tallest mountain in Tamriel (the Red Mountain was acknowledged as the tallest before its eruption during the Red Year).{{ref|name=COTS|{{Cite book|Children of the Sky}}}}{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=Loading|[[Skyrim:Loading Screens|Loading screen]] in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}} While historians tend to portray Ysgramor as the first Nordic settler of Skyrim, ushering in concurrent waves of immigration from {{Lore Link|Atmora}}, this is not the case. While their exact origins are unknown, the most widely accepted theory is that the early {{Lore Link|Nedic}} peoples (a now extinct culture) settled in Skyrim after arriving from Atmora well before the arrival of Ysgramor, and from there spread to the rest of Tamriel.{{ref|name=FC|{{Cite book|Frontier, Conquest}}}}
In ancient times, Skyrim was ruled by the malevolent {{Lore Link|Dragon Cult}}. This early society revolved around the worship of dragons through intermediaries known as dragon priests, who ruled as gods above men. Sometime in the late {{Lore Link|Merethic Era}}, the mythical {{Lore Link|Dragon War}} saw the overthrow of the Dragon Cult when {{Lore Link|Alduin}}, Akatosh's firstborn, was defeated atop the Throat of the World. The veneration of animals gods was eventually replaced by the Eight Divines.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim|{{Cite book|EGT|Skyrim}}}}
The many mountain ranges in and around the province resulted from unknown cataclysms in the {{Lore Link|Dawn Era}}.{{ref|name=PGE3S}} The only known relic from this time is the {{Lore Link|Skyforge}}, an ancient, powerful, and still-active forge built into the living rock in modern-day Whiterun. Who built it remains a mystery, but the Elves feared it, and this led the invading {{Lore Link|Atmora}}ns to claim it for themselves.{{ref|name=SOTR7|{{Cite book|Songs of the Return, Vol 7}}}}
The {{Lore Link|Aldmer}} and {{Lore Link|Snow Elf|Snow Elves}} occupied Skyrim until the late Merethic Era, when the final wave of Nordic immigration from Atmora, led by {{Lore Link|Ysgramor}}, finally established Nordic supremacy in modern-day Skyrim.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=FC}} Settlers from Atmora crossed the Sea of Ghosts and made landfall here many times, often clashing with those who had already established themselves.{{ref|name=PGE3S}}{{ref|name=FC}} These early settlers called the land "Mereth", after the Elves that roamed the untamed wilderness. While the Nedic peoples were generally peaceful, the arrival of Ysgramor and the proto-Nords sparked a long, antagonistic chain of conquests that ultimately expelled the Elves from Skyrim.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}}{{ref|name=PGE1S}} The instigating spark of conflict was the infamous {{Lore Link|Night of Tears}}, where the Elves attacked the human settlement of {{Lore Link|Saarthal}}. According to Imperial scholars, the Elves realized that this newer race could outpace their relatively stagnant own. Others posit that the human inhabitants had discovered a powerful artifact, the {{Lore Link|Eye of Magnus}}, that the Elves desired.{{ref|name=Skyrim}} Nonetheless, Ysgramor escaped the carnage, returning to Skyrim with his now legendary band of {{Lore Link|Five Hundred Companions}}, slaughtering the Elves and establishing man as the foremost race in Skyrim.{{ref|name=PGE1S}} Ysgramor's clan expanded their territory, and it continued to expand and contract by winning and losing territories in {{Lore Link|Morrowind}} and {{Lore Link|High Rock}} during the {{Lore Link|First Era}}.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=PGE3S}}{{ref|name=TLST|{{Cite book|The Legendary Sancre Tor}}}} Elven rule of Skyrim is thought to have ended under the reign of King {{Lore Link|Harald}} ({{Year|1E 143}} - {{Year|1E 221}}), though pockets of {{Lore Link|Snow Elf|Snow Elves}} hid away in the wilderness.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}
In the years after {{Year|1E 420}}, however, the {{Lore Link|Dwemer}} of {{Lore Link|Kragen|Clan Kragen}} migrated into Skyrim from {{Lore Link|Resdayn}}, following in the footsteps of {{Lore Link|Rourken|Clan Rourken}}'s exodus. Clan Kragen founded the city of {{Lore Link|Arkngthamz}}, which flourished despite constant attacks from the Nords. The success of Arkngthamz encouraged other Dwemer clans to settle in Skyrim, and these joined with Clan Kragen to form a loose alliance of four city-states that were considered unassailable. Clan Kragen's presence eventually extended further west into the {{Lore Link|Dragon's Teeth Mountains}}, where they carved out an even larger bastion called {{Lore Link|Fang Lair|Arkngthamz-Phng}}.{{ref|name=AP|{{Cite book|Arkngthamz-Phng}}}} The prosperity of Skyrim's Dwemer city-states was relatively short-lived, as the discovery of rich deposits of {{Lore Link|Aetherium}} and the creation of the Aetherium Forge immediately shattered the alliance and launched decades of internal conflict. With the Dwemer distracted and weakened, the Nords under High King {{Lore Link|Gellir}} finally conquered the squabbling city-states in only three years, though the Dwemer would return a century later and reclaim their former holdings.{{ref|name=TAW|{{Cite book|The Aetherium Wars}}}} When the entire Dwemer race disappeared around {{Year|1E 700}}, they left behind the {{Lore Link|Falmer}}, Snow Elves who they had allowed to take refuge with them and then twisted into rebellious slave monsters.{{ref|name=TFAS|{{Cite book|The Falmer: A Study}}}} They remained under the ground, occasionally making forays to the surface and creating legends among the Nords of their presence and malevolent intent.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=TFAS}}
[[File:Skyrim map Oblivion.jpg|thumb|right|Skyrim circa {{Year|3E 432}}]]
After the assassination of High King {{Lore Link|Logrolf}} in {{Year|2E 431}}, a dispute over the succession resulted in Skyrim's division into two independent kingdoms. It began when Jarl {{Lore Link|Svartr}} of {{Lore Link|Solitude}} challenged the legitimacy of Logrolf's heir, {{Lore Link|Freydis}}, and a {{Lore Link|Moot}} was convened. Although Freydis was accepted by the Crown of Verity, a magical artifact crafted to test the worthiness of potential rulers of Skyrim, and named High Queen in {{Lore Link|Windhelm}}, a partial Moot held in Solitude declared Svartr to be High King. From then on, Skyrim was divided into two kingdoms. In the east, Freydis and her successors ruled over {{Lore Link|the Rift}}, {{Lore Link|Eastmarch}}, {{Lore Link|the Pale}}, and {{Lore Link|Winterhold (region)}}, while in the west, Svartr and his successors ruled over {{Lore Link|Falkreath}}, {{Lore Link|Whiterun Hold}}, {{Lore Link|Hjaalmarch}}, and {{Lore Link|Haafingar}}.{{ref|name=TCOF|{{Cite book|The Crown of Freydis}}}}{{ref|group=oog|name=LEoERP|[[General:Loremaster's Episode of ESO-RP ZOS Interview|Loremaster's Episode of ESO-RP]]}} This schism persisted at least until the time of the {{Lore Link|Three Banners War}} in {{Year|2E 582}};{{ref|name=SIR|{{Cite book|Second Invasion: Reports}}}} Eastern Skyrim fought in the war as a member of the {{Lore Link|Ebonheart Pact}}, while Western Skyrim remained neutral.{{ref|name=TSAI|{{Cite book|The Second Akaviri Invasion}}}} At that time, {{Lore Link|the Reach}} did not belong to either kingdom and the Reachmen had banded together under the {{Lore Link|Despot of Markarth}}, who allied himself with {{Lore Link|Mannimarco}}.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}}{{ref|group=oog|name=LEoERP}}
{{Lore Link|Orc}} strongholds dot the wilderness; many Orcs were escorted into Skyrim by the {{Lore Link|Imperial Legion}} following the sacking of {{Lore Link|Orsinium}} in the early Fourth Era.{{ref|name=TIF|{{Cite book|The Infernal City}}}} Besides the Orcs, the Elven population has also increased due to the {{Lore Link|Red Year}} of {{Year|4E 5}}, when natural disasters in [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]] sent many {{Lore Link|Dunmer}} fleeing into eastern Skyrim.{{ref|name=TRY|{{Cite book|The Red Year}}}}{{ref|name=DOS|{{Cite book|Dunmer of Skyrim}}}} Following the {{Lore Link|Great War}}, {{Lore Link|Thalmor}} officials hunted for and persecuted {{Lore Link|Talos}} worshippers, thus bringing some small measure of Elven rule back to Skyrim.{{ref|name=Skyrim}}{{ref|name=NA|{{Cite book|Nords Arise!}}}} While these smaller creatures vied for dominance over the millennia, the {{Lore Link|giant}}s have been largely ignored (and often protected by law).{{ref|name=Skyrim}}
===Rulers===
[[File:SR-icon-armor-Jagged Crown.png|thumb|right|The Jagged Crown]]
The political structure of the Elves who first inhabited Skyrim is unknown. When the Atmorans first migrated to Skyrim, before the {{Lore Link|Dragon War}} of the {{Lore Link|Merethic Era}}, the {{Lore Link|Dragon Priest}}s of the {{Lore Link|Dragon Cult}} held roles on par with kings, but the Atmorans recognized relatively secular chieftains as their leaders.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=TDW|{{Cite book|The Dragon War}}}} Ysgramor is the first known human ruler of Skyrim.{{ref|name=SOTR|{{Cite book|Songs of the Return}}}} His progeny would continue to rule after his death; King Harald, the 13th of his line, is considered the first "historical" ruler.{{ref|name=FC}}{{ref|name=TAA|{{Cite book|The Annotated Anuad}}}} Since Harald's time or even before, the High King traditionally wore the {{Lore Link|Jagged Crown}}, though it was lost with {{Lore Link|Borgas|King Borgas}} in {{Year|1E 396}} until its rediscovery in {{Year|4E 201}}.{{ref|name=Skyrim}} A new symbol of rulership, the Crown of Verity, later called the Crown of Freydis, was crafted to determine the worthiness of potential rulers following the death of Olaf One-Eye, but has not been seen beyond the Second Era.{{ref|name=TCOF}} Known High Kings and their reigns are listed below:
* '''Pre-Schism'''
** {{Lore Link|Harald}} (1E 143 - 1E 221){{Ref|name=Plaque|Plaque in [[Skyrim:Windhelm|Windhelm]]}}
** {{Lore Link|Hjalmer}} (1E 221 - 1E 222){{ref|name=FC}}{{Ref|name=DC|{{Cite book|The Daggerfall Chronicles|ns_base=Books}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Vrage|Vrage the Gifted}} (1E 222 - 1E ?){{ref|name=DC}}{{ref|name=KE10|{{Cite book|King Edward, Part X}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Borgas}} (1E ? - 1E 369){{Ref|name=AHoD|{{Cite book|A History of Daggerfall}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Olaf One-Eye}} (1E 420 - 1E 452){{Ref|name=Plaque}}
** {{Lore Link|Kjoric the White}} (1E 452 - 1E 478){{ref|name=TCOF}}{{ref|group=nb|{{Lore Link|Rislav The Righteous}} states that Kjoric the White was killed eight months before certain events in 1E 478, placing his death either in that year or in 1E 477.}}
** {{Lore Link|Hoag Merkiller}} (1E ? - 1E 480){{ref|group=nb|Hoag Merkiller was [[Lore:Five Songs of King Wulfharth|said to have]] died at the {{Lore Link|Battle of Glenumbria Moors}}, after which Wulfharth ascended to the throne. However, [[:File:SR-misc-Wulfharth Plaque.png|some sources]] place the date of the battle at 1E 480, and [[Lore:The Last King of the Ayleids|others]] at 1E 482.}}
** {{Lore Link|Wulfharth}} (1E 480 - 533){{Ref|name=Plaque}}
** {{Lore Link|Gellir}} (1E ? - 1E ?){{ref|name=TAW}}{{ref|group=nb|Gellir could not have reigned any earlier than 1E 533. His chief accomplishment is the conquest of Skyrim's Dwemer city-states, and according to ''{{Lore Link|Arkngthamz-Phng}}'', those city-states were not established until the decades after Clan {{Lore Link|Rourken}} founded {{Lore Link|Volenfell}} in {{Year|1E 420}}. Since the consecutive reigns of four other High Kings span the years between 1E 420 and 1E 533, Gellir could only have ruled sometime after 1E 533. ''{{Lore Link|The Aetherium Wars}}'' notes that the Dwemer reclaimed their lands "a century" after Gellir's conquests, and since the Dwemer had disappeared by {{Year|1E 700}}, it is likely that Gellir's reign occurred before the end of the 6th Century of the First Era.}}
** {{Lore Link|Hale the Pious}} (1E ? - 1E ?){{Ref|name=OO|{{Cite book|On Oblivion}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Erling}} (?E ? - ?E ?){{ref|name=WTW}}
** {{Lore Link|Logrolf}} (2E ? - 2E 431){{ref|name=TCOF}}{{ref|name=RM4|{{Cite book|Crafting Motifs 4: The Nords}}}}
* '''Schism'''{{ref|group=nb|name=Schism Rulers|Skyrim split into independent Eastern and Western kingdoms in 2E 431 amid a dispute over the succession. Freydis was proclaimed High Queen in Windhelm, and her successors (who include Mabjaarn Flame-Hair, Nurnhilde, and Jorunn the Skald King) ruled Eastern Skyrim. Svartr was proclaimed High King in Solitude, and his successors ruled Western Skyrim.}}
** '''Rulers of Eastern Skyrim'''
*** {{Lore Link|Freydis}} (2E 431 - 2E ?){{ref|name=Oengul|[[Skyrim:Oengul War-Anvil|Oengul War-Anvil]]'s dialogue in [[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]}}{{ref|name=TCOF}}
*** {{Lore Link|Mabjaarn Flame-Hair}} (2E ? - 2E 572){{ref|name=TCOF}}
*** {{Lore Link|Nurnhilde}} (2E 572 - 2E 572){{ref|name=TBW|{{Cite book|The Brothers' War}}}}{{ref|name=SIR}}
*** {{Lore Link|Jorunn|Jorunn the Skald King}} (2E 572 - 2E ?){{ref|name=JTSK|{{Cite book|Jorunn the Skald-King (book)}}}}{{ref|name=Online|Events of [[Online:Online|ESO]]}}
** '''Rulers of Western Skyrim'''
*** {{Lore Link|Svartr}} (2E 431 - 2E ?){{ref|name=TCOF}}
*** {{Lore Link|Svargrim}} (2E ? - 2E ?){{ref|name=JJ|{{Cite book|Jakolar's Journal|ns_base=ON}}}}
* '''Post-Schism'''
** [[Lore:Pelagius Septim III|Pelagius]] (3E 137 - 3E 145){{ref|name=WTW|{{Cite book|Walking the World, Vol XI}}}}{{ref|name=TWQ8|{{Cite book|The Wolf Queen, v8}}}}
** {{Lore Link|Istlod}} (4E ? - 4E ?){{ref|name=Sybille}}
** {{Lore Link|Torygg}} (4E ? - 4E 201){{ref|name=Skyrim}}
[[File:SR-place-Winterhold.jpg|right|thumb|The stone and timber buildings of Winterhold]]
[[File:SR-place-Blue Palace.jpg|left|thumb|The Blue Palace of Solitude]]
===Architecture===
Nord architects are masters of creating structures that last for generations, with designs that can be found from {{Lore Link|Bruma}} to {{Lore Link|Solstheim}} dating over 3,000 years old.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}} Many ancient Nordic ruins built into the mountains dating back to the Merethic and First eras remain standing throughout Skyrim.{{ref|name=Skyrim}} They are towering, foreboding structures of black granite. Some were settlements and temples from when the Nords lived under the rule of the Dragon Cult and after; others are burial tombs for the honored dead. Most modern buildings in Skyrim are built partly underground to conserve heat, and are made with stones, with wood used only for support, and roofs of straw. The Nords are known as masters of lumber construction, and these houses are essential to keep in heat in the freezing climate.{{ref|name=PGE1S}} Some Nord wells are known to have spikes attached to the bottom of buckets to crack through ice.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}}
After the reign of Ysgramor, Nord stonesmiths created a method of erecting igneous rock. Initially, these blocks were hewed from porphyry deposits, although by the Second Era, they were somewhat supplanted by hard-wearing granite and volcanic stone gathered from the eastern side of the province. Each block was slotted together without requiring seams or mortar, allowing huge walls, structures, and towers to be constructed with both ease and haste, even with irregularly-shaped stone. Many of these structures proved difficult for invaders to dismantle, such as the Old Fort, a royal bastion on Skyrim's northern frontier, which still stood in the mid-Second Era after being built in the time of the First Empire.{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim}}{{ref|name=PGE1S}}
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==Flora==
[[File:SR-place-Falkreath Hold.jpg|left|thumb|Skyrim's Pine Forest]]
[[File:SR-place-Eldergleam.jpg|thumb|right|The {{Lore Link|Eldergleam}}]]
Skyrim's frigid environment still supports a great wealth of flora, notably its many pine forests.{{ref|name=Loading}}{{ref|name=HGTS|{{Cite book|Herbalist's Guide to Skyrim}}}} Many of its plants and fungi are useful for alchemy, including {{Lore Link|Bleeding Crown|bleeding crown}} mushrooms, the {{Lore Link|deathbell}} flower, {{Lore Link|jazbay}} grapes, and {{Lore Link|nightshade}}. {{Lore Link|Tundra Cotton|Tundra cotton}} is not only used for making potions, but for making many of the fabrics for clothing and other purposes in Skyrim.{{ref|name=HGTS}}
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[[File:SR-book-Horkerscene.png|right|thumb|A horker attack]]
[[File:SR-creature-Ice Wolf.jpg|right|thumb|{{Lore Link|Ice Wolf}}]]
[[File:SR-creature-Ice Wraith.jpg|thumb|right|Ice Wraith]]
[[File:SR-place-Druadach Mountains.jpg|thumb|right|Druadach Mountains]]
[[File:SR-place-Blackreach.jpg|thumb|right|Blackreach]]
[[File:SR-creature-Frost Dragon.jpg|thumb|right|Frost Dragon]]
[[File:SR-place-Bonestrewn Crest.jpg|thumb|right|A peak in Eastmarch]]
[[File:SR-place-Nilheim.jpg|thumb|A Nordic ruin]]
[[File:ON-place-The Rift.jpg|thumb|right|The Rift]]
[[File:SR-place-Winterhold (region).jpg|thumb|right|Winterhold]]
==Fauna==
The [[Lore:Bestiary|beasts]] of Skyrim are as diverse as they are dangerous. {{Lore Link|Horker}}s line the northern coast, posing a greater danger to hunters and fisherman, and {{Lore Link|Ice Wolf|ice wolves}} prowl in pairs all over the province.{{ref|name=Skyrim}}{{ref|name=HA|{{Cite book|Horker Attacks}}}} {{Lore Link|Slaughterfish}} and other types of fish glide through the rivers and lakes.{{ref|name=Skyrim}} Other common beasts roam the wilderness, and rumors abound of less common ones like {{Lore Link|Werewolf|werewolves}} and {{Lore Link|wispmother}}s.{{ref|name=LL|{{Cite book|Lost Legends}}}} Many of them, such as {{Lore Link|hagraven}}s and {{Lore Link|Luna Moth|luna moths}}, yield body parts used in alchemy.{{ref|name=HGTS}} {{Lore Link|Ice Wraith|Ice wraiths}} and other creatures are hunted in the mountains by young traditional Nords as rites of passage.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=HB|{{Cite book|Herbane's Bestiary}}}} Undead {{Lore Link|draugr}} still guard the ruins of the province.{{ref|name=ATD|{{Cite book|Amongst the Draugr}}}} Of course, the most legendary "creatures" are the majestic and intelligent {{Lore Link|dragons}}, who have left their mark on Skyrim in more ways than one. Ancient structures dedicated to the {{Lore Link|Dragon Cult}} and "word walls" in the {{Lore Link|Dragon Language|language of the dragons}} still dot the landscape.{{ref|name=Skyrim}}{{ref|name=DLMNM|{{Cite book|Dragon Language: Myth no More}}}}
==Notable Places==
;[[Lore:Bleakrock Isle|Bleakrock Isle]]: A small island northeast of Skyrim and south of Solstheim.
;[[Lore:College of Winterhold|College of Winterhold]]: A famous school for Magic in the city of Winterhold.
;[[Lore:Dawnstar|Dawnstar]]: A busy port on the northern coast and capital of the Pale.
;[[Lore:Dunmeth Pass|Dunmeth Pass]]: The main pass and one of the few traversable roads leading through the Velothi Mountains between northwestern Morrowind and eastern Skyrim.
;[[Lore:Falkreath|Falkreath]]: The capital of the eponymous hold is in southwestern Skyrim, close to the border with both Cyrodiil and Hammerfell.
;[[Lore:Lake Geir|Lake Geir]]: A lake in the western Rift.
;[[Lore:Hsaarik Head|Hsaarik Head]]: At the extreme northern tip of Skyrim's Broken Cape, it is the place where tradition holds that Ysgramor's Five Hundred Companions made landfall.
;[[Lore:Lake Ilinalta|Lake Ilinalta]]: A lake in west-central Falkreath Hold, in the middle of Skyrim's Pine Forest.
;[[Lore:Karth River|Karth River]]: A western river running the length of Skyrim before emptying into the Sea of Ghosts near Solitude.
;[[Lore:Labyrinthian|Labyrinthian]]: An ancient Nordic ruin. Named for the labyrinth built sometime in the First Era by Arch-Mage {{Lore Link|Shalidor}}, although the ruins themselves are much older, having been the city of Bromjunaar, the capital of the Dragon Cult.
;[[Lore:Markarth|Markarth]]: The capital of the Reach is in the southwest corner of the province.
;[[Lore:Morthal|Morthal]]: The fairly small, humble town of little economic or strategic importance is noteworthy as the capital of Hjaalmarch.
;[[Lore:Pale Pass|Pale Pass]]: A secluded pass through the Jerall Mountains on the Cyrodiil-Skyrim border.
;[[Lore:Riften|Riften]]: The capital of the Rift, long a center for crime, lies close to both Cyrodiil and Morrowind.
;[[Lore:Saarthal|Saarthal]]: An ancient Nordic city that was sacked in the Night of Tears, Saarthal is where the {{Lore Link|Eye of Magnus}} was found in the Fourth Era.
;[[Lore:Sky Haven Temple|Sky Haven Temple]]: Fortress stronghold in the Druadach Mountains built by {{Lore Link|Reman|Reman Cyrodiil}}'s {{Lore Link|Akavir}}i [[Lore:Blades|Dragonguard]].
;[[Lore:Snowhawk|Snowhawk]]: A city located in Hjaalmarch, abandoned sometime during the Fourth Era.
;[[Lore:Solitude|Solitude]]: A major port city and capital of Haafingar.
;[[Lore:Throat of the World|Throat of the World]]: The highest peak in the province of Skyrim. Though once considered second to Red Mountain, it is now known as the highest mountain in all of Tamriel.
;[[Lore:Treva River|Treva River]]: A river at the center of the Rift. It flows from Lake Honrich to Lake Geir.
;[[Lore:White River|White River]]: The longest river in Skyrim, stretching from the south of the province to the northeast corner. Its source is Lake Ilinalta, north of Falkreath. It flows northeast to join the Sea of Ghosts past Windhelm.
;[[Lore:Whiterun|Whiterun]]: A city in central Skyrim, and the capital of Whiterun Hold. Built at the spring of the White River.
;[[Lore:Windhelm|Windhelm]]: The capital of Eastmarch lies close to the border with Morrowind. It's the famed location of the Palace of the Kings.
;[[Lore:Winterhold (city)|Winterhold]]: The capital of the eponymous hold was once quite prosperous, but was devastated in the Great Collapse in {{Year|4E 122}}.
==Notes==
<references group=nb/>
==See Also==
* For game-specific information, see the [[AR:Skyrim|Arena]], [[Shadowkey:Skyrim|Shadowkey]] and [[Skyrim:Places|Skyrim]] articles.
===Books===
* {{Book Link|The Aetherium Wars}}
* {{Book Link|Amongst the Draugr}}
* {{Book Link|Annals of the Dragonguard}}
* {{Book Link|Arkngthamz-Phng}}
* {{Book Link|Atlas of Dragons}}
* {{Book Link|The Bear of Markarth}}
* {{Book Link|Before the Ages of Man}}
* {{Book Link|The Betrayed}}
* {{Book Link|Biography of the Wolf Queen}}
* {{Book Link|Brief History of the Empire}}
* {{Book Link|Cats of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Children of the Sky}}
* {{Book Link|The City of Stone}}
* {{Book Link|Deathbrand}}
* {{Book Link|Dragon Language: Myth no More}}
* {{Book Link|The Dragon War}}
* {{Book Link|Dunmer of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Dwemer Inquiries}}
* {{Book Link|Fall from Glory}}
* {{Book Link|The Falmer: A Study}}
* {{Book Link|Five Songs of King Wulfharth}}
* {{Book Link|Frontier, Conquest}}
* {{Book Link|A Gentleman's Guide to Whiterun}}
* {{Book Link|Great Harbingers}}
* {{Book Link|Herbalist's Guide to Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Herbane's Bestiary}}
* {{Book Link|Holdings of Jarl Gjalund}}
* {{Book Link|The Holds of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Imperial Report on Saarthal}}
* {{Book Link|The Legendary Sancre Tor}}
* {{Book Link|Lost Legends}}
* {{Book Link|A Minor Maze}}
* {{Book Link|Night of Tears (book)}}
* {{Book Link|Nords Arise!}}
* {{Book Link|Nords of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Notes on Yngol Barrow}}
* {{Book Link|Of Crossed Daggers}}
* {{Book Link|On the Great Collapse}}
* {{Book Link|Orcs of Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition/Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition/Skyrim}}
* {{Book Link|Scourge of the Gray Quarter}}
* {{Book Link|Shadowmarks}}
* {{Book Link|Skyrim's Rule}}
* {{Book Link|Songs of Skyrim: Revised}}
* {{Book Link|Songs of the Return}}
* {{Book Link|Varieties of Faith...}}
* {{Book Link|Walking the World, Vol XI}}
* {{Book Link|Watcher of Stones}}
* {{Book Link|The Windhelm Letters}}
* {{Book Link|The Wolf Queen}}
==References==
<references/>
{{OOG}}
<references group=oog/>
{{Nirn}}</noinclude>