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Lore:Bearers of Fargrave

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Bearers of Fargrave
ON-creature-Bearer of Fargrave.jpg
Corpse of one of the Bearers
Type Unknown, possibly Daedra
Range Fargrave (extinct)

The Bearers of Fargrave (nicknamed Gargantuans)[1] are mysterious extinct beings commonly believed to be a kind of Daedra[2][3] or, according to less popular theories another kind of being that are neither Daedric, Aedric, or mortal in origins.[2] Their skeletons can be found in Fargrave,[3][2] and are considered one of the city's best features.[4]

HistoryEdit

 
Two crystalline Bearers witness Ithelia's return

The true history of Fargrave is unknown to both mortals and immortals due to Hermaeus Mora's intervention. In truth, Fargrave is a shard of the forgotten realm of Mirrormoor, domain of Ithelia, the Prince of Paths.[5] Mora imprisoned his fellow Prince in the Merethic or First Era to prevent her from destroying reality itself.[6] To do so, Mora used his power to force everyone to forget about the existence of Ithelia—and, by extension, Mirrormoor.[7]

Ithelia was freed circa 2E 582, causing her servants in Mirrormoor to awaken and invade both Apocrypha and Nirn.[7][8] Ithelia herself emerged on Nirn, in Cyrodiil's West Weald. Although initially confused, she succeeded in reclaiming her lost power from the depths of Miscarcand, which she used to create the Loom of the Untraveled Road in Fargrave.[9][10] Her return had a profound impact on the Bearers and the realm in general: shattered glass began to crystallize on every surface, including the bones of the Bearers.[5] Although the Bearers remained deceased, this change of appearance may imply they once bore a more crystalline form than their osseous remains would suggest.

Ultimately, the Loom was destroyed by Mora's mortal proxies, and Ithelia was banished to the Many Paths.[10][11]

BeliefsEdit

 
Fargrave

Due to how little is known of the Bearers' true history, opinions regarding their origins are divided.[2] According to some legends the Bearers were once porters for a great palanquin that traveled the void of Oblivion but they eventually died. Unlike other Daedra however, they did not reform.[3]

According to popular theory among the mortal inhabitants of Fargrave, the realm was once the domain of four rival Daedric Princes that competed for complete sovereignty of the land. As a result of their constant and unending battles, they eventually destroyed each other simultaneously and their bodies collapsed and eventually decomposed, leaving behind the four giant skeletons.[2]

 
Plaza of Portals is believed to exist thanks to the Bearers of Fargrave

Another belief regarding the Bearers is that the Fargrave was once a necropolis for a race of gargantuans that were neither Daedra, Aedra, or mortal'. When their time to depart was approaching they would wander into Fargrave, sit or lie down, and eventually expire.[2] Another belief regarding the Bearers is that before Fargrave settled into its current location in Oblivion it was carried from place to place by the four Bearers. That is why it is also known as "the Celestial Palanquin". Once in ancient times, four great colossi moved the city onto their shoulders from one location to another for eternity. This process resulted in establishing connections between the realms the city visited. Those connections took the form of permanent portals which remained active as of 2E 582.[4][2]

It is believed that once those portal connections solidified, the need to physically move Fargrave became unnecessary. Once they lost their purpose they also lost the will to exist. Because they could not imagine departing the place they supported for so long, they all sat down and died.[2]

According to some beliefs, the Bearers were enslaved and bound to carry Fargrave for masters who were lost to history. Other groups believe that they were faithful servants and protectors of ancient inhabitants of Fargrave.[2]

LegacyEdit

 
A Bearer part of the walls in Skein Row
 
Artistic rendering of the Celestial Palanquin

The nature of the realm of Fargrave as a crossroads where the paths through Oblivion become easier to navigate is believed to be derived from the travels of the Bearers.[2]

The central district of the city of the plane of Fargrave is surrounded by inanimate gargantuan skeletons that form a sort of protective boundary around it. Various lesser skeletal parts form natural features throughout the city.[2] Certain locations in the city of Fargrave, such as The Bearer's Rest inn, are named in honor of the Bearers[12][13] or after specific parts of their remnants.[14]

The imagery of the Bearers of Fargrave was used in the artistic renditions of the Celestial Palanquin circa 2E 582.[15] Carved pipes, fashioned in the shape of the Bearers were commonly found in Fargrave.[16] Massive, fossilized teeth, believed to originate from one of the Bearer's skulls were rarely found and sold in Fargrave.[1]

See AlsoEdit

  • Skeletal Shards — Daedric servants of Ithelia that resemble crystalline skeletons

ReferencesEdit