| Chief Meroch | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Race | Reachman | Gender | Male |
| Died | The Reach | ||
| Resided in | The Reach | ||
Chief Meroch, along with figures like Fiasof, Gwyna, or Rowolan, was part of the oral tradition of the Reachfolk.[1][2][3] He has become the subject of a tale, known as The Two-Faced Nord, shared as a bedtime story for Reach children and becoming a part of the Reachfolk's cultural legacy.[1]
HistoryEdit
The exact origins of Chief Meroch's tale remain uncertain, with no clear record of when the story was first crafted or whether Chief Meroch was an actual historical figure. However, it is known that this narrative predates 2E 582.[1]
The tale recounts Chief Meroch's role as a clan leader, known for his welcoming nature that ultimately led to his tragic downfall. Despite cautionary advice from the clan, Chief Meroch warmly hosted a visiting Nord, inviting him to share meals and partake in clan activities. Feeling a connection, Chief Meroch took the Nord on a hunt, sharing the clan's traditions and spiritual dealings. In an unexpected turn, the Nord, feigning friendship, betrayed Chief Meroch during the hunt, fatally wounding him. Exploiting the leader's vulnerability, the Nord's companions attacked the defenseless clan at camp. With Chief Meroch incapacitated, the clan succumbed to the assault. Facing his demise, Chief Meroch posed a final question to the Nord, who callously revealed their true motive—to seize the Reachfolk's land.[1]
LegacyEdit
The tale of Chief Meroch offered a cautionary note, highlighting the potential deceit that may lurk behind seemingly friendly outsiders. Chief Meroch's trust in an outsider led to the downfall of his clan, emphasizing the need for caution when dealing with others. The Two-Faced Nord remained a part of Reachfolk storytelling, presenting a sobering account of the consequences that can arise from misplaced trust.[1]
At some point during or before 2E 582, Isa Truiand, also known as the Teller of Tales, journeyed to the Reach with the aim of collecting stories from the locals. Encountering a mix of interest and mistrust, they made their best effort to recount stories in the traditional Reachfolk manner. In return for their efforts, Isa amassed a collection of Reach bedtime stories, which included this tale. Compiled alongside The Little Thinblood and The Night Lords, this compilation was curated by Isa Truiand and published in a literary format.[1]
See AlsoEdit
BooksEdit
- Reach Bedtime Stories by Isa Truiand, Teller of Tales — A collection of Reachfolk stories
ReferencesEdit
- ^ a b c d e f Reach Bedtime Stories — Isa Truiand, Teller of Tales
- ^ Vateshran Calbokh's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
- ^ The Translated Works of Tosmorn, III — Xandier Edette
Edited by Vanesse Aurilie