| Rorikstead | |
|---|---|
| Type | Settlement |
| Continent | Tamriel |
| Province | Skyrim |
| Hold | Whiterun |
| Appears in | Skyrim |
Rorikstead (also known as Rorik's Steading, or Rorikhofkah in the Dragon Language) is a small settlement in the Western Plains of Whiterun Hold.[1] Some variant of the name appears in many old records, with the earliest dated mention of it being in 2E 373,[2] and another text placing it as possibly existing during the Merethic or First Era.[1] The traditional song of Whiterun, "Ragnar the Red", refers to an "ole Rorikstead".[3]
During the Skyrim Schism, Rorikstead and the rest of Whiterun Hold were part of Western Skyrim and owed fealty to the High King based in Solitude. In 2E 561,[UOL 1] the wife and daughter of Falkreath's Jarl Hjurgol Skjoralmor stayed in the town on their journey to High King Svargrim's coronation in Solitude, and were ambushed by a giantess' herd of mammoths shortly after.[4] The twin brothers Roggvir and Fenrig hailed from the town and were called its protectors around 2E 578.[5] Trade was still occurring between Windhelm and Rorikstead circa 2E 582, despite owing allegiances to opposing High Kings.[6]
The land around the settlement was purportedly barren around the time of the Great War. After the war, a local nobleman named Rorik purchased the land. He claims to have founded the settlement, and that it hasn't had a bad crop since.[7] The local farmers make a living by trading their produce to merchants in Whiterun.[8] The dragon Nahagliiv, who was buried in a mound west of the settlement around the time of the Dragon War, was resurrected in 4E 201 by Alduin.[2]
NotesEdit
- Rorik's claim that he founded the settlement is hard to reconcile with the historical record, though it is possible Rorikstead was abandoned and later re-founded. However, this explanation doesn't account for the settlement's name being based on his.
- The village of Lainalten appears in Arena at the exact same area where Rorikstead is presently located, though it is unclear if they are intended to be the same settlement.
- Concept maps reveal an early name for this location was Hroffbulg.[9]
See AlsoEdit
- For game-specific information, see the Skyrim article.
ReferencesEdit
- ^ a b Holdings of Jarl Gjalund — Slafknir the Scribe
- ^ a b Atlas of Dragons — Brother Mathnan
- ^ Songs of Skyrim: Revised — Giraud Gemaine, Historian of the Bards College, Solitude
- ^ Meet the Character - Eerika Skjoralmor — Torik
- ^ Kyne's Challenge: A Hunter's Companion Characters and Summary
- ^ Windhelm Shipping Manifest
- ^ Rorik's dialogue in Skyrim
- ^ Events of Skyrim
- ^ Todd Howard DICE 2012 Keynote
Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.