The Tide is the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the moons.[1][2] The tide holds practical importance for sailors and pirates due to its influence on navigation and coastal activity,[3][4] but it also carries deeper symbolic and spiritual meaning for many cultures and religions across Tamriel.[1][5] In some cultures, such as that of the Tide-Born Argonians, the tide holds significance akin to that of a deity.[5]
It also affects fauna. Crayfish are commonly found in the tide-pools within the Nibenay.[6] A mysterious and immortal entity called the Augur of the Obscure claimed that the water brought in by the tide is filled with brain-billies, tiny spirit-jellies that sting and disrupt people's memories.[7]
Regional and Cultural InfluencesEdit
ApocryphaEdit
Some texts describe Apocrypha as a realm awash in black, ink-like tides.[8] Similarly, many of Hermaeus Mora's titles reference tidal imagery, including names such as Tide-King,[9] Spirit of the Tides,[10] and Master of the Tides of Fate.[11] Tides are frequently associated with the concept of fate, particularly in relation to the Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora. Certain places within his realm are described as experiencing constant shifts of fate, much like the changing tides of the Abyssal Sea, where threads of fate twist, flex, and unravel.[12][13][14]
Black Marsh and SolsticeEdit
The Tide is revered by the Argonians of the Tide-Born tribe. They hold all flowing water in deep reverence, particularly rivers, believing that memories and past lives travel through these waters. Carried by the tides, these spiritual remnants reach the eggs resting in tidal pools, where they are returned and reborn along the shores of Solstice.[5] The Tide-Born believe that the River sifts through their memories, choosing which are taken into the Hist and which are cast aside. These discarded memories, they say, become the Tide-Born. As the River flows into the endless sea of the Void, the ever-moving Tide carries those memories to the shores of Solstice, where they find new life in the eggs resting in the tidal shallows. They believe that all Argonians are born with destined scales set before them, qualities that define who they are meant to become. As they journey through life toward these destined scales, some may stray, become lost, or die before ever reaching them. When this happens, the Tide carries them back, granting them another chance to walk the path. In time, they believe, each will finally earn their destined scales, shimmering with iridescence in the Void.[15]
They are known to associate dreams with the tides and regard them as deeply significant.[16] They believe that dreams that unfold while carried on the tide bear portents.[17] One of their sayings, what the tide giveth it also takes back, reflects their belief in the ever-changing nature of life.[18] They are known to have a group called tide-readers, individuals who interpret signs and omens connected to the movements of the tide.[19][20][21] Some of their mages are also believed to share this connection, though in certain cases, their attunement to the tide can be suppressed or silenced by external forces.[22]
Tides also played a role in shaping Argonian culture on the mainland. Rising waters were not unusual, even along the rivers of Black Marsh, and the region's rootworms were known to partake in wintertide migration.[23]
Argonians have sayings tied to the rhythm of the tides, including the warning: "Pause but a moment, and you'll be drowned in the tide."[24] Another idiomatic use was the phrase "Your eyes are like the tide", describing a gaze that constantly shifts without ever settling on one thing.[25]
ElsweyrEdit
The Khajiiti text The Marriage of Moon and Tide by Clan Mother Tsradama explores the relationship between the movements of the moons Jode and Jone and the shifting tides, drawing a connection to Nirni, who is said to sway to the moons music.[1] Some Khajiits likened moonlight to strands of sapphires drifting upon the tide.[26]
HammerfellEdit
The Tide Witches of the Coven of the Tide were active in Myrkwasa circa 3E 405.[27]
High Rock and the SystresEdit
Edertide Circle was one of the most prominent druidic groups active in the Systres Archipelago.[28] According to the founder of the Y'ffre's Path, Archdruid Alix the Systres belonged to druids and the tide of ther wrath was ever flowing.[29] Some druids were known to swear by the tide, even those not affiliated with the Eldertide Circle, such as some members of the Stonelore Circle.[30]
The Tide was a religious faction linked to Vigryl.[31]
PyandoneaEdit
The Maormer were known for using vivid tidal imagery in their exclamations and curses, with phrases like "My blood is the tides!" and "Let the tide take you" reflecting their connection to the sea.[32] One of the leaders of the Dreadsails, Taleria, who adopted the appellation of the Tideborn after using powerful magic to transform into a formidable aquatic creature.[33]
SummersetEdit
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A place within the caverns of the Coral Aerie, a small island of the Summerset archipelago was known as the Tide Hollow.[34] Altmeri poetry dedicated to their god Syrabane occasionally employs tidal imagery.[35]
See AlsoEdit
ReferencesEdit
- ^ a b c The Marriage of Moon and Tide — Clan Mother Tsradama
- ^ Laqshim's dialogue in ESO: High Isle
- ^ Benkum, Palevius Lex, Hjalfar, and Liesl's dialogue in Skyrim
- ^ Nistel, Adwig Racicot, Captain Basrush, Sormund, and Deros's dialogue in ESO
- ^ a b c Varieties of Faith: Solstice — Docent Belinwen of the College of Tomes
- ^ Trans-Niben Delicacies — First Mate Snagoth of the Guar's Beak, second fastest treasure hauler on the Niben River
- ^ Augur of the Obscure's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
- ^ Tidefall Cantos I
- ^ Epistle on the Spirits of Amun-dro Vol 2 — Thava-ko
- ^ The Worldly Spirits — Amun-dro, the Silent Priest
- ^ Hermaeus Mora's dialogue in Skyrim: Dragonborn
- ^ Azandar-al-Cybiade's dialogue in ESO
- ^ The Underweave loading screen in ESO
- ^ The Doom of the Hushed — Leramil the Wise
- ^ Wisdom of the Tides — Vicecanon Heita-Meen
- ^ Discarded Dream Journal
- ^ Argonian Houseboat's description in ESO
- ^ Shriveled, Shrunk Picnic Cloth item description in ESO
- ^ Mach-Lurz and Haj-Hatsei's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Tide-Reader Suhath's dialogue in ESO
- ^ The Humble Fanik Goc — Healer Norasa Onmar
- ^ Shei-Kur's dialogue in ESO
- ^ The Argonian Account — Waughin Jarth
- ^ Witseidutsei's dialogue in Oblivion
- ^ Teeba-Dimik's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Shazar the Sibilant's dialogue in ESO: Dragonhold
- ^ Witch Covens in Daggerfall
- ^ Eldertide Circle in ESO
- ^ Eldertide Body Ink's description in ESO
- ^ Druid Gastoc's dialogue in ESO: High Isle
- ^ Daggerfall Preview in Daggerfall
- ^ Captain Numirril's dialogue in ESO: Ascending Tide
- ^ Tideborn Taleria in ESO: High Isle
- ^ Tide Hollow in Coral Aerie in ESO: Ascending Tide
- ^ The Tale of Syrabane