The Altmer

I decided I’d take a crack at submitting something useful, and answering some questions you guys may have about certain things in TES. Specifically culture, race, and history.

So to begin this, I’ll start with a race that has become prominent in the 4^th Era, the Altmer of Summerset Isles.

The Altmeri come from a group of Aldmer which stayed on the Summerset Isles while others traveled to Valenwood and the rest of mainland Tamriel. They are the closest relation to the Altmer, and in fact would be practically indistinguishable from ancient Aldmer.

The Altmer, or High Elves, are native to the beautiful nation of the Summerset Isles. It is presumed that they live on average anywhere from centuries to thousands of years. (One has been documented as living for 3000 years) They call themselves the “Cultured people”. Culturally, they place heavy emphasis on the more artistic pursuits. Art, Writing, Law etc. The common tongue of Tamriel is actually based off of Altmeri language. In fact, many cultural advances in Tamriel have been a result of their ideas. To put it simply, what the Dwemer were to technology, they are to artistic culture. Because of this, the Altmer have developed a snobbish view towards other races of Tamriel. This doesn’t mean they don’t respect them, but they believe they’re not as cultured as they are. Which isn’t false in this case. So Art is pretty much their defining cultural aspect.

NOTE: I think it’s important to clarify that while the Altmer can be snobbish, this isn’t a huge part of what contributes to the Thalmor goals in the 4^th Era. While the Altmer can be insufferable snobs, most of them aren’t flat out evil. But more on that later.

The Altmer are naturally gifted at Magic, and are arguably the most innately talented at the art of all the races in Tamriel. All mer (save Orsimer) tend to have inclinations towards Magic, but it’s especially pronounced in the Altmer.

During the 1^st and 2^nd Era the Altmer were absent from most events that occurred on the mainland. The sea that surrounds Summerset both saved the Altmer from and introduced them to problems. Like most other nations in the 1^st and 2^nd Era, Summerset suffered from internal conflict. The 3^rd Edition Pocket Guide to The Empire states that

Internal conflicts between Skywatch and Firsthold, and between Alinor and Lillandril, often sparked into full war…

But much more pressing, was constant invasion from their neighboring island-farers, the Sload and the Maormer. In the second Era, the Altmer teamed up with the Bosmer of Valenwood, and the Aldmeri Dominion was formed. I think it’s interesting to note that the original Dominion was one of necessity for the Altmer. This formation was short-lived, however, as Tiber Septim with the Numidium wiped the Dominion out in c.2E 896. The end of the Oblivion Crisis saw the reformation of a much more powerful Aldmeri Dominion in 4E 29, and after the Void Nights of 4E 98-100, the Aldmeri Dominion control Summerset, Valenwood and Elsweyr.

Now what is not known to some is that the Thalmor, the rulers of the Dominion, want to eliminate all men. This dates back to their creation myths. The Altmer believe that they were divine beings before Lorkhan created Nirn. Lorkhan removed them from this divinity to create the Ehlnofey (I’m paraphrasing real hard). The Altmer, and more specifically the Thalmor view Lorkhan as bad, he made them mortal. They resent man for their belief that Lorkhan gave man the gift of life from nothing. Some wounds never heal, as they say, and the Thalmor seem to have some belief that by eliminating man, they can some how return to this divinity. You’ll notice that while they’re racial snobs, they don’t hold issue with the beast races. In short, they’re insane.

The Altmer, historically and culturally tend to be very interesting. Especially since their ruling body is nuts, but many Altmer are generally good people, and contribute much to Tamriellic tradition. If you have any questions are feel I skimmed anything let me know, I’m really trying to tie all this info to any questions anyone may have. Check this out for more: On the Thalmor and the Aldmeri Dominon and thanks for reading!