Lifespan / ExtensionEdit
The honey of the Isgareth Bee of Auridon allegedly halted aging upon consumption, but would wear off and need repeated consumption in order to maintain the effect.[1] The consumption of Gildergreen fruits was thought to extend one's lifespan.[2]
Daedric Princes are able to bestow longevity.[3] In ancient times, Wilderking would open his realm, the Shrouded Vale, to Nirn every century to recruit a new caretaker for the Fading Tree. The Wilderking would provide for the caretaker, granting them long life and sustenance.[4] Gavos, a priest of Zenithar, saw his life extended by a miracle from the god for his hard work and toil to keep the Golden Anvil safe.[5][6]
Spells applied directly to the body have been known to extend life.[7] The Psijics were renowned for practicing life extension magic.[8] Talented mages were capable of significantly prolonging their lifespans.[9][10] Divayth Fyr lived for over four thousand years using magic,[11] but did not consider himself an immortal.[12] During the Dragon rule over Skyrim, Dragon Priests were granted a share of Dragon magic to become immortals. As the Dragon magic faded, the Draugr of the Priests' tombs would perform rituals on their sarcophagi to sustain their life.[13][14][15]
When in realms outside of Mundus, time passes differently than mortals are conditioned to. Planes, while affected by time, are not subject to it and its limitations[16] and may adopt degrees of it by the choice of its host.[17] Mortals in realms with little-to-no passage of time experience a prolonged existence,[18][19] perceiving time at a slower rate than those on Nirn.[20] Shalidor is said to have stolen Glamoril, the secret of life, from Akatosh.[21] The exact function of this artifact is unknown, but it was related to life extension.[7] One of the College of Winterhold's many theories as to its function was that it allowed the Arch-Mage to live multiple lifetimes in a short span of time.[22]
ImmortalityEdit
Gyron Vardengroet, in an effort to prevent others from experiencing the same grief he went through after his parents' deaths, set out to make a potion that achieved biological immortality. After pouring over research from the Crystal Tower and gathering flora from all over Tamriel, he eventually succeeded in halting his aging with a potion he had brewed. However, he was unsure which of the many combinations he mixed resulted in the successful tonic.[23] The Gray Host brewed potions which could temporarily transform the drinker into Werewolf Behemoths,[24] which are noted immortals.[25][26] Brazzefk, a Dwemer alchemist, created and consumed a potion intended to make him into an immortal stone golem, but it instead turned him into an immovable stone.[27]
Ascension to the status of godhood is one of the hardest and most mysterious methods of achieving immortality. The Tribunal infamously ascended using Kagrenac's Tools on the Heart of Lorkhan, utilizing the Heart's innate divine energy. Dagoth Ur formed a connection to the Heart without the tools through unknown means, likewise becoming a god.[28] Several mortals underwent a process known as mantling[29][16] during the Greymarches of the Shivering Isles, becoming Sheogorath[29][30] until the following Greymarch, when they were replaced by another and made into immortal Vestiges of their mortal selves.[16] According to legend, Sai was made a god by Reymon Ebonarm to assist in balancing the forces of mortals with his innate lucky presence.[31] The Numidium could be used to transcend Mundus and become a god.[32] The Duraki spawning pools of Skyreach were theorized to harness the energy of Nirncrux and use it to elevate mortal creatures and people to godly celestial manifestations of the constellations.[33] Jode's Core, if properly channelled through aeonstone, was thought to be capable of granting godhood.[34][9][35] Tosh Raka of Ka Po' Tun was said to have become a Dragon.[36] Some dubious sources claim that Tiber Septim apotheosized by absorbing the essences of several dragons.[37]
Diseases of divine origin occasionally bestow immortality. Vampires are immortal, courtesy of their undead nature.[38][39] The Divine Disease, Corprus, renders those afflicted immune to disease and aging, alongside other debilitating side-effects.[40] The mechanical bodies of the Clockwork Apostles grant unending life if their internal organs are replaced. Those who do have no need for eating, breathing, or sleeping.[41][42] Bosmer who undergo the irreversible Wild Hunt live forever, at the cost of their sanity.[43]
Cernunnon was known to grant immortality to their champions. As long as the spirit remained undefeated, their oath-bound enjoyed effective immortality, as it was Cernunnon who had the authority to determine their deaths.[44][45][46] After connecting with the Heart of Lorkhan, Dagoth Ur shared his divine essence with his followers,[47] granting them eternal life.[48]
Reachmen folk tales of Tancia tell of her entering into a bargain with a Prince, causing her to lose her sanity and become an immortal scourge.[49] Hircine has granted immortality to those who set out to hunt his finest beasts, returning their aging after their beast has been felled.[50] The first turned, the original beings who were first afflicted with Lycanthropy by Hircine in the Early Merethic Era,[51][52] were immortal.[53] Meridia's Purified were given immortality in exchange for subservience, willing or otherwise.[54][55] Mehrunes Dagon once entered into a pact which granted Chimere Graegyn immortality, but kept his aging, eventually leaving him crippled with arthritis.[56] Princes can bless a mortal with a Daedric form, seemingly fit with all of the form's abilities, but may take it away later.[57] Some Daedric Artifacts grant eternal life, such as the Ring of Hircine.[58]
Void magic can transform individuals into immortal voidmothers through soul collection and offerings to the Void.[59][60] Powerful arcane experiments that go wrong can destroy the user's corporeal form, fusing them to the magical energies surrounding them. These individuals may manifest as a maelstrom of magicka.[61]:172 Grimkell, an Atmoran sorcerer of the Merethic Era, turned three of his former allies into stones in an ambush. The fourth target, Ulfgar, was accidentally turned into a 'living stone', allowing him to live for over four thousand years.[62]
To achieve a heightened state of lichdom, Hevnoraak planned to transfer his blood back into his body, reawakening him at the peak of his power.[63] Necromancy may be used to turn one's self into a Draugr, halting their aging infinitely.[64] During the Thrassian Plague, Corgrad was decimated by the disease. The lords of Corgrad performed sorcery to contain the disease which drained its ravaging effects into themselves. Those who were cured and their descendants gave their tainted blood to the lords, keeping them alive for millennia.[65][66] Circa 2E 582, in a bid to cure their decrepit condition once and for all, the lords kidnapped a fellow Altmer of untainted blood and prepared sorcery to turn him into one of their condition, making him immortal until later generations of pure blood could restore him.[65] Certain binding rituals prevent the aging of the prisoner, rendering them unaging and invulnerable.[67] Daedra may be bound in a blood sacrifice, allowing the binder to live as long as they remain bound.[1] Perena soul magic could grant immortality at the sacrifice of becoming an eternal watcher.[68][69] A similar ritual could be performed at the Dragonfire Cathedral, making the caster immortal at the cost of binding them to the Cathedral's premises.[70]
Transferring the soul out of a mortal body and into an object or unaging living vessel prevents aging, but can cause drastic changes in behavior.[71] Transference has occasionally been used as a curse, binding an unwilling subject to an unmoving object.[72] The most advanced form of transference is lichdom, a process in which necromancers place their soul within - and travel through - a physical object known as a phylactery.[73] If the advanced process is successful, the lich will survive in spirit form after being killed and can eventually reform its body.[74] After becoming a lich, the lich's physical body is left aged and withered. However, this can be circumvented with Illusion magic.[75]
ResurrectionEdit
Briarheart implantations may be used to raise the dead.[76] Heart Stones function similarly to Briarhearts, but prevent the bearer from dying altogether, keeping them between life and death.[77][78][79]
Maormer rituals could turn the caster into a being of water and coral,[80] which could supposedly reform after death.[81][82] Worm Cult necromancers resurrected Emperor Leovic by transforming him into a Flesh Atronach.[83]
According to Nordic legend, Shor resurrected Wulfharth from his ashes.[84] Wulfharth then became a being of ash, capable of sustaining a solid form with rest. When grievously struck, rather than dying, he was merely reduced to a formless ash state.[85] During the Interregnum, ancient scroll that magically appeared within the Imperial City granted eight priests of the Divines immortality, returning to their mortal form after death.[70] It was thought that Arkay was behind the scroll's magic.[86] It has been theorized that rarely, in times of crisis, the Aedra may revive individuals of importance to assist Mundus.[87] Through the Heart of Valenwood, the Green may resurrect individuals to serve as Silvenar.[88]
Resurrection has been accomplished with spells while maintaining the recipient's intelligence. Rare scrolls have been known to rejuvenate and resurrect fallen individuals moments after their death.[89] Although some have thought it impossible to completely resurrect a dead person whose soul belonged to a Daedric Prince,[90] Angof the Gravesinger managed to revive Faolchu, a Werewolf, centuries after his death.[91] Molag Bal was able to return a follower of Boethiah to life when in close proximity of his shrine.[92] An obscure arcane discipline known as life magic was used by the Gray Host in order to resurrect vampires and werewolves.[93] The souls of the fallen Host members were drawn into stone husks, inanimate vessels alchemically designed to house their life energy.[94][95] In a final ritual, the stone husks shattered and the mortal forms of the long-dead members were restored.[96]
Mortals who are soul-trapped before their death by worshippers of Molag Bal become Soul Shriven, reforming a replica of their body in Coldharbour. This replica is typically flawed due to the strong Padomaic influences of Oblivion.[97] If they die, their bodies reform, eventually turning them into mindless, feral beasts.[98] Those who lost their mind before becoming Soul Shriven are seemingly immune to the degrading effects.[99] Individuals with a unique Anuic aspect can reform their body perfectly, retaining their full abilities and intelligence.[97]
It is rumored that several pools and springs throughout Tamriel can grant immortality, but no maps exist which depict these locations.[1] Mankar Camoran's realm, Paradise, made his followers immortal. They would reform in the realm if they ever died, wherever their death took place.[100][101] These 'ascended immortals'[102] weren't considered true immortals, and were referred to distastefully as 'unmortals'.[103] Those whose souls go to Oblivion may escape their designated realm with their mortal form intact and capable of returning to Nirn.[104]
Unknown if it is Immortality or Life-ExtensionEdit
Azra Nightwielder survived for centuries suspended within a crystal.[105] A magical relic known as the Great Source resided within the Aetherian Archive during the First Era. A group known as the Firstmages harnessed the Source's power, resulting in the extension of their life.[106] Witches who transform themselves into hagravens seem to experience an extended lifespan,[107][108] as do hags.[109][110] Some witches were known to extend their lifespans without the need for transformation.[109] At least some have achieved this through Daedric pacts,[3] but it is not known whether this is the only method used.[109]
- ^ a b c On Immortality — Anonymous
- ^ Ardwen's dialogue in Skyrim
- ^ a b To Posterity — Hafara
- ^ Henodras' dialogue in ESO
- ^ Daluion's dialogue in ESO: Blackwood
- ^ Arbitrator Gavos Douar's dialogue in ESO: Blackwood
- ^ a b Arch-Mage Shalidor's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Ulliceta gra-Kogg's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
- ^ a b Abnur Tharn's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Savos Aren's dialogue in Skyrim
- ^ Alfe Fyr's dialogue in Morrowind
- ^ Divayth Fyr's dialogue during Vivec in Legends
- ^ Kireth's Taarengrav Note — Kireth Vanos
- ^ Draugr and the Dragon Cult — Dragon Cult Chronicler, Skormvnir Kyrrund
- ^ Amongst the Draugr — Bernadette Bantien, College of Winterhold
- ^ a b c Chamberlain Haskill Answers Your Questions — Chamberlain Haskill
- ^ Lord Fa-Nuit-Hen and Tutor Riparius Answer Your Questions 2 — Fa-Nuit-Hen and Tutor Riparius
- ^ "Death" of Morphotypical Entities — Doctor Rhythandius
- ^ Chaotic Creatia: The Azure Plasm — Doctor Rhythandius
- ^ Faven Indoril's dialogue in ESO: The Deadlands
- ^ A Minor Maze
- ^ Urag gro-Shub's dialogue in Skyrim
- ^ The Sage — Aegrothius Goth
- ^ Stone Garden Werewolf Behemoth transformation in ESO: Stonethorn
- ^ Exarch Ulfra's dialogue during The Gray Council in ESO
- ^ Werewolf Behemoth Sigil memento description in ESO: Wolfhunter
- ^ Head of Brazzefk — Merethic Society
- ^ Plan to Defeat Dagoth Ur — Vivec
- ^ a b Jyggalag's dialogue in Oblivion: Shivering Isles
- ^ Sheogorath's dialogue in Skyrim
- ^ King Edward, Part IX — Anonymous
- ^ Lives of the Emperors — Niso
- ^ Dawn of the Exalted Viper — The Exalted Viper
- ^ Kaalgrontiid's dialogue in ESO: Dragonhold
- ^ Cadwell the Betrayer's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
- ^ Mysterious Akavir
- ^ There Be Dragons — Torhal Bjorik
- ^ Daggerfall User's Guide
- ^ Generic dialogue regarding Vampires in Morrowind
- ^ Divayth Fyr's dialogue in Morrowind
- ^ Meet the Character - Proctor Luciana — Grimrald Brassbones
- ^ Appearance of Proctor Luciana Pullo in ESO: Clockwork City
- ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: Aldmeri Dominion — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
- ^ Mochveda, Tuecille, and Erbogar's dialogue in ESO: Horns of the Reach
- ^ Cernunnon's dialogue in ESO: Horns of the Reach
- ^ Oathbreaker's achievement description in ESO: Horns of the Reach
- ^ Dagoth Ur's dialogue in Morrowind
- ^ Vivec's dialogue in Morrowind
- ^ Scary Tales of the Druadach, Book 3 — Cassia Volcatia, Traveling Scribe
- ^ Haras' dialogue in ESO
- ^ A Cure for Lycanthropy — Archivist Ernarde of the Silver Dawn
- ^ Sage Svari Answers Your Questions — Sage Svari
- ^ Vykosa the Ascendant in ESO: Wolfhunter
- ^ Tharayya's dialogue in ESO: Wrathstone
- ^ King Narilmor's dialogue in ESO: Wrathstone
- ^ Tal Marog Ker's Researches — Tal Marog Ker
- ^ Aelif's dialogue, appearance, and abilities in ESO
- ^ Tharsten Heart-Fang's dialogue in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
- ^ Senan's Note — Senan
- ^ Nathari's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
- ^ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Prima Official Game Guide — David Hodgson
- ^ Ulfgar the Unending's dialogue in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
- ^ Valdar's dialogue in Skyrim
- ^ Draugr Lord Aesliip's dialogue in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
- ^ a b Kinlord Nemfarion's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
- ^ Arillas' dialogue in ESO: Summerset
- ^ Gurlak's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Watcher Shavmar's Journal — Watcher Shavmar
- ^ Watcher's Ritual Stole antiquity codex entry by Verita Numida in ESO: Greymoor
- ^ a b Drake of Blades' dialogue in ESO: Imperial City
- ^ Terari Heladren's dialogue in ESO: Clockwork City
- ^ Broken Statue's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Ascendancy: Pathway to Lichdom — Gullveig the Ascendant
- ^ Mannimarco's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Vastarie's dialogue in ESO
- ^ The Care and Feeding of Briarhearts
- ^ Neloth's dialogue in Skyrim: Dragonborn
- ^ Ildari's Journal, vol. I — Ildari Sarothril
- ^ Ildari's Journal, vol. II — Ildari Sarothril
- ^ Appearance and abilities of Fleet Queen Taleria in ESO: High Isle
- ^ Tideborn Taleria's dialogue in ESO: High Isle
- ^ Admiral Galvendier's dialogue in ESO: High Isle
- ^ Emperor Leovic's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Five Songs of King Wulfharth
- ^ The Arcturian Heresy — The Underking, Ysmir Kingmaker
- ^ Arrianus Capius' dialogue in ESO: Imperial City
- ^ Ja'darri's dialogue in ESO: Dragonhold
- ^ Indaenir's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Appearance and abilities of Scroll of Revivial in Blades
- ^ A Daedric Proposal — Galdrus Salobar, Sanguimancer Supreme
- ^ Vision of Angof's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Events of The House of Horrors in Skyrim
- ^ Gwendis' dialogue in ESO
- ^ Exarch Tzinghalis' dialogue in ESO: Greymoor
- ^ Arkasis the Mad Alchemist's dialogue in ESO: Stonethorn
- ^ Sister Tharda's dialogue in ESO: Greymoor
- ^ a b Chaotic Creatia: The Azure Plasm — Doctor Rhythandius
- ^ Cadwell's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Lyris Titanborn's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Ruma Camoran's dialogue in Oblivion
- ^ Eldamil's dialogue in Oblivion
- ^ Ascended Immortals in Oblivion
- ^ Kathutet's dialogue in Oblivion
- ^ Lyris Titanborn's dialogue in ESO: Harrowstorm
- ^ Azra Nightwielder's dialogue in Shadowkey
- ^ Firstmage Arnure's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Appearance of Fallaise of Glenmoril Wyrd, Ettiene of Glenmoril Wyrd, and Isobel of Glenmoril Wyrd in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
- ^ Appearance of Fallaise, Ettiene, and Isobel in Skyrim: Dragonborn
- ^ a b c Rites Matron's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
- ^ Appearance of Lamenter of the Slain and Binder in the Dark in ESO: Markarth