Nords are awesomely hardy warriors from The Elder Scrolls series. But there are a few things even the biggest fans don’t know. These robust Nords cover most of Northern Skyrim and are well known by anyone who has played a game in the Elder Scrolls series.
From the offset, you bear witness to their rich history and their interesting mannerisms which are all derived from the rich and rather bloody history. They’re the most human-like and a rather popular race to choose. However, just like everything in Elder Scrolls, they’re smothered in rich lore that even the biggest fans don’t know!
10 They Aren’t Originally From Skyrim
It’s no secret that the Nords haven’t been in Skyrim forever. But the actual continent they come from can often be hard to find – especially in-game. These warriors hail from the ancient continent of Atmora which resides in the northernmost part of the world.
The Atmorans moved into Skyrim and, over the many centuries, bred with many of the Nedic people to create the Nords everyone knows and loves/hates.
9 They’re A Force To Be Reckoned With
As soon as you get into The Elder Scrolls, you know the Nords aren’t all talk. They’re impressive warriors and have an even more impressive history that really shows any fan just how badass these people really are.
Ultimately, when the Nords began their descent to Skyrim, Vrage the Gifted believed that the whole of Tamriel belonged to the Nords. This belief initiated a horrific conquest by the Nords. Within a shortish 50 years, the Nords took over most of Northern Tamriel. It was an impressive feat that ended after the death of the famous Ysgramor. But this still goes to show how important it is not to mess with the Nords.
8 They Worshipped Dragons
It’s hard to believe that a race like the Nords would be similar to slaves. That being said, when your master is a Dragon, it’s pretty hard to argue with it – especially one like Alduin. However, this only really occurred when the Nords ended up worshiping the dragons and were made to build temples to honor them.
After realizing the problematic relationship they had with Dragons, the Nords tried to rebel. They failed but were taught how to use the Thu’um by Paarthurnax so they could fight back against Alduin and get their freedom. They succeeded and banished Alduin who returned not long later but was defeated by the first Dragonborn.
7 There’s More Than One Type Of Nord
While the Nords that live in Skyrim are the main people you see when playing Skyrim, there is actually more than one type! There is a small band of Nords who live on Solstheim named Skaal. Most will have come across this rather peaceful group at one point but they derive from the Nords you see in Skyrim.
They do have a different belief and way of life though, preferring to place their belief into the All-Maker and only hunting for food rather than for fun. They’re a lot more passive than those in Skyrim but will still kill you in self-defense.
6 They Hate Snow Elves
When the Nords moved into Skyrim, they had to take out the previous residents which happened to be the Snow Elves. There was an initial peace but, after an attack on one of the Nord settlements, Ysgramor created the 500 Companions and waged war on the Elves who lived there.
Essentially, the Nords almost wiped out the entirety of the Snow Elves with the remaining few fleeing underground and turning into Falmer over the centuries. It certainly makes their comments about the Elves make more sense. After all, they were the first real threat to the Nords in Skyrim.
5 They’re Wary Of Magic
It’s well known that the Nords are a little hesitant and untrusting towards the people who practice magic. They let it happen but they don’t see it as a good thing, preferring to use metal rather than magic. Their dislike for magic seems to stem from their hatred of elves after their rather brutal past.
It’s pretty ironic considering the College of Winterhold sits in the middle of their land. Even so, they really don’t like the idea of it. Interestingly, during the Great Collapse in Winterhold, which was essentially a series of terrible storms, the college survived mostly untouched. It was rather suspicious and left a lot of Nords despising the mysterious college.
4 A Kid Killed The Enemy Prince
Art by: Ognevkafenella
When the Nords began their war on the Snow Elves, it quickly became apparent that they bit off more than they could chew. During one of the battles, a child’s mother was slain right in from of her eyes. A 12-year-old girl named Finna was a squire to her mother during the battle and watched her die.
In her anger, she picked up her mothers’ sword and threw it at the Snow Prince. It lodged in his chest and killed him. That child’s kill was the turning point and lead to most of the Snow Elves fleeing. Ultimately, with one kill, Finna won the war.
3 The Arts Are Unique
For the Nords, art extends past drawing or painting or singing. They absolutely adore a good bard and will undoubtedly respect a talented painter but their love really sits with the art of the sword.
Blacksmiths are well respected among the Nord communities and it really becomes a rite of passage for a child to be good at wielding, sharpening, and looking after their weapons and armor. Some races prefer magic, but the Nords seem to see the beauty in fighting as well as the art that hides inside a beautifully created sword. Swords and other weapons often get carried down for generations as a result.
2 Honour Extends Past Their Race
Due to their perspective on bloodshed and the beauty behind the weapons they use, it’s not uncommon for Nords to respect their fallen enemies, so long as they put up a good fight. This is best seen with the fall of the Snow Prince.
Despite being killed by a kid, the Nords thought he fought well and with honor so refused to burn him as they did to the other Snow Elves. They dug him a grave and placed his beautiful weapons and armor as they would do to any other respectful Nord.
1 They Believe In Most Superstitions
Even though Nords don’t believe in the use of magic and prefer to trust their swords rather than the will of the mind, they’re incredibly superstitious. Wandering around Nord territory opens you up to a ridiculous amount of rumors, most of which clearly span from their hatred towards the Falmer.
They believe in pretty much every superstition, ranging from baby-thieving Falmer to Alduin the world-destroyer. All these superstitions seem to span from their history and previous battles. Nevertheless, it’s fun to speak to the people of Nord towns and hear the latest superstition.
NEXT: Hidden Secrets You Still Haven’t Found In Skyrim
