Lore:Lifespan

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This article documents the lifespans of the various races of Nirn, as well as the various methods of life-extension and resurrection.

Racial Lifespans[edit]

Barenziah at over 400 years old

Beastfolk[edit]

Beastfolk tend to live a maximum of one hundred years.[1] Sload do not apply to this standard, having no outside limit to age. However, the oldest Sload adults must be buoyed by water lest they collapse under their own weight.[2] Centaurs have been known to call other races 'mortals', implying they have an extended lifespan.[3] The lifespan of Khajiit varies by furstock, with the Senche-raht being the longest-lived.[4]

Men[edit]

Men tend to live a maximum of one hundred years.[1] Half-Elven men, despite their parentage, age as any other men do.[5] Outlying instances of unnatural human age can reach over two hundred years, though the cause of this infrequent longevity is undetermined.[6][7] According to Nordic myth, Orkey is responsible for the shortened lifespan of men. His machinations led to him instructing Alduin to eat the Nords' lifespans down to just six years. This was undone by Shor and Wulfharth, but in Wulfharth's haste to save everyone, he accidentally aged himself to death.[8][9]

Mer[edit]

Some sources say Mer tend to live twice or three times as long as men and beastfolk, with a two-hundred-year-old elf being old,[10] and a three-hundred-year-old elf being incredibly old.[1] However, being well over a century old is considered being young for an Altmer.[11] According to myth, Phynaster taught the Altmer to live one hundred years longer than their peers by shortening their stride.[12] However, some elves, such as Barenziah and Symmachus of Mournhold, have lived upwards of four hundred years without any known magical prolonging of their youth.[13] Other sources state that Mer live for over one thousand years naturally if they are not killed by other means.[14] Yet another account suggest that some Mer can remain mentally sharp into their late hundreds and live past the age of two hundred, although it can vary significantly between individuals and families. In some cases, reaching only one hundred twenty to one hundred thirty years was more common.[15] Orsimer are a notable exception, living brief lifespans under normal circumstances,[16] a result of Orkey's defeat at the hands of Shor according to Nordic legend,[9] but believed by the Orsimer themselves to be imposed by Malacath.[17]

Akaviri[edit]

The Tsaesci are are described as immortal by some,[18][19] but Imperial descendants of the race believed their typical aging was comparable to other races.[20] The Kamal survivors of the Second Akaviri Invasion lived well over two hundred years in hiding.[21][22]

Methods of Life Extension[edit]

Alchemy[edit]

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] 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.[28] The consumption of Gildergreen fruits was thought to extend one's lifespan.[29]

Haskill, an immortal Vestige who once mantled the Mad God

Apotheosis[edit]

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.[30] Several mortals underwent a process known as mantling[31][32] during the Greymarches of the Shivering Isles, becoming Sheogorath[31][33] until the following Greymarch, when they were replaced by another and made into immortal Vestiges of their mortal selves.[32] According to legend, Sai was made a god by Reymon Ebonarm to assist in balancing the forces of mortals with his innate lucky presence.[34] The Numidium could be used to transcend Mundus and become a god.[35] 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.[36] Jode's Core, if properly channelled through aeonstone, was thought to be capable of granting godhood.[37][38][39] Tosh Raka of Ka Po' Tun was said to have become a Dragon.[18] Some dubious sources claim that Tiber Septim apotheosized by absorbing the essences of several dragons.[40]

Body Alteration[edit]

The last living Dwemer, Yagrum Bagarn, disfigured by Corprus

Diseases of divine origin occasionally bestow immortality. Vampires are immortal, courtesy of their undead nature.[41][42] The Divine Disease, Corprus, renders those afflicted immune to disease and aging, alongside other debilitating side-effects.[43] 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.[44][45] Briarheart implantations may be used to raise the dead.[46] Heart Stones function similarly to Briarhearts, but prevent the bearer from dying altogether, keeping them between life and death.[47][48][49]

Witches who transform themselves into hagravens seem to experience an extended lifespan,[50][51] as do hags.[52][53] Some witches were known to extend their lifespans without the need for transformation.[52] At least some have achieved this through Daedric pacts,[54] but it is not known whether this is the only method used.[52] Maormer rituals could turn the caster into a being of water and coral,[55] which could supposedly reform after death.[56][57] Worm Cult necromancers resurrected Emperor Leovic by transforming him into a Flesh Atronach.[58] Bosmer who undergo the irreversible Wild Hunt live forever, at the cost of their sanity.[59]

Divine Intervention[edit]

Narilmor, one of Meridia's Purified

Rarely, gods will bestow unending life if it is requested of them or to those they deem fit. 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.[60] After connecting with the Heart of Lorkhan, Dagoth Ur shared his divine essence with his followers,[61] granting them eternal life.[62] 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.[63][64] 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.[65] It was thought that Arkay was behind the scroll's magic.[66] It has been theorized that rarely, in times of crisis, the Aedra may revive individuals of importance to assist Mundus.[67] Through the Heart of Valenwood, the Green may resurrect individuals to serve as Silvenar.[68]

Daedric Princes are able to bestow longevity[54] and immortality in a variety of ways. 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.[69] Hircine has granted immortality to those who set out to hunt his finest beasts, returning their aging after their beast has been felled.[70] The first turned, the original beings who were first afflicted with Lycanthropy by Hircine in the Early Merethic Era,[71][72] were immortal.[73] Meridia's Purified were given immortality in exchange for subservience, willing or otherwise.[74][75] Mehrunes Dagon once entered into a pact which granted Chimere Graegyn immortality, but kept his aging, eventually leaving him crippled with arthritis.[76] Princes can bless a mortal with a Daedric form, seemingly fit with all of the form's abilities, but may take it away later.[77] Some Daedric Artifacts grant eternal life, such as the Ring of Hircine.[78]

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.[79][80][81] According to Nordic legend, Shor resurrected Wulfharth from his ashes.[8] 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.[82] Molag Bal was able to return a follower of Boethiah to life when in close proximity of his shrine.[83]

Spellcraft[edit]

Master mage Divayth Fyr at over four thousand years old

Spells applied directly to the body have been known to extend life.[84] The Psijics were renowned for practicing life extension magic.[17] Talented mages were capable of significantly prolonging their lifespans.[38][85] Divayth Fyr lived for over four thousand years using magic,[86] but did not consider himself an immortal.[87] Void magic can transform individuals into immortal voidmothers through soul collection and offerings to the Void.[88][89] 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.[90]: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.[91] 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.[92][93][94] 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.[95]

The maelstrom form of the Augur of Dunlain post-incident

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.[96] Although some have thought it impossible to completely resurrect a dead person whose soul belonged to a Daedric Prince,[97] Angof the Gravesinger managed to revive Faolchu, a Werewolf, centuries after his death.[98] An obscure arcane discipline known as life magic was used by the Gray Host in order to resurrect vampires and werewolves.[99] The souls of the fallen Host members were drawn into stone husks, inanimate vessels alchemically designed to house their life energy.[100][101] In a final ritual, the stone husks shattered and the mortal forms of the long-dead members were restored.[102]

Necromancy may be used to turn one's self into a Draugr, halting their aging infinitely.[103] 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.[104][105] 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.[104] Certain binding rituals prevent the aging of the prisoner, rendering them unaging and invulnerable.[16] Daedra may be bound in a blood sacrifice, allowing the binder to live as long as they remain bound.[28] Perena soul magic could grant immortality at the sacrifice of becoming an eternal watcher.[106][107] 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.[65]

Spirit Transference[edit]

A necromancer preparing the lichdom process

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.[108] Transference has occasionally been used as a curse, binding an unwilling subject to an unmoving object.[109] 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.[110] If the advanced process is successful, the lich will survive in spirit form after being killed and can eventually reform its body.[111] After becoming a lich, the lich's physical body is left aged and withered. However, this can be circumvented with Illusion magic.[112]

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.[113] If they die, their bodies reform, eventually turning them into mindless, feral beasts.[114] Those who lost their mind before becoming Soul Shriven are seemingly immune to the degrading effects.[115] Individuals with a unique Anuic aspect can reform their body perfectly, retaining their full abilities and intelligence.[113]

Time Dilation[edit]

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[32] and may adopt degrees of it by the choice of its host.[116] Mortals in realms with little-to-no passage of time experience a prolonged existence,[117][118] perceiving time at a slower rate than those on Nirn.[119] Shalidor is said to have stolen Glamoril, the secret of life, from Akatosh.[120] The exact function of this artifact is unknown, but it was related to life extension.[84] 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.[121]

Other[edit]

A Green Grimoire said to contain the secret to youthful energy (Castles)

Azra Nightwielder survived for centuries suspended within a crystal.[122] 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.[123] It is rumored that several pools and springs throughout Tamriel can grant immortality, but no maps exist which depict these locations.[28] Mankar Camoran's realm, Paradise, made his followers immortal. They would reform in the realm if they ever died, wherever their death took place.[124][125] These 'ascended immortals'[126] weren't considered true immortals, and were referred to distastefully as 'unmortals'.[127] Those whose souls go to Oblivion may escape their designated realm with their mortal form intact and capable of returning to Nirn.[128]

See Also[edit]

  • For more information on the burial and funerary practices of Nirn, see Death.

Books[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Ask Us Anything: Variety Pack 4
  2. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: The Wild Regions — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  3. ^ Elder Centaur's dialogue in Legends
  4. ^ All Our Perfect Forms — Amun-dro, the Silent Priest
  5. ^ Brief History of the Empire v 2 — Stronach k'Thojj III
  6. ^ The Armorer's Challenge — Mymophonus
  7. ^ Sirollus Saccus in Morrowind
  8. ^ a b Five Songs of King Wulfharth
  9. ^ a b Varieties of Faith: The Nords — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
  10. ^ Elynea Mothren's dialogue in Skyrim: Dragonborn
  11. ^ Leramil the Wise's dialogue in ESO
  12. ^ Varieties of Faith: The High Elves — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
  13. ^ Biography of Queen Barenziah — Stern Gamboge, Imperial Scribe
  14. ^ The Real Barenziah — Anonymous
  15. ^ Interview with a Dark Elf
  16. ^ a b Gurlak's dialogue in ESO
  17. ^ a b Ulliceta gra-Kogg's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  18. ^ a b Mysterious Akavir
  19. ^ History of the Fighters Guild
  20. ^ Avita Pitio's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
  21. ^ The Second Akaviri Invasion — Yngmaer Raven-Quill, Historian Royal of the Bards' College, Solitude
  22. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: The Elsweyr Confederacy — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  23. ^ The Sage — Aegrothius Goth
  24. ^ Stone Garden Werewolf Behemoth transformation in ESO: Stonethorn
  25. ^ Exarch Ulfra's dialogue during The Gray Council in ESO
  26. ^ Werewolf Behemoth Sigil memento description in ESO: Wolfhunter
  27. ^ Head of Brazzefk — Merethic Society
  28. ^ a b c On Immortality — Anonymous
  29. ^ Ardwen's dialogue in Skyrim
  30. ^ Plan to Defeat Dagoth Ur — Vivec
  31. ^ a b Jyggalag's dialogue in Oblivion: Shivering Isles
  32. ^ a b c Chamberlain Haskill Answers Your Questions — Chamberlain Haskill
  33. ^ Sheogorath's dialogue in Skyrim
  34. ^ King Edward, Part IX — Anonymous
  35. ^ Lives of the Emperors — Niso
  36. ^ Dawn of the Exalted Viper — The Exalted Viper
  37. ^ Kaalgrontiid's dialogue in ESO: Dragonhold
  38. ^ a b Abnur Tharn's dialogue in ESO
  39. ^ Cadwell the Betrayer's dialogue in ESO: Elsweyr
  40. ^ There Be Dragons — Torhal Bjorik
  41. ^ Daggerfall User's Guide
  42. ^ Generic dialogue regarding Vampires in Morrowind
  43. ^ Divayth Fyr's dialogue in Morrowind
  44. ^ Meet the Character - Proctor Luciana — Grimrald Brassbones
  45. ^ Appearance of Proctor Luciana Pullo in ESO: Clockwork City
  46. ^ The Care and Feeding of Briarhearts
  47. ^ Neloth's dialogue in Skyrim: Dragonborn
  48. ^ Ildari's Journal, vol. I — Ildari Sarothril
  49. ^ Ildari's Journal, vol. II — Ildari Sarothril
  50. ^ Appearance of Fallaise of Glenmoril Wyrd, Ettiene of Glenmoril Wyrd, and Isobel of Glenmoril Wyrd in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
  51. ^ Appearance of Fallaise, Ettiene, and Isobel in Skyrim: Dragonborn
  52. ^ a b c Rites Matron's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
  53. ^ Appearance of Lamenter of the Slain and Binder in the Dark in ESO: Markarth
  54. ^ a b To Posterity — Hafara
  55. ^ Appearance and abilities of Fleet Queen Taleria in ESO: High Isle
  56. ^ Tideborn Taleria's dialogue in ESO: High Isle
  57. ^ Admiral Galvendier's dialogue in ESO: High Isle
  58. ^ Emperor Leovic's dialogue in ESO
  59. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: Aldmeri Dominion — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  60. ^ Henodras' dialogue in ESO
  61. ^ Dagoth Ur's dialogue in Morrowind
  62. ^ Vivec's dialogue in Morrowind
  63. ^ Daluion's dialogue in ESO: Blackwood
  64. ^ Arbitrator Gavos Douar's dialogue in ESO: Blackwood
  65. ^ a b Drake of Blades' dialogue in ESO: Imperial City
  66. ^ Arrianus Capius' dialogue in ESO: Imperial City
  67. ^ Ja'darri's dialogue in ESO: Dragonhold
  68. ^ Indaenir's dialogue in ESO
  69. ^ Scary Tales of the Druadach, Book 3 — Cassia Volcatia, Traveling Scribe
  70. ^ Haras' dialogue in ESO
  71. ^ A Cure for Lycanthropy — Archivist Ernarde of the Silver Dawn
  72. ^ Sage Svari Answers Your Questions — Sage Svari
  73. ^ Vykosa the Ascendant in ESO: Wolfhunter
  74. ^ Tharayya's dialogue in ESO: Wrathstone
  75. ^ King Narilmor's dialogue in ESO: Wrathstone
  76. ^ Tal Marog Ker's Researches — Tal Marog Ker
  77. ^ Aelif's dialogue, appearance, and abilities in ESO
  78. ^ Tharsten Heart-Fang's dialogue in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
  79. ^ Mochveda, Tuecille, and Erbogar's dialogue in ESO: Horns of the Reach
  80. ^ Cernunnon's dialogue in ESO: Horns of the Reach
  81. ^ Oathbreaker's achievement description in ESO: Horns of the Reach
  82. ^ The Arcturian Heresy — The Underking, Ysmir Kingmaker
  83. ^ Events of The House of Horrors in Skyrim
  84. ^ a b Arch-Mage Shalidor's dialogue in ESO
  85. ^ Savos Aren's dialogue in Skyrim
  86. ^ Alfe Fyr's dialogue in Morrowind
  87. ^ Divayth Fyr's dialogue during Vivec in Legends
  88. ^ Senan's Note — Senan
  89. ^ Nathari's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
  90. ^ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Prima Official Game Guide — David Hodgson
  91. ^ Ulfgar the Unending's dialogue in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
  92. ^ Kireth's Taarengrav Note — Kireth Vanos
  93. ^ Draugr and the Dragon Cult — Dragon Cult Chronicler, Skormvnir Kyrrund
  94. ^ Amongst the Draugr — Bernadette Bantien, College of Winterhold
  95. ^ Valdar's dialogue in Skyrim
  96. ^ Appearance and abilities of Scroll of Revivial in Blades
  97. ^ A Daedric Proposal — Galdrus Salobar, Sanguimancer Supreme
  98. ^ Vision of Angof's dialogue in ESO
  99. ^ Gwendis' dialogue in ESO
  100. ^ Exarch Tzinghalis' dialogue in ESO: Greymoor
  101. ^ Arkasis the Mad Alchemist's dialogue in ESO: Stonethorn
  102. ^ Sister Tharda's dialogue in ESO: Greymoor
  103. ^ Draugr Lord Aesliip's dialogue in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
  104. ^ a b Kinlord Nemfarion's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  105. ^ Arillas' dialogue in ESO: Summerset
  106. ^ Watcher Shavmar's Journal — Watcher Shavmar
  107. ^ Watcher's Ritual Stole antiquity codex entry by Verita Numida in ESO: Greymoor
  108. ^ Terari Heladren's dialogue in ESO: Clockwork City
  109. ^ Broken Statue's dialogue in ESO
  110. ^ Ascendancy: Pathway to Lichdom — Gullveig the Ascendant
  111. ^ Mannimarco's dialogue in ESO
  112. ^ Vastarie's dialogue in ESO
  113. ^ a b Chaotic Creatia: The Azure Plasm — Doctor Rhythandius
  114. ^ Cadwell's dialogue in ESO
  115. ^ Lyris Titanborn's dialogue in ESO
  116. ^ Lord Fa-Nuit-Hen and Tutor Riparius Answer Your Questions 2 — Fa-Nuit-Hen and Tutor Riparius
  117. ^ "Death" of Morphotypical Entities — Doctor Rhythandius
  118. ^ Chaotic Creatia: The Azure Plasm — Doctor Rhythandius
  119. ^ Faven Indoril's dialogue in ESO: The Deadlands
  120. ^ A Minor Maze
  121. ^ Urag gro-Shub's dialogue in Skyrim
  122. ^ Azra Nightwielder's dialogue in Shadowkey
  123. ^ Firstmage Arnure's dialogue in ESO
  124. ^ Ruma Camoran's dialogue in Oblivion
  125. ^ Eldamil's dialogue in Oblivion
  126. ^ Ascended Immortals in Oblivion
  127. ^ Kathutet's dialogue in Oblivion
  128. ^ Lyris Titanborn's dialogue in ESO: Harrowstorm
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