A Deep Dive into the Lore of Auriel’s Bow

TLDR: Auriel’s Bow is a powerful, ancient artifact with divine origins and magical properties, central to prophecies and key events throughout The Elder Scrolls lore.

Auriel’s Bow has always fascinated me, ever since I first encountered it in the Elder Scrolls lore. This legendary artifact, steeped in myth and mystery, is more than just a powerful weapon – it’s a key to understanding the very fabric of Tamriel’s creation. From its origins in the Dawn Era to its pivotal role in the Tyranny of the Sun prophecy, Auriel’s Bow has shaped the course of history in ways both subtle and profound. I’ve spent countless hours poring over in-game texts and debating theories with fellow lore enthusiasts, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about this incredible artifact.

The Origins of Auriel’s Bow

Auriel’s Bow, one of the most legendary artifacts in Tamrielic lore, traces its origins back to the Dawn Era, a time of mythic beginnings and cosmic conflicts. According to ancient legends, the bow was created by Anuiel, the soul of Anu and the embodiment of all things. This act of creation occurred during a period of immense turmoil, as the forces of order and chaos clashed in the nascent universe.

Anuiel’s purpose in crafting this divine weapon was clear: it was to be wielded by Auriel, also known as Auri-El, in the epic struggle against Lorkhan and his followers. Auriel, as the soul of Anuiel’s soul and the physical manifestation of time itself, needed a weapon befitting his divine status and the monumental task before him.

The bow’s creation was not merely a matter of divine craftsmanship, but a strategic move in the cosmic chess game between the forces of Anuiel and Lorkhan. Its purpose was multifaceted:

1. To serve as a symbol of Auriel’s authority
2. To act as a conduit for divine power
3. To turn the tide in the Ehlnofey wars
4. To establish order in the chaotic early universe

The materials used in the bow’s construction remain a subject of debate among scholars, but most agree that it incorporates elements of pure Aetherial energy. This connection to Aetherius is what gives the bow its ability to channel the power of the sun, making it particularly effective against undead creatures.

To better understand the context of Auriel’s Bow’s creation, consider the following table outlining the key players in this cosmic drama:

Auriel’s Bow in the Dawn Era

During the tumultuous Dawn Era, Auriel’s Bow played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Tamrielic history. The Ehlnofey wars, a series of conflicts between the forces of Anuiel and Lorkhan, saw the bow utilized as a formidable weapon in Auriel’s arsenal. These wars were not mere mortal skirmishes, but cosmic battles that would determine the very nature of reality.

In the heat of these conflicts, Auriel’s Bow proved to be a game-changer. Its ability to channel the power of Aetherius through the sun made it particularly effective against Lorkhan’s forces, which were aligned with the principles of limitation and mortality. The bow’s sun damage capabilities were especially potent in these primordial battles, as the lines between physical and metaphysical were still blurred.

The climax of the Dawn Era came with Lorkhan’s defeat, a event in which Auriel’s Bow played a crucial part. While it was Trinimac, Auriel’s greatest knight, who physically defeated Lorkhan, it was Auriel who delivered the final, symbolic blow. After Trinimac tore out Lorkhan’s heart, Auriel took up his bow and performed an act that would echo through the ages:

1. Fastened Lorkhan’s heart to an arrow
2. Drew his mighty bow
3. Shot the heart far into the sea

This legendary shot had far-reaching consequences:

The involvement of Trinimac in this event highlights the collaborative nature of the victory over Lorkhan. While Auriel’s Bow was the instrument of the heart’s banishment, it was Trinimac’s strength and loyalty that made the act possible. This partnership between Auriel and Trinimac would become a central theme in early Aldmeri religion and culture.

The Journey of Auriel’s Bow Through Time

After its pivotal role in the Dawn Era, Auriel’s Bow embarked on a long and winding journey through the ages of Tamriel. The Snow Elves, also known as the Ancient Falmer, were among the first to possess this legendary artifact. They revered it as a holy relic, keeping it within the Chantry of Auri-El in the Forgotten Vale. This secluded sanctuary, hidden deep in the mountains of Skyrim, served as the bow’s home for thousands of years. The Snow Elven priests, led by Arch-Curate Vyrthur, guarded the bow zealously, believing it to be a direct link to their patron deity, Auri-El.

As the Third Era dawned, the bow’s whereabouts became less certain. It resurfaced in the possession of Ralyn Othravel, a Dunmer Ordinator and member of the Tribunal Temple. Othravel was stationed at Ghostgate, a small military settlement along the Great Ghost Fence on Vvardenfell. His acquisition of the bow remains shrouded in mystery, but it’s likely that he obtained it during his duties as an Ordinator.

However, Othravel’s ownership was short-lived. In 3E 427, the eccentric Telvanni Councilor Mistress Therana learned of the bow’s location through mysterious means. She claimed to have detected its presence by its unique “ash yam scent,” a detail that adds an intriguing and somewhat whimsical element to the bow’s lore. A member of House Telvanni, acting on Therana’s behalf, forcibly took the bow from Othravel and presented it to the Councilor.

Therana’s possession of Auriel’s Bow was brief and ended in tragedy. Later that same year, she became the target of a Morag Tong assassination contract, valued at 10,000 gold. The contract was successfully carried out, and the bow was retrieved from her corpse.

The artifact’s journey then took an unexpected turn. It was acquired by Torasa Aram, a passionate collector of historical artifacts. Aram displayed the bow in her Museum of Artifacts in Mournhold, where it remained for some time. This period marked a rare moment of public accessibility for the legendary weapon, allowing scholars and enthusiasts to study and admire it up close.

To summarize the bow’s known locations during this period:

1. Chantry of Auri-El (Ancient times)
2. Ralyn Othravel’s possession (Early 3E 427)
3. Mistress Therana’s ownership (3E 427)
4. Torasa Aram’s Museum of Artifacts (Late 3E 427 onwards)

Physical Attributes of Auriel’s Bow

Auriel’s Bow, one of the most legendary artifacts in Tamrielic lore, is primarily described as an elven moonstone bow. Its appearance, while consistently impressive, has varied somewhat across different eras of The Elder Scrolls universe.

In its most recent incarnation, as seen in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Auriel’s Bow takes the form of a sleek, elegant weapon crafted from moonstone, a material closely associated with elven craftsmanship. The bow’s design incorporates intricate engravings and a distinctive curved shape characteristic of elven weaponry. Its string appears to be made of a shimmering, otherworldly material, hinting at its divine origins.

Throughout its history, the bow’s appearance has undergone subtle changes. In earlier depictions, such as in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, it was described as a “modest Elven Longbow”. This description suggests a less ornate design, perhaps emphasizing its practical nature as a weapon rather than its status as a divine artifact.

The variations in Auriel’s Bow’s appearance across different eras can be attributed to several factors:

1. Changing artistic interpretations
2. Evolving game graphics and design capabilities
3. Possible in-universe alterations due to its divine nature

Despite these variations, certain elements remain consistent:

It’s worth noting that while the bow’s physical appearance may change, its power and significance in the lore remain constant. The variations in its design across different eras serve to enhance its mystique, suggesting that as a divine artifact, its appearance might be mutable or perceived differently by various observers throughout history.

Magical Properties of Auriel’s Bow

Auriel’s Bow possesses a range of extraordinary magical properties that set it apart from other weapons in Tamriel. At its core, the bow draws its power directly from Aetherius, channeling it through the sun to create devastating effects. This unique connection to both Aetherius and the sun forms the basis for its most potent abilities.

One of the bow’s primary enchantments is its capacity to inflict sun damage. When fired, arrows from Auriel’s Bow deal 20 points of sun damage to targets. This effect is particularly potent against undead creatures, who take triple damage from these attacks. This makes Auriel’s Bow an exceptionally effective weapon against vampires, draugr, and other undead entities that plague Tamriel.

The bow’s ability to harness the power of the sun is further amplified when used in conjunction with Sunhallowed Elven Arrows. When these special arrows are fired at the sun using Auriel’s Bow, they trigger a spectacular effect reminiscent of the Storm Call shout. The sun releases beams of intense light that strike nearby enemies, causing widespread damage. This ability showcases the bow’s capacity to manipulate solar energy on a grand scale.

Conversely, Auriel’s Bow can also be used to temporarily neutralize the sun’s power. When fired at the sun with Bloodcursed Elven Arrows, the bow can actually block out the sun until the following morning. This effect negates the sun’s harmful impact on vampires for the duration, demonstrating the bow’s ability to influence celestial bodies and natural phenomena.

The magical properties of Auriel’s Bow include:

1. Sun damage to all targets
2. Triple damage to undead
3. Ability to trigger solar strikes with Sunhallowed Arrows
4. Capacity to block out the sun with Bloodcursed Arrows
5. Direct connection to Aetherial energies

The Prophecy of Auriel’s Bow

The prophecy concerning Auriel’s Bow is a crucial element in the lore of The Elder Scrolls, particularly in the events surrounding the Volkihar vampire clan and the Dawnguard. This prophecy is recorded in three Elder Scrolls: the Dragon, Sun, and Blood scrolls. These ancient artifacts of immense power and mystery contain cryptic information about the bow’s potential to dramatically alter the balance of power between vampires and mortals.

The prophecy, known as the Tyranny of the Sun, speaks of a time when vampires could potentially overcome their greatest weakness: sunlight. It claims that Auriel’s Bow, when used with the blood of a pure-blooded vampire, has the power to blot out the sun itself. This assertion elevates the bow from a mere powerful artifact to a potential world-changing weapon.

Specifically, the prophecy states that “The Blood of Coldharbour’s Daughter will blind the eye of the Dragon.” This cryptic phrase refers to the blood of a pure-blooded female vampire (a Daughter of Coldharbour) being used in conjunction with Auriel’s Bow to darken the sun (the eye of the Dragon, which likely refers to Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time).

The implications of this prophecy are far-reaching. If fulfilled, it would grant vampires the ability to move freely during daylight hours, potentially upsetting the balance of power in Tamriel. This aspect of the prophecy is what drives Lord Harkon and his Volkihar clan in their quest to obtain the bow.

Key elements of the Tyranny of the Sun prophecy include:

1. The necessity of Auriel’s Bow
2. The requirement of blood from a Daughter of Coldharbour
3. The potential to blot out the sun
4. The resulting empowerment of vampires

Arch-Curate Vyrthur and Auriel’s Bow

Arch-Curate Vyrthur’s connection to Auriel’s Bow is a tale of betrayal, transformation, and vengeance that spans centuries. Once a devoted servant of Auriel and the Arch-Curate of the Chantry of Auri-El, Vyrthur’s fate took a dark turn when he was infected with vampirism by one of his own initiates. This transformation marked the beginning of his descent into bitterness and his plot for revenge against Auriel.

Vyrthur’s revenge plot was born from a deep sense of betrayal. Despite his lifelong devotion to Auriel, he felt abandoned by his god when he became a vampire. Unable to directly strike at Auriel, Vyrthur devised a plan to corrupt the god’s influence on Nirn by targeting Auriel’s Bow, one of the deity’s most powerful artifacts.

The cornerstone of Vyrthur’s plan was the creation of a prophecy known as the Tyranny of the Sun. This prophecy claimed that Auriel’s Bow, when used with the blood of a pure-blooded vampire, could blot out the sun itself. By crafting this prophecy, Vyrthur set in motion a chain of events that would eventually bring him the components he needed to enact his revenge.

Central to Vyrthur’s plan was the role of a Daughter of Coldharbour – a pure-blooded female vampire who had received the vampiric curse directly from Molag Bal. The blood of such a vampire was the key ingredient needed to corrupt Auriel’s Bow and fulfill the prophecy. Vyrthur patiently waited for centuries, knowing that eventually, a Daughter of Coldharbour would seek out the bow, bringing him the final piece of his plan.

To ensure the success of his scheme, Vyrthur took several steps:

1. Allied with the Betrayed (degenerated Falmer)
2. Killed most members of the Chantry
3. Claimed control of Auriel’s Chapel
4. Waited for the prophecy to unfold

The table below summarizes the key elements of Vyrthur’s plan:

Rediscovery of Auriel’s Bow in Skyrim

The rediscovery of Auriel’s Bow in Skyrim is a pivotal moment in the Dawnguard questline, specifically during the quest “Touching the Sky.” This legendary artifact was found in the Forgotten Vale, a vast and secluded outdoor area that once housed an ancient Snow Elf civilization.

The Forgotten Vale is a remote location in the far northwestern reaches of Skyrim, accessible only through Darkfall Cave. This expansive area features Ayleid-like architecture, frozen lakes, and treacherous terrain. It’s here that the last remnants of the original Snow Elf culture have been preserved, including the resting place of Auriel’s Bow.

Knight-Paladin Gelebor, one of the last two known living Snow Elves, plays a crucial role in the rediscovery of Auriel’s Bow. As the guardian of the Chantry of Auri-El, Gelebor tasks the Dragonborn with defeating his brother, Arch-Curate Vyrthur, who has been corrupted by vampirism. In exchange for this service, Gelebor offers to help the Dragonborn obtain Auriel’s Bow.

To reach the bow, the Dragonborn must undertake a pilgrimage through the Forgotten Vale, visiting five wayshrines: Illumination, Learning, Radiance, Resolution, and Sight. At each wayshrine, the Initiate’s Ewer must be filled with water, symbolizing the reenactment of the ancient Snow Elf pilgrimage. This journey serves as both a test of worthiness and a means of accessing the Inner Sanctum where Vyrthur awaits.

The quest “Touching the Sky” is intricately connected to the rediscovery of Auriel’s Bow. Key elements of this quest include:

1. Entering Darkfall Cave and meeting Gelebor
2. Traversing the Forgotten Vale and completing the wayshrine pilgrimage
3. Confronting and defeating Arch-Curate Vyrthur
4. Receiving Auriel’s Bow from Gelebor

Auriel’s Bow and Its Divine Connection

Auriel’s Bow possesses a profound connection to the divine realms, particularly to Aetherius and the sun. This link is fundamental to understanding the bow’s extraordinary powers and its significance in Tamrielic lore. Aetherius, the realm of magic and immortality, is believed to be the source of all magic in Nirn. The sun, being the largest hole in the fabric of Oblivion leading to Aetherius, serves as a conduit for this magical energy1. Auriel’s Bow, as an artifact of Auri-El (the elven aspect of Akatosh), is uniquely positioned to harness and manipulate this celestial power.

The bow’s ability to channel energy from Aetherius through the sun is what gives it its potent sun damage capabilities. This connection also explains why the bow can affect the sun itself when used with special arrows, as seen in the Tyranny of the Sun prophecy. The bow essentially acts as a bridge between the mortal realm and the divine energies of Aetherius, allowing its wielder to tap into powers normally beyond mortal reach.

Auriel’s Bow is part of a set of divine artifacts, which includes Auriel’s Shield and, in some accounts, Auriel’s Quiver. While the bow and shield are well-documented in Elder Scrolls lore, the quiver is less frequently mentioned. These artifacts are thought to have been created by Anuiel at Auriel’s request for use in the campaign against Lorkhan’s forces during the Dawn Era3. Together, they form a powerful set of divine weaponry, each with its own unique properties but all sharing a connection to Auriel and, by extension, to Aetherius.

One of the more intriguing and lesser-known properties of Auriel’s Bow is its reported ash yam scent. This unique characteristic was noted by Mistress Therana, an eccentric Telvanni wizard who claimed to have detected the bow’s presence through this distinctive odor2. While seemingly trivial, this detail adds an interesting sensory dimension to the artifact and highlights the sometimes unpredictable nature of divine objects in the Elder Scrolls universe.

The divine properties of Auriel’s Bow include:

1. Ability to channel Aetherial energy
2. Power to manipulate sunlight
3. Enhanced effectiveness against undead creatures
4. Potential to interact with other divine artifacts

To summarize the bow’s divine connections:

Final Thoughts

After delving deep into the lore of Auriel’s Bow, I’m left with a sense of awe at the intricate web of history and mythology surrounding this artifact. It’s incredible how a single weapon can be so central to the conflicts that have shaped Tamriel, from the primordial battles of the Dawn Era to the vampire crisis in Skyrim. While there’s still much we don’t know about Auriel’s Bow, that’s part of what makes it so intriguing. I can’t help but wonder what other secrets this divine weapon might hold and how it might influence future events in the Elder Scrolls universe. One thing’s for sure – Auriel’s Bow ranks high among the most iconic fantasy weapons, making it one of the most fascinating artifacts in all of Tamriel’s lore.