The Bow of Shadows in Elder Scrolls Lore
The Bow of Shadows has always captivated my imagination, ever since I first stumbled upon its mention in an old tome of Elder Scrolls lore. This Daedric artifact, forged by Nocturnal herself, isn’t just another magical weapon – it’s a key to understanding the intricate web of power, secrecy, and destiny that runs through the heart of Tamriel’s history. From its mysterious origins to its role in pivotal historical events, the Bow of Shadows has left an indelible mark on the world of Nirn. I’ve spent countless hours piecing together its story, and I’m thrilled to share what I’ve uncovered about this enigmatic and powerful artifact.
Origins of the Bow of Shadows
The Bow of Shadows, a legendary Daedric artifact, has its roots in the realm of Oblivion. According to well-established lore, this powerful weapon was forged by Nocturnal herself, the Daedric Prince of darkness and patron of thieves. Nocturnal, known for her enigmatic nature and affinity for secrecy, imbued the bow with unique properties that align with her sphere of influence.
The creation of the Bow of Shadows is shrouded in mystery, as befits an artifact of Nocturnal. While the exact circumstances of its forging remain unknown, it’s believed that Nocturnal crafted the bow to extend her influence in the mortal realm. The bow’s ability to grant invisibility and increased speed to its wielder aligns perfectly with Nocturnal’s domain, enhancing the stealth and agility that are so prized by those who operate in the shadows.
The initial wielder of the Bow of Shadows was Raerlas Ghile, a legendary ranger whose name has become inextricably linked with the artifact. Nocturnal granted the bow to Raerlas for a secret mission, the details of which have been lost to time. This mission, whatever its nature, was of great importance to Nocturnal, highlighting the significance of the bow even at its inception.
The purpose of the Bow of Shadows appears to be twofold:
- To serve as a conduit for Nocturnal’s power in Mundus
- To aid in covert operations that align with Nocturnal’s interests
While the specifics of Raerlas Ghile’s mission remain a mystery, the bow’s subsequent history suggests that it often finds its way into the hands of those who operate in secrecy and shadow, from assassins to thieves. This pattern reinforces the idea that the bow’s purpose is closely tied to Nocturnal’s sphere of influence.
| Aspect | Detail |
| Creator | Nocturnal, Daedric Prince of Darkness |
| Initial Wielder | Raerlas Ghile, Legendary Ranger |
| Primary Abilities | Invisibility and Increased Speed |
| Intended Purpose | Covert operations and extending Nocturnal’s influence |
The Legend of Raerlas Ghile and the Bow of Shadows
The tale of Raerlas Ghile and the Bow of Shadows is a captivating chapter in Elder Scrolls lore, blending elements of heroism, mystery, and tragedy. Raerlas Ghile, renowned as a legendary ranger, was chosen by Nocturnal herself to wield the Bow of Shadows for a secret mission of great importance. While the exact nature of this mission remains shrouded in mystery, it’s believed to have been crucial to Nocturnal’s interests in the mortal realm.
Despite Raerlas’ skill and the power of the Bow of Shadows, the mission ultimately ended in failure. The details of what went wrong are lost to time, but the consequences were severe. In the aftermath of this failed mission, the Bow of Shadows was lost, slipping from Raerlas’ possession and disappearing into the annals of history. This loss not only marked the failure of Nocturnal’s plans but also set the stage for the bow’s future appearances throughout Tamriel’s history.
However, Raerlas Ghile’s story didn’t end with the mission’s failure. In what became known as his last stand, Raerlas found himself cornered by his enemies. In this dire situation, he managed to reclaim the Bow of Shadows, using its power one final time. Legends speak of Raerlas’ extraordinary feat during this last battle:
- He utilized the bow’s invisibility power to confuse his foes
- The increased speed granted by the bow allowed him to outmaneuver multiple opponents
- His archery skills, combined with the bow’s power, led to devastating attacks
While exact numbers are debated, it’s said that Raerlas took down scores of his enemies before finally falling. This last stand became the stuff of legend, cementing both Raerlas Ghile’s reputation as a formidable warrior and the Bow of Shadows’ status as a powerful and coveted artifact.
Magical Properties of the Bow of Shadows
The Bow of Shadows, as a Daedric artifact created by Nocturnal, possesses unique magical properties that set it apart from conventional weapons. Its enchantments are particularly suited for stealth and subterfuge, reflecting Nocturnal’s domain of darkness and secrecy.
The bow’s primary magical property is its ability to grant invisibility to its wielder. When the bow is drawn, it casts an invisibility spell on the user that lasts for 30 seconds. This effect is passive and doesn’t require the use of soul gems or any form of recharging. The invisibility granted by the Bow of Shadows provides a significant tactical advantage, allowing the wielder to approach targets undetected or escape dangerous situations.
In addition to invisibility, the Bow of Shadows also increases the speed at which its wielder can draw the weapon. This enchantment makes the bow 20% faster to draw than a standard bow, enhancing the user’s combat readiness and reaction time. The combination of invisibility and increased draw speed makes the Bow of Shadows particularly effective for assassins, thieves, and other characters who rely on stealth and quick strikes.
When comparing the Bow of Shadows to other Daedric artifacts, several unique aspects become apparent:
- Passive enchantments (no need for recharging)
- Dual magical properties (invisibility and increased speed)
- Specialization in stealth-based combat
The table below compares the Bow of Shadows to some other notable Daedric artifacts:
| Artifact | Creator | Primary Effect | Secondary Effect |
| Bow of Shadows | Nocturnal | Invisibility | Increased draw speed |
| Ebony Mail | Boethiah | Poison damage | Smoke cloak when sneaking |
| Wabbajack | Sheogorath | Random transformation | None |
| Mehrunes’ Razor | Mehrunes Dagon | Chance of instant kill | None |
While other Daedric artifacts may offer more direct combat benefits or unique effects, the Bow of Shadows stands out for its utility in stealth-based approaches. Its enchantments are more subtle than the dramatic effects of artifacts like the Wabbajack, but they provide consistent and practical advantages in a wide range of situations.
The Bow of Shadows in Historical Records
The Bow of Shadows, despite its elusive nature, has left traces in historical records, providing scholars and adventurers with tantalizing glimpses of its existence and powers. One of the most significant mentions of the bow comes from Yagrum Bagarn’s “Tamrielic Lore,” a comprehensive work detailing various artifacts of great power and historical importance.
Yagrum Bagarn, the last living Dwemer and a close associate of the powerful sorcerer Divayth Fyr, compiled “Tamrielic Lore” from notes gathered over centuries. In this work, Bagarn describes the Bow of Shadows as a Daedric artifact forged by Nocturnal herself. He recounts the legend of Raerlas Ghile, the ranger who was granted the bow for a secret mission, and mentions its abilities to grant invisibility and increased speed to its wielder. Bagarn’s account is particularly valuable as it provides one of the earliest written records of the bow’s origins and powers, lending credibility to what might otherwise be dismissed as mere folklore.
During the Interregnum, a period of great political upheaval in Tamriel, information about the Bow of Shadows began to circulate more widely. Copies of “Tamrielic Lore” spread throughout the continent, making knowledge of the bow and other powerful artifacts accessible to a broader audience. This dissemination of information had several important consequences:
- Increased awareness of the bow’s existence among scholars and adventurers
- Sparked numerous quests and expeditions to locate the artifact
- Contributed to the bow’s legendary status in popular culture
The circulation of this information during the Interregnum is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with a time of great change and conflict in Tamriel. The table below illustrates the impact of the bow’s mention in historical records:
| Period | Source | Impact |
| Pre-Interregnum | Oral traditions and limited written accounts | Limited knowledge, mostly among scholars |
| Interregnum | “Tamrielic Lore” and its copies | Widespread awareness, increased search efforts |
| Post-Interregnum | Various historical and literary works | Cemented legendary status, subject of ongoing research |
Notable Wielders of the Bow of Shadows
Throughout its storied history, the Bow of Shadows has passed through the hands of several notable figures, each leaving their mark on the artifact’s legacy. Two of the most prominent wielders were Dram the Dunmer assassin and Goris the Maggot King.
Dram, a Dunmer assassin active during the Second Era, is perhaps the most infamous wielder of the Bow of Shadows. His use of the bow during the Battle of Hunding Bay proved pivotal in the conflict’s outcome. During this battle, Dram used the bow to fire a poisoned arrow that struck Prince A’tor, ultimately leading to the prince’s death. This act significantly altered the course of the war and demonstrated the bow’s effectiveness in the hands of a skilled assassin.
Dram’s possession of the Bow of Shadows continued to play a crucial role during the rebellion of Stros M’Kai. As the Restless League fought against Imperial control, Dram utilized the bow’s unique properties of invisibility and increased speed to great effect. His most notable engagement during this period was his battle against Cyrus the Redguard, a confrontation that has since become the stuff of legend.
In the Third Era, the Bow of Shadows found its way into the possession of Goris, known as the Maggot King. Goris, a necromancer of considerable skill, recognized the bow’s value and kept it as part of his arsenal. His reign of terror came to an end in 3E 427 when he encountered the Nerevarine in the Venim Ancestral Tom.
The encounter between Goris and the Nerevarine was brief but intense. The Nerevarine, guided by destiny and armed with formidable skills, confronted Goris in his lair within the tomb. Despite Goris’s necromantic abilities and the power of the Bow of Shadows, he was ultimately defeated by the Nerevarine. This battle not only ended Goris’s threat but also marked another significant change of hands for the legendary bow.
To summarize the notable wielders and their significant actions:
| Wielder | Era | Notable Actions |
| Dram | Second Era | Assassinated Prince A’tor, Fought in Stros M’Kai rebellion |
| Goris | Third Era | Possessed the bow until defeated by the Nerevarine |
The Bow of Shadows in Vvardenfell
The Bow of Shadows’ journey through Vvardenfell marks a significant chapter in its history, particularly during the events of the Third Era. In 3E 427, the artifact resurfaced on the island, playing a role in the epic tale of the Nerevarine.
The Nerevarine, the prophesied reincarnation of Nerevar, encountered the Bow of Shadows during their quest to fulfill the Nerevarine Prophecy. The bow was found in the possession of Goris the Maggot King, a powerful necromancer who had made his lair in the Venim Ancestral Tomb. This tomb, located in the Grazelands region of Vvardenfell, had become a den of dark magic under Goris’s occupation.
The confrontation between the Nerevarine and Goris was brief but intense. Despite the necromancer’s formidable skills and the power of the Bow of Shadows, he was ultimately defeated by the Nerevarine. This victory not only rid Vvardenfell of a dangerous threat but also allowed the Nerevarine to recover the legendary artifact.
Following its recovery, the Bow of Shadows’ fate took an interesting turn. Later that same year, it found its way into the hands of Torasa Aram, a passionate collector of historical artifacts. Aram, recognizing the bow’s immense historical and magical significance, acquired it for her Museum of Artifacts in Mournhold, the capital city of Morrowind.
The Museum of Artifacts, located in Mournhold’s Godsreach district, became home to the Bow of Shadows alongside other legendary items. This marked a rare period of public accessibility for the artifact, allowing scholars and enthusiasts to study and admire it up close. The bow’s presence in the museum contributed significantly to the institution’s prestige and drew visitors from across Tamriel.
Key events in the Bow of Shadows’ Vvardenfell chapter:
- Discovery in Venim Ancestral Tomb
- Defeat of Goris the Maggot King
- Recovery by the Nerevarine
- Acquisition by Torasa Aram
- Display in the Museum of Artifacts
The Bow of Shadows in the Fourth Era
In 4E 201, the Bow of Shadows resurfaced in Skyrim, specifically in the city of Whiterun. This reappearance marked a significant moment in the artifact’s history, as it once again became entangled in political intrigue and conflict.
The bow’s presence in Whiterun was directly linked to a sinister assassination plot against the Jarl. A mysterious Dunmer assassin had acquired the legendary weapon and planned to use its unique properties to carry out the assassination. The assassin’s identity remains unknown, but their possession of the Bow of Shadows indicates a high level of skill and resources, as such powerful artifacts are not easily obtained.
The plot was uncovered when the Jarl’s steward caught wind of the impending threat. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the steward enlisted the help of the Last Dragonborn, a figure of growing renown in Skyrim at the time. This decision would prove crucial in thwarting the assassination attempt and securing the Bow of Shadows.
The Last Dragonborn’s investigation led them through Whiterun, following leads and uncovering clues about the assassin’s identity and plans. The search culminated in Dragonsreach, the Jarl’s palace, where the Dragonborn confronted the would-be assassin. A fierce battle ensued, with the assassin utilizing the Bow of Shadows’ powers of invisibility and increased speed to great effect.
Despite the assassin’s skill and the bow’s formidable enchantments, the Last Dragonborn emerged victorious. With the defeat of the assassin, the Bow of Shadows passed into the Dragonborn’s possession, marking yet another change of hands for this storied artifact.
Key events in the Bow of Shadows’ Fourth Era chapter:
- Appearance in Whiterun
- Use in assassination plot against the Jarl
- Investigation by the Last Dragonborn
- Confrontation in Dragonsreach
- Acquisition by the Last Dragonborn
Final Thoughts
After diving deep into the lore of the Bow of Shadows, I’m left with a sense of wonder at the intricate tapestry of history and myth that surrounds this artifact. It’s amazing how a single item can play such a crucial role in shaping the fate of Tamriel, from the legendary last stand of Raerlas Ghile to its appearance in the Fourth Era assassination plot in Whiterun. While there’s still so much we don’t know about the Bow of Shadows, that’s part of what makes it so intriguing. I can’t help but speculate about its future appearances and the impact it might have on upcoming events in the Elder Scrolls universe. One thing’s for certain – the Bow of Shadows will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the most fascinating legendary weapons in all of Tamriel’s lore, deserving its spot among the coolest fantasy weapons ever created.