What Virtues can we earn from the Daedric Princes?

brylars · July 2023

The Daedric Princes are powerful and often malevolent entities in The Elder Scrolls universe, each representing various aspects of human nature and morality. While they are not necessarily known for promoting virtues in the traditional sense, their interactions with mortals can teach certain lessons or virtues. Here's a list of a virtue that could potentially be learned from each of the Daedric Princes:

Azura (Daedric Prince of Dusk and Dawn): Wisdom - Azura's teachings can remind us of the importance of understanding the consequences of our actions and the significance of foresight.

Boethiah (Daedric Prince of Plots): Ambition - Boethiah's influence may encourage individuals to embrace ambition and strive for their goals, albeit often through ruthless means.

Clavicus Vile (Daedric Prince of Wishes and Bargains): Prudence - Clavicus Vile's dealings with mortals emphasize the value of caution and careful consideration before making decisions or striking deals.

Hermaeus Mora (Daedric Prince of Knowledge): Curiosity - Hermaeus Mora's realm is a testament to the power of knowledge and the pursuit of understanding, which can lead to personal growth and enlightenment.

Hircine (Daedric Prince of the Hunt): Resilience - Hircine's trials often test mortals' strength and resilience, teaching them to endure challenges and emerge stronger.

Jyggalag (Daedric Prince of Order): Discipline - Jyggalag's emphasis on order and structure can inspire individuals to cultivate discipline and focus in their pursuits.

Malacath (Daedric Prince of Curses): Fortitude - Malacath's sphere relates to the ostracized and outcasts, teaching the virtue of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Mehrunes Dagon (Daedric Prince of Destruction): Caution - Through the destructive aspects of Mehrunes Dagon's influence, one may learn the importance of handling power with caution and restraint.

Mephala (Daedric Prince of Secrets): Diplomacy - Mephala's lessons often revolve around manipulation and secrecy, but they may also remind individuals of the value of tact and diplomacy in navigating complex situations.

Meridia (Daedric Prince of Life and Energy): Hope - Meridia's domain is associated with light and vitality, offering a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who feel lost or in darkness.

Molag Bal (Daedric Prince of Domination): Defiance - While Molag Bal embodies malevolence, his adversaries can teach the virtue of defiance against oppressive forces.

Namira (Daedric Prince of Decay): Acceptance - Namira's realm revolves around the darker aspects of life, potentially encouraging individuals to come to terms with their own mortality and the imperfections of existence.

Nocturnal (Daedric Prince of Night and Darkness): Stealth and Caution - Nocturnal's sphere involves stealth, darkness, and secrecy, which can teach the importance of being discreet and cautious when necessary.

Peryite (Daedric Prince of Pestilence): Cleanliness and Health - Peryite's association with pestilence and disease can serve as a reminder of the value of cleanliness, hygiene, and maintaining good health.

Sanguine (Daedric Prince of Debauchery): Moderation - Sanguine's realm revolves around indulgence, but from this, one might learn the importance of moderation and avoiding excessive behaviors.

Sheogorath (Daedric Prince of Madness): Adaptability and Connoisseurship of Cheese - Sheogorath's chaotic nature can highlight the importance of adaptability and flexibility when dealing with unpredictable situations. Of course, everyone loves cheese, so why not be an expert of it.

Vaermina (Daedric Prince of Dreams and Nightmares): Mindfulness - Vaermina's domain involves dreams and nightmares, which can remind us of the importance of being mindful of our thoughts, fears, and emotions. This virtue could encourage individuals to become more self-aware and attentive to their mental and emotional states, promoting better mental well-being.

Remember that the Daedric Princes are not beings to be emulated entirely, as they often embody negative traits and have malevolent intentions. Instead, these virtues should be seen as potential lessons drawn from the lore and interactions with these powerful entities in The Elder Scrolls universe.

[Edited for missing content 8/27/23]

hashii · July 2023

Nice! Enjoyed reading this. Especially considering some in Tamriel worship the daedra. So it adds more depth and nuance to the daedric princes.

brylars · July 2023

Thanks. Some of it I took liberties.

aru · August 2023

I liked the Namira part and your way of thinking. Nevertheless, I think a mere mortal should stay away from them in every aspect.

brylars · August 2023

aru wrote: »

I liked the Namira part and your way of thinking. Nevertheless, I think a mere mortal should stay away from them in every aspect.

But the Daedra care about us ... in their own ... unique ... way.

Sinlar · August 2023

A most thoughtful and interesting analysis.

The more archaic and esoteric of the Khajiit and Chimer texts and stories, reference some aspects of this line of thought.
Such as the walking way, and the many paths.
In that light, it also may be worth keeping in mind the only true differences between the Aedra and Daedra in this regard.
Those of mortality, and intent.
The Aedra died with mortal intent, in order to become the mundus.
The Daedra have no intent to experience mortality , although they reflect many aspects of it.

0.o

dazee · August 2023

Sheogorath teaches us how delicious cheese is, and how to appreciate butterflies.

SilverIce58 · August 2023

I just noticed you're missing a Prince @brylars. Vaermina

brylars · August 2023

Oh crap. How did that happen? @SilverIce58 Thanks.

brylars · August 2023

dazee wrote: »

Sheogorath teaches us how delicious cheese is, and how to appreciate butterflies.

I have edited it in light of your observation. Uncle Sheo teaches us to be connoisseurs of cheese.

SilverIce58 · August 2023

Hell yeah, I love that for Vaermina!

Skullstachio · August 2023

A new prince also surfaced at the conclusion of the necrom chapter which should be left in a spoiler box and best to wait until more info can be uncovered:

Ithelia, the Prince of Paths, the Mistress of the Untraveled Road, the Unseen, the Fate-Changer

Also regarding hircine: he has at most 5 different aspects as written in the lorebook: Aspects of Hircine.

"You may meet the Hunter, who is invoked as Alrabeg. He bears the Spear of Bitter Mercy. He comes here from the Hunting Grounds to hunt new prey, or he brings prey native to the Hunting Grounds, like the Unicorn, to hunt in new forests. If he brings not prey, then woe betide you who meet him, for he may dub you the Hare. Then you must flee as best you can, though you will not escape.

"You may meet the Manbeast, who is invoked as Storihbeg. He wears the Wolf Skull Totem and his growl is like a landslide in the Karth Gorge. He comes here to hunt with his children the Skinshifters, or to adopt new children and turn them pelt-side-out. His howl will freeze your inwards [sic] like a pond in Evening Star at midnight—you will see your death approach, but be unable to flee.

"You man [sic] meet the Great Stag, who is invoked as Uricanbeg, and whose hooves drum the Blood Summons. He comes to mate with the hinds, and may transform a comely woman for that purpose, or to cull the herd of the weak. Those who hear his drumbeat are doomed to run with the herd, and may follow him back to the Hunting Grounds where they will be chased and unmade."

"You may meet the Quick Fox, who is invoked as Gulibeg, and who wields the Wand of Bone. He comes here to confound mortal hunters, to run them in circles until they are so plexed and wildered that they follow him over a cliff or into a trackless mire. He may fill you with such fury you can do naught but pursue him, or he may note you as clever and teach you his tricks.

"You may meet the Mighty Bear, who is invoked as Hrokkibeg. He embodies the Totem of Claw and Fang, and comes here seeking solitude, peace from labors, and renewal of the Burning Spirit Within. Beware, for if you rouse him and disturb his serenity you will be torn asunder. But if you approach him with deference and an offering of honey-sweet mead, he may grant you the power of the Bear-Heart in your next fight.