Loremaster's Archive: Heart's Week Celebration and Mara's Blessings!

ZOS_Kevin · January 6

Hi everyone! New Year, new Loremaster’s Archive! With the celebration of Heart’s Week coming next month our resident Priest of Mara, Kuzam-jo, is here to answer some of your questions about the upcoming festivities. Feel free to ask about Heart’s Week, related celebrations, love across Tamriel, and all that which Mother Mara blesses.

With the grace of the Divine Mother, Kuzam-jo is ready for your questions. Please submit them between now and January 19th, and we’ll select a few for the Priest of Mara to answer.

Divines guide you!

Erickson9610 · January 6

How do those afflicted with lycanthropy express love? I know of a couple in Bangkorai in which one of them is a werewolf, but do werewolves feel or show love toward others in a unique way?

DeathandDebauchery · January 6

One of the most frequently requested items in story-based MMOs and RPGs these days is romance-based story content. It seems you all are aware of this with the minor romance content provided in the 2025 Contest Pass. SW:TOR for example has recently started releasing "Dates" for their most popular companions and more fleshed out romance connections.

Can we expect to see content of this nature from ESO in the near future? I know there are many hopeful to see expanded content for existing companions, and I believe this is one area they are sorely lacking.

Nitewalker314 · January 6

Blessings upon you, Divine Mother Kuzam-jo,

I find myself, as many may, thinking of wedding ceremonies across Tamriel. We know a bit about everyone's celebrations except for... Maormer. Do the Maormer marry under Mara? Perhaps Orgnum? What might their ceremonies look like? Are the sea serpents involved?

Yours,
Mazkeen al-Rihad

Inari Telvanni · January 6

Exalted Kuzam-jo,

The currents of love are mysterious and unknowable, but none moreso than those in dour Morrowind. A Dunmer's soul is dark and bitter, so how do they find their love to have and to hold? Does Lady Almalexia hold any sway over the rites of courtship and matrimony in Mara's place?

tarponpet · January 6

Kuzam-jo,

I am sure you are getting plenty of questions about your so called "civilized" traditions, but tell me this; What do you know about the "primitive" folks and how they express their love? How do the likes of Imga or Ogres say "I love you"? Does a Lamia choose to settle down? If your like can even understand such beings, please enlighten others about them.
- "Goblin Tim"

LunaFlora · January 6

Greetings Kuzam-Jo, lovely Priest of Mara,

Since Heart's Day originated as Sanguine's summoning day, is the rose Prince's presence still felt in the present celebrations?

Rose petals guide you!
— Lady Lunetta Gleamblossom

Prophet_of_Malacath · January 6

GREETINGS KUZAM-JO,

Since the great Orsinium Athenaeum was plundered during the second conquest, my people have sought to recapture lost knowledge - and share it with others! I recall a stalwart Nord some years back, visiting Morkul stronghold, to learn of our courtship rites. Meanwhile, my own adventures have shown me how how a mother's love is bee-utiful in it's own way.

This leads me to wonder about faiths beyond our borders. Who better than the Goddess of Compassion to spare a kindness for the Patron of the Spurned? The Dark Elves mention Malak in their own myths - does Mara spare a word for the Defender of the Betrayed? Is she a goddess only for Man, or do her traditions exist amongst other tribes and provinces? Did she ever have a presence among Orcs in distant lands - or has the Mother of Love forsaken us too? Who is she to you?

With respect and gratitude for your guidance,
Dumak gro-Mudan the Small

Thevampirenight · January 6

We know there are many marriage traditions amongst the races, but how do those inflicted with vampirism get married. From what I hear there is many breeds some cannot enter temples without great pain, but other clans can enter just fine and I've even heard of some that still follow the divines even get married. So how do vampires and even lycanthropes celebrate Hearts Week? I'm looking for lore related to these things in order to expand upon what we know about these creatures?

Kimiran the Sage.

tomofhyrule · January 6

Priest Kuzam-jo,

I'll admit that I don't know much about religion, I mostly just learned about Kyne at my pa's knee and never even knew about the traditions of my birth parents until I joined up with the Fighters Guild. Anyway, I've heard from some of my comrades that the Benevolence of Mara (I think that's what your temple is called, right?) has started to extend its hand toward worshippers of Daedric Princes like Sanguine.

Ever since I was a cub, my pa and ma told me to avoid the Daedric Princes and I've seen first-hand some of the evil and pain they bring. I still remember having to go to that creepy fair out on Solstice to save my comrades from Sanguine's temptations - Brunnduhl still asks me for bananas every other day because of what happened to him there. I'm just glad I didn't take that mead they offered me at that tent because who knows where - or what - I'd be if I drank it.

I've always been told that the best solution to a Daedric Cultist was an axe to the face. Is it really wise to open the door to worshippers falling into the temptations of the Daedra? I'm dealing with enough cultists every day as it is, I don't think that we need to open the door to making more of them.

Also I'm asking every priest I know if there's a way to finally break Brunn's banana habit after his... misadventure on Solstice. They're not that easy to get up here in Skyrim.

Thanks for your time,
Garnag gro-Dragol, Orcish son of Skyrim

Legoless · January 6

Bright Moons to you, Ma'pakseech Kuzam-jo.

Are you perhaps familiar with the scholarly writings of Amun-dro? I understand he conducted research on the Legend of the Lovers, a tale popularly associated with Heart's Day. I have, however, found no mention of such a work among the texts sanctioned by the Curiata.

—Legoless, Tiger-Doyen of the United Explorers of Scholarly Pursuits

Benefactor · January 6

Kuzam-jo,

Love is typically discussed in the context of mortal experience, but some sources suggest that even the Princes of Oblivion experience it. One theory, which originated from the texts of Amun-dro, claims that Meridia’s long-standing animosity towards Molag Bal began with a failed romance. Their spheres both involve domination and enslavement, which may have sparked both their initial attraction and their eventual conflict.

What can you tell me of romance between the Princes of Oblivion?

-Benefactor
Librarian, The Imperial Library

Aliyavana · January 7

We Bretons originated from the intermingling of Men and Mer, a heritage said to grant us a unique perspective on Nirn’s oldest feud: the conflict between humans and elves. Scholars such as Phrastus of Elinhir state we're mongrels, claiming the first Bretons, the Manmer, were unwanted by their Elven progenitors and born of excess rather than intent. Yet the Manmer Coupled Idols recovered by the Antiquarian Circle suggest another truth, that early Men and Mer welcomed one another through love. Is it wrong, then, to favor this account? Might Mara herself have guided our emergence, intending us to bridge the divide between Men and Mer during the Merethic and First Eras?

—Lady Allene Ashcroft

Tyrvarion · January 7

Greetings Kuzam-jo,
I know the customs of my people very well. I believe I know the customs of my wife's folk quite well, too. My question is about a more sombre matter. Of finality. My wife is an Altmer of the shores of Summerset. Me? Just a humble Reachfolk from the Druadachs. I know we're an unusual couple, but I've heard that Mother Wolf binds the souls of those who truly love each other with a powerful knot. Not only now, but forever, even when we leave the world of flesh. Thus I ask you, priest. Do you believe that we will find each other on the other side of the river when the time comes?

—Kaenag of Clan Firewolf

Euryale · January 7

Sugar and sand, Priest Kuzam-jo:

While we approach the sacred duty of embodying Mara's divine love from different directions, I write to inquire how best to include those among us who do not express or experience what we term romantic love in ways that most people would recognize. These expressions, alongside those between comrades, family, and friends, are equally precious in Mara's eyes and deserve inclusion when we gather to celebrate her blessings.

I remain,
Respectfully,

Euryale Kyr'Eris

Mindtrait0r · January 7

May this message find that wise priest Kuzam-Jo,

When lovers of different races get married under Mara, what do you believe happens to their afterlives? If their people go to separate realms, are the wed spirits barred from being with each other in eternity?

—Talanor Necroblade, Imperial City Arena Champion

MafiaCat115 · January 7

To the esteemed priest Kuzam-jo,

I am an Altmer scholar who worships the traditional pantheon of my people, in which we share veneration for Lady Mara. However, my beloved and soon to be husband is a Dunmer who devoutly follows the Tribunal. Would the Goddess of Love still bless our union if we had two ceremonies; one in the Altmeri custom and one in Dunmeri custom?

Signed,
Asrea Starlight, Lovestruck Scholar

LadyNerevar · January 7

Finally, a Loremasters Archive I didn't miss asking questions for!

The Altmer revere Mara, yet their marriages are arranged in favor "lineage and heritage," to quote your compatriot Augustine Viliane. What part does love and Mara play in Altmeri unions?

How does the lady Mara feel about affairs? If one is stuck in a loveless marriage but has met someone new they've fallen for, surely the Goddess of Love would understand?

I've heard much about Mara as a goddess of romantic love. Does she also abide over the love I feel for my children, or for my country?

OgrimTitan · January 7

In High Rock, every church of the Eight Divines has a knightly order. Knights of Iron for the Zenithar's Resolution, Knights of the Circle for the Order of Arkay.. Maran Knights for the Benevolence of Mara. The inconvenient question in this season of love and romance would be: what is the actual role of the military order of the church that propagates peace and love?

Nicolas le Bellerose, spellknight-mentor of planology, Daggerfall School of Julianos

keto3000 · January 7

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hi everyone! New Year, new Loremaster’s Archive! With the celebration of Heart’s Week coming next month our resident Priest of Mara, Kuzam-jo, is here to answer some of your questions about the upcoming festivities. Feel free to ask about Heart’s Week, related celebrations, love across Tamriel, and all that which Mother Mara blesses.

With the grace of the Divine Mother, Kuzam-jo is ready for your questions. Please submit them between now and January 19th, and we’ll select a few for the Priest of Mara to answer.

Divines guide you!

Hi Kevin,

Who is the current LoreMaster for ESO? I miss Lawrence Schick & Leamon Tuttle!

I found this current list of personnel but no loremaster is mentioned here:

https://en.m.uesp.net/wiki/General:People#Zenimax_Online_Studios

couriersix · January 7

Bright moons, Priestess Kuzam-Jo.

For those of us not interested in romantic connections, how is Heart's week spent among friends? I am also curious about those who seek out love within those of the same gender or practices which may be gender neutral, are there any cultures where traditions may differ in regards to this during the holiday?

My final question is if there are there any khajiiti desserts which are sacred to Heart's week?

I look forward to hearing your insight!

Maitsukas · January 7

keto3000 wrote: »

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hi everyone! New Year, new Loremaster’s Archive! With the celebration of Heart’s Week coming next month our resident Priest of Mara, Kuzam-jo, is here to answer some of your questions about the upcoming festivities. Feel free to ask about Heart’s Week, related celebrations, love across Tamriel, and all that which Mother Mara blesses.

With the grace of the Divine Mother, Kuzam-jo is ready for your questions. Please submit them between now and January 19th, and we’ll select a few for the Priest of Mara to answer.

Divines guide you!

Hi Kevin,

Who is the current LoreMaster for ESO? I miss Lawrence Schick & Leamon Tuttle!

I found this current list of personnel but no loremaster is mentioned here:

https://en.m.uesp.net/wiki/General:People#Zenimax_Online_Studios

It's Michael Zenke, he's been in this role since High Isle.

LonelyStone · January 7

Bright Moons light your path, priest Kuzam-jo,

I deeply love a Khajiit, and we have been traveling together for a long time. Throughout our travels, I have been considering proposing, but as an Imperial, I am unfamiliar with Khajiit marriage customs. While I have heard that Khajiit also follow the faith of Mara, I have not seen any Mara temples in the land of Elsweyr. Thus, I am unsure whether the ceremonies I am familiar with are applicable here.

I have learned that you are a Khajiit priest of Mara, and I hope you can clarify my doubts. How should I propose? Are there any taboos I should avoid here? If she agrees, what preparations should I make for the wedding?

Faustus Bloodskal, an Imperial deeply in love

Vincentius1 · January 7

Greetings Priest of Mara,

Since I was a child, the village elder would always recount the Legend of the Lovers every Heart's Day as part of our village's annual festival, and ever since I've become a worldly scholar, I've wondered about the story's origin. And so I ask you this: where does the Legend of the Lovers come from? How did it become such a widespread tale to recite every year, and how has it changed over the years?

Kind regards,

Gaspar Manteau, Explorer-at-Large

CE_Nex · January 7

To the Reverent Kuzam-jo,

Would you be so kind as to expand our understanding of Mara's role in Khajiiti culture and history? In my, admittedly, superifical understanding of your people, the role of cosmic mother is often attributed to Azurah. And in the pre-ri'Datta writings of the priest called Amun-dro, Mara is utterly absent As such, how do the Khajiit honor and revere Divine Mara?

Respectfully,
C.E.Nex

spartaxoxo · January 7

Jobal kha'jay, Kuzam-Jo,

Many know Mara as the goddess of Love, and in this role, she is most sleek, yes? But, the mother cat has many tricks up her sleeve. For she is also the goddess of agriculture! This one knows that that one knows this all too well. What this one does not know is what crops are eaten during this festivity? Other than moon sugar, of course. Var Var. This one is hoping to make a special treat for a faithful companion. For most trustworthy and honorable reasons and not at all to steal, this one assures you.

Purrscha, priestess of Rajhin

ZOS_Kevin · January 7

Hi Kevin,

Who is the current LoreMaster for ESO? I miss Lawrence Schick & Leamon Tuttle!

I found this current list of personnel but no loremaster is mentioned here:

https://en.m.uesp.net/wiki/General:People#Zenimax_Online_Studios[/quote]

Michael Zenke is our Loremaster. Also that list is super out of date. I'm not on it and I've been here for almost 5 years now. So I don't know who else is on/not on that list.

zacktly · January 7

To the Esteemed Priest of Mara, Kuzam-jo:

I’ve often found myself curious about the intersection of portfolios where Divines are concerned. Mara might perhaps be the best example of this position, apparently sharing the domain of Love with Dibella, the Lady of Love, and of Compassion with Stendarr, God of Mercy. Perhaps you could speak a bit about this overlap, and how the Divines work together in their beneficence?

And on a personal note, I wonder if you’d extend a prayer this coming Heart’s Week for my dear cousin Arlie, whose mother went . . . deeply astray in her efforts to guide her toward a suitable match. I’m sure Arlie would be grateful for Mara’s guidance, despite my aunt’s unfortunate lapse.

With utmost appreciation,
Lord Loran Edrald
(the Systres family branch)

baratron · January 7

ZOS_Kevin wrote: »

Hi Kevin,

Who is the current LoreMaster for ESO? I miss Lawrence Schick & Leamon Tuttle!

I found this current list of personnel but no loremaster is mentioned here:

https://en.m.uesp.net/wiki/General:People#Zenimax_Online_Studios

Michael Zenke is our Loremaster. Also that list is super out of date. I'm not on it and I've been here for almost 5 years now. So I don't know who else is on/not on that list.
[/quote]

It is supposed to list everyone who's ever worked at ZOS, rather than only current staff. One of us will have to wrestle it into shape. Possibly me because I put together the list of current employees and job titles for the people we (UESP) are sending gifts to.

MrUnionBlue · January 7

Dearest Priest of Mara, Kuzam-Jo,

This humble Templar of Akatosh erects the spine of greeting. The bond between the Great Dragon God of Time and the Mother Goddess has stirred the quills of scholars since the first turning of the Kalpa. In your sacred duties as a devoted servant of the Mother, what wisdom have you gleaned regarding the nature of the relationship shared between Akatosh and Mara among the Divines?

On a more personal matter, the Mother teaches: “Live soberly and peacefully. Honor your parents, and preserve the peace and security of home and family.” Yet I wonder — do these teachings extend to those beings who stand outside the natural order shaped by the Divines? My heart has been ensnared by a creature of the night, one cursed by Molag Bal’s cruel touch. Tell me, is such affection beyond the bounds of Mara’s blessing?

I remain ever faithful,

Walks-On-Faith
Templar Knight of Akatosh and the Eight Divines

meleep · January 7

To the Priest of Mara, Kuzam-jo:

I wish to extend my worship of the Mother Mild to enhance my reverence, much like the priests of Mara do, so that I may live my life to the fullest under the paradigms of Mara herself. What are some small rituals I may undertake as a citizen to gain Mara's favor in my daily life?

With care,

Brother Sertorix