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?

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

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)

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