In the metaphysical and cosmological framework of Tamriel, the celestial bodies—specifically the two moons and the constellations—serve as the fundamental architecture of destiny, magic, and culture. Unlike Earth's singular lunar influence, Tamriel operates under the complex gravitational and spiritual interplay of two moons, Secunda and Massera, alongside the twenty-nine constellations that dictate the fate of those born under them. The study of these celestial mechanics, known as Tamrielic astronomy, is not merely an academic pursuit but a practical application of magic, divination, and personal destiny. From the ancient Yokudan belief that stars guide the soul to the modern Breton observances of the Moon Festival, the celestial sphere is the map upon which life is written.
The core of this celestial system lies in the dual-moon dynamic. The interaction between the two moons, often described as a "cloven duality," creates a unique astrological calendar. This duality is central to the creation of the birth signs, or the "Charge" system used by the Mages, Thieves, and Warriors across the Empire. To understand the destiny of an individual, one must understand the astronomical phenomena that precede their birth, the specific influence of the moons, and the cultural myths that bind these celestial events to the mortal realm.
The Celestial Architecture: Moons and the Dual Lunar Cycle
The foundation of Tamrielic astrology rests upon the two moons, Secunda and Massera. These are not merely decorative celestial bodies; they are the engines of time, magic, and cultural identity. The Breton tradition, for instance, explicitly acknowledges a goddess of the moons named Secunda, and the people of Glenumbra Moors observe the Moon Festival on the 8th of Sun's Dusk in her remembrance. This festival marks a cultural pivot point where the celestial and the mortal worlds intersect.
The astronomical behavior of these two moons is complex and varies by region and culture. In the ancient Yokudan cosmology, the stars were created by Ruptga, a deity of immense size who placed the stars in the sky to guide spirits to the Far Shores. However, the moons themselves are often tied to the concept of the "Cloven-Duality." According to the Artaeum, the two moons personify this duality, a concept that Lorkhan's legends often rail against. This duality is not just a poetic description; it is a physical reality that influences the tides, the magic of the mages, and the behavior of the constellations.
One of the most significant astronomical events involving the moons is the "Shade of the Revenant." This phenomenon involves the Necromancer's Moon, also known as the Revenant, which is the divine body of Mannimarco, the God of Worms. This moon eclipses the planet Arkay every eight days. During this eclipse, the light of Arkay is prevented from reaching Nirn for 24 hours. This celestial alignment casts a purple or red light upon specific locations across Tamriel. The purpose of this eclipse is to temporarily suspend the divine laws of Arkay, allowing Mannimarco to act as the sole god of life and death. The Cult of the Black Worm worships Mannimarco and constructs altars at these locations to harness the Shade of the Revenant for the creation of black soul gems. This event highlights the tangible impact celestial mechanics have on the magical potential of the world.
Furthermore, the moons play a critical role in alchemical and ritualistic practices. In Argonian alchemy, the phases of the moon are used to precisely align a calcinator during the alchemical process. During a full moon, the calcinator faces south and aligns with the Southron pole star. Every night after the full moon, the device rotates clockwise by one twenty-eighth of a circle. The device must be positioned so that moonlight shines on half of it. During a new moon, the calcinator should be fully exposed to the light. This precise astronomical alignment is essential for the success of Argonian alchemical transmutations.
The Hidden Moon and the Necromancer's Moon
While the primary moons are Secunda and Massera, the lore also speaks of a third, darker lunar body. The Hidden Moon is considered the true spirit of Lorkhan, freed of darkness. However, the most prominent of these secondary moons is the Necromancer's Moon (the Revenant). This celestial body is the physical form of Mannimarco, the god of worms. It was created by the Warp in the West in the year 3E 417 when Mannimarco used the power of the Mantella to fuel his transfiguration and apotheosis.
The interaction between the moons creates a complex temporal landscape. In the Redguard tradition, the crescent moon holds immense cultural significance. It was the banner of Grandee Yaghoub, the founder of Sentinel, known as the White Moon. King Camaron was also called the "White Moon" as a nod to this symbol. The Knights of the Moon were the precursor to the Order of the Candle, the knightly order of Sentinel. This demonstrates how the lunar cycle is not just an astronomical fact but a central pillar of political and military identity.
The Birth Signs: The Charges of Destiny
The most direct application of this celestial system is the birth sign, or "Charge," determined by the position of the sun, moon, and constellations at the moment of an individual's birth. In the Elder Scrolls universe, there are twenty-nine birth signs, each associated with a specific constellation and a specific season or charge. These signs confer specific statistical bonuses and penalties to the individual's attributes, shaping their destiny from the moment of conception.
The charges are not random; they are deeply tied to the three primary archetypes: Warrior, Mage, and Thief. The following table outlines the specific characteristics and attribute modifications associated with these signs, derived from the lore of the Elder Scrolls.
| Sign Name | Archetype | Season | Attribute Modifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Lord | Warrior | Morning Star | +1 Endurance, +1 Faith |
| The Ritual | Mage | Morning Star | +1 Willpower, +1 Lore |
| The Tower | Thief | Frostfall | +1 Endurance, +1 Security |
| The Serpent | Thief | No Season | +2 Luck, +1 Fate, +1 Intimidation, -2 Endurance, -1 Willpower |
Those born under the sign of The Lord are described as stronger and healthier than those born under other signs. This sign is tied to the season of Morning Star. The Ritual, one of the Mage's charges, also falls within the Morning Star season. Individuals born under The Ritual possess a natural attunement to the aspects of the moons and the Divines, granting them increased Willpower and Lore.
The Tower is one of the Thief's charges, associated with the season of Frostfall. Those born under this sign have a distinct knack for finding gold and can open locks of all kinds. The attribute bonuses reflect this, granting +1 Endurance and +1 Security.
The Serpent sign is unique among the charges. It wanders about in the sky and has no specific season, though its motions are predictable to a degree. No characteristics are common to all who are born under this sign. Those born under The Serpent are described as being "the most blessed and the most cursed." The attribute changes are drastic: +2 Luck, +1 Fate, and +1 Intimidation, but at the cost of -2 Endurance and -1 Willpower. This extreme duality reflects the chaotic nature of the sign.
The Mechanics of Destiny and the Elder Scrolls
The determination of one's birth sign is intrinsically linked to the Elder Scrolls themselves. It is a common belief that Elder Scrolls depict star charts and patterns similar to those familiar to those skilled in astronomy or astral navigation. Upon careful examination of specific Elder Scrolls, one can see the outline of constellations. For instance, a specific Elder Scroll depicted in the lore shows the outline of The Thief constellation. This scroll was historically significant as it was stolen from the Imperial Palace and used to break the curse on the Cowl of Nocturnal.
The connection between the Elder Scrolls and the celestial map is profound. The scrolls themselves appear to be a map of the stars, with various glyphs of unknown purpose adorning both the foreground and background. Those with no knowledge of the Elder Scrolls, or those with special destinies, can view a scroll with no ill-effects and see patterns similar to star charts. However, for those without special destiny, viewing a scroll can cause madness or destruction. This suggests that the scrolls are a direct interface between the mortal mind and the celestial will.
The study of the stars is not commonly associated with both greater and lesser Daedra. However, evidence of Daedric astronomy has been documented within the Havoc Wellhead during the siege of the Imperial Battlespire. Within that plane, both a telescope and orrery were under the control of various Dagon clans who used the realm as a staging ground for the siege. It is debatable whether these devices are Daedric in origin or plundered from mortals, as contemporary accounts describe the clans as being unable to create such devices themselves, preferring to plunder mortals for their creations.
Cultural Myths and the Astral Landscape
The influence of the moons and stars permeates the cultural fabric of every race in Tamriel. Each culture interprets the celestial bodies through the lens of their own mythology, creating a rich tapestry of belief systems that guide daily life, ritual, and historical narrative.
Yokudan and Redguard Cosmology
For the Redguards and the ancient Yokudans, the stars are not merely lights in the sky but active participants in the journey of the soul. Yokudans believe that the stars guide your destiny from birth to death and beyond. Their myths describe Ruptga, a deity so large he could place the stars themselves in the sky. After Ruptga's death, the hunger of Sep, the Second Serpent, took form in the sky as a hungry void that chases and tries to devour the stars.
In this mythos, Sep stole one of the stars Ruptga held in his hand, a star that was being used to form the Great Map. When Sep was killed, the star fell from his mouth in the form of a pearl. This pearl fell to the land, was covered by sand, and came to belong to Zeht, the god of agriculture. It is said this Pearl is the "Way and the Guide," the "light to the Far Shores and back again." The discovery of this pearl is prophesied to signal that water will flow over all the previous Worldskins, ending the time of Sep's Hunger and sating the Hungry Stomach of Satakal.
Breton and Argonian Traditions
The Bretons acknowledge a goddess of the moons named Secunda. Their modern descendants in the Glenumbra Moors observe the Moon Festival on the 8th of Sun's Dusk in her remembrance. The crescent moon was also the symbol of King Casimir of Daggerfall and the Casimir family. According to one Breton myth, the moons were born from the mortals Shandar and Mara. Having grown up in two different warring villages, the two attempted to run away as they were forbidden to marry. This mythological origin story ties the celestial bodies directly to mortal love and conflict.
In contrast, Argonian alchemy uses the phases of the moon to precisely align a calcinator during the alchemical process. During the full moon, the calcinator faces south and aligns with the Southron pole star. Every night after that, the calcinator rotates clockwise one twenty-eighth of the circle. The device must be placed where the moonlight shines on half of it. During the new moon, the calcinator should be fully exposed to the light. This precise astronomical alignment is essential for the success of Argonian alchemical transmutations.
The Moondial and Vampire Lore
The influence of the moons extends to the architecture and magical artifacts of Tamriel. The moondial in Castle Volkihar is perhaps the only one in existence. It was originally a sundial built for the previous owners of the castle, but Valerica of the Volkihar Clan persuaded an elven artisan to change images of the sun to phases of the moons. This conversion reflects a shift in the dominant light source, acknowledging the power of the moons over the sun in certain mystical contexts.
One of Tamriel's most rare and dangerous artifacts is the Vampiric Ring. It was created in ancient times by a cult of vampires in Morrowind. The ritual calling upon Hircine to bless a pact involves several components. On occasion, within these rituals, phrases like "Two great packs seek the same full moon. Make them one, bound by common prey" are intoned. This highlights how vampire rituals are deeply tied to the lunar cycle.
The Arkthzand Orrery and the Mechanics of Time
The study of the stars is not commonly associated with both greater and lesser Daedra. However, some evidence of Daedric astronomy has been documented within the Havoc Wellhead during the siege of the Imperial Battlespire. Within the plane, both a telescope and orrery are under the control of the various Dagon clans who used the realm as a staging ground for the siege. Whether this telescope and orrery are Daedric in origin or not is debatable, as a contemporary account by Imago Storm describes these clans as being unable to create such devices themselves, preferring to plunder mortals for their creations.
The Arkthzand Orrery in Blackreach is a prime example of an ancient device designed to track celestial movements. These orreries were used to calculate the exact change in seasons and the movements of the moons. The Aurbical Abacus was a Yokudan relic designed to track the movements of the moons, among other astronomical objects, and calculated the exact change in seasons. It was an artifact associated with Zeht, the god of agriculture, and kept in a tomb in Hew's Bane before it was later destroyed. The loss of such artifacts represents a break in the continuity of astronomical knowledge.
Dwemer runes were also used to represent constellations. The only difference at all is the simplification of guardian runes to outlined squares and charge runes to filled circles. This indicates that the ancient races, such as the Dwemer, had their own symbolic language for representing the celestial sphere.
The Necromancer's Moon and the Cult of the Black Worm
The Necromancer's Moon, also known as the Revenant, is a moon and the divine body of the God of Worms, Mannimarco. It was created by the Warp in the West in 3E 417 when Mannimarco used the power of the Mantella to fuel his transfiguration and apotheosis. This event marked a significant shift in the cosmology of Tamriel.
The Necromancer's Moon eclipses the planet Arkay every eight days, preventing its light from reaching Nirn for 24 hours. This celestial phenomenon is known as the Shade of the Revenant, and casts a purple or red light down on certain locations across Tamriel during this period. The purpose of this eclipse is to foil the divine laws of Arkay, allowing Mannimarco to be the only god of life and death. The Cult of the Black Worm worship Mannimarco as the God of Worms, and construct altars to him at these locations to harness the Shade of the Revenant for use in creating black soul gems.
This interaction between the Necromancer's Moon and the divine law of Arkay illustrates the volatile nature of Tamrielic astronomy. The moons are not passive observers; they are active agents in the cosmic drama. The ability of the Necromancer's Moon to suppress Arkay's influence demonstrates that the celestial bodies can override the established divine order.
Baar Dau: The Prison Moon
Baar Dau, also known as the Ministry of Truth, Prison Moon, or Lie Rock, was a meteor, celestial rock, or moonlet which hovered above Vivec City in southern Vvardenfell. According to the prevailing legends, it was flung from the Void by either Sheogorath or its own malevolence, but was prevented from crashing into the city by the Tribunal god Vivec. Vivec allowed it to remain looming above the city so that if its people ever ceased to love him, the rock would fall and destroy them.
This artifact serves as a literal manifestation of the "cloven duality" of the moons and the stars. It represents a threat that hangs over the city, a constant reminder of the precariousness of mortal life in the face of celestial power. The hovering rock is a unique celestial object that defies the standard gravitational rules of the world, acting as a test of faith and political stability.
Conclusion
The celestial landscape of Tamriel is a complex interplay of two moons, twenty-nine constellations, and a variety of cultural interpretations that shape the destiny of every individual. From the precise alchemical alignments of the Argonians to the ritualistic observances of the Bretons, and the prophetic myths of the Redguards, the stars and moons are not merely background scenery but active participants in the narrative of the world. The Elder Scrolls themselves serve as a map of these celestial bodies, revealing that the destiny of a person is inextricably linked to the position of the sun, moon, and stars at their birth.
The duality of the moons, the seasonal cycles, and the specific attributes granted by birth signs create a deterministic framework that governs the magical and social order. Whether it is the ominous influence of the Necromancer's Moon or the protective presence of the White Moon in Sentinel, the celestial sphere is the ultimate authority on fate. The study of these phenomena, whether through the ancient Aurbical Abacus or the modern orreries, remains a critical discipline for understanding the mechanics of Tamrielic reality.