Lore:Aedra

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The Aedra are original beings that arose from the interplay of Anu and Padomay.[1] They are regarded as the counterparts and opposites of the Daedra, but the distinction originated after their birth, during the creation of the Mundus. The Aedric beings played a leading role in the creation of Mundus (and became bound to the Earth Bones) causing them to commonly be considered the creators of the mortal world. As part of the divine contract of creation, the Aedra can be killed. Aedra translated into Aldmeris means "ancestors".[2] The proper singular form is "Aedroth",[UOL 1] but the Aedra are almost never referred to in singular.

Eight of the Aedra are worshipped as the Eight Divines, namely Akatosh, Arkay, Dibella, Julianos, Kynareth, Mara, Stendarr, and Zenithar; with the addition of Talos, the human god-hero Tiber Septim, they became the Nine Divines.[3] However there are a number of other Aedric figures who have smaller followings, often owing to a reduced influence in the world compared to the Nine Divines.

Lorkhan who came up with the idea to create Mundus is treated as an Aedra as he helped create the world. However many Elven societies shun Lorhkhan seeing creation as a trick that limited the power of their ancestors. For this he was executed by the other Aedra, showcasing his mortal nature. Even amongst Human societies that venerate his role in creation, he is not worshipped owing to either his death or the belief that his task in the universe is over.

Magnus was the architect of Mundus, coming up with the designs for the other Aedra to follow. But following the Convention at the Adamantine Tower, he returned to Aetherius tearing a hole to Oblivion that became the sun allowing magic to come to Mundus, and several other Et-Ada followed him forming the stars and becoming known as the Magna-Ge (the followers of Magnus). For this Magnus is referred as the God of Magic, but his veneration and that of the Magna-Ge is not widespread due to his absence in Mundus.

The spirits who then remained, either gave themselves fully to become the stabilizing elements of the new world, or "made children", becoming the progenitors of life. These spirits would come to be known as the Ehlnofey or Earthbones. [4][5] The greatest amongst those spirits who gave themselves fully to form the laws of nature is Y'ffre who is venerated in Elven societies, especially amongst the Bosmer who formed the Green Pact with him.

Trinimac was the warrior god of the Aedra, who is credited with fighting and ultimately killing Lohrkhan amongst Elven myths. However at some point the Daedric Prince Boethiah 'ate' Trinimac taking his form, and appearing before Trinimac's followers to discredit the Aedra. What was Trinimac was released and was now the Daedric Prince Malacath, and his most devout followers were transformed with him into Orcs. Due to this origin, Malacath is considered neither truly Aedra or Daedra which is fitting as he is known as the Pariah God.

Mortals who achieve apotheosis have also found membership in Tamrielic pantheons alongside the Aedra, such as Talos, and possibly Arkay whom many myths attribute to have once been mortal. Syrabane is the Warlock's God, and Phynaster is the Wayfarer God, originally thought to be mortals who ascended to godhood within certain Elven Pantheons and beliefs.

Since the Convention, the identities of the Aedra have changed greatly and become subject to disruption and even modification by the actions of mortals.

Minor Aedric spirits exist, but they are rarely encountered since Magnus withdrew from the world at the moment of creation.[6]

References[edit]

Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.