Giant mushroom trees, ash storms, and insectoid egg-mines. If that doesn’t sound like something out of an alien world, it’s hard to say what would.

The third installment of The Elder Scrolls, Morrowind, was as foreign as it was immersive. Dragging the player all over the massive island of Vvardenfell, to find themselves the reincarnation of an ancient Dunmer war-hero. Truly, of all TES settings, so far, it was the most wild… and yet, we only saw a brief glimpse of the Dark Elves’ homeland. 

To understand the true beauty of both Morrowind’s lands and culture, one must know its people, the Dark Elves, or Dunmer.

From Chimer to Dunmer

Long ago, the progenitors of all elven races, the Aldmeri, came to Tamriel from the continent of Aldmeris. Over time, political and theistic beliefs lead to cultural separations. Combined with emigration to other parts of the supercontinent (from what is believed to be their initial landing point in Tamriel, The Summerset Isles), these differences eventually blossomed into the different races of Mer that we know today.

The Chimer, who were much like the Altmer in appearance (golden skin), ventured far to the East, under direction of their most trusted prophet. There they founded their own religion, worshiping a handful of Daedric Princes, primarily Azura.

Conflict with the early human races of Tamriel, and the Dwemer (or Dwarves) was quite common, and escalated in significance. The final battle between the Dwemer and Chimer (known as The Battle of Red Mountain) led to a desperate and enigmatic decision by the Dwemer.

In their pursuit of science, technology, and knowledge, the Dwemer activated a device that they believed would win them this war, The Heart of Lorkhan. The result was the worldwide disappearance of all dwarves. 

The trusted political and wartime leaders of the Chimer, Almalexia, Vivec, and Sotha Sil, ended up discovering the device, and tying themselves to it in an effort to attain godhood. To do so, they murdered their friend, and hero to the Chimer people, Indoril Nerevar. This was seen as a haughty betrayal by Azura, who cursed the Chimer, by turning their skin to the colour of Ash, and their eyes Red, reflecting the betrayal at Red Mountain.

Vvardenfell

When you begin Morrowind, time has long passed since The Battle of Red Mountain. You arrive as a prisoner, dropped off on the southwestern end of the island of Vvardenfell. The island accounts for a rather large chunk or Morrowind’s land mass, but is far from the entirety of the province.

Immediately, you’re met with swamps, mushrooms, and giant arthropods (used by the native Dunmer for travel). It doesn’t take long to feel like a stranger in a strange land. Despite this, you’re easily made at home in the many booming cities the island has to offer.

From grasslands and ashlands, to swamps and volcanoes, the diverse landscape of this island is reason enough to see a return to the mysterious and exotic province of Morrowind.

The Mainland

Unfortunately, we see little of the mainland setting in  TES 3: Morrowind. What we do see, is a bright and robust city: Mournhold. “City of light, city of magic…” we’re constantly reminded by the enthusiastic city guards.

Despite being the “traditional” capital of Morrowind, and the capital of one of the four great houses (Indoril), Mournhold is far from the upward limit of Dunmer society. There are many huge, important cities that serve as the seat to the master’s of the other great houses (Hlaalu, Redoran, and Telvanni).

Solstheim, and Skyrim

The relationship between the Nords of Skyrim, and the Dunmer of Morrowind has been tempestuous, at the best of times. This has led to the frosty island of Solstheim (technically part of Skyrim) to be hotly disputed.

Populated primarily by traditionalist Nords, the island’s climate and landscape are harsh and inhospitable.

Modern Morrowind

By the time we hear about Morrowind, in Skyrim, it appears as though the 206 year gap has not been kind to the Dunmer people.

The eruption of Red Mountain, (Vvardenfell’s largest volcano) and an Argonian uprising against slavery (can’t say it wasn’t warranted), have left both mainland Morrowind and Vvardenfell in shambles. Robust cities like Mournhold and Vivec are in ruins, and much of Morrowind is uninhabitable.

Through diplomacy and amnesty, the Nords of Skyrim have gifted Solstheim to the Dunmer, who have colonized its harsh and unforgiving landscape.

A Welcome Return

Given the option to return to Morrowind, I’m sure any and all players who’ve experienced it would gladly take the opportunity. Not only is the rich culture of the Dunmer quite possibly the most unique of all of Tamirel’s races, but the diverse and twisted landscape would be a sight to behold.

Players have been given the slightest glimpse of the scarred Vvardenfell, from the southern coast of Solstheim in Skyrim’s expansion: Dragonborn. To be able to visit what was once a lush and beautiful world, to find it in shambles would be very disturbing, to say the least. Furthermore, so much of Morrowind has been left unexplored in The Elder Scrolls series. 

What mysteries lie in wait, beneath the ashes of Red Mountain? What stories are begging to be told from mainland Morrowind? I don’t believe that I’m the only one who’s hoping to find out.

How would you feel about a return to Morrowind? Do you long for a return to Vvardenfell? Share your opinion in the comments!