Lore:Aetherius

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Aetherius
Type Realm
Realm Aurbis
Subregions Mantellan Crux
Sovngarde
Far Shores
Sands Behind the Stars
Forest of Dreams
Appears in Daggerfall, Skyrim, ESO

Aetherius (known also as the Immortal Plane,[1] the Aether,[2] and Heaven)[3][4] is a plane of the Aurbis thought to be the origin of all magic and arcane arts.[5][6][7] The stars and the sun are thought to be holes into Aetherius left by spirits (notably Magnus) who long ago became dissatisfied with Mundus.[5] It is a common belief that the soul of a dead person, assuming they are not Nirn-bound for some reason, goes to Aetherius, to continue on as a spirit,[8], where it is said many souls of mortals become spirits of another sort.[1] Materials known as Aetherial Fragments often become dislodged and fall to Nirn; these are commonly observed by the people of Tamriel as 'shooting stars'.[5]

Aetherius, much like Oblivion, consists of a multitude of realms which serve different purposes and is described as a bright sea containing many worlds, though they are all "of everlasting imperfection".[4][9][1] For Nords, their chosen place in Aetherius is Sovngarde, the Hall of Valor.[10] The Redguards have a different place in Aetherius, called the Far Shores,[7] as do the Khajiit, a realm known as the Sands Behind the Stars.[11] These locations are not necessarily exclusive to those particular races, but may depend on an individual's beliefs, choices during their lifetime and the manner of their death, including the possibility of servitude to the Daedra in Oblivion.[12][13][14]. For instance, in 2E 582 King Emeric of Wayrest was (temporarily) killed in the Chamber of Passage in the Hall of Heroes; his soul was drawn through a nearby passage to the Far Shores, despite his being a Breton.[15]

Aetherius is thought by many to be the home of the Aedric spirits,[16] though very little is actually known as travel to Aetherius is extremely rare.[4]

The Magna Ge, who fled Mundus before Convention and created the stars, reside here.[UOL 1][UOL 2] The Mantellan Crux is a self-contained plane that for a time was the resting place of the Mantella after it was blasted into Aetherius by Zurin Arctus.

Powerful curses can sometimes cause part of Aetherius to overlay with Nirn, drawing spirits from that realm back into the world of the living.[17]

Travel[edit]

During the Merethic Era, a mythical order of Aldmeri explorers known as the Sun Birds of Alinor were said to have pierced the veil between Mundus and Aetherius using the raw magic of the Ehlnofey.[18] Their expeditions to Aetherius are said to be among the most famous attempts in history, however some scholars believe that actual proof of a successful journey is non-existent.[18] Another example is the Royal Imperial Mananauts of the Elder Council, of which almost nothing is known.[4]

The Dwemer were rumored to have used vessels called "Aetherbells", that could "dive" through the realms of Aetherius and Oblivion.[19]

Some portals to Aetherius can be found on Nirn,the Chamber of Passage in the Hall of Heroes is one such gate leading to the Far Shores,[20] and the gate to Sovngarde in the ancient fane of Skuldafn is another.[21]

Travel to Aetherius is possible through magic, the renowned mystic Nulfaga could transport others to the realm,[22] and certain life-force devouring wraiths can transport the living to Aetherius in order for the dead to drain their essence.[23]

Gallery[edit]

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.