Lore:Nature Spirit

A summoned Nature Spirit (left)

Nature Spirits, also known as spirits of the green, spirits of nature, and spirits of the forest, are spiritual creatures that originate from the Green. They are described as physical manifestations of Nirn, and are tied to the environment around them, but they are as unpredictable as nature itself. Though by one account, the term is said to be so vague and broad that it is essentially useless. Habitat-specific terms include forest spirit, timber spirits, woodland spirit, spirits of the wood, spirit of the jungle, wind spirit, spirit of the earth, water spirit or spirit of water. Some are known as tree spirits, spirits of the trees, or fire spirits depending on their appearance. Nature spirits are typically associated with Y'ffre or Jephre, but some are affiliated with other gods and goddesses that are associated with nature. Such as the All-Maker, Kyne, Kynareth, or even Hircine.

Characteristics

Nature Spirits are described as "dreams of the Green" and "forces of nature in the bosom of Y'ffre", made real and given form and purpose either naturally or through the will of practicioners of Nature Magic such as the Druids and the Wyrd. Certain greater spirits are said to be a subset of Y'ffre's laws shaped into spirits through Nature Magic, or to have been bound to a location with a certain task by Y'ffre himself. They are said to reside in all things, rocks, roots, leaves, brooks, the wind, a field of flowers, or even a swarm of Torchbugs, though their will might be difficult to perceive, even for those who know how to listen. According to the Augur of the Obscure, waterfalls house a deluge of water spirits, and each individual stone has it's own spirit with it's own stories to tell.

Nature spirits that haven't yet emerged into the physical world are said to "slumber" within the Green, druids use a concoction named the "Elixir of Y'ffre's Thoughts", said to temporarily turn the imbiber into a dream or memory also, to communicate with them and exchange knowledge while in that state. When a nature spirit "dies", it returns to it's slumber within the Green, ending it's current incarnation. Vanquished nature spirits are said to reform, eventually.

Those spirits that are invoked from the Green to fulfill a purpose can be made to take on a variety of different forms, such as that of a wamasu, gryphon, or a faun. In some cases a spirit might choose to manifest itself in a specific form suited to tasks such as protecting local nature from a fire. The purpose for which a nature spirit has been invoked might range from guarding a location to recording and passing on stories however, if a spirit is made to wait for a very long time before it can fulfill the purpose it was given, it can forget itself and grow wild and hostile. Due to this, and how unpredictable they can be, invoking a spirit from the Green through magic is something done sparsely even by Druids, only the Druid King can safely invoke and command even the greater spirits of nature.

The emotions and thoughts of mortals are something nature spirits generally can't understand, preventing them from experiencing such things even through the use of magic, but exceptions exist in the form of spirits such as the Chronicle, whose purpose involves passing on the experiences of mortals.

Nature spirits can sense and communicate with nature and other nature spirits, something the spirits themselves refer to as hearing their "song". A nature spirit can perceive those things the element of nature it's linked to touches, an earth spirit's "Stonesight" might allow one to perceive all that rests within the rock of the area it's bound to, a root spirit's to hear through the interconnected roots of all plants, and an air spirit's grant knowledge of what is touched by the air. Druids are known to use ritual altars which allow them to commune with nature spirits and share in their senses while doing so.

When compelled, it is possible for a nature spirit to merge with a mortal vessel, allowing for it's power to be drawn upon, this allows for the spirit's "sight", it's knowledge of what the element of nature it presides over touches, to be shared by the mortal. Should the vessel's body die, the spirit will be released, freed of prior bonds to a specific location or purpose.

Most spirits are bound to a specific location, and to a purpose and nature that typically don't change, and won't act in way that contradicts them, a peaceful flower spirit won't fight and an unmoving spirit of stone won't help move crops. A spirit's purpose and nature can become temporarily imbalanced through the use of powerful magic or the destruction of the nature they preside over, placing great strain on the spirit and potentially making it lash out in anguish, however, even if such a change occurs, the spirit's original nature will be restored when it is reminded of it, as nothing can truly erase it. Spirits that lost the element of nature they were initially bound to can be rehoused, the spirit of a lost river might find a new river to call home. Exceptions to the general rule exist in the form of spirits who were invoked from the Green to make choices of their own, and so might not be bound by rigid purpose or location the way most spirits are. In addition, a spirit's purpose can become cloudy when their objectives are fulfilled, in which case they may need to seek a new purpose for themselves.

Should the spirit that's bound to a specific area or part of nature depart, it is possible for another nature spirit to bind themselves to it and take the departed spirit's place. This is said to cause the newly bound spirit to transform and grow to match it's new purpose. Such an event occured when the spirit Frii became the new spirit of Mount Firesong in order to prevent the volcano from erupting and destroying the Systres archipelago.

Cultural Significance

Nature spirits have a great deal of influence in some of the cultures of High Rock. One of the possible origins for the nature worship of the ancient proto-Bretons is from the spirit Galen, and they would be later dubbed the retroactive moniker "Druids of Galen". Though the Druids of Galen as a single unifying group are now defunct, modern druids are known to are known to consort with nature spirits. Friendships can be established with spirits, or they can also be coerced into doing one's bidding, but this is frowned upon by some druids. Druids can also communicate with and form cordial relationships with animals, who can serve as intermediaries between druids and nature spirits. Some nature spirits can take the form of animals. The Wyrd Covens are also animists who hold nature spirits sacred, as historically druids and the Wyrd were once the same before a religious schism. The 18th of Morning Star was known as the Waking Day, when the people of the Yeorth Burrowland woke the spirits of nature after the winter, somewhat like their more reverential ancestors, in one of the oldest holidays in High Rock before recorded history.

The Reachfolk hold reverence for numerous spirits, spanning the spectrum from grand to minor. In reality, the number of faiths within the Reach aligns with the multitude of clans that call it home. Among these clans, some may venerate nature associated spirits such as sacred elks or the spirits of a mountain springs. It was customary to thank to nature spirits before felling trees. Subsequently, the Reachfolk often would plant new saplings in the vacant space left by the fallen tree.

Types of Nature Spirits

Caenlorn Wolf

The Caenlorn Wolves (or simply the Caenlorn) are the sacred ceremonial wolves of the Skaal, a tribe of Nords native to Solstheim who are known for their worship of the island's wolves and bears. These wolves are held in high regard by the tribe's shaman. Usually the Caenlorn Wolves reside in the world of the spirit with the All-Father; they are only summoned by the Skaal for certain ceremonies.

According to the traditions of the Skaal, crimes such as theft or bearing false witness can result in a sentence of either exile or death. Of the two, death is considered the more honorable punishment for a warrior, as it involves a ritual sacrifice to the wolves. In such cases, the Caenlorn Wolves will be summoned so that the accused may be fed to them. The Skaal view this as the preferred way to die, as they believe that the warrior's spirit lives on and is purified by allowing the wolves to consume their flesh. The wolves will then return the spirit to the cycle of life so that the warrior may be reincarnated in a different form. However, some members of the Skaal consider the practice to be barbaric due to the horror and pain involved.

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  The Caenlorn Wolves returning to the world of the spirit

Changeling

Changelings are rare nature spirits with the ability to shapeshift. They were once prevalent in Valenwood until Y'ffre introduced the Green Pact, resulting in many of them giving up their formlessness to become Bosmer, with those who refused it becoming known as Oathbreakers. Although usually humanoid, a Changeling's powers allow them to assume the forms of many other creatures at will and take on their characteristics.

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  Selene, in the form of a Bosmer

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  Selene, in the form a spider

Forest Wraith

Forest Wraiths (also known as dray'hoon) are evil nature spirits that are filled with rage and longing, and are said to be embodiments of death. They cannot be reasoned with, and if one has identified you as a threat, it will not relent.

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  A Forest Wraith

Guardian

The Guardians are woodland spirits that inhabit the vales and forests of Daenia. They are the most famous among several varieties of nature spirits that reside within the region. They are commonly mistaken for ghosts, but this is inaccurate as they were never people, and were born as spirits. Some of those familiar with their nature advocate that they should be treated with respect. Despite being refered to as nature spirits, they are among the extinct Ehlnofey who claim they were once Y'ffre.

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  The Guardian of the Water

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  The Guardian of the Earth

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  The Guardian of the Air

Guardian Spirit

Guardian Spirits are spectral nature spirits found in Skyrim that are associated with Kyne. They are often tied to a specific natural landmark, such as a lake, a hill, or a copse of woods. A guardian spirit "haunts" the area it is connected to, and cannot abandon or wander far from the location. Guardian spirits usually take the form of mortal creatures, but despite appearances, these spirits were never mortal. Certain guardian spirits were known to be curious or mischievous with mortals, while others are outright hostile.

Kyne's Sacred Trials are an old Nord tradition, where the participant has to hunt and defeat several specific guardian spirits, known as Kyne's champions, in order to prove themselves as a true hunter and receive Kyne's blessing. The tradition had fallen into obscurity by 4E 201.

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  Mudcrab Guardian Spirit

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  Skeever Guardian Spirit

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  Wolf Guardian Spirit

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  Ursine Guardian

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  Mammoth Guardian Spirit

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  Sabre Cat Guardian Spirit

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  Troll Guardian Spirit

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  Emperor Crab Guardian Spirit

Ice Wraith

The Ice Wraith is a magical, lucid serpentine nature spirit purely made out of ice. They are typically found across Skyrim's snow-blown landscape and mountain ranges but can also be found in High Rock and Cyrodiil's reclusive mountain country, as well as the Sea of Ghosts. They blend in the snow and become nigh invisible to the naked eye. They will then lunge at unsuspecting prey with their entire body and bite them to death. Prey can sometimes get infected with Witbane, a disease that dulls a person's intelligence. Ice Wraiths are among many creatures that are immune to paralysis.

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  An Ice Wraith

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  A Giant Ice Wraith

Indrik

Indriks are incarnate nature spirits that are affiliated with Y'ffre or Jephre, the Forest God. These elusive beasts typically roam the Summerset Isles. though they also appear in small numbers on the Systres Archipelago. Some scholars believe that indriks are divine beings: they seem to draw strength from the bones of the earth beneath their hooves.

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  An Indrik

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  A Mossheart Indrik

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  An Icebreath Indrik

Marsh Giant

Marsh Giants are a giant-like race native to Black Marsh. These manifestations of nature are a form of woodland spirit comparable to spriggans. They are not related to the common giants of Skyrim, but they do share their size and pastoral activities. Their exact level of intelligence is unknown due to limited interactions. However, the Hist apparently have a long and acrimonious history with the Marsh Giants, and urge the Argonians to avoid the creatures if they can.

They play an important role in Blackwood's ecosystem by knocking down dead trees, turning the soil and making room for younger vegetation to grow. This encourages the growth of mosses and suppresses the development of invasive fungi. Marsh giants also hinder loggers, contribute to avian diversity and ward off certain predators, such as feral cats.

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  Blackwood, a known Marsh Giant habitat

Nereid

The Nereids (also called Water-Sprites by the Redguards, or Water Nymphs) are mer-like, feminine water spirits that live near bodies of water and can often be heard singing an angelic, but transfixing melody. They are known practitioners of water magic, an obscure form of magic, and can either become hostile or tolerant of people's company. Generally speaking, the Nereid are an intelligent-folk that more often than not, protect the land they live on and its denizens, even claiming old ruins as their own haven.

The Leimenid is a variant of nereid that practices frost magic. They resemble the typical nereid, but appear more ethereal and in a frosty mist. They are typically found in cold climates such as the Wrothgarian Mountains, or atop wintry mountains like Scalecaller Peak. They have also been used in the Maelstrom Arena, the pocket realm of the demiprince Fa-Nuit-Hen.

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  A Nereid

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  A Leimenid

Spriggan

Spriggans, often called Nature's Guardians, are nature spirits that take the form of tree-like female humanoids. They possess moderate intelligence, but despite being revered they are usually hostile towards travelers. Spriggans have their own unique language, which can be learned by scholars and used to calm the creatures. They are usually found protecting secluded glades and groves all over Tamriel, often blending in with the plant life and catching trespassers unaware. Spriggans attack with their long, sharp fingers as well as with their teeth, and have the ability to poison enemies. They have incredible regenerative abilities, resulting in adventurers often having to defeat them several times before they remain dead. If threatened, they can call nearby woodland animals to aid them in battle, and some even have the ability to magically summon black bears.

The Bloodthorn Cult is known to perform perverted rituals that uses Spriggans as a base, twisting the creatures into lurchers, which are wooden golems of multiple origins. This is said to leave them a shell of their former selves. In Greenshade, the tribal bosmer see lurchers as gifts from the Wilderking, and "embodiments of the raw energy of the forest".

The Gnarls of the Shivering Isles are treelike creatures who seem to have some relation to spriggans, and are sometimes classified with them. They are believed to be caretakers of the Shivering Isles' Root System, and have a truce of sorts with the natural creatures of the Isles.

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  A Spriggan

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  A Burnt Spriggan

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  A Winterborn Spriggan

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  A Spriggan Bear

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  A Lurcher

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  A Gnarl

Wispmother

Wispmothers are magical-energy beings thought to be either ghosts, wraiths or nature spirits, and they can be found in the wilds of Tamriel. Killing a wispmother causes all of its attendant wisps and shades to die.

Y'ffre is known to send wisps to herald the storms of Rain's Hand. To see one is to see the promise of new growth, new life, and a new chapter in nature's cycle.

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  A Wispmother

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  A Galen Wisp

Unique Nature Spirits

The Chronicle

The Chronicle, also referred to as the Spirit of Y'ffre's Path or simply the Spirit of the Path, was a revered nature spirit held in high regard by the Druids of the Eldertide Circle. Its primary duty was to preserve their stories and historical accounts. The Chronicle differs from other nature spirits by its emotional depth. It connects with the experiences and emotions of mortals, sharing their feelings through the stories it tells. It was considered among the very powerful Nature spirits, and was well-known among the Druids.

Galen (spirit)

Galen, according to some tales of the Druids was the spirit that walked from the heart of the forest into the midst of an ancient proto-Breton settlement in order to sing the songs of Y'ffre and to teach ancestors of the modern Druids the ways of the Green. Some stories claim that the island of Galen was named in their honor. A variation of this story claims that the "daughters and sons" of Anuiel taught these proto-Bretons of Y'ffre's name.

The Root Sunder

Scalded Roots

Scalded Roots, formerly known as the Spirit of Wildflower Grove is a powerful spirit of lost nature who inhabited Systres Archipelago. It was one of the three spirits of lost nature who were rehabilitated and taken care of by the Druids of the Stonelore Circle within their sacred site of Earthen Root Enclave.

The Evergrowth

Frii

Shade of the Grove

Shade of the Grove, also known as Hunter's Grove is an ethereal being that represents the essence of life itself. They inhabit the Hunter's Grotto, a section of the Vateshran Hollows where the Reach meets the Hunting Grounds of Hircine. They are the first champion of Hircine within the Vateshran's Rites trial.

Spirit of Air

The Spirit of Air is one of three powerful nature spirits residing within the sacred confines of the Earthen Root Enclave. Communing with the Spirit of Air was a transformative experience, granting those who dare to venture its relentless honesty and wisdom. This spirit, loud, and incapable of deceit, was known to bestow the knowledge of all spoken words, a gift that unveils both the beauty and the weight of one's own life narrative. It can repeat anything that was ever spoken aloud. The Spirit of Air challenges individuals to confront their past with unflinching courage, while imparting the invaluable lesson of cherishing each fleeting moment in the tapestry of existence.

Spirit of Mount Firesong

Spirit of Root

The Spirit of Root (also temporarily referred to as the Corruption of Root) is one of three powerful nature spirits residing within the sacred confines of the Earthen Root Enclave. The Spirit of Root speaks with all the voices of the plants, as plants communicate with each other. The Spirit of Root and the trellis sentinels share a crucial relationship in the protection and preservation of the Deeproot. Trellis sentinels serve the vital role of providing support to the Deeproot, preventing its collapse and safeguarding the Spirit of Root residing within. Connection with the Spirit of Root served as a poignant reminder that even in the most desolate of places, solitude is an illusion, for the voices of all living beings can be heard anywhere. It allowed druids to hear the realm through interconnected roots of all plants. Spirit of Root could command Fauns and graft-root animals.

Spirit of Stone

The Spirit of Stone (also temporarily referred to as the Corruption of Stone) is one of three powerful nature spirits residing within the sacred confines of the Earthen Root Enclave. The moments shared with the Spirit of Stone were treasures, each second passing by deliberately, held close and cherished instead of slipping away in haste. By gazing through its eyes, druids could behold sights stretching as far as the Earth Bones beneath the very ground they stood upon. It was known to be able to command Stone Atronachs.

Una the Green Elk

Una the Green Elk is one of the lesser spirits revered in druid culture.

Several items found in the Systres Archipelago were devoted to this lesser spirit. Such items include a collection of cooking pots made of clay that were adorned with the images of Una the Green Elk and small carved figurines depicting the Green Elk.

Urdiir

Urdiir the Guardian (also referred to as the Guardian of Y'ffelon, or simply Urdiir) is a powerful nature spirit taking form of a chimera called from the Green by Druid King Kasorayn. Urdiir's purpose was to protect the sacred seeds, the temple of Y'ffelon, and the Sower. They were described as a wild, fierce, and wonderful guardian.

Windsorrow

Windsorrow is a mournful wind spirit who inhabited and haunted the area surrounding the tower of Tor Draioch. Although some considered the existence of such a spirit nothing more than myth, many locals claimed to have seen motes of light that blink in and out of sight. They believed that this phenomena was a remnant of the spirit. It was indeed true that the spirit named Windsorrow existed.

Wyrd Tree

The Wyrd Tree is a nature spirit that is physically a gargantuan oak tree that radiates with an unnatural glow. This spirit is located deep in the woods of Glenumbra's region of Daenia in High Rock. There, it can be found on an island surrounded by a lake within a secluded vale, where it that gives life to the land. The Wyrd Tree is ancient, predating both Men and Mer. Its roots stretch throughout all of Nirn, its power touching everything, even the "bones of the world", and conceal secrets from when time began.

Gallery

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  A Forest Spirit

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  A Blazing Wamasu, a type of Fire-spirit

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  The Forest Guardian, a magical brown bear sent by Kynareth

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  A Stormsurge Howler, said to have been crafted by Kyne

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  A Warmaiden's Wolf

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  An Oldefire Elk

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  A Cinderstone Kagouti

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  A Solstheim Shiver Wolf

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  A Volcanic Senche-Panther, said to have emerged from the heart of Red Mountain

Notes

• Nirn is sometimes claimed to host intelligent geology, including: brooks, rocks, even mountains.
• Nymphs are feminine spirits found in forests and woodlands. They supposedly knew of hidden types of flowers, ghosts, and other creatures too elusive to have ever been seen by man.

See Also

• Elemental Daedra
• Golem
• Mote
• Totem Spirit

References

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.