Lore:Swan

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Swans
ON-crown store-Music Box, Direnni's Swan.jpg
Altmeri depiction of a swan
Type Beast (Bird)
Range Skyrim, Summerset Isles

Swans are large waterfowl known for their graceful appearance, long necks, and distinctive plumage.[1][2][3]

Culture[edit]

Swans are prominent in various Tamrielic cultures.[1][2][4] During the Interregnum, kites shaped like swans in flight were a common sight throughout Tamriel.[5]

Khajiiti depiction of swans

Altmer[edit]

Swans hold some significance in Altmeri culture, as they are not only featured in poetry, music,[1] expressions, and idioms,[6] but also inspire the names of their naval vessels, the "swan ships."[7][8][9] It was believed that Altmeri relics were sometimes constructed using their wood.[10] These ships were occasionally used in art pieces and music boxes.[11][12]

The Altmer were known for their Sil-Var-Woad stuffed rabbits, which were expertly crafted using swan feathers to enhance their plushness. These imitation rabbits were fashioned from the pelts of Sil-Var hares, guaranteeing an exceptionally cuddly texture.[3]

Elegant quills crafted from swan feathers were not uncommon in Summerset and were notably more affordable than their gryphon feather counterparts.[13] Swan-Feather tackles were employed in Summerset, featuring a masterfully crafted lure designed to entice fish with an alluring ivory feathers.[14] Swan down pillows were among the export goods of the Summerset Isles.[15] Swanglass decanters were not uncommon in Summerset, known for their exquisite glass vessels molded in the distinctive swan-feather style.[16] Dipping swans, exquisitely crafted from glass, were known to rock back and forth on wooden pedestals, appearing to do so indefinitely.[17] Swan's Grace Enchantments, was a chironasium in Skywatch, known for its enchanting services. Among their offerings were clockwork brass alarm roosters, exquisite creations that crowed thrice at dawn, with three adjustable volume settings.[18][19] Swan-satin was used to create items such as bathing thongs with sleek and sensuous satin strings styled after singing swans and adorned with silver sequins. They were aviable for purchase in Skywatch.[20]

The Ascendant Curates wear stoles made of swan feathers and dragontongue, cascading them over their shoulders.[21]

Direnni Cygnus, the progenitor of the clan Direnni was also known as the Swan of Tyrigel.[22]

Ayleid[edit]

Hairpins adorned with carved slivers of Welkynd stone, known for their distinctive blue glow and shaped like swans were found in Ayleid ruins.[23]

Breton[edit]

Around 2E 582, the Breton flagship of House Dufort was known as the Silver Swan and played a role in the Ascendant Order's plots.[24][25][26] Swan down pillows were imported from Summerset and highly favored by the nobles of the High Isle.[15]

Imperial[edit]

During the Feast of Saint Coellicia, organized by an Emperor Brazollus Dor, one of the dishes served was the Stuffed Swan with unknown garnish. This dish, famously called "Brazollus' Farcical Farce," was intended to feature a swan stuffed with various fillings, but it's said that the swans were so tightly stuffed that they exploded on the table. This caused satins and damasks to become soaked with grease and gravy, much to the dismay of the diners. It remained the most memorable dish of the feast.[27]

Khajiit[edit]

A board game called Swan Stones was common in Elsweyr. Sets of this game were often adorned with intricately carved swans.[28]

Reachfolk[edit]

According to a heavily biased manuscript commissioned by Emperor Durcorach, on the night of his birth, a great comet blazed across the sky, and "seven sevens of silver swans" flew over his mother's shelter in the snowy mountains of the Reach.[2]

Redguard[edit]

Swans appear in some Redguard tales and traditions. One example is the tale of "Prince Hew and the seven sad swans," which was described as quite amusing.[4]

References[edit]