Lore:Boethiah

Boethiah, the Prince of Plots

An emblem representing Boethiah

"Look upon the face of Boethiah and wonder. Raise your arms that Boethiah may look on them and bestow a blessing. Know that battle is a blessing. Know that death is an eventuality. Know that you are dust in the eyes of Boethiah." — Boethiah's Glory

Boethiah (sometimes spelled Boethia or Boet-hi-Ah), known as the Prince of Plots, the Daedra Prince of Cruelty and Torture, the Dark Warrior, Deceiver of Nations, Queen of Shadows, Goddess of Destruction, Hunger, and Fount of Inspiration, He-Who-Destroys and She-Who-Erases, Boethiah the Schemer , The Dark Mistress, and called Boethra by the Khajiit, is a Daedric Prince who rules over deceit, conspiracy, secret plots of murder, assassination, treason, and unlawful overthrow of authority. This sphere is destructive in nature, and Boethiah's destructiveness comes from inspiring the arms of mortal warriors. The Dark Warrior has been described as "cold" and "impersonal", "cruel", and one of the more "demonic" of the Daedra lords. Worshippers are known to hold bloody competitions in Boethiah's honor, battling—even killing—each other, for Boethiah is said to care only for their blood. In Morrowind, the Daedra known as the Hunger, foul creatures that are eternally bone thin, are associated with the Prince.

Boethiah sees battle as a blessing, and is frequently depicted as a great caped warrior, often in a stoic pose. While sometimes described as male, Boethiah is also commonly referred to as female, sometimes within the same text. Notably, Boethiah is usually depicted as male in Morrowind, but is also known for taking the form of a Dunmer "warrior-queen".

She rules from the realm of Attribution's Share. Boethiah often manifests using tricky, unpredictable avatars, which can appear as a male or female of any race. These avatars become involved with important or momentous events, working behind the scenes to achieve an outcome that serves Boethiah's will. They will often challenge mortals, seeking to test the mettle of heroes and commoners alike. After a trial ends, the avatar is likely to vanish, leading to strange and mysterious stories and legends among the participants.

Despite the dark undertones of Boethiah's sphere and influence on Tamriel, the Prince was considered in Morrowind to be one of the three "Good Daedra" and the Anticipation of Almalexia by the old Tribunal Temple, and one of the Reclamations by the New Temple. The Prince of Plots has a scion, the demiprince Fa-Nuit-Hen. Despite this, the information broker Madam Whim believes that the demiprince did not actually originate from Boethiah, while also stating that "Boethiah supports their claim of scionship". In the same interview, Whim would describe how Daedric Princes have been known to adopt scions in the past. In the Five Songs of King Wulfharth, Lorkhan states that Nerevar is the son of Boethiah, one of the strongest Padomaics, but it is unclear how literal the statement was. Molag Bal, as one Corner of the House of Troubles, is considered Boethiah's "arch-enemy" in Morrowind and they are in a perennial fight. Boethiah can be summoned on Gauntlet, the 2^nd of Sun's Dusk.

Worship

Chimer and Dunmer

"The Face of the Inspiring Fountain" - Dunmer mask aspect of Boethiah

A Third Era statue of Boethiah in Morrowind

Known as the God-King of the Chimer, Boethiah was championed by the Prophet Veloth, and is considered by the Dark Elves to be their original god-ancestor. It was Boethiah (along with Mephala) who told them the truth of Lorkhan's test, and who defeated Auri-El's champion, Trinimac. These and other "illuminations" convinced the eventual Chimer, or Changed Folk, to renounce their ties to the Aldmer and found the nation of Resdayn based on Daedric principles. Numerous Dark Elven cultural "advances" are attributed to Boethiah, including philosophy, magic, and "responsible" architecture. Ancient Velothi tales, allegories of Chimeri struggles, tell of Boethiah triumphing over enemies of every type.

During the time of the Almsivi, Boethiah was recognized by the Tribunal Temple as the Anticipation of Almalexia, but male to her female. With the advent of the New Temple following the disappearance of the Tribunal, worship of Boethiah was once again elevated to its old status among the Dunmer. The Prince is now revered, alongside Azura and Mephala, as one of the Reclamations.

Boethiah was a god worshipped by the Ashlanders and, after the New Temple was established after the devastation of the Red Year, by the Dunmer people in general.

Khajiit

Shrine of Boethra (ESO)

Boethra, the Warrior of the East and West, is a sharp-tongued Khajiiti deity, an ancestor spirit and a teacher of the old ways, and the patron of warriors and rebellious exiles. It is unknown if she remained in the Khajiiti Pantheon after the Riddle'Thar cult scrubbed and reformed many aspects of Khajiiti religion, but she is not mentioned in the Words of Clan Mother Ahnissi. Much of what is known about her comes from myths that predate the Riddle'Thar Epiphany. Ancient Khajiit did not see it necessary to pray to Boethra, honoring her instead by "walking the Path, and only hiding in order to pounce". Additionally, they would not speak her name on nights of the Ghost Moon, nights in which it is said Boethra wears the death-shroud of Lorkhaj and "wages war beyond the Lattice". She is the mate of Mafala.

Ahnurr once exiled Boethra due to her rebellious nature. During this time, Boethra walked the Many Paths, eventually returning. It is said Mafala did not forget her love for Boethra during her time away. The ancient songs tell that the demon Orkha followed her back from the Many Paths, before being banished by the combined might of Boethra, Lorkhaj, and Khenarthi. For this reason, she is known as Orkha-Bane.

Boethra fought the Demon King Molagh to a draw when he attacked the Lattice along with Dagon and Merid-Nunda. Boethra's actions allowed Azurah to shackle Molagh. She also fought Noctra until "it knew it was not Namiira". Fighting alongside Lorkhaj, it was Boethra who pried out the first of Magrus' eyes.

The songs also sing of an unnamed spirit of vengeance with no will of its own, born of Azurah's grief after the deaths of Fadomai and Lorkhaj. This spirit may appear in songs as a black panther, a warrior in ebony armor, or as a hidden sword. It is said only Azurah, Boethra, and Mafala can summon this spirit, as only they know its true name.

Early shrines to Boethra depict her wielding a Khajiiti styled katana alongside an unknown figure resembling a lynx. She appears distinct from any known furstock, though displays some similarity to an Ohmes-raht Khajiit.

The Bladesongs of Boethra, a pre-Ri'Datta text of the Boethra cult among the Khajiit, prominently features Boethra. This account claims that Boethra fought alongside Azurah in defending the Lattice. Myth suggests that the battle happened many times. This text says that Akha exiled her to the Many Paths. However, new writings after Rid-Thar-ri'Datta's reforms do not mention Akha, along with Alkosh, Alkhan, and all the Children of Akha in that context. Amidst this confusion, Boethra questioned her identity as the Daughter of Blades, wondering if it had all been a long dream of someone she never knew.

Orc

Dugikh, an Orc faithful of Boethiah, whose body acted as Prince's vessel

According to many accounts, the Orcish race was created when their patron god Trinimac was transformed by Boethiah. He became Malacath and his faithful became the cursed folk, or 'Orsimer', and were henceforth known as Orcs.

The Orcs say that Trinimac was enraged by Veloth and his cult trespassing on Tamriel during their exodus, and challenged his patron Boethiah to a duel. Just as Trinimac was about to succeed, a second Prince, Mephala, interfered and stabbed Trinimac in the back. Boethiah used the opportunity to curse Trinimac, transforming both him and his followers as well as casting him into a place of choking air and ash. There, Trinimac was reborn in his blood and rage and became Malacath, the God of Curses. The Dunmeri account of events begins much the same, but Boethiah instead triumphs over Trinimac alone and devours him whole. He proceeds to take Trinimac's form and speak with his voice, and together with Mephala showed the Chimer the rules of the Psijic Endeavor. Once he finished, he relieved himself of Trinimac there on the spot. That excrement became Malacath, and his followers became the Orcs. A disguised Malacath, when told one of these accounts, derided the story as being too "literal-minded".

According to the myth recounted in From Exile to Exodus by Tarvyn Aram, during the Velothi exodus, the Velothi encountered the followers of Trinimac, who outnumbered them three to one. While Trinimac remained silent, his followers called the dissidents rebels, traitors, and filth. Boethiah then intervened, revealing the truth about the followers' identity as Orsimer. Boethiah then gestured with her hands, forming a triangular sign, revealing the path to achieve an Exodus. As the attendees witnessed this, the veil was lifted from their eyes. They no longer saw Trinimac but Malak, the King of Curses. Similarly, Boethiah appeared as Trinimac, the Warrior of East and West, bearing the burden of separating divinity from her beloved. Enraged, Malak cursed and attacked Boethiah, causing her to collapse in agony, seemingly lifeless. However, Mephala and Azura intervened, aiding Boethiah in casting out Malacath and his curse. The followers were divided among the Daedric Princes, with Boethiah ultimately transporting the remaining followers to the Ashpit in the Oblivion. There, Boethiah confronted Malacath once more, defeating him and reshaping him into Mauloch, guiding the Orcs to find strength through adversity. With a single precise strike, Malacath was cleaved into the ashen wastes, his bones forming a new foundation. His blood mingled with the ash and soon the realm was his. Boethiah then spent time with the surviving followers, their skins changing under her teachings and the influence of the realm. When Malacath's spirit reappeared, Boethiah addressed him, urging him to seek glory through struggle and to understand the Will Against Rule. She then formed a powerful sign with her hands, encapsulating Malacath and his followers into a singular sphere, casting it back onto the mountains of Nirn. Together, Boethiah and Mauloch tested their chosen peoples, leading them toward an Exodus.

In the Merethic Era, Boethiah was known to have Orcish followers. Among them, Dugikh emerged as a vessel for the Prince when Boethiah, alongside Azura, Mephala, and Hermaeus Mora, sought to banish Ithelia.

History

Merethic Era

Art of Boethiah (middle)

In the Late-Middle Merethic Era, Boethiah began appearing in the dreams and visions of a young prophet, Veloth. These visions guided Veloth in the creation of a new sect of Aldmeri dissidents, with a core belief being that mortals could ascend to godhood. However, the followers of Trinimac, the most powerful of the et'Ada, stridently opposed this new cult. His priests condemned the dissidents for blasphemy, threatening them with exile should they remain devoted to the teachings of Veloth. In response, it is said that Trinimac was tricked into going into Boethiah's mouth—or more literally, that Boethiah ate Trinimac.

As the priests prepared to pass judgment on the Veloth and his cult, Boethiah appeared before them in the guise and with the voice of Trinimac. He (Boethiah) gathered a crowd and began to tell them of the "lies" of the Aedra, and in particular of Trinimac; he spoke of the "Tri-Angled Truth", how to create the future Chimer culture, and with Mephala, the rules of Psijic Endeavor. When he was sure the priests were shamed and broken, and as proof of the truth of his words, Boethiah relieved himself of Trinimac in front of the crowd. The followers of both the Aedra and the Daedra then "rubbed the soil of Trinimac upon themselves and changed their skins". This reportedly made it easy for Boethiah's new people to become the "Changed Ones".

While the exact details of Boethiah's victory over Trinimac are unclear, it is said that after being swallowed, she (Boethiah) "tortured his spirit in her belly". Eventually, Boethiah grew bored and released Trinimac, later exiling him to a plane of ash. Trinimac became enraged and twisted after this torture and dishonor; he faded away and was reborn as Mauloch. The former Aedra's most devoted followers changed with him, becoming the Orsimer. However, according to Orcish accounts of the battle, Trinimac was about to deal a terrific blow, when Mephala appeared and stabbed him in the back. As Trinimac was reeling, Boethiah cast a "terrible ritual" to scar and twist his appearance before banishing Trinimac to "a place of choking air and ash", where accounts agree that he became Malacath. Other sources also claim that all of Trinimac's followers were changed into the Orsimer.

Towards the end of Veloth's exodus, they were approached by an aspect of Boethiah posing as a woman at Dunmeth Pass who proclaimed herself to be "Chimer-Friend", and had him swear an oath that would make him and his followers into better Mer. Veloth proclaimed on what would later become known as Veloth's Judgement, that he would never again use it nor any other tool to slay a foe, and that he would give his heart to his people and dedicate his life and soul to them. The Chimer-Friend then melted the ice blocking the pass and accompanied them into Morrowind.

First Era

Around 1E 1000, a tract by King Hale the Pious of Skyrim compared the schemes of his political enemies to those of several Daedric Princes, including Boethiah: "the wickedness of the demons of Oblivion... their depravity equals that of Sanguine itself, they are cruel as Boethiah, calculating as Molag Bal, and mad as Sheogorath." It is the earliest known written record of Boethiah (as well as the other three Princes). One of her artifacts, Fearstruck, was supposedly destroyed by a Wyrm's fire in the First Era.

In response to the destruction of Gilverdale at the hands of Molag Bal, the Tribunal god Sotha Sil sought out eight of the most influential Daedric Princes. Boethiah was among them, and between the 3rd and 5th of Rain's Hand in 1E 2920, a deal was made which would be known as the Coldharbour Compact. Little is known about the Compact, but it is theorized that it prevents the Princes from directly manifesting on Nirn. It is also speculated that, in order to secure the agreement of the Princes, Sotha Sil either made a credible threat to them or presented a significant offer in exchange.

Second Era

Boethiah's statue in Dragonstar Arena

Imperial statue of Boethiah

In 2E 582, Boethiah manifested into an animus geode within Abamath to help keep the Exile of Mauloch sealed away. Boethiah had also had a hand in the formation of the Maulborn, manipulating Urili Vox into stealing the Judgement of Veloth to avenge her son. A mysterious Chimeri spirit by the name of Aspera also appeared around this time period, seeking to help The Vestige in acquiring the power of Saint Veloth and stopping Magistrate Vox. Aspera would show up once again in Eastmarch in the form of Aspera Giant-Friend, a mysterious Dunmer who could commune with giants. She was instrumental in the Ebonheart Pact's defeat of Filgor Orcthane's army of Orsimer by helping forge an alliance with said giants to overtake Cradlecrush, the ritual arena of Malacath. When asked about who her master was, she refused to answer, simply stating that "some grudges are ancient and some answers are beyond your understanding."

Later that same year, Boethiah held a tournament at the Dragonstar Arena in the Dragontail Mountains. Participants from across Tamriel came to try and defeat her champion, Hiath the Battlemaster. Here, Aspera appeared once again as an observer of the event, but this time as a living Dunmer named Aspera Arena-Friend. She references her time as a Chimeri spirit and as a friend to giants, and heavily implies that she has been an aspect of Boethiah. This would mean that the Prince was responsible both for the rise of Magistrate Vox and Vox's defeat by the Tribunal.

Third Era

Giant statue of Boethia overlooking the Tournament of Ten Bloods

Around 3E 405, Boethiah offered "power" to an agent of the Blades in exchange for slaying a spellsword in the Iliac Bay region. In the Prince's own words, the target of her wrath was a "perfectly charming and charitable ass" who had been "annoying the hell out [her] for years." Once the deed was done, Boethia rewarded the agent with the Ebony Mail.

In 3E 427, Boethiah commanded the Nerevarine to help restore his ruined shrine off the coast of Vvardenfell. After the Nerevarine found a sculptor to restore his statue to its former glory, Boethiah granted the legendary sword Goldbrand to the hero.

Boethiah once again rewarded a hero with Goldbrand in 3E 433. This time, the recipient was the Hero of Kvatch, who traveled to one of the Prince's realms in Oblivion to participate in the Tournament of Ten Bloods. After the other nine challengers were slain, Boethiah declared the Hero to be his "Chosen One".

Fourth Era

Cultists of Boethiah (Legends)

Dunmer shrine to Boethiah

Naarifin was said to have been a Boethiah worshipper who intended to bring about a prophecy known as 'The Culling', the implementation of which involved mass Daedric summoning. A large Boethiah cult operating under his orders was active during the Great War, with the Dremora blademaster Reive having been granted Goldbrand by Boethiah and working with the cult. Naarifin was defeated in battle and hanged from the White-Gold Tower for thirty-three days, with one source claiming he was carried away by a winged Daedra on the thirty-fourth.

In 4E 201, Boethiah called upon the Last Dragonborn to become her new champion. True to form, this involved slaying the old champion. Once the deed was done, Boethiah bestowed the Ebony Mail upon the Dragonborn.

Artifacts

Abolisher

Abolisher (ESO)

Abolisher is an artifact created by the Daedric Prince Boethiah to aid in Ithelia's imprisonment. It held the power to open portals, destroy them, or reopen sealed portals. In addition it could be used to sever the link the Many Paths provided to a different reality, rendering it inaccessible. Abolisher was ultimately destroyed when it was used as part of a spell originating from Hermaeus Mora, which was provided to the Vestige in order to repair the reality tears created by Ithelia's power that were threatening to unravel all existence. After the spell was cast Abolisher became a normal sword, its Daedric power fully expended.

Duplici Gladio

Duplici Gladio being wielded

The Duplici Gladio is a two handed sword associated with the Daedric Prince Boethiah. After it was recovered from Morrowind by the Imperial Legion during the Four-Score War, it became infamous, as betrayal tended to follow on its path. The artifact has the ability to create copies of both itself and their bearer. Although these duplicates may obey their wielder, they have a will of their own, and their true fealty is to the Prince of Plots.

Ebony Mail

Ebony Mail (Skyrim)

The Ebony Mail is a Daedric artifact created by the Daedric Prince Boethiah. In appearance it looks like an ebony suit of armor, or often simply a cuirass. It can either be medium or heavy in weight. The artifact grants its wearer resistance to fire and magical attacks, magical protection from physical blows, quieter movements and the ability to poison enemies who get too close. The artifact was created before recorded history by Boethiah, and it is Boethiah alone who determines who should possess the Mail and for how long a time.

Fearstruck

A replica of Fearstruck (ESO)

Fearstruck was a Daedric artifact created by the Daedric Prince Boethiah. It took the form of a shield. It belonged to Lyrisius, a hero from Tamriel famous for leading his army against the Akaviri slave traders in their homeland of Akavir. The shield was utterly destroyed in the First Era by the fiery breath of a wyrm who Lyrisius encountered after his army was routed.

Goldbrand

Goldbrand (Legends)

The Goldbrand is an ancient artifact created by the dragons of the North which takes the form of a golden katana. According to legends, they first bestowed the blade upon the Nordic warrior Sivdur, (ancestor to the modern Battle-Born clan) who was sworn to protect them. It contains the power of the Daedric Prince Boethiah, and burns those that it strikes.

Attribution's Share

Attribution's Share is the plane of Oblivion created and ruled over by Boethiah, the Daedric Prince of Deceit. The Realm of Boethia is described as a country of labyrinthine policy and betrayals, with maze gardens and twisted towers. It was formerly known as Snake Mount.

Gallery

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  Concept art (Daggerfall)

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  Boethiah (Daggerfall)

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  A statue of Boethiah (Oblivion)

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  A statue of Boethiah (Skyrim)

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  Shadow of Boethiah (ESO)

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  Statue of Boethiah (Legends)

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  Boethiah's Proving

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  Concept art (ESO)

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  Boethiah's statue concept art (ESO)

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  Boethra's Katana (ESO)

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  Boethia taking the form of a Dunmer woman by the alias "Aspera Arena-Friend" (ESO)

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  Boethia taking the form of a Dunmer woman by the alias "Aspera Giant-Friend" (ESO)

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  Boethia taking the form of a Chimer ghost by the alias "Aspera the Forgotten" (ESO)

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  An Acolyte of Boethiah (Legends)

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  Banner of Boethiah

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  Boethiah's emblem

Notes

• In Daggerfall, Boethiah is said to be an ally of Temple of Stendarr and enemy of Ebonarm, Molag Bal, and Peryite by default, however the allegiances of Daedra in the game are randomized and changed every month.

• ^	Other sources state this incident occurred "before the Mythic Era", which would place the date somewhere in the Dawn Era.

• ^	The "Chimer-Friend" fits the description of Aspera, who is likely an aspect of Boethiah and is known to take surnames pertaining to those she helps. Examples include Giant-Friend and Arena-Friend.

See Also

• For game-specific information, see the Daggerfall, Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim, and Elder Scrolls Online articles.

Books

• The Anticipations by Anonymous — Overview of the members of and the relationship between the Tribunal and the Daedra
• Boethiah's Glory — Worship book for Boethiah
• Boethiah's Proving by Anonymous — An account of a fatal summoning of Boethiah
• The Book of Daedra — Excerpts from a lengthy tome describing the nature of each of the Daedra
• The Changed Ones — Story of how Boethiah refuted Trinimac
• The Fall of Trinimac by The Faithless One — An essay on the defeat and rebirth of Trinimac
• Glorious Upheaval by Thendaramur Death-Blossom — A proposition to renounce the Divines and follow Boethiah
• The Reclamations by Thara of Rihad — An account of changes in the Dunmer religion following the end of the Tribunal
• The Rite of Boethiah's Gauntlet by Thendaramur Death-Blossom, Boethiah's Conduit of Sutch — On the competitions of Boethiah's faithful
• The Wandering Spirits by Amun-dro, the Silent Priest — A pre-ri'Datta text listing old gods

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.