Why do Altmer and Dunmer hate each other?

Why Do Altmer and Dunmer Hate Each Other?

A Long-Standing enmity

The rift between the Altmer (High Elves) and Dunmer (Dark Elves) originated from the earliest days of their coexistence. Centuries of cultural, ethnic, and religious differences exacerbated by traumatic events have further entrenched the animosity. This article delves into the roots of their mistrust, exploring the religious, cultural, and historic factors contributing to their feud.

Religious Rift

The Aedra vs. the Tribunal

One of the core reasons for the Altmer-Dunmer animosity is the fundamental difference between their worship of the two pantheons: Aedra versus Tribunal. Altmer venerate the Aedra as the sacred beings who assisted in the creation of Nirn. In contrast, the Dunmer worship the Tribunal – a pantheon of Daedric Princes, considered by the Elven civilizations as malevolent deities. This fundamentally different outlook on the fundamental nature of the universe laid the groundwork for a distrustful and hostile relationship between the two cultures.

Historical Tension

The Curse and the Oath

After the Treaty of Redmount, Azura cursed the Chimer as punishment for their betrayal – stealing the divine power from the Heart of Lorkhan. This event deepened the rift, as the Altmer justified their subsequent actions as upholding their sacred oath not to use the stolen Heart. Conversely, the Dunmer, who were victimized by the curse and subsequent marginalization, nurtured resentment towards the perceived treachery of their former brethren.

Festering Wounds from the Era of Discordance

During the Time of Morrowind, house Dres, a part of the Dunmer dynasty, consistently raided the Dwemer for slaves, who were eventually freed by Indoril Nerevar. This event amplified the perceived betrayal experienced by the Dunmer under the Dres’ ruling. These historical grievances laid the foundation for the ingrained suspicion and mistrust between the two cultures.