Was the emperor in Oblivion Dragonborn?

Was the Emperor in Oblivion Dragonborn?

One of the most intriguing mysteries in the Elder Scrolls lore is the question of whether the Emperor in Oblivion was a Dragonborn. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Septims, the Dragonborn tradition, and the events surrounding the Emperor’s ascension to answer this question once and for all.

The Septims and Dragonborn Tradition

The Dragonborn are a legendary people in the Elder Scrolls mythology, known for their capacity to absorb the souls of dragons and wield their abilities. The Septims, the ruling dynasty of Cyrodiil, can be traced back to Tiber Septim (also known as Ysmir), the great hero who united the disparate kingdoms of Tamriel and founded the Empire. While Tiber Septim’s legacy is shrouded in mystery, it is clear that he was connected to the Dragonborn. In fact, he was said to have been "a Dragonborn in his own time".

The Case for the Emperor Being a Dragonborn

There are a few arguments that suggest the Emperor in Oblivion was a Dragonborn.

• The Amulet of Kings: The Imperial Amulet, also known as the Amulet of Kings, is a powerful artifact that allows the wearer to resist the effects of necromancy. Only one person in history has managed to wear the amulet without it slipping off their neck: Tiber Septim. Martin Septim, Tiber’s descendant and the Emperor in Oblivion, also wore the amulet without issue. These facts suggest that the Emperors of the Septim dynasty are somehow connected to the Dragonborn.
• Vulthuryol, the Strongest Dragon in Skyrim: In the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Vulthuryol is the strongest known dragon in the game’s universe. Lord Alduin the World-Eater, the primary antagonist, is said to be on par with Vulthuryol in terms of strength. This suggests that there exists a dragon that is, at the very least, comparable to Alduin. Given Martin Septim’s ability to resist the effects of vampirism and his seemingly supernatural abilities, it can be inferred that he possesses some level of connection to the Dragonborn.
• The Dragonborn Symbolism: The Dragonborn symbol, which appears frequently throughout the Elder Scrolls mythology, is often associated with the Septims. Specifically, the symbol is reminiscent of the Imperial crest worn by the Emperors of the Septim dynasty. This could be taken as a hint that Martin Septim, as Emperor, is connected to the Dragonborn.

Alternative Theories

While there are arguments for the Emperor being a Dragonborn, there are also alternative explanations for the facts mentioned earlier.

• The Immaculate Conception Theory: One theory suggests that Martin Septim was simply a vessel for the ancient magic of the Septim dynasty, which allowed him to resist the effects of vampirism and showcase supernatural abilities. This concept is reminiscent of the ‘Immaculate Conception’ in Christian theology.
• The Bloodborn Theory: Another theory postulates that Martin Septim was a Bloodborn – a being with a heavy concentration of Imperial blood within their veins. This hypothetical connection to the Septim dynasty could have granted Martin his extraordinary abilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are arguments supporting the idea that the Emperor in Oblivion is a Dragonborn, they are not conclusive. Alternatively, the facts could be explained by other theories mentioned above. Ultimately, it is up to individual interpretation to decide whether Martin Septim’s connection to the Dragonborn is more circumstantial or direct.

Additional Resources:

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
• The Elder Scrolls Online