The Elder Scrolls Races in the Witcher Universe: How Would They Be Perceived?
The Elder Scrolls Races in the Witcher Universe: How Would They Be Perceived?
The Elder Scrolls and The Witcher universes offer rich tapestries of culture, history, and social dynamics. If the races from The Elder Scrolls were transported to the world of The Witcher, how would they be received and treated? This article explores the perceptions and treatments of prominent races from The Elder Scrolls in the context of the Witcher setting.
Nords: Fierce Warriors and Seafaring People
Perception: Nords, known for their fierce warrior culture and seafaring heritage, would likely be respected for their combat skills. However, their reputation as barbarians could lead to prejudice from more sophisticated regions.
Treatment: Nords may find kinship with the people of Skellige, who share a similar warrior ethos and seafaring culture. However, suspicion from more urbanized areas like Novigrad could be a constant challenge. Their strong sense of honor may resonate with the Witcher world, but their perceived wildness could also make them targets of mistrust.
Bretons: Magically Gifted Diplomats
Perception: Bretons, known for their magical aptitude and political maneuvering, might be seen as cunning or duplicitous by the more superstitious Witcher races. Their magical abilities could also provoke fear and mistrust from Witcher hunters and those wary of sorcery.
Treatment: The political intrigues of the Northern Kingdoms could be a stage for Bretons to integrate, but their magical skills might also be a source of fear and suspicion. They could find a niche in the political landscape of the Witcher world, where diplomacy and maneuvering are crucial, but would likely face mistrust and fear from those who do not understand their powers.
Redguards: Skilled Warriors With a Culture of Honor
Perception: Renowned for their martial prowess and agility, Redguards would likely be respected as formidable warriors. Their culture of honor and combat could resonate well with the Witcher world, where valor and combat skills are highly valued.
Treatment: Redguards might face some discrimination based on their foreignness but their exceptional skills would earn them a place among mercenaries and soldiers. The severe social hierarchy in the Witcher world, where only the strongest survive, could provide a natural fit for Redguards, who are accustomed to conflict and endurance.
Altmer: Elitist and Proud High Elves
Perception: Altmer, with their haughty demeanor and superiority complex, would likely be viewed with disdain by many in the Witcher universe, especially by humans and non-elves. Their aloofness and sense of superiority could make them outcasts in a world where egalitarian values are often taken for granted.
Treatment: While some might admire their magical abilities, Altmer would likely be marginalized or seen as elitist, struggling to find acceptance among the more egalitarian societies. Their complex society and proud culture could sometimes be seen as outdated or irrelevant in the harsh realities of the Witcher world.
Bosmer: Nature-Oriented and Agile Wood Elves
Perception: Bosmer, known for their nature-orientation and skill with the bow, could be respected by those who value nature, such as certain factions in the Witcher world. Their connection to the wild would resonate with Druids and those who fight for environmental causes.
Treatment: Bosmer might find common ground with the Scoiatael, who also fight for their land and rights. However, they would still face prejudice from humans, who might see them as reclusive or even sinister. Their natural abilities could find a niche among those who appreciate their wilderness skills, but outright acceptance remains a challenge.
Dunmer: Sinister and Complex Dark Elves
Perception: Dunmer, with their somewhat sinister reputation and complex societal structures, would likely be viewed with suspicion or even fear. Their dark past and reputation for betrayal could make them a target of mistrust and hostility.
Treatment: Dunmer would face significant discrimination and could be targeted by witch hunters or xenophobic groups, much like non-humans in the Witcher world. Their complex society and cultural nuances might be seen as too complicated or too dangerous for the pragmatic and survival-driven Witcher world.
Orcs: Brute and Violent Orsimer
Perception: Orcs, like their counterparts in both universes, would likely be seen as brutish and violent. Their aggressive and often oppressive nature could make them an outcast, feared and despised by the human population.
Treatment: Orcs may find themselves marginalized, facing hostility from humans, and could be seen as a threat to order and civilization. However, their sheer strength and resilience could also make them valuable assets in certain communities, particularly among mercenary groups or in areas where physical strength is highly valued.
Argonians: Reptilian Humanoids
Perception: Argonians, with their reptilian physiques and amphibious nature, would likely be viewed with suspicion or fear. Their non-human appearances could make them a target of prejudice and mistrust.
Treatment: They might experience severe discrimination, struggling to find acceptance, especially in human-dominated areas. Their unique physical attributes and amphibious nature could place them in a niche, but outright acceptance remains a distant dream in the Witcher world.
Khajiit: Agile and Stealthy Cat Folk
Perception: Khajiit, known for their agility and stealth, might be seen as thieves or tricksters, drawing parallels to the perception of certain non-human races in the Witcher. Their natural skills could make them adept at both survival and thievery, but their reputation could also lead to mistrust and fear.
Treatment: They could face significant prejudice, particularly from humans, but might find acceptance in criminal circles or among those who appreciate their skills. Their natural abilities and adaptability could make them valuable, but their reputation could make it difficult to find legitimate opportunities.
Conclusion
Overall, the races from The Elder Scrolls would likely experience a mix of acceptance and prejudice in the Witcher universe. Their cultural traits, histories, and the existing biases within the Witcher world would play a significant role in shaping their experiences. The complex social dynamics, particularly regarding race and class, would define their place in this new world.
Keywords: Elder Scrolls, Witcher Universe, Race Perception