“Knowledge is power” is a saying that’s common in usage but underestimated until further insight. From tactics to enhance one’s strengths to pinpointing weaknesses to dismantle your opponent’s, power always requires responsibility to avoid corruption of one’s humanity.
“The Elder Scrolls”, a series rightfully named for its power-granting artifacts of knowledge, dives deep into how one’s humanity, or lack thereof, is revealed upon being given said power. The core question any character should reflect upon comes from their personal drive and purpose. Do you value integrity and the principle of charity to spread knowledge for a better world? Does weaponized knowledge grant you an edge to control those who lack direction and feelings of self-worth?
Hermaeus Mora
I remember showing my mother “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” a few years ago. As a licensed therapist, I was interested to hear her perspective when first encountering Hermaeus Mora. Without me even asking, she quickly deduced his use of drawn-out and “purposefully alluring” speech patterns. She called out his methods of weaponizing the power of knowledge to control those who seek it for their own purposes, whether self-driven or manipulated.
“If You Define Yourself By The Power To Take Life, The Desire To Dominate, To Possess… Then You Have Nothing.” – Obi-Wan Kenobi, Star Wars: Rebels
A personal reflection I shared with her is that I always struggled to relate to any subject or person who was driven to gain knowledge in such a way for power. Can the power of knowledge and the wisdom of restraint co-exist with one’s personal ambitions and philosophy? In the case of Hermaeus Mora, those who seek knowledge for personal gain will have to pay a price under his control.
Vivec
When “all knowing” becomes a state of Wuji, omnipotence and nihilism ironically co-exist. In Vivec’s case, the state of Chim casts a level of self-awareness that tests his character and how he responds with his actions. Is protecting Morrowind from Baar Dau an act of selflessness or an opportunity to have his actions praised for his image? Vivec’s kind actions aren’t out of blatant bargaining like those of Hermeaus Mora. His character and visual ambiguity create a depth of perspective for the player to reflect upon the values this series places on knowledge.
When Chim grants heightened self-awareness that aligns with feelings of your current reality being “only a dream”, do you still maintain a level of sympathy despite said knowledge increasing the divide with the society you exist in?
“Blessing of Vivec” is a perfectly named theme song. From the calm but bold stringed introduction to its light-dwelling staccato, the hopeful but melancholic tone of this piece envelops Vivec’s character and presence throughout “The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind” and his absence in “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”.
Paarthurnax
Knowledge strengthens the sword used against the opposition, but wisdom comes from questioning the necessity and greater impact that one’s actions will cause in the long run.
“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” – Abraham Lincoln
It’s fascinating when you compare the treatment of The Last Dragonborn by Hermaeus Mora and Paarthurnax in “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”. From the “Bend Will” shout to rewriting your skill enchantments, what The Daedric Prince offers you aligns with his character of weaponizing knowledge for control and dominance. Having lived that life for ages, Paarthurnax was driven to right his wrongs in the world through meditation and the Way of the Voice.
“The curse of much knowledge is often indecision.”
Driven by empathy and through awareness of selfish ambition, wisdom is forged and honed from a value in humanity that expands purpose in our existence. Recognize your self-worth and strive to help those feel empowered so that the decay of humanity through domination and control is hindered and rebuilt into a blossoming society of trust and respect.