The Nature of Daedra and Nirn

The Nature of Daedra and Nirn

Hircine the Hunter, calling the hunt on the blood moon

A question often posed is "Why do the Daedra want so much to do with Tamriel/Nirn anyway?" And the answer, I think, may be quite simple. Nirn represents change, the unexpected, the uncontrolled. The Daedra, in choosing not to become directly involved with the creation of Mundus and instead stepping to one side have retained a greater deal of autonomy* than those who fully gave of themselves, the Aedra. But this autonomy comes at a price. Whilst each Daedric Prince maintains a realm of their own, these realms cannot surprise or confound them, not truly. 

Daedric Prince Azura, slightly miffed at the betrayal of the Tribunal

A Daedra's realm is more than just a space they have set aside and created in, it is a reflection of their own minds and natures. In a sense, a realm of Oblivion is a Daedra, an ultimate expression of ego. As such, a Daedric Prince can no more be surprised by the events of their realms than they can of their own minds. Even things such as the Greymarch in the Shivering Isles are not unexpected to the ruling prince. Sheogorath knows how the pattern goes, it is as predictable an event, to him, as anything else in his realm. Likewise with Clavicus Vile and Umbra or Barnabus. Here the Daedric prince has split his mind into pieces and given those pieces free reign, possibly in an attempt to usher in an element of unpredictability. 

Sheogorath, holding an important discussion

The Daedra may attempt to alleviate this boredom by bringing mortals or the souls of mortals into their realm, but here too they are somewhat thwarted. A Daedra can only claim a mortal if they give themselves to the Daedra, in one form or another. Thus, Hircine claims those stricken with Lycanthropy, Sheogorath those with madness and so on. Nirn, however, remains the only place the Daedric Princes have access to where things completely outside of their control may be found and may interact with one another. However, the Daedra are barred from simply taking over Nirn by a couple of things. Firstly, the Aedric Covenant, signified by the Chim el-Adabal** which physically bars the Daedra from setting foot in Nirn, and secondly by the loss of autonomy the conquest of Nirn would entail. To fully hold sway over Nirn, a Daedra would have to weave themselves into the metaphysical structure of Nirn, as the Aedra did, which would change both Nirn and the Daedric Prince irrevocably in the process. 

Jyggalag, in his singular appearance

But all this leads to a very obvious question: "If it is so difficult for a Daedra to meddle with Nirn, why are so many Daedra meddling with Nirn all the time?"

This comes down to a matter of degrees. The Daedric Princes do not impose their will on those who do not first involve themselves in the affairs of the relevant Daedra. As Sheogorath explains when you ask him about the door to the Shivering Isles in Cyrodiil, it is an invitation, not a threat. The princes invite mortals to approach them, make deals and offer service to them in exchange for boons. In so touching a Daedric Prince, you allow them greater sway over you. Take the town of Border Watch*** where Sheogorath rains flaming dogs upon the villagers. Sheogorath cannot simply bring about the K'Sharra Prophecy† on his own, he first needs to usher things to a point where he can directly interfere through the use of a helpful mortal.

There is more than a touch of the Lovecraftian in Hermaeus Mora

So, although some Daedra by their very nature must strive to conquer Nirn, generally speaking none of them would like it very much if they actually succeeded. The Daedra relish the change and unpredictability of Nirn, but wish to maintain autonomy from it. 

Footnotes:

* Which may be a bit of a double-edged sword, as the Daedra are pretty inherently bound by their own natures.

** More commonly known as the Amulet of Kings

*** A town in TESIV, Oblivion

† Which originated from a Khajiit who was probably at least a little bit mad to begin with. Long term planning from Sheogorath perhaps? 

Got any questions? A favourite Daedric Prince? Let me know in the comments below!