Lore:Bestiary G
Gargoyle[edit]
Gargoyles are living statue creatures that have been created or animated by a wizard or vampire. They are a type of advanced stone golem, and are often found guarding dungeons, castles, and ancient ruins. They can form a hard rocky skin when stationary. Some will remain frozen for long periods of time to make their prey think they are an ordinary statue, before finally bursting out of their stone skin and ambushing their victim. Since they are made of stone, they are resistant to damage to some extent. They have been known to utilize basic magic to absorb the health of those stuck by their claws. Gargoyles sometimes wield melee weapons in combat.
Gecko[edit]
Geckos are a type of lizard whose meat is sometimes eaten.[1] Thorn geckos are a species of geckos that are found in the deserts of Hammerfell and Northern Elsweyr. They are covered in sharp thorns that serve as a form of defense. They move quickly during the day when they hunt insects. At night, they are more sluggish and tend to search for warmth.[1] Hedge geckos are a species described as kind-hearted and loyal. They have been compared to dogs.[2] Certain argonians are said to resemble gray-spotted geckos.[UOL 1]
Gehenoth[edit]
The Gehenoth is a monstrous creature that was known to attack those who rested beyond the walls of Dawnstar circa 3E 427. Its attacks are capable of afflicting people with Frost Limbs, a debilitating affliction that is especially harmful to spellcasters.
As the Gehenoth Thriceborn, it fought alongside the forces of the Ice Tribes and allied creatures during their final assault on the town. Its defeat at the hands of the Hero of Dawnstar marked the end of the conflict.
In appearance the creature is bipedal and covered in spikes and plating. It has piercing blue eyes that became red when Thriceborn.
Gheatus[edit]
Gheatus (or Gheateus) are a Fey variant considered to be ancient godlike beings that inhabited the Summerset Isles. According to legend, they are rock-spirits that took the form of a man or a group of men who were formed by the earth itself, and they are said to have been surrounded by a host of minor Sylphim.
They were once far more common and attacked the early Aldmer, but were fought off by Torinaan's use of ancestral lore and meteoric glass to channel aetherial energy in the form of lightning, ice, and fire to kill them, and they were exterminated in a few short years. Legend has it that the excavation of Wansalen was halted, and the halls abandoned, when the Elven miners roused and angered an ancient Gheatus, but the Sapiarchs dismiss this story as a fable with no truth to it. They are now supposedly extinct, though some have sought out ways to bring them back from extinction.
Ghost[edit]
Ghosts, are the disembodied souls of the deceased that for one reason or another are unable to move on to their respective afterlife. They are classified as being a form of undead known as the Returned. Most often, they remain on Nirn because they had some form of unfinished business they wanted to see completed before they moved on. But they could also come about when prevented from entering the afterlife. One of the known methods of this is through the use of curses, magical rituals can also be performed to summon and bind them to Nirn. One of the most prolific methods of bringing back souls as ghosts is through the use of necromancy.
Ghoul[edit]
Ghouls are undead creatures that are the carrion eaters of dungeons, crypts, and other burial places.[3] They feast on human corpses and other rotting flesh. Although they are not intelligent, they have a natural cunning that aids them in finding food. Because of their vile habits, ghouls have a chance of transmitting disease to those they bite.[3] Their tongues are circulated as an alchemy ingredient in the Iliac Bay.[4]
During the Imperial Simulacrum, ghouls were among the beasts that infested Stonekeep during its occupation by goblins working for Golthog the Dark.[5] One was also among the creatures in the animal pens of the Crystal Tower.[6]
- See also: Ash Ghoul
Giant[edit]
Giants (sometimes called the big folk) are a race of enormous humanoids with colossal strength. They are found in the wilderness of Skyrim, High Rock, Hammerfell, Cyrodiil and Valenwood.
They have thick grey skin, long, powerful limbs, large hands and feet, and thick greyish-brown hair decorated with braids and beads. Additionally, most Giants have decorative scars carved into their chests. They clothe themselves in fur pelts adorned with the bones of animals and people, although many prefer a simple loincloth.
Although they tower above most races, their height can vary. Some stand between 11 and 12 feet tall, whereas others can be several times the height of the average person. Female giants, also called Giantesses, are less commonly seen than males by non-giants, and the only known sightings of them have been in the Wrothgarian Mountains and Whiterun Plains during the Second Era. Giant social groups appear to vary, with some being part of clans led by a chieftain, some being led by powerful matriarchs, and others being small families composed of two parents raising children together on isolated mountains.
Giant Bat[edit]
Giant bats are a larger species than normal bats. They are found throughout Tamriel and certain breeds have been bred for their milk in Ska'vyn and Goldfolly. Their milk is used to make dairy products such as cheese.[7]
Giant Scorpion[edit]
The deadly Giant Scorpion, like their smaller cousins, can be found in most arid regions of Tamriel. They are often the size of horses.[8] Their sting is known to possess a paralyzing effect, so great caution is required when dealing with them.
Giant Snake[edit]
Giant snakes are large, deadly serpents found across Tamriel. They are known to inhabit both the land and bodies of water. Giant snakes are common in Black Marsh, where the Argonians know them as "kajthux", or "ample serpent(s)".[9][10]
Gloam Knight[edit]
Gloam Knights are wraith-like Daedra who are incapable of feeling sympathy. They are embodiments of hate and mystery, and are sometimes referred to as "Shadows of Nocturnal".[11]:221 They can often be found serving the Daedric Prince of Shadows.[12][13] They can have from two to six arms.[14] Mortals are sometimes transformed into them (or at least forms resembling them).[15]
- See also: Harrowing Reaper
Gloomspore Creature[edit]
Gloomspore creatures are fungi that have been magically shaped into the forms of large animals with mycoturgy to be used as mounts. Child-sized variants are also created as pets. Integrating research left behind by Ahzidal, who had created several types of fungal steeds, Mage Naleldil created many of these creatures from spores some time around 2E 582.[16] The Telvanni are capable of creating similar spore steeds.
The creation of Gloomspore bears, senche and wolves could occur naturally in the caverns of Blackreach.[17][18]
Glow Raven[edit]
Glow ravens are a species of raven whose eyes and extremities emit a faint purple glow. They can be found in Evergloam and Apocrypha. They also appeared in Elinhir when it was ravaged by magic during the Interregnum.[19]
- See also: Crow Daedra
Glyptodon[edit]
Glyptodons are large, armored, mammalian herbivores that can be found in Southern Elsweyr. They have large spike covered tails. When threatened, they retreat into their shells and wait for the danger to pass.[20] Brushing up against their shells without proper protection is said to be painful.[21] Circa 2E 582, a master handler from Summerset's Sil-Var-Woad park attempted to train a glyptodon to perform simple tricks, but found the task nearly impossible. He was tricked by a Khajiit merchant into purchasing the beast, as they spoke highly of its intelligence.[22]
Gnarl[edit]
Gnarls, also known as Walking Trees, are one of the strangest creatures of the Shivering Isles. Like the Elytra, this animated plant roams almost anywhere on the Isles. Said to be one of Sheogorath's truly unique creations, the Gnarl has the most unusual trait of being able to use magic cast upon it, and harness that power to bolster its own defense, becoming resistant to just that element for a short time.
There is much not understood about them, such as whether they have genders and how they propagate. They are believed to be caretakers of the Shivering Isles' Root System, severe trauma to the root system walls results in the formation of amber deposits as part of its natural defense mechanism, Gnarls clear away the amber and sometimes bring it to the surface. They also have a truce of sorts with other creatures of the Isles such as the Baliwog and Elytra.
They seem to have some relation to Spriggans, and are sometimes classified with them.
Gnat[edit]
Gnats are bothersome swarming insects found throughout Tamriel,[23][24] though they are especially prevalent in Valenwood.[25] They are known for their buzzing in people's ears,[26][25] this buzzing sound is the mating call of male gnats.[23] The female gnats are the only ones that bite.[23] They are preyed upon by frogs.[24]
Mire-gnats are a species common in Black Marsh.[27][26][28][29]
Gnome[edit]
A Gnome is an obscure creature. They were the namesake of various inns and taverns in the late Third Era.[30] A song from the Iliac Bay described gnomes as hardy workers.[UOL 2] Lord Vanech was once described as being "gnomish", likely in reference to his stature.[31]
Goat[edit]
Goats are passive creatures that are commonly kept as livestock in Tamriel. In the wild, they can usually be found on mountain slopes. They are hunted for their hide, meat, and horns. Goats are also kept by mortals for their milk, which can be drunk or used to make cheese. Goats are also kept as pets. Every part of the goat is suitable for eating, except the horns. Goat horns are used to make a variety of products, such as bugles and holders for light sources, such as candles.
Goblin[edit]
Goblins (also derogatorily called Gobs) are primitive humanoids found throughout Tamriel and Akavir, often living in sewers, caves, and ruins in small clan-based societies. They can range in height from three feet to over eight feet. Appearance-wise, goblins have green or yellow skin (sometimes white or black), yellow eyes with slitted pupils, pronounced canine teeth, pointed elven-like ears, and sometimes horns and hunchbacks. While typically violent towards more societally developed races, Goblins are intelligent, and are capable of living in peace with others.
For more information, see the main lore article.
Golden Saint[edit]
The Aureal (or Aureals), more commonly known as Golden Saints, are a Daedric race of golden-skinned humanoids with cat-like eyes and Elven-esque styled hair. They wear helmets with prominent wings. They call themselves the Aureal, and claim to be the most loyal and honorable servants of the Daedric Prince Sheogorath. The name Golden Saints was given to them by "lesser beings", and conveys an elegant and benevolent figure. Furthermore, their use of golden avian-themed armor and weapons augments their angelic appearance. Despite their name and appearance, the Aureal are a proud, arrogant race, quick to anger and cruel in their punishment. They have little love for mortals, even those that inhabit the Shivering Isles, and make no effort to hide this in their interactions.
Gooblet[edit]
The now-extinct gooblet was a flightless bird with iridescent feathers that lived along the Hammerfell coast prior to the arrival of the Ra Gada in 1E 808.[32] By the mid-Second Era, rare taxidermied birds still existed and gooblet feathers were sometimes worn by priests of Onsi, or used to make ornate cat toys.[33][34]
Goose[edit]
Geese are a species of waterfowl that are hunted for their meat.[35] They fly together in flocks and are known to occasionally attack people.[36]
Gorgon[edit]
Gorgons (also commonly known as Medusas) are creatures with the upper body of a woman and the lower torso of a snake, as well as having smaller snakes attached to their head. They writhe along using their hands and body to wind their way through their lairs. Gorgons are very strong and intelligent, and armed with a fearsome weapon, their gaze, which has the ability to paralyze their opponents.
They were known to be found all throughout Tamriel during the Imperial Simulacrum. Circa 3E 405, severed gorgon snakes were circulated in the Iliac Bay region, where they were used to brew potions that improve the consumer's climbing abilities.
The Tsaesci are described as inverted gorgons in Vivec's seventh Sermon. Medusa's Gaze is a name of a paralysis spell. It was classified as either illusion or alteration magic.
Goshawk[edit]
The Goshawk is a bird native to Hammerfell and sacred to Tava,[37] the Redguard Spirit of the Air.[38] In the old capital of Hegathe there is a large mural in the Shrine of Tava called the Fresco of the Goshawk, which depicts Tava in a nest with her mate. According to legend, a Goshawk's cry awoke Prince Ar-Azal from a prophetical dream. He then left for the mural and found that it now depicted two mates. He saw this as a sign to unite the Crowns and Forebears.[37] Goshawk are known to nest themselves on the High Temple tower in Satakalaam.[39]
- See also: Hawk
Grahl[edit]
Grahl, sometimes called ice trolls,[40][41][42] are brutish creatures native to the ice caves of Solstheim. The native Skaal do not know their true nature, suspecting them to be either great beasts or evil spirits.[43] These ice trolls have regeneration and vulnerability to fire in common with their mainland namesake,[44] and some grahl possess a third eye.[40] Grahl eyeballs have alchemical properties, and are sometimes mummified and repurposed as tough, leathery pouches for carrying small items.[40] Grahl skin is used in tea that cures skin ailments.[45]
Grasshopper[edit]
Grasshoppers are small insects who are comparable to ash hoppers.[46] One indivudal who drank Hist sap recalled hallucinating about talking grasshoppers.[47]
Gravelclaw[edit]
Gravelclaws are terrestrial crabs found living on the rocky slopes of the Dragontail Mountains in Hammerfell. Their shell are grey and lumpy, giving the crabs a rocky appearance.[48] The meat of elder gravelclaws is succulent, and its pleasant aroma is irresistible to many wild predators. The meat is commonly used by hunters and trappers as bait.[49]
Green Jay[edit]
Green jays are birds with a green body, a blue head with black markings, and tail that is blue at its tip. They can be found in Rivenspire and the Wrothgarian Mountains.[50]
Gremlin[edit]
Gremlins (also derogatorily called Orc-rats or Squeakers) are small, harmless creatures related to goblins, whom they can often be found living alongside. Gremlins have a distinct appearance with large feet, and tiny arms incapable of using any man-sized tools. While seen as unpleasant by most, they usually aren't met with violence like most goblin-ken. Instead, they are typically shooed away or otherwise dismissed, though some show them kindness. They are known to occasionally beg for food.
A number of gremlins and other goblin-ken lived in certain iterations of the city of Orsinium. Gremlins were also known to live in the Goblin Caverns of Stros M'Kai. Many believe that the goblin-ken of Stros M'Kai were banished beneath the earth thanks to Frandar Hunding. Some Redguards who lived there would warn goblin-ken such as gremlins to return to their caves, lest Hunding turn them into stone. Gremlins have been used as slaves by the Altmer and as familiars by some wizards in the Mages Guild, they may sometimes be kept in jars.
Gremlins have their own language, known as gremlin tongue, which is not usually understood by other races, though some words in it are coincidentally similar to other words in Tamrielic. There exists a transmogrification spell capable of transforming someone into a gremlin. This spell was a favorite trick of Jaganvir, the Archmage of the Mages Guild on Stros M'Kai circa 2E 864.
For more information, see the main lore article.
Grievous Twilight[edit]
Grievous Twilights are large, intelligent winged Daedra that are a corruption of the winged twilights. They have clawed limbs, black horns, bluish-purple skin, glowing blue eyes, spiked tails, and possess the ability to teleport, making them formidable foes. They have a brutish masculine form, and unlike winged twilights, their wings are separate limbs from their arms. They are often found serving Molag Bal, but they can also be found under Nocturnal.
Gristlewing[edit]
Gristlewings are ragged, skeletal birds. They seem to congregate in places where death is prominent: they appeared in the Imperial City while it was ravaged by the Daedric forces of Molag Bal during the Planemeld.[51] They also flocked around the Gray Host during their resurgence in 2E 582, and at Mount Kilkreath after it was ravaged by a Harrowstorm.[52] Gristlewings were also present in Grayhaven.[53]
The Erabenimsun Tribe fletches their arrows with with gristlewing plumes if they're available.[54]
- See also: Bone Hawk
Grummite[edit]
Grummites are violent, primitive humanoids native to the Shivering Isles. They are a species of amphibious frog-like beastfolk with a complex life cycle and incredible regenerative abilities when in water or rain. Like other creatures native to the Isles, Grummites take differing forms depending on whether they inhabit Mania or Dementia.
For more information, see the lore article.
Gryphon[edit]
Gryphons (also spelled Griffin or Griffon) are large winged creatures that live primarily on the Summerset Isle, within the province of the Summerset Isles, though they can also be found in the province of Elsweyr, and possibly the provinces of High Rock and Hammerfell, due to Harpy clan leaders native to the provinces being known to wear dyed gryphon feathers. They are generally found across the mountains of Summerset, primarily around Eton Nir, and specifically at the northeast point at Gryphon Aerie. They can be described as a combination of a lion and an eagle, though they bear more of a resemblance to an eagle on four legs. Gryphons are fiercely territorial. They will attack anyone who intrudes upon their nests or hunting grounds. Gryphons are predators and eat live prey. Gryphons aren't picky eaters, and will capture anyone foolish enough to traverse their hunting grounds. Young gryphons are known as fledglings. Salamanders, deer and cows are among the animals that may find themselves hunted by a hungry gryphon. Gryphons often make their nests on the sides of mountains or upon cliffs. They occasionally drag their prey back to their nests.
Gryphons are revered by the High Elves. The Altmer fear the gryphon's ferocity, but respect their strength and freedom. In some parts of Summerset, such as Sunhold and Cloudrest, the gryphon is sacred. In ancient times, many High Elves considered gryphons unsuitable to be mounted, but now the city-states of Cloudrest and Sunhold are known for their tamed gryphons, which are a part of their iconography.
Gryphon's feathers are circulated in the Iliac Bay region and have alchemical properties. The feathers can also be used to make tools such as brooms, and down feathers are used to make pillows. Gryphon feathers have an iridescent vane, and are prized by the Bosmer. Unfertilized yolks from gryphon eggs, as well as secretions including saliva, can be used to make skincare products. Gryphon vellum is a popular material among Altmer monks for making illuminated texts, and it has a unique texture due to the feather-dimpling. In Summerset, it is illegal to collect gryphon eggs for the purpose of selling them somewhere off the island.
- See also: Hippogriff
Guar[edit]
Guar (/ɡwɑːr/) are large bipedal omnivorous reptilians native to Morrowind and Black Marsh. They are the primary domesticated herd animal of these provinces, and are not usually aggressive. Characterized by their endurance and intelligence, guar are used mostly as pack animals and beasts of burden, although certain breeds are used as mounts. Although usually associated with the Dunmer, guar have a special relationship with Argonians and the Dunmer traditionally employ Saxhleel slaves as guar-herds and handlers. A young guar is called a calf or guarling.
Guardian (Clavicus Vile)[edit]
Beings only referred to as guardians (or just guards) are a little-known race of Daedra that serve the Daedric Prince Clavicus Vile and are found in the Fields of Regret. These Daedra possess yellow skin and dark eyes, similarly to Skaafin. However they differ from them in that they have no mouths, are taller, more muscular, and have three large red protrusions on their back.[55][56]
When Cyrus visited the Fields of Regret in 2E 864, Clavicus Vile held a game for him to win Iszara's soul at the risk of losing his own soul, where each result was hidden between two doors. In order to figure out the riddle, Cyrus had to consult two guardians; one would always lie, and one would always tell the truth.[57]
- See also: Meridian guardian
Guardian Spirit[edit]
Guardian Spirits are spectral nature spirits found in Skyrim that are associated with the goddess Kyne. They are often tied to a specific natural landmark, such as a lake, a hill, or a copse of woods. A guardian spirit "haunts" the area it is connected to, and cannot abandon or wander far from the location. Guardian spirits usually take the form of mortal creatures, but despite appearances, these spirits were never mortal. Certain guardian spirits were known to be curious or mischievous with mortals, while others are outright hostile.
Kyne's Sacred Trials are an old Nord tradition, where the participant has to hunt and defeat several specific guardian spirits, known as Kyne's champions, in order to prove themselves as a true hunter and receive Kyne's blessing. The tradition had fallen into obscurity by 4E 201.
- See also: Totem Spirit
Guzzard[edit]
Guzzards are a species of featherless carrion bird[58] found in Upper Craglorn, and rarely in the West Weald. They have beaks, sharp teeth, talons, bat-like wings, and red eyes. Their tails are smooth and have no plumes. They have short crests on their heads, and spikes lining their back.[59] They are sometimes kept as pets.[60]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Anequina Animal Identification and Tasting — Hrodkir Mincemeat
- ^ Xukas' dialogue at the Ixtaxh Xanmeer during Sunken Treasure in ESO: Murkmire
- ^ a b Ghoul description from Arena's manual
- ^ Ghoul's Tongue in Daggerfall
- ^ Events of Fang Lair quest in Arena
- ^ Events of Crystal Tower quest in Arena
- ^ Lady Honnorah af-Lahreq Answers Your Questions — Lady Honnorah af-Lahreq
- ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: The Ra Gada: Hammerfell — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
- ^ The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: Black Marsh — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
- ^ Kyne's Challenge: A Hunter's Companion — David S. J. Hodgson
- ^ The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset Collector's Edition Strategy Guide — Garitt Rocha, David S.J Hodgson
- ^ Shadow Veya's appearance in ESO: Summerset
- ^ Shadow Knight Nassuphae in Arpenia in ESO: Blackwood
- ^ Differences in appearance in Shadow Veya's two forms in ESO: Summerset
- ^ Origin of Shadow Veya in ESO: Summerset
- ^ Gloomspore Bear Cub's description in ESO
- ^ Gloomspore Crate in ESO
- ^ Presence of Gloomspore Bears, Gloomspore Senches and Gloomspore Wolves in Blackreach
- ^ Glow Raven appearance and locations in ESO
- ^ Glyptodons in ESO
- ^ Crafting Motif 80: Shield of Senchal Style — Centurion Ancrus Vesnentia of the Shields of Senchal, Thirteenth Legion
- ^ Suroniir's dialogue in ESO
- ^ a b c Gavin Gavonne's hireling correspondence in ESO
- ^ a b Jela's dialogue in ESO
- ^ a b Eminaire's dialogue in ESO
- ^ a b Seeks-the-Dark's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Tames-the-Beast's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Jekka-Wass Vozei's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Letter from Paheiza — Paheiza
- ^ The names of various Taverns in Daggerfall
- ^ The Argonian Account, Book 1 — Waughin Jarth
- ^ Mounted Extinct Flightless Bird contraband item in ESO
- ^ Iridescent Boneshaver Cloak contraband item in ESO
- ^ Ivory-Handled Gooblet Cat Toy contraband item in ESO
- ^ Appearance of goose poultry nodes and the Carcass, Fresh Goose furnishing in ESO
- ^ Remy Bertault's dialogue in ESO
- ^ a b The Worthy Ar-Azal, His Deeds
- ^ Varieties of Faith... — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
- ^ Blessed, Blessed Satakalaam — The Unveiled Azadiyeh, Songbird of Satakalaam
- ^ a b c Grahl-Eye Gem Purse item description in ESO
- ^ The Castle Karstaag journal entry descriptions in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
- ^ Legends card category
- ^ Generic Dialogue in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
- ^ Grahls in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
- ^ Teas and Tisanes for Aches and Pains — Tilenra Sildreth
- ^ Bolga's Guide to Galen Beasts — Bolga gra-Bur, Huntswoman of Mistral
- ^ Lumberjack Hireling Correspondence in ESO
- ^ Appearance and location of Gravelclaws in ESO
- ^ Succulent Gravelclaw Meat item description in ESO
- ^ Birds of Wrothgar — Haenelisse, Vice-Chairman of the Bird-Watchers Society of Alinor
- ^ Gristlewing's appearance at the Imperial City Prison in ESO: Imperial City
- ^ Gristlewing's appearance at Harrowstorms and around Kilkreath Temple in ESO: Greymoor
- ^ Gristlewing's appearance at Grayhaven and near Druadach Redoubt in ESO: Markarth
- ^ Crafting Motif 48: Ashlander Style — Sannemmu Khamishi, Wise Woman of the Erabenimsun Tribe
- ^ The Redguard Companion
- ^ Guardian in Redguard
- ^ Events of Rescue Iszara in Redguard
- ^ Naryu's Journal/Imperial City — Naryu Virian
- ^ Guzzard appearance in ESO
- ^ Star-Gazer Sariyaah's dialogue in ESO
Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.
- ^ Ted Peterson's posts in The Blue Dawn
- ^ Cut song from Daggerfall