The Tribunal Elder Scrolls represent a fascinating and complex cornerstone of the Elder Scrolls universe, embodying the intricate blend of magic, religion, and history that defines the series. These colossal artifacts, carved with the written fate of the world itself, are far more than mere plot devices; they are the physical manifestation of time and destiny manipulated by divine beings. Understanding the Tribunal provides essential context for grasping the moral ambiguity and deep lore that separates this franchise from typical fantasy settings.
The Divine Tribunal of Morrowind
At the heart of the Tribunal lore are the three god-kings who ruled Morrowind during the First Era: Vivec, Almalexia, and Sotha Sil. Known collectively as the Tribunal, these beings were worshipped as living deities by the Chimer people. They ascended to godhood through the ritual ingestion of the Heart of Lorkhan, an act that granted them immense power but also bound them to the mortal plane. Their rule established the foundation of Dunmer society and brought a period of relative peace and enlightenment to the region, forever changing the landscape of Tamriel.
The Nature of Tribunal Divinity
Unlike the Aedra or Daedra, the Tribunal occupied a unique space between mortality and divinity. They were not born gods but rather individuals who achieved godhood through specific, monumental actions. This status was not permanent; they were described as "walking gods" who could be killed. Their divinity was a result of their connection to the CHIM state, a rare consciousness that allows one to perceive the underlying skein of reality. This made them vulnerable, as their power was dependent on maintaining this specific state of being.
The Role of the Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls, often found in the Library of Congress or deep within ancient Dwemer ruins, serve as the physical archives of time. They are not books to be read but rather artifacts to be witnessed, containing a non-linear visualization of all possible events, past, present, and future. The Tribunal utilized these scrolls extensively to see the outcomes of their actions and manipulate the course of history. For the player character in Morrowind, interacting with the scrolls is a key part of the journey, offering glimpses of the many paths that could be taken.
Artifacts predating the mortal plane.
Tools utilized by the Tribunal to manage the fate of nations.
The primary source of knowledge regarding the Dawn Era.
Objects that induce visions rather than readable text.
Highly unstable and dangerous to interact with directly.
The Downfall and Legacy
The story of the Tribunal takes a tragic turn with the eruption of Red Mountain and the arrival of the Nerevarine. The events of Morrowind lead to the death of Vivec and the subsequent disappearance of Almalexia, leaving Sotha Sil as the sole remaining god-king. This collapse of the divine order plunges Morrowind into chaos and redefines the cultural and religious landscape of the Dunmer. The legacy of the Tribunal, however, persists in the form of the New Temple, which venerates the Tribunal as saints who sacrificed themselves to save the world from Dagoth Ur.
CHIM and the Tribunal's Power
The ability of the Tribunal to maintain their divinity and manipulate reality is rooted in the philosophical concept of CHIM. This state of enlightenment allows one to step outside the normal rules of the world, recognizing the dream-like nature of existence. While the Tribunal used this power for governance, other beings, such as the mysterious Vivec and the player-prophesied Nerevarine, demonstrate different applications of CHIM. The limitations of this power are a central theme in the lore, highlighting the dangers of trying to play god.
