Lore:Nirnroot

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Nirnroot
OB Flora Nirnroot Plant.jpg
Nirnroot (Oblivion)
Type Flora
Range Tamriel
Appears in

Oblivion, Skyrim, ESO, Blades

Nirnroot is a very rare plant that grows near water. The most notable traits of Nirnroot includes the low hum it produces, its glow, and magical properties. Notably, it does not require sunlight to grow, so can be found in locations above or below underground.[1][2] Its seeds are spread by birds and other creatures.[3] Nirnroot prefers acidic soil to grow.[4]

Originally yellow-leaved, the plant mutated drastically during the Sun's Death event of 1E 668. Due to its magical nature, it sensed as a species its impending extinction and used the ash salts found falling from the sky as a new source of food. This allowed the plant to live without sunlight. As the ash content of Cyrodiil's soils diminished, so too did the plant's numbers, leading it to the brink of extinction.[5]

The plant became a subject of passion for the master alchemist Sinderion, and worried about its future, presented his research into it and concerns of its impending extinction to the Imperial Alchemy Symposium in the final years of the Third Era.[6] However, the Symposium chose not to provide Sinderion the assistance he requested. After receiving help in collecting samples from the Hero of Kvatch,[7] Sinderion's renewed research into it led to a second presentation at the Imperial Alchemy Symposium, but was once again turned down.[5]

Undeterred, Sinderion succeeded alone in cultivating the nirnroot by 4E 48. After learning of and receiving a sample of the Crimson Nirnroot subspecies, he traveled to Skyrim to do field research into the species. While in Skyrim he also made contact with the College of Winterhold, and shared his knowledge of Nirnroot cultivation with Avrusa Sarethi.[8]†

Sinderion eventually traveled into Blackreach in pursuit of the Crimson Nirnroot circa 4E 58, where he would meet his end to the inhabitants of the cavern. But the knowledge that Sinderion passed lived on, and was used by Avrusa Sarethi to make Nirnroot a dedicated crop of her farm. The fate of Sinderion was ultimately discovered by the Last Dragonborn, who shared his final research notes and samples of the plant with Avrusa. Building on Sinderion's research, Avrusa succeeded in also cultivating the Crimson Nirnroot.[9]†

Usage[edit]

Nirnroot, taken in as a houseplant

Nirnroot is largely poisonous when consumed or used in alchemical concoctions.[10][11][12] However, it can also be used to create potions of invisibility.[11][12] There are also more complex alchemical possibilities, such as the Elixir of Exploration derived from Nirnroot. These elixirs grant a wide variety of beneficial properties.[13]

Another notable alchemical oddity from the plant comes from nirnroot wine, an alcoholic beverage that causes intoxication without being imbibed. The true flavor of the wine is unknown, although it is often "remembered" as being delicious, as there is no individual who has ever succeeded in tasting it.[14][15][16]

The plant is a favorite food of the nibenay bay ram.[17] Kwama also enjoy nirnroot, despite it causing lethargy in them when consumed. Kwama also appear to become addicted to it after exposure.[18] It is also eaten by Druids in Vastyr, in a dish known as the "singing tuber". The writer Castus Marius described as "light, crunchy, bold flavor that left my ears ringing with a chorus of sunset colors", and claimed to need to lay down until the sensation passed. [19] The chef Gianna described nirnroot as a "special seasoning" she would use in her cooking.[20] Consumption of the plant can cause ringing teeth, and glowing excreta.[21]

When magically added to molten silver, the ensuing reaction causes permanent blue, silver, and black streaks.[22] There is also a rumored secret nirnroot concotion that can be used to make cloth that is resistant to staining.[23]

Nirnroot's unique glow and hum leads to it often being taken in as a decorative houseplant.[1][24]

Notes[edit]

1.In his journal, Sinderion states he found out about Avrusa Sarethi through his membership with the College of Winterhold, and bargained his months long stay with her for Alchemy knowledge. However, according to Avrusa herself, she'd known him from her days as his alchemy apprentice in Skingrad, and he "just showed up" one day at her doorstep and stayed with her and her sister for decades and became "an uncle of sorts" for her sister Aduri before he headed to Blackreach.[8][25]
2.Although Avrusa and Aduri describe Crimson Nirnroot being added to their farm, they will not actually appear due to a glitch.[4][25]

Gallery[edit]

  • Nirnroot (Skyrim)

  • Nirnroot (ESO)

  • Nirnroot (Blades)

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Dialogue with Sinderion in Oblivion
  2. ^ The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: Black Marsh — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
  3. ^ The Book of the Great Tree
  4. ^ a b Avrusa Sarethi's dialogue in Skyrim
  5. ^ a b The Nirnroot Missive — Sinderion
  6. ^ The original version of Sinderion's Nirnroot Missive
  7. ^ Events of Seeking Your Roots
  8. ^ a b Sinderion's Field Journal — Sinderion
  9. ^ Events of A Return To Your Roots
  10. ^ Nirnroot in Oblivion
  11. ^ a b Nirnroot in Skyrim
  12. ^ a b Nirnroot in ESO
  13. ^ Elixir of Exploration in Oblivion
  14. ^ Thalara in ESO
  15. ^ Wilminn in ESO
  16. ^ Zimar in ESO
  17. ^ Description of the Nibenay Bay Ram
  18. ^ Kwama Breeding Research Notes
  19. ^ Druid Food of Vastyr — Castus Marius, Travel Writer
  20. ^ Dialogue with Gianna
  21. ^ Alchemy For My Apprentice — You Know Who
  22. ^ Description of the Silver-Bellied Guarling
  23. ^ A Trader's Eye for Fashion — Madam Firilanya
  24. ^ Nirnroot locations in Oblivion
  25. ^ a b Aduri Sarethi's dialogue in Skyrim
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