Relatively little is known about the Hist. They are first mentioned in 2E 864, in the Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition, where it is written that Argonians are rarely seen outside of their homeland, except for a relatively intelligent strain called the Hist. ^[1] The guide further adds that they are "repulsive, but peaceful enough to be tolerated among the human kingdoms, and can be found as far as western Hammerfell".^[1] The book, The Annotated Anuad suggests that the Hist are the "Trees of Argonia" ^[2] (today known as the Black Marsh). They are believed to have been around since the time of the creation of Nirn,^[2] and this has since been confirmed by such sources as the Third Edition of the Pocket Guide to the Empire, where it is confirmed that they, rather than the Aldmer or the Nedics, were likely the original forms of life on Tamriel.^[3]. It is also beleived and referenced that the Hist tree is intelligent and is conscious.

The Argonians of Black Marsh worship this unique and intelligent tree as a almighty power that guides and creates their souls. What little information is known on the worship of this tree by the Argonians, it is confirmed that this represents the core of Argonian religion and culture. In fact, Argonian hatchlings drink the sap of the hist at birth and infancy. According to legend, the sap of the hist tree when consumed gives the hatchling it's soul, and when that Argonian dies, his soul travels back to it's hist tree and is stored until another hatchling drinks that hist and is given it's soul, creating a cycle of rebirth.

In Cyrodiil, a group of mercenaries known as the Blackwood Company used the sap from a Hist Tree to give themselves bloodlust and strength in battle. This caused them to have hallucinations, and forced the Hero of Kvatch to destroy the tree.

It is further mentioned later on when it states: Rumors and speculation also abound regarding the Hist, a species of giant spore tree growing in the innermost swamps of Argonia. Some have maintained that natives worship the trees; others claim the trees are, in fact, a sentient race, more ancient than all the races of man and mer. No reliable accounts of expeditions into central Argonia exist to lend credence to these claims, and modern Argonians are reticent to speak of the mysterious trees ^[4]

The Hist possesses hallucinogenic properties when used by non-Argonian species, causing them to perceive civilians and actual enemies alike as hostile to them. Only Argonians may ingest the Hist sap to feel its full effects without negative reaction. 

GalleryEdit

Behind the ScenesEdit

• Marobar Sul's book series, Ancient Tales of the Dwemer mentions Hist, in the Second Book, and suggest that the Argonians are co-dependent on the Hist ^[5]
• They are mentioned in the Infernal City series:

The Hist were many, and they were one. Their roots buried deep beneath the black soul and soft white stone of Black Marsh, connecting them all, and thus connecting all Saxhleel, all Argonians. The Hist gave his people life, form, purpose. It was the Hist who had seen through the shadows to the Oblivion crisis, who called all the people back to the marsh, defeated the forces of Mehrunes Dagon, drove the Empire into the sea, and laid waste to their ancient enemies in Morrowind. p. 34 ^[6]

Though the Hist share a mind, it is possible for one to 'go rogue' and "escape itself." In such instances, the Hist purge the rogue tree. This last happened to a tree in Lilmoth over 300 years ago. The current Lilmoth Hist grows from part of its root. p. 34, 54 ^[6]

ReferencesEdit

Races
Humans	Atmoran • Breton • Imperial • Keptu • Kothringi • Nede • Nord • Orma • Redguard
Mer	Aldmer • Altmer • Ayleid • Bosmer • Chimer • Dunmer • Dwemer • Lefthanded Elf • Maormer • Orsimer • Snow Elf
Beast	Argonian • Imga • Khajiit • Lilmothiit • Sload
Akaviri	Ka Po' Tun • Kamal • Tang Mo • Tsaesci • Dragon
Et'Ada	Aedra • Daedra
Other	Atronach • Giant • Goblin

Start a Discussion Discussions about Hist

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  Argonians and the Hist Lore

  2 messages
  • 
    IceFireWarden14
    It has been said by many characters and books throught the The Elder Scrolls that the Hist are a race of trees as old - or even older - than Ni... 2013-03-04T14:08:19Z
  • 
    A Wikia contributor
    That last part sounds like the Yomeshta cult from Ursula K. LeGuin's The Left Hand of Darkness. 2013-05-07T00:15:49Z

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