A Moot is a meeting of representatives from each hold of Skyrim that typically takes place when the High King dies.

Its purpose is to choose the next King from qualified members of the royal family or in the event where no direct heir to the throne exists. ^[1][2]

Contents 1 History 2 Ceremony 3 Fourth Era 4 References

HistoryEdit

It was originally created in 1E 221 after the exceptionally long reign of King Harald, who died at 108 years of age and outlived all but three of his sons, however over the years the Moot became permanent and acquired an increasing amount of power. By the reign of King Borgas, the last of the Ysgramor Dynasty, the Moot had become partisan and ineffective.^[1]

After the murder of King Borgas by the Wild Hunt, the Moot's failure to appoint Jarl Hanse of Winterhold sparked the disastrous War of Succession, during which Skyrim lost control of its territories in High Rock, Morrowind, and Cyrodiil, never to regain them.^[1]

The war was finally concluded in 1E 420 with the Pact of Chieftans; henceforth, the Moot was convened only when a King died without direct heirs.^[1]

CeremonyEdit

The Moot has also been used in a ceremonial role. When High King Istlod of Solitude died, a moot was convened to name his son and legitimate heir Torygg as the next High King. ^[3] This took place despite the fact there being no dispute as to who should accend to the throne.

This type of Moot is more of a formality and theater than an actual meeting to choose a king. This is because the High King swears fealty to the Emperor, and as Solitude is the city most directly influenced by Imperial culture and politics, the Jarl of Solitude has served as High King for generations.^[2]

Fourth EraEdit

In the intervening millennium, the Moot had only been called upon three times when the throne was in dispute, and succession has never been disputed on the field of battle - even when Skyrim became part of the Empire.

However in 4E 201, High King Torygg was killed by Ulfric Stormcloak in a challenge to the throne. This event plunged Skyrim into a civil war and a fourth Moot was called to elect a successor ^[4].

ReferencesEdit

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3} Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Skyrim
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} Skyrim's Rule
3. ↑ Dialogue with Sybille Stentor
4. ↑ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Start a Discussion Discussions about Moot

You can find discussions about everything related to this wiki on Elder Scrolls Forum!