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Elder Scrolls
Nirnroot Potted (Oblivion)

A small Nirnroot in a pot in Oblivion.

Nirnroot is a rare plant found on Tamriel with magical properties. Alchemical research on Nirnroot showed its magical properties, with it fortifying attributes, bolstering armor, conjuring protective wards, and augmenting speed, among other things.[1] It is also said that Nirnroot can be used in a concoction which protects clothing from stains.[2] Additionally, Nirnroot can be brewed into a wine.[3]

By game[]

Background[]

Nirnroot can be cultivated under specific circumstances. The juice from Jazbay Grapes is acidic enough to enable the plant to grow.[4] In 4E 201, the sole person known to have cultivated Nirnroot from seed to a full plant was Avrusa Sarethi in Skyrim.[5]

The plant makes a unique chiming noise, and only grows by the water, making it easily recognisable when found in the field. Its leaves are blue-white. Though it is said that Nirnroot do not regrow,[6][7] there have been times when the plant does regrow.[8][9]

It is said that Nirnroot closer to Elden Root grow tall and lush, whereas the farther away the plant is, they grow reedier and less hardy. The seed of the Nirnroot can be carried by, birds, among other creatures.[10]

History[]

Third Era[]

In the late-Third Era, the root was said to be extremely rare and nearly extinct within Cyrodiil. The Imperial Herbalist Chivius Regelliam claimed that Nirnroot once flourished in the province, until an event weakened their growth. Herbalist Regelliam claimed that the Sun's Death, an eruption of Red Mountain, in 1E 668 had a devastating aftermath on plantlife, the Nirnroot's lineage being damaged by the sun's exposure being blocked for a full year. The magical nature of the plant made it stand at risk due to the changing climate. During Regelliam's time, the Nirnroot was said to have a yellowish glow, in contrast to their Third Era counterparts, which were had a soft blue-white glow.[11] Conversely, Sinderion tells the Hero of Kvatch that Nirnroot does not require sunlight to grow and to consider checking underground when looking for samples.[12]

While the development may or may not have been caused by the Sun's Death, the change of the Nirnroot over time became apparent. Due to the Altmer researcher Sinderion being the first to tackle Nirnroot research since the days of Regelliam, the reason for the change in the plant is unknown. The researcher claimed that the plant sensed its extinction, and in order to avoid it, changed its nature in order to survive. A notable observation made by associates of Sinderion was that the Nirnroot was now able to grow underground, as opposed to in the sunlight outside.[11]

Sinderion claimed that the reason for this laid in the soil of the plant. While Sinderion supported Regelliam's claim that the Sun's Death had an effect on the Nirnroot, he disagreed in the nature of the effect. The Altmer proposed that the ash that fell from the sky for an entire year mixed with the soil, and due to the magical nature of the Nirnroot, resulted in the aforementioned changes in appearance and areas of growth. Sinderion's claim was based on the fact that Ash Salts, which can be found among the regular ash from Red Mountain, have very potent magical abilities. Because of this, Sinderion proposed further research into the plant before it would go extinct.[11]

The inspiration for Sinderion's research was an old tome he had found several years before the Oblivion Crisis. One of the pages of the book provided the recipe for an Elixir of Exploration. This Elixir, which was specifically made for dungeon delving, required Nirnroot to be crafted.[12] Four versions of the Elixir existed after Sinderion's research was complete, each being stronger than the previous.[13]

Fourth Era[]

Crimson Nirnroot Online

A Crimson Nirnroot.

Crimson Nirnroot are Nirnroot native to Blackreach in Skyrim. Limited research on the plant has been performed by the Altmeri researcher Sinderion in the Fourth Era. When Sinderion arrived at Blackreach, his research indicated that the Crimson Nirnroot had a similar affinity for moisture as the regular Nirnroot, while at the same time having a close connection to the large fungi native to Blackreach. Based on this, it is said that the fungi functions as a source of water for the Crimson Nirnroot, providing an ideal enviroment for the plant. In contrast to regular Nirnroot however, the Crimson variant had a much shorter lifespan, and were relatively rare.[14]

While Crimson Nirnroot was a rare plant which few people knew of, the plant was also used in research of the Tel Var stones.[15]

Gallery[]

Trivia[]

  • In Fallout 4, another game by Bethesda, a nirnroot-like plant known as the "Experimental plant" (nicknamed Glowleaf) that makes strange noises and only grows near water.
  • In The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, there are no Nirnroot plants. However, at night, glowing pulsating green lights are spread out in a similar fashion along shorelines. Close to the lights are kelp and barnacles that cannot be interacted with.

Appearances[]

References[]

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