Daedra Aren't So Bad

For the next several segments in my Skyrim series, I'd like to be on items known as Daedric artifacts and the corresponding quest for it. But in order to do so, I feel I should give some background on where they come from and the Daedra to which they belong. I will go into more depth on each realm in the explanation of each quest, as well as which leader rules over which realm.

The Daedra are defined as not having taken part in the creation of Mundus, the realm of Oblivion in which the Elder Scrolls takes place. There are many forms of Daedra, however only a few are encountered within Skyrim, mainly the elemental atronachs and the highly intelligent and deadly dremora. Among the Daedra, there are certain elite beings, or true Daedra, that rule over the different realms of Oblivion called Daedric Princes. There are seventeen princes, all associated with a characteristic that reflects themselves and their realm. For example, Sheogorath is the Daedric Prince of Madness, ruling over the realm known as the Shivering Isles. The DLC in the Elder Scrolls IV revealed that he was, indeed, quite mad, (insane), and that his realm was split in two to symbolize his somewhat split personality.

While they are generally considered to be evil and demonic, Daedra are just interpreted as such. They have a tendency to go to extremes in many cases, leading many people to believe such things. However, in reality, Daedra are infinitely incomprehensible to mortals, meaning Daedra are completely devoid of true good or true evil. Only six of the seventeen Daedric Princes actually take pleasure in such extremities, most of them contributing to the mortals' four pillars of destruction.

A Daedra cannot ever be truly killed. When a Daedra is "killed," it actually undergoes what is called banishment. Banishment is when the physical form of a Daedra is interrupted in such a way that it causes the being to fade into the void of Oblivion until it can return in another physical form. It essentially removes the Animus, or soul, of the Daedra until it can find a way to reincarnate itself.

Daedra are not only very skilled fighters and magic wielders, but also master craftsmen. Their weaponry and armor are renowned by many for being practically indestructible. They attain this legendary masterwork by using only raw ebony of the highest quality and infusing it with the soul of a Daedra through a dark ritual.
WC: 412