Lore:Moth

Moths are a type of flying insect similar to butterflies that are valued for both alchemical reasons and cultural reasons. Their larvae are known as caterpillars.

Culture

The Cult of the Ancestor Moth's banner, depicting an Ancestor Moth

Nord

In the totemic religion of Atmora, precursor to the Nordic pantheon, the Silver Moth has been considered to correspond with Dibella. This worship continued with the migration to Tamriel and Skyrim where the Atmoran animal gods eventually became known by their modern names. Some Nords in the mid-Second Era got the Silver Moth as a tattoo.

Imperial

Moths have a large cultural presence for Imperials, with the Ancestor Moth being sacred to the Imperials. The Nibenese are known to use the ancestor silk of the gypsy-moth to craft exotic cloth, and export to others across the provinces. The singing and hymnal vocals of the ancestors are collected into a special silk-gathering ceremony, which is the ancestor silk. In the Nibenay, this silk harvest is a sacred tradition that dates back to their early history. But to the Cult of the Ancestor Moth, they are one of the same. The cult harvest the silk and undergo a magical ritual to enchant the fabric.

The Tribunal God Vivec referred to the Legion as moths. The Legion is also known to name some of it's forts with a -moth suffix such as Buckmoth, Firemoth, Hawkmoth, Moonmoth, and Sphinxmoth.

Species

Ancestor Moth

The Ancestor Moth is a rare indigenous gypsy-moth of Cyrodiil, and Ancestor Glades across Tamriel. They are sacred to the Imperials of Cyrodiil, specifically, the Cyro-Nords of the Nibenay. An order of monks, known as the Cult of the Ancestor Moth, revere and honor the moths, believing they house fjyrons, the loving spirits of their ancestors, which keep them alive and grant wisdom and knowledge to those they come upon. They believe the song of the Ancestor moth enables their augurs to glean truths from the Elder Scrolls.

Ancestor moths have been known to have very long lifespans, as ancestor moths that served under Belharza during their corporeal stage in the First Era were still in use by the Empire at the end of the Third Era.

Blood Moth

Blood moths are found near Lilmoth in Black Marsh.

Bluewhisper Moth

Bluewhisper moths are found near rivers near Leyawiin in Cyrodiil. Their silk is harvested by Imperials and used for high-end clothing, with the silk having a gossamer appearance but being remarkably strong.

Bright Moons Lunar Moth

Bright moons lunar moths are found in Summerset and in Elsweyr. Moon-Priests of the Khajiit believe that when one follows you, the blessings of Jone and Jode flutter close behind.

Carmine Wood Moth

Nearly driven to extinction a century ago by Nibenese, who used their brilliant ruby wing dust as rouge, carmine wood moths made a comeback in a different area: Valenwood. Friendly to a fault, they are now favored companions among alchemists.

Dusklight Lunar Moth

Dusklight lunar moths are blue-purple moths that are often found near quiet, tree-shaded lakes. Legends claim they glide on starlight and rest upon the Moons' reflections in the water. If one follows you away, good luck is said to bless your path.

Evermore Painter's Moth

Evermore Painter's moths are moths that are often used for pigment in painting. Artists of High Rock keep sanctuaries for these colorful creatures.

Island Moth

Island moths are found on the islands of High Isle and Amenos of the Systres.

Luna Moth

Luna moths are nocturnal moths that have thin, almost ephemeral wings that seem too delicate to hoist anything into the air, giving them an almost magical appearance. Their wings can be used for creating poisons that damage magicka, and for potions of invisibility.

Mustardseed Moth

Mustardseed moths are known for their brilliant yellow hues and are found flitting through the deciduous fall forests of Cyrodiil almost unseen. Each year, some fly beyond the Heartland's borders in all directions.

Orchid Whisper Moth

The Dragonstar Caravan Company first found orchid whisper moths while traveling from Evermore. Though they were attracted to the campfires, they didn't burn themselves. Instead, they settled on the caravan's goods, then followed them as if guarding them.

Phoenix Moth

Phoenix moths are moths native to Galen, known for their regenerative powers and affinity with ash and fire. They are believed to be echoes of ancient times of wild magic.

Druids say they create these moths, which are manifested from the flames of Mount Firesong and flutter away on the breeze. However, others ares skeptical saying that they start as hot caterpillars that ignite and then emerge from coal like a cocoon.

Silver Moth

Dibella as the silver moth

In Totemic Nord Religion, Dibella is represented by a Silver Moth.

Springlight Moth

Originally from the Tenmar Jungle, springlight moths spread via caravans and carry the scent of fresh spring rains with every flap of their wings.

Winter Moth

Winter moths are found in the depths of Blackreach underneath Skyrim.

Gallery

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  Moth (Oblivion)

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  Luna Moth wing sketch

Notes

• Moth nettles are named after moths.
• Kollopi tree essence can be used to body to cloak oneself in a haze of forest moths.

References

Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.