The Cult of the Ancestor Moth is one of the many cults in Cyrodiil and are responsible for reading the Elder Scrolls.
They have found ways in order to read the Elder Scrolls without going completely blind instantly, via a special ritual involving the ancestor moths, whom they also gather silk from. They are able to attract the ancestor-moths through the application of finely ground bark-dust gathered from the gypsy moth's favorite tree, and through the sub-vocalization of certain mantras.[1] However, frequent readings of the Elder Scrolls still causes blindness[2] and eventually they require assistance moving about. Even with their blindness they still have the ability to make out shapes or figures of objects and people.[3] The junior members of this cult, who have not fully lost their sight, assist the elder members.
The silk is gathered through an esoteric ritual of capturing the singing and hymnal spirits of one's forebears, which they use to create various vestments and costumes.
Monks of the higher orders prefer to wear the moths about the neck and face. They must chant the mantras constantly to maintain skin contact with the ancestor-moths, a discipline that they endure for the sake of some cosmic balance. When a monk interrupts these mantras, in conversation for example, the moths burst from him in glorious fashion every time he speaks, only to light back upon his skin when he resumes the inaudible chant. [4]
Appearances
Sources
- Divining the Elder Scrolls
- Pension of the Ancestor Moth
- Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Cyrodiil