LGBTQ+

The following page documents instances of LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and other related identities) characters or behavior in The Elder Scrolls.

Lore

• Some Aedra have varying gendered representations:
  • Khenarthi is referred to with both male and female pronouns.
  • Tava is nicknamed the "Lady of the Air" and usually referred to with female pronouns, but some stories use male pronouns instead.
  • Y'ffre is referred to variously as male and female.
• Argonians' gender is assigned based on how much they lick the Hist tree as adolescents. Many Argonians change genders later in their lives as well, believing that "our gender is but one."
• Bogdur the Nord and Bulzog the Orc are described as having had "a tale of love and loss" and a "romance" by Berrice Notte.
• Many of the Daedric Princes are referred to with both male and female pronouns.
  • Boethiah appears as both male and female across different games. She is referred to with female pronouns when described as Mephala's mate.
  • Malacath is typically depicted as male, but in An Elder Scrolls Novel: Lord of Souls appears to Attrebus Mede as an Altmer woman named Silhansa, whose hair "was rosy gold, her skin alabaster white, her eyes twin emeralds. She had the slender, pointed ears of an elf." However, shortly thereafter, she grew to 100 feet in height and developed a "broadened" and "piglike" face, referred to thereafter as male.
  • Mephala is referred to as the "Androgyne" and is referred to with both male and female pronouns. She is referred to with female pronouns when described as Boethiah's mate.
  • Molag Bal is referred to as both a "prince" and a "princess" in different versions of the book Invocation of Azura.
• The Loremaster's Archive contains some references to same-sex marriage:
  • In Loremaster's Archive: Rituals of the Divines, Bishop Artorius Ponticus is asked about Mara's perspective on same-sex marriage. He replies, "Mother Mara loves all her children regardless of form. She cherishes their souls, not their bodies, and it is the souls that are united when two mortals take the Pledge of Mara."
  • In Loremaster's Archive: Courting Practices in Tamriel, Sibyl Augustine Viliane is asked about Dibella's perspective on polygamous relationships. She replies, "Ah, but the Passion Dancer bids us remember that quality of love is of the essence, not quantity. If the dance transports us, what matter the number of dancers?" Later, she notes that Nordic relationships between "War-Wives" were mostly, but not entirely, monogamous.
    • Viliane is also asked about same-sex marriage as well as a relationship between an Argonian and a harpy, to which she replies, "The heart seeks what it desires, noble Baron and lusty Argonian, regardless of the chest it beats within. If your affection is pure and untainted by coercion, it is blessed in the eyes of Dibella. For has she not said, 'No matter the seed, if the shoot is nurtured with love, will not the flower be beautiful?"
• Pelinal Whitestrake had a close relationship with a soldier named Huna. The Song of Pelinal notes that Huna was one whom Pelinal "loved well," but does not specify Huna's gender. However, a later comment by author Michael Kirkbride states that Huna was originally intended to be male, with Huna being described as "a hoplite who Pelinal often shared a tent with at night."
• Sendrasa Llarys and Makes-Many-Waves, both women, are described as "lovers," and attempt to elope in Skyrim before the former is killed.
• The Silvenar can be either male and female; according to Basth, their gender shifts in accordance with the will of the Bosmeri people: "When they're mostly female, so is he." The Green Lady, who is always a woman, is "handfasted" with (married to) the Silvenar.
• Vivec is described by several texts as a "hermaphrodite," meaning intersex, or having both male and female genitals, and shifts genders in some texts. He also had thousands of children with Molag Bal, a Daedric Prince who is referred to as both male and female. He was not born a god capable of shifting genders, describing himself as having been a "whelp-wench" when he was young.

Daggerfall

• Jokes remarks that Khajiiti sailors must be separated "with a hammer and tongs," implying homosexuality.
  • The text also makes reference to a Dunmer woman who remarks that Castle Daggerfall "reminds me of sex," suggesting or reminiscent of object sexuality. She later notes that "everything" has this an effect on her.
• Lord Kilbar is a Breton noble who appears to be male when seen in a close-up portrait, but has a female body type and wears feminine attire when viewed normally.
• In the quest "The Matchmaker," opposite-sex or same-sex marriages may randomly occur between characters.
• In the quest "The Perfectly Awful Priest," rumors related to the quest include the line, "[Apostle's name] is one of the Lady Azura's lovers and an agent of hers in [region]." The apostles referenced may be male or female.

Battlespire

• Jaciel Morgen and Deyanira Katrece, both Dark Seducers, are described in the "Battlespire" section of the series' 10th anniversary post as "lovers."

Morrowind

• The Buoyant Armigers were originally an all-male group prior to the game's release, with their name meaning "gay samurai." The book 36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 24 also describes a sexual interaction involving Vivec, his Muatra, and the Buoyant Armigers.
• Crassius Curio refers to the Nerevarine as "my little flower" and as having a "supple little waist," as well as himself as an admirer of theirs. This occurs regardless of the gender chosen by the player.

Oblivion

• Ahzirr Traajijazeri directly encourages the reader to engage in sexual relationships with "a wanton lass or a frisky lad, or several, in whatever combination your wise loins direct."
• City-Swimmer has a female character model in-game and a female voice actor, is marked as female in the Construction Set, and is referred to by other characters with female pronouns, such as in the quote, "City-Swimmer certainly lives up to her name. I've seen her in the canals many times." However, when speaking about herself, she uses male pronouns.
• Deetsan has a female character model in-game and a female voice actor, and is marked as female in the Construction Set. However, citizens of Cheydinhal will refer to her as male, such as in the line, "Deetsan loves to talk about his guild. It's good that he's proud of his work."
• Dumag gro-Bonk has a male character model in-game and a male voice actor, and is marked as male in the Construction Set. However, a script note states, "This character was female and now is male, so the editorID and ref name are DumagGrABonk but name is Dumag grO-Bonk (gra/gro)," and later notes also refer to him with female pronouns.
  • Dumag exhibits several feminine characteristics in dialogue, including the line, "Hello! I'm Dumag gro-Bonk. Best and prettiest smith in town." He refers to the Hero of Kvatch with affectionate terms like "sweetheart" and "dear" regardless of their gender.
  • Dumag also remarks at various points throughout the main quest of Shivering Isles, "Thadon's in a much better mood lately. If he weren't so in love with the Felldew, I might invite him over to inspect my "wares" some time" and, "Those Golden Saint and Dark Seducer men are dreamy aren't they? Glad to have them back."
  • Finally, he will make multiple flirtatious comments after the Hero gives him amber to create equipment, several to each gender. For example, to male and female Heroes he will say, "Don't know why you'd want to cover up that gorgeous head of yours, but here you go" (Amber Helmet), to female Heroes he will say, "The magic glow flatters your complexion, dear" (Magic Cuirass), and to male Heroes he will say, "You know what they say about the size of a man's forehead, right?" (Magic Helmet).
• Mach-Na has a female character model in-game and a female voice actor, and is marked as female in the Construction Set. However, citizens of Cheydinhal refer to him with male pronouns, such as, "Mach-Na runs a good business. He's a grumpy old man, though."
• Viranus Donton writes in his journal that he would "go mad" without the company of Eduard Hodge, and notes that Eduard "willingly forgone lucrative contracts in order to help me pass the days." Viranus later describes Eduard as "beautiful."

Skyrim

• Bjornolfr and Hrodulf had some sort of romantic relationship while they were living together, as evidenced by the golden ring and Amulet of Mara in the boat by the latter's body.
• Ilas-Tei has a male character model in-game and a male voice actor, and is marked as male in the Creation Kit. However, Phinis Gestor refers to him with female pronouns.
• Marriage in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim can occur between the Last Dragonborn and male or female characters, regardless of the gender of the former.
• Serana will ask the Dragonborn, "Do you get lonely? Are there... people in your life?" and otherwise lightly flirt with them during "Chasing Echoes," regardless of their gender.

Online

• Alchemy is a transgender woman who plays a prominent role in the quest "Manor of Masques" in The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset. Her portrayal as someone coming out in a way that reflects the experiences some transgender people can face in real life earned the chapter the first ever Outstanding Video Game award at the 30th annual GLAAD Media Awards.
  • She states in regard to the House of Reveries during the quest, "I'm not even the first member to change my gender." When asked for more details, she continues, "Oh, yes, and we've all transitioned in different ways. Some, such as myself, changed through magical means. Others use mundane methods, such as wrapping their chests or changing their voice. It's all a matter of preference." When the Vestige remarks on the number of other transgender people she has met, Alchemy replies, "Not just here, but across all of Summerset. It's a personal matter to some, and not everyone is comfortable talking about it or educating others. But I've met many wonderful souls who've transitioned, within and without the House of Reveries."
  • Letters Between Sisters, an unlicensed text written by Tori Schafer, provides additional details about Alchemy's experience through her correspondences with her sister, Rinyde.
• Allegro and Adagio in the House of Reveries are married.
• Arlie Edrald (female) is in a love triangle between Federic Seychelle (male) and Dulkhi (female). At the end of the quest, one dialogue option causes her to say, "Why settle for one lover for the rest of my life? We're living in the Second Era, for Mara's sake! Times are changing and a woman can do as she pleases!"
• Azelbar and Zayhba are two male Khajiit who state that they have multiple children.
• Bameli the Pure suggests through innuendo that men "always comparing swords" irritates her, and she would be more interested in a "beautifully filigreed sheath."
• Betra Fairskin refers to Eepa Snow-Hair as "the most beautiful woman in the Sober Nord Inn, and the love of my life," and Eepa states that "Betra is the love of my life," but also simply refers to her as her "friend."
• Captain Linwen and Faenir are married.
• Captain Rana and Sergeant Seyne are implied to be in a relationship by Aera Earth-Turner.
• Davilia Ralas responds to the Vestige's suggestion that Irrki may have romantic feelings toward her with some interest: "What? No! That's ridiculous... isn't it? She is kind of cute, though. Sort of like a big kitten. Maybe I'll see if she wants to join me for dinner—as long as she doesn't bring me anymore dead animals!" When spoken to about being in love with Davilia, Irrki says, "The world is coming to an end! What does it matter if Irrki wants to run her claws through the enchanter's luxurious locks of hair?"
• Deechee-Noo (female) makes reference to having a relationship with Nednor (male) and Telarnel (female), who each have corresponding dialogue. Rasna also asks the Vestige to remind Deechee-Noo about their "rendezvous on Turdas eve."
• Draven Leonciele and Renoit Leonciele both refer to the other as their husband, and share a surname.
• Emile Oncent refers to Haladan as his "beloved."
• Ernirus Cine remarks about his husband Therich Rorielle, "Therich and I grew up in Daggerfall, but people there weren't very tolerant of our relationship. We moved here five years ago and instantly felt accepted. Funny how the smallest minds are found in the biggest cities, isn't it?"
• Euraxia Tharn supposedly "never could resist a pretty face," according to Abnur Tharn and in reference to the Vestige, regardless of gender.
• Freiwen describes the love she has for Maxten Favrete, another woman, and at one point kisses her. Maxten refers to her as "kind" and their time together as "precious."
• Hadrill Diina mentions having a wife, but does not give her name.
• Hailibah remarks to the Vestige, "Just let Varuni know how helpful I was, all right? And that I'm pretty good looking. Well-spoken too. Deal?" in reference to Provost Varuni Arvel, another woman.
• Hartmin refers to Mirilir as "my dear" as well as "my husband." are married.
• Helfana has a male character model and voice actor in-game, but wears a dress, a piece of traditionally feminine attire.
• Honei is referred to by Kasa-Jeen as her "heart-rose."
• Inguya is a miner in a relationship with a woman named Irm.
• Investigator Vale is a fictional female investigator who is flirtatious with both men and women in many of her adventures:
  • In Investigator Vale: A Deadly Toll, a "cute young guard," a woman, is noted as having "lavished the investigator with a smile."
  • In Investigator Vale: Fowl Play, Investigator Vale begins the book in bed with a male Count Tamsin, who refers to her as his "sexy sleuth."
  • In Investigator Vale: Retinue of Shambles, Part 1, Investigator Vale makes an ambiguous ("sly") comment about having "audited a few private lessons with the headmaster," who "learned as much from me as I learned from her, I'm proud to admit."
  • In Investigator Vale: Retinue of Shambles, Part 3, Investigator Vale and her male companion, Zaraki-dar, speak in innuendos while lying in a bed together, Vale naked.
  • In Investigator Vale: The Locked Room Murder, Investigator Vale and a "feisty" scullery maid are implied to have just had a sexual encounter at the start of the book. Vale also refers to the maid as a "vixen" and as someone who gives her "satisfaction."
  • In Investigator Vale and the Sober Nord, Investigator Vale says to a female Captain Aeja, "I only fall to my knees for very specific occasions, my dear. [...] Speaking of which, Captain Aeja, once we're finished here I'd love to buy you a drink." She also refers to the captain as "rather alluring," and the captain to Vale as "curvaceous."
  • In Investigator Vale in Vvardenfell, Investigator Vale asks Velnea, a female painter, "I'd love it if you'd paint my portrait. Tell me, how do you feel about nudes?"
  • The presumed author of the books, Arabelle Davaux, also makes separate innuendos about relationships with men and women, such as having played "sheathe the dagger" with High King Emeric and going out to dinner with a "lascivious" female Captain Ghorza.
• Little Leaf states about Regent Cassipia, "Cassi's remarkably powerful and extremely confident. And she's so beautiful! My heart skips a beat just thinking about her," and thinks of herself as Cassipia's "bosom companion."
• Magreta states in reference to Nelfthea, "I hadn't figured out what more I wanted than to be with her. Now I don't even have that." She also calls her "my Nelfthea," and the quest journal of "The Fate of the Frozen" refers to them as "partners."
• Melleron refers to Tarazur as "my husband" and "dearest."
• Naryu Virian remarks, "You know, attending a House Redoran council meeting was always a secret goal of mine. Right after getting a lusty Argonian maiden to scrape my flesh raw with her abrasive tongue." Regardless of gender,^{confirmation needed} the Vestige can also flirt with her on several occasions, attention which she will return:
  • During "A Favor Returned," the Vestige can ask Naryu, "Need someone to help you drink that?" in reference to her bath and the wine she recently acquired, although Naryu replies, "Hmm, tempting ... but you've got a job to do right now. Definitely some other time, hero. I'll see you at the farm."
  • During "A Cordial Collaboration," she states, "We have a certain connection, you and I. Don't you just find it to be so … intense?" She also asks the Vestige to join her in a "hot bath" and "work on our mutual cooperation."
  • During "The Sweetroll Killer," the Vestige can ask her if they should "get rough" with their task, to which she replies, "Oh, I'd enjoy a little rough play with you, hero, but for now I want you to go learn more about Reman."
  • During "Broken Bonds," she will state, "If you insist. I do so enjoy getting physical with a good-looking specimen such as yourself."
  • During "Of Faith and Family," she refers to the Vestige as "my darling."
  • During "Family Reunion," she will state to the Vestige, "I need a nice, warm bath. I hear the one's in Vivec are spectacular. I'd ask you to join me, but there's barely going to be enough room for me and my hangover."
• Nicolene expresses great admiration for Captain Kaleen, and writes in her diary, "I asked Tumma-Shah if Kaleen's ever been married. She just flicked her tongue at me, but I bet not. Kaleen's too strong and independent to marry some stupid man, just like me."
• Nullini becomes engaged with another woman, according to Orbinor.
• Narahni remarks that she once "fell in love" with Velsa, and the two become reunited during the quest "A Faded Flower."
• Overseer Shiralas and Varona Beloren are married to each other.
• Pehrash states, "I like to watch half-naked men dance. What of it? Don't you judge me!"
• Reman Mevavius writes that Tuindal, a man, broke his heart.
• Sind refers to Tand as his "mate" and "life partner," as well as his "boyfriend." Tand likewise refers to Sind as his "life mate."
• Snaehild has a male character model and voice actor in-game, but is marked as female in the game files. She states, "No man can resist my charms. It's good to know I've still got it!" and "I found some new dresses amongst the Ra Gada's possessions. Hope some of them fit me." Although Elandora collectively refers to the members of the Dancing Scrib as "my boys," she refers to Snaehild in particular with female pronouns.
• Stodrir Frozenfox is referred to by Tirlarnar Frozenfox as the latter's "wife" and "the brains in the family."
• Thahiri remarks about Tilwen's depiction of Investigator Vale, "Tilwen was perfect as Vale. She can investigate me whenever she wants to!"

Vestige

The following are instances of potential same-sex interactions between a character and the Vestige.

• Abandarra-la will flirt with the Vestige regardless of gender,^{confirmation needed} with quotes like, "Feel free to examine my goods. Yes, take a nice, long look." and "Alas, this one has no coats to sell—but there are other ways to keep warm, yes?"
• Amil the Deft will flirt with the Vestige regardless of gender,^{confirmation needed} with quotes like, "Might I sing you a song, my lady? Can I tell you a tale? We could take a private room. I'm told I have a silver tongue" or "May I get you a drink, my lord? Perhaps a tune on the lute? I've been told my fingers are quite gifted."
• Flicks-His-Tongue states, "I'm off-duty, so to speak, but I'm sure I could be coaxed into service for the right … motivation" to the Vestige, regardless of gender.^{confirmation needed}
• During the quest "Forever Hold Your Peace," the Vestige has the option to ask Quen (female), Silver-Claw (male), Velsa (female), Walks-Softly (male), or Zeira (female) to be their date to a wedding, regardless of their own gender. Each character will ask why they've been chosen, and if the Vestige selects the option, "You're important to me, [Name]," then they will respond with varying levels of interest, surprise, confusion, or irritation.
• Goveled Herendas states, "Oh, I'm afraid you'll have to wait your turn, my lovely" to the Vestige, regardless of gender.^{confirmation needed}
• Jakarn states to the Vestige, "Be careful, good-looking" regardless of gender, among other comments. He is also the center of attention for several characters of varying genders:
  • He claims that Irien (female) is "crazy about me," which Irien confirms. Jakarn also says in reference to Crafty Lerisa (female), "I'll win her over sooner or later. She's got a thing for me. I can see it in her lovely eyes," although she dismisses his advances.
  • Nasmat (female) has dialogue that includes the line, "Jakarn's gorgeous. He could rob me any time. Elethian [sic] [Do not change this to Elethien. This misspelled word is how it appears in-game.] and I have a bet on who's going to bed him first." Elethien (female) has dialogue that includes the line, "I wonder what's taking Jakarn so long? I wouldn't keep a girl like me waiting." Majoll (male) has dialogue that includes the line, "I'm looking forward to working alongside him, sweating shirtless in the hot sun. You wouldn't understand."
• Lupius will flirt with the Vestige regardless of gender,^{confirmation needed} with quotes like, "Not bad, not bad. Certainly not my usual tastes, but I won't turn down the local … delicacies. Oh, you're not one of Rejmina's? A thousand pardons."
• Zadazi will flirt with the Vestige regardless of gender,^{confirmation needed} with quotes like, "Tell Zadazi, what is your preference? Slow and sweet, or fast and vigorous? Ah, this one is talking about the music of course."
• Zara will flirt with the Vestige regardless of gender, with quotes like, "Hello my lovely. This is quite the year for talent, as well as beauty" and, "But will your skill with a blade tickle my whiskers or raise my hackles, I wonder? You are so very lovely, Zara wishes she could give you the credentials based on looks alone."

References

Notice: The following are unlicensed references. They are not copyrighted by a ZeniMax Media company, but can still be considered part of The Elder Scrolls lore and are included for completeness.

External links

• Lady Nerevar's LGBTQ+ in Tamriel list