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Secunda, as seen in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
- See also: Jone
Secunda is the smaller of the two moons in orbit of Nirn, the other being Masser. The moons can easily be seen in the night sky throughout Tamriel. These two moons don't contribute anything to gameplay outside of scenery in The Elder Scrolls games, except for the fact that Secunda becomes the Bloodmoon in The Elder Scrolls III: Bloodmoon expansion of Morrowind.
Orbital Characteristics
The astronomic definitions of both Masser and Secunda are prone to much discussion. At first glance, both seem to be moons of Nirn; however, on observation of the two moons in both Oblivion and Skyrim, Secunda actually revolves around Masser, showing that Secunda is in fact Masser's moon. Despite this, both moons can still be considered satellites of Nirn as the center of mass of the Masser-Secunda system is what orbits the planet.
Reverence
Among the Khajiit, Secunda, as well as Masser, are revered because their lunar phase helps determine the forms Khajiit take at birth.
Lorkhan, "The Missing God", was sundered into two halves during his destruction, becoming both Masser and Secunda.[1] The two moons symbolize his duality, reminding his man-creations of his struggle, which is most likely another reason for the Khajiit's worship.
Becoming the Bloodmoon
Secunda as the Bloodmoon
- "Korst Wind-Eye has told me more about the Bloodmoon Prophecy, and the signs that are foretold within. The fire from the lake of ice, the tide of dead horkers. Now the moon itself has turned blood red. He tells me that all that remains is the Hunter's Game."
- ―Nerevarine[src]
During the Bloodmoon Prophecy, Secunda becomes the Bloodmoon.
Trivia
- Secunda is a Latin adjective; it is feminine singular for "a/the second [one]" (the basic, masculine form from which it is derived being secundus)."
- Secunda is in a very unstable orbit both due to the close proximity of Nirn and the fact that it is being "tugged" on by both Nirn and Masser that suggests it may eventually plummet into Nirn or be thrown into space.
- In the real world a "moon of a moon" would only be able to orbit the parent moon for a relatively short period of time before losing orbit and being sucked into the larger moon if following a synchronous rotation cycle like Earth's moon.
- The giant camp Secunda's Kiss in Skyrim is most likely named after the moon.
Gallery
Appearances
- The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- The Elder Scrolls Online