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Sheogorath (in Daedric script, ) is the Daedric Prince of Madness. His realm in Oblivion is known as the Shivering Isles, otherwise known as the Madhouse or "The Asylums" by the Imperial Census of Daedra Lords. It is separated into two distinct communities: Mania, the fantastic, colorful side, where art enthusiasts and insane revelers reside, and Dementia, the horrific, dark and ominous side, inhabited by those with the darker side of Sheogorath's blessings. Sheogorath is attended by his Chamberlain Haskill and the Nobles of his realm, the Duke and Duchess of Mania and Dementia. He is also the main antagonist in the Mages Guild questline in The Elder Scrolls Online.
Sheogorath is one of the few Daedric Princes whose creation may be linked to the change or destruction of an Aedra; others include Malacath and Meridia. Aldmeri creation stories attribute his creation to the removal of Lorkhan's "divine spark." In one of these myths, he is described as the "Sithis-shaped hole" of the world. However, in an interview conducted by the Imperial Library, Haskill states this interpretation of the creation of Sheogorath may not be the case.[1]
Assisting the Hero of Daggerfall
In search of the Mantella in the Aetherius realm known as the Mantellan Crux, Sheogorath appeared and helped the hero in accomplishing their goal.[2]
The Shivering Isles is explained by Haskill to be whatever Lord Sheogorath wills it to be; inside the gates of the exotic and twisted land boasts striking new wildlife (unseen on Nirn) and the oddest oddities of creatures, including Baliwogs, Grummites and the deadly Scalon.
The government is split into three factions: Duke of Mania, Duchess of Dementia and Sheogorath himself. The names are self-evident when looking at Dementia's Crucible and Mania's Bliss.
At the end of the Third Era, Sheogorath sent an invitation to Tamriel by way of a strange door in Niben Bay. The Madgod demanded a mortal Champion to face his foes. Throughout the course of the expansion, the Hero of Kvatch learns that Sheogorath is in fact Jyggalag, the Daedric Prince of Order. He tells the Hero that at the end of every era he becomes Jyggalag again, and lays waste to his own Realm. After the Champion eventually defeats Jyggalag, he explains that in ancient times he was one of the more powerful Daedra Lords. The influence of his sphere was so great that the other Daedric Princes grew jealous and feared him. They cursed him to live as Sheogorath, the incarnation of the thing he hated most.[3]
At the end of every Era, Jyggalag is allowed to take on his true form once again, and bring order to his realm, an event known as the Greymarch. After the Greymarch, however, he is transformed back into Sheogorath, who spreads madness upon the realm once more. The Champion can end this cycle by defeating Jyggalag during the Greymarch occurring at the end of the Third Era. This releases him from his curse, allowing him to remain in his true form instead of transforming back into Sheogorath. After defeating Jyggalag at the end of the expansion, the Champion is named the new Sheogorath.[4]
"I am a part of you, little mortal. I am a shadow in your subconscious, a blemish on your fragile little psyche. You know me. You just don't know it ... You can call me Ann Marie. But only if you're partial to being flayed alive and having an angry immortal skip rope with your entrails. If not, then call me Sheogorath, Daedric Prince of Madness. Charmed."
During the Fourth Era and Dragon Crisis, Sheogorath is "on vacation" in the mind of Pelagius Septim III and his absence from the Shivering Isles is felt by his servant Dervenin who asks the Last Dragonborn to convince the Mad God to return to the Isles. The Dragonborn finds themselves in Pelagius's mind and dressed in a Fine Hatand clothes. After introductions, and delivering Dervenian's request, Sheogorath explains to the Dragonborn that the only way to leave is to "cure" Pelagius's brain and tasks the Dragonborn to do so, and gives the hero the Wabbajack to help. After completing Sheogorath's tasks, Sheogorath agrees to leave and allowed the Dragonborn to keep the Wabbajack and clothes. He even asks that the Dragonborn "look him up" if they ever find themselves in the Shivering Isles. He even takes Dervenin with him back to Oblivion.[5]
Sheogorath's avatar may surprise those who have only heard his name and of his Sphere. He often appears on Nirn as a well-dressed elderly gentleman, which many mortals do not expect.
The reasoning behind his appearance, is to lead unsuspecting mortals down the path to insanity, "The Golden Road." It is later believed that the Hero of Kvatch gains immortality by replacing him as the new Madgod. He reappears in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in the quest The Mind of Madness, in which the Dragonborn enters the mind of Pelagius III in order to help Dervenin reunite with his master, who has been gone for close to twenty years.[6] The Dragonborn must cure Pelagius' insanity in order to escape, and convince Sheogorath to return to the Shivering Isles.
Originally, Sheogorath was one of the Daedric Princes whom the Chimer, now Dunmer, revered in their ancient ancestral worship. However, when the Tribunal Temple became the dominating religion in Morrowind, Sheogorath—along with Mehrunes Dagon, Malacath, and Molag Bal—became known as one of the "Four Corners of the House of Troubles." He was said to rebel against the Tribunal, and thus worship of Sheogorath became punishable by death. His role in Dunmer culture is to test them for any psychological weakness, and is associated with the fear other races have of the Dunmer.
When he rebelled against the Tribunal, Sheogorath tricked the moon Baar Dau, inspiring it to hurl itself at the city of Vivec. Sheogorath justified his actions by claiming Vivec was built in mockery of the heavens. Vivec is then said to have frozen Baar Dau in its descent, and the moon swore itself to the Tribunal's service forever. Today, the Tribunal Temple requires a pilgrimage to this moon, called the Shrine of Daring.
The Khajiit
Sheogorath is one of the many prominent Daedric Princes in the culture of the Khajiit people. In the Khajiit myth of creation, Sheogorath is called "Sheggorath." He is known as the "Skooma Cat" in Elsweyr.
The Empire
Sheogorath's status as a Daedric Prince and as a member of the "Four Corners of the House of Troubles" has made his mainstream worship largely taboo. Throughout Tamriel, however, there are small shrines where the devoted worship the madgod in secret. However, there is one holiday that is at least loosely related to Sheogorath. The second of Sun's Dawn is when Mad Pelagius day is celebrated. According to Gwinas, on this day there are great festivals and invocations at the shrines of Sheogorath.
Artifacts
There are six artifacts made by Sheogorath which are known on the mortal plane. The best-known of these is the staff known as Wabbajack. It can transform a creature into something else, turn them into piles of cheese, or instant death, though it is impossible to predict the result, much like Sheogorath himself. This artifact can be found in the games Daggerfall, Oblivion, Skyrim and Online, after doing tasks for Sheogorath, as part of certain quests. Another artifact is the Gambolpuddy glove, which fortifies half of the user's attributes while draining the other half. Gambolpuddy is seen in Morrowind, where it was found under a pillow in Ald Daedroth. His third artifact is the Fork of Horripilation, a fork which drains the user's magicka. It was given by the Statue of Sheogorath in Ihinipalit, in St. Delyn's Canton's Waterworks in Morrowind. The fourth artifact worth noting is the Staff of the Everscamp. This unique artifact in Oblivion summoned four Everscamps who could be neither banished nor killed. The fifth artifact of Sheogorath is the Spear of Bitter Mercy which can summon a Frost Atronach wherever the holder of the staff points the staff. The last artifact and Sheogorath's main symbol of rulership is the Staff of Sheogorath, which freezes all foes in place. Another, lesser-known artifact of Sheogorath is the Folium Discognitum, a book that contains the collected insights of madmen; capable of giving the reader immense power and knowledge.[7]
Invocation
Sheogorath is one of the easiest Daedric Princes to summon. Although his official summoning date is the second of Sun's Dawn, Sheogorath can be summoned any time there is a storm occurring,[8] or through an offering of a wolf or bear pelt. Another method of invocation is to leave an offering of yarn, lettuce and soul gems at his shrines in the mortal world.
Personality and traits
"Do not believe madness to be a curse, mortal. For some, it is the greatest of blessings. A bitter mercy perhaps, but mercy nonetheless."
Sheogorath savors the act of driving mortals insane and/or making them perform actions which can be seen as trivial or silly.[8] He is completely unpredictable, and often comments in nonsensical or otherwise socially unacceptable statements. He often refers to the removal of entrails and has a curious obsession with cheese, which is taken to near hysterical levels in Oblivion. Despite being completely mad, Sheogorath displays incredible intelligence and insight. He is invested in the affairs of Oblivion, as seen in being part of the compact of Sotha Sil in 2920 and his mention of attending the "parties" of the other Princes. He has also shown to be capable of not only manipulating mortals, but other Daedra Lords as well. Some famous cases include when he manipulated Malacath into killing his own son, defeated Hircine in a battle of beasts, and beat Vaermina at her own game.
Sheogorath's attitude reflects the madness over which he rules. He spreads the madness of the Shivering Isles in Nirn and beyond. As one of the "Four Corners of the House of Troubles," he is known for a rebellious streak. He speaks with an exaggerated mix of Irish and Scottish accents, which is likely to be a stretch from his usual voice for when he is angry. This may be a legacy trait from his appearance as an Irishman/Scotsman in an earlier Elder Scrolls game. As the Greymarch progressed, Sheogorath's accent became less and less flamboyant as he began to have "moments of clarity" the closer he came to becoming The Prince of Order. A region in Morrowind, Sheogorad, is named in his honor.[source?]
"Unworthy, unworthy, unworthy! Useless mortal meat. Walking bag of dung! A nice effort, though. A shame he's dead. These things happen. Bring me a champion! Rend the flesh of my foes! A mortal champion to wade through the entrails of my enemies! Really, do come in. It's lovely in the Isles right now. Perfect time for a visit."
"Well, look who's here! You! How about that?" "A new arrival! A shame about my Gatekeeper. I'm so happy, I could just tear out your intestines and strangle you with them. I suppose an introduction is in order. I'm Sheogorath, Prince of Madness. And other things. I'm not talking about them. You've probably figured that out by now. Let's hope so. Or we're in real trouble... and out come the intestines. And I skip rope with them! But, perhaps now's not the time. You've made it this far. Farther than anyone else. Well done! Take this trinket of mine. Perhaps it will serve you well. Or look lovely on your corpse."
What do you want?"I've been waiting for you, or someone like you, or someone other than you, for some time. I need a champion, and you've got the job. Time to save the Realm! Rescue the damsel! Slay the beast! Or die trying. Your help is required. A change is coming. Everything changes. Even Daedric Princes. Especially Daedric Princes."
Changes?"Daedra are the embodiment of change. Change and permanency. I'm no different, except in the ways that I am. The Greymarch is coming. And you're going to stop it."
Greymarch?"The details aren't important. At least not right now. Eternity is on a rather tight deadline. We'll get back to that later."
What now?"Now? You run an errand for me. An important one. Of course, anything I tell you to do is important. My Realm, my rules. You're going to Xedilian, one of my favorite spots in the Isles. It's a little place I use to take care of unwanted visitors. And some are more unwanted than others."
Why Xedilian?"The Gatekeeper takes care of most of the unwanted, but he's dead. We'll have to remedy that soon, as well.... Anyway... there are those that have other ways into my Realm, and they're on the move. We don't want them here. Trust me. So, you're going to get Xedilian up and running. Here's a little book to tell you how, and the Attenuator of Judgement. You'll need that, too. Of course, you can always get more details from Haskill. He's a detail-oriented type of person. A big help. And a snappy dresser. Now, get going. Before I change my mind. Or my mind changes me."
Greymarch"Really, no need to trouble yourself with the details of that now. It would just cloud your little mind. What is important is getting to Xedilian. Quickly. Before I get bored. You wouldn't like me when I'm bored."
New Sheoth"Ah... New Sheoth. My home away from places that aren't my home. The current location is much better than some of the prior ones. Don't you think?"
Sheogorath"Yes? Speaking to me? I'm he. He's me. And others, as well. Or, they were. Weren't they?"
Shivering Isles"The Isles, the Isles. A wonderful place! Except when it's horrible. Then it's horribly wonderful. Good for a visit. Or for an eternity."
Xedilian"A little busy here! I'm trying to decide what to have for dinner. Oh, how I love eating. One of my favorite things to do. Talk to Haskill if you need more information. He's got more brains than a brain pie. Oh... Brain pie! Perfect! Care to donate?"
"You can go now. Run along. Scoot!"
If approached again:
"Don't you have a book to read? Or something else very important I've told you to do?"
I was attacked by Knights..."So soon? Not a surprise, I suppose. We'll get to that later. No need to burden your little brain with it now. And Xedilian? Since you're standing here, I assume you've succeeded. Or you're terribly confused. Or really lacking in good judgement."
Xedilian functions once more."Wonderful! Time for a celebration... Cheese for everyone! Wait, scratch that. Cheese for no one. That can be just as much of a celebration, if you don't like cheese. True? You've run a maze like a good little rat, but no cheese for you yet. Well, maybe a little. I've granted you a new spell - the ability to summon Haskill, my Chamberlain, to aid you in your travels. He knows a lot. More than he knows. In fact, give it a try. Summon our friend to you now. I'll wait."
If approached again:
"Go ahead. Summon him. He loves it."
After summoning Haskill:
"Isn't that a hoot? I love it, myself. Best part of being a Daedric Prince, really. Go ahead, try it again. He loves it!"
If approached again:
"Just one more time. At least. He's a sport."
After summoning Haskill again:
"Good, good! You'll need all the help you can get if you're going to defeat Jyggalag and stop the Greymarch. Oh, don't expect to summon dear Haskill anywhere but in the Realm. He dislikes leaving My presence. I get that sometimes."
Jyggalag? Who is that?"The Daedric Prince of Order. Or biscuits... No. Order. And not in a good way. Bleak. Colorless. Dead. Boring, boring, boring. And not a fan of My work, I can tell you. Hates it. Hates Me. A bit single minded, if you take My meaning. You've seen his Knights. Not the warm and cuddly sort. Not a bit of original thought in their lifeless husks. So, you're going to help Me stop him."
Me? How?"Again with the niggling little details! Hold your tongue. Or I will. We'll get to that, all in due time. For now, you've got other work to do."
What is the Greymarch?"An event. A movement. An apocalypse of sorts. Happens every era, at the end of every era. Which is to say, now. The Greymarch comes, and Jyggalag walks. Or runs. Never skips, sidles, or struts. Mostly, he just destroys everything around him."
What would You ask of me now?"Ask? ASK? I don't ask. I tell. This is My Realm, remember? My creation, My place, My rules. Look at you. No concept of what you've stumbled into. No sense of place. You don't even really know where you are, do you? I suppose few really do, but that's beside the point. We're going to give you a taste of where you have found yourself. You're going to learn."
Learn? Learn what?"Two halves, two rulers, two places. Meet and greet. Do what they will, so you know what they're about. The Duke of Mania and the Duchess of Dementia. Seek them out, and let them show you what New Sheoth is. You might be surprised. Once you understand what My Realm is, you might understand why it's important to keep it intact. And maybe you'll make some friends along the way. That's always nice!"
Greymarch"It's Jyggalag's time, and not a good time at all. You're going to help me stop it. First, though, you need to get your feet wet. I can't expect you to save the place if you don't even understand it. So, speak to my Dukes. Learn about Mania and Dementia. Try not to die."
Jyggalag"Another Daedric Prince. Not a nice one. I don't think ANY of the other Princes like him, actually. I mean, Malacath is more popular at parties. And Malacath is NOT popular at parties."
Obelisks"Seen them about, have you? Odd things. They've always been here, but they're not OF here, if you take my meaning. You'll see those Knights of Order around them during the Greymarch. Drawn to them, like flies to honey. Or rotting flesh. Ever wonder why flies like both? Best not to ask."
Syl"The Duchess of Dementia. Ever wary, ever worried. A prisoner in her own House, in a way. And a delightful conversationalist, really. A bit harder to meet than Thadon. Consider making an appointment."
Thadon"The long-reigning Duke of Mania. A Master of Merriment, if you will. Or if you won't; I suspect it wouldn't matter to him."
"Ta! Come visit again! Or I'll pluck out your eyes."
If approached again:
"Isn't there something you should be doing right now? You know, for example, the things you were specifically told to do?"
"Well, well. So you've experienced both shades of madness. Wonderful. You seemed fulfilled. Full of fill. Bursting at the seams. Seamless. Now to the meat of your endeavor. The crux of the situation. The reason for your being here, and the likely cause of your death."
What do you mean?"You'll be stopping the Greymarch. Altering the course of events, breaking the cycle. A fly in the ointment. A new cause for a different effect. We're going to change things. No... things will be different this time around. You'll be my champion. You'll grow powerful. You'll grow to be me. Prince of Madness, a new Sheogorath. Or you'll die trying. I love that about you."
How can I be a Daedric Prince?"A fair question. You won't, really. At least I don't think so. But you'll have power. My power. Try not to lose it. It's a pain to replace. But, for all intents and purposes, you'll be Me. A Me to fight the Him. Since I won't be around. It's simple, really. If you don't think about it."
Why me?"Because you seem a nice enough sort. And you've made it this far. And if you don't, I'll swallow your soul and vomit it into the Everfilling Chamberpot of the Ageless. But mostly because I asked nicely."
Where will you be?"Not here. Didn't I say that? I'm never here when Jyggalag walks. It's one of the Rules. I've told you too much for now. Listen to me prattle on. I can see your mortal brain straining. We'll talk more later."
What's next?"Now... you've seen the Great Torch that burns brightly over New Sheoth? No? Because it doesn't. It should. But it doesn't. You'll fix that. You'll go to Cylarne and bring back the Flame of Agnon to relight the torch. Oh... and take care with my minions at Cylarne. In their eternal quest to please me, they're constantly fighting over Cylarne. It can be tiresome. But, really, it's divine. Divinely tiresome. Well. That's your problem now. Off with you. I don't want to see you again until the Great Torch is lit. I wouldn't want to have to hurt you. Much. Oh, don't forget to make use of dear Haskill. Between you and me, if he's not summoned three or four times a day, I don't think he feels appreciated."
Cylarne"That's where you're going to get the Flame of Agnon. Do you listen to anything I say? Do your ears work? If not, I can find use for them. Go and fetch the Flame. Bring it to the Sacellum. Light the Great Torch. How are you going to be Me if you can't even do what Me tells you?"
Flame of Agnon"It's what's used to light the Great Torch. Haven't we covered this? You'll find it in Cylarne, guarded by my Saints and Seducers."
Great Torch"The Great Torch shines brightly above New Sheoth, a beacon of hope for all the citizens. Except it doesn't! It's gone out. Happens every time the Greymarch begins. Which it has. Makes all of my subjects uneasy. Tense. Homicidal. Some of them, at least. We need to get that Torch relit, before the place falls apart."
Greymarch"Aren't you the curious one? You know what they say about curiosity, though, don't you? It killed the intrepid adventurer who really should just be doing exactly what I say at all times. You're going to stop the Greymarch by becoming Me. Or a version of Me. You'll be powerful. Powerful enough to stop Jyggalag."
Jyggalag"He's on his way, so I'm on my way out. It's terribly inconvenient, don't you think? You're going to stop him, though. And the first thing to do is to make my people feel safe. Otherwise, they tend to go work for him. It's annoying, to tell the truth. A bit hurtful. But they do it everytime. Join up with the enemy, and become Priests of Order."
Obelisks"They're getting more active every day. Not a good sign. You know what would be a good sign? "Free Sweetrolls!" Who wouldn't like that? Shut them down where you can. And make sure to kill the Priests you see around them. If you don't, they can reactivate the obelisk."
Priests of Order"They're the worst of all. My own subjects, working for the Enemy! It's enough to make an old Daedric Prince get all weepy. It doesn't help that they're the ones who make the obelisks work. A little chanting, a little ritual, and POOF! Knights of Order. Bad news. Kill them when you see them. But don't touch the corpse until they're really dead. Which they aren't, until you deactivate the obelisk."
If approached again:
"I'm almost positive I sent you away to do something important. Cylarne... Flame... Great Torch... Yes... why are you here?"
"Aren't you off to a good start! That's important. For me. Really, your work is going to save me a lot of time."
Save you time?"The Greymarch is upon us, and the Ordering begins. Armies of Order sweep My Realm. Death. Destruction. Then I have to pick up the pieces. And there are always lots of pieces. I don't like it, having to rebuild My Realm every era. Sometimes I forget where things go. Like New Sheoth. I can never remember where it belongs.... You'll change that. Break the cycle. You'll stop Jyggalag, and I'll have My Realm to come back to. I've never actually tried that before."
I can stop the Greymarch?"Why not? Something has to work. Once, I dug a pit and filled it with clouds. Or was it clowns? Doesn't matter. It didn't slow him down. To be honest, it wasn't the best idea. And it really began to smell. Must have been clowns. Clouds don't smell bad. They taste of butter! And tears. But, this is all new! A fresh idea! Something I hadn't thought of, until I did. It's sure to work, even though it might not."
What now?"Now? You'll need the respect of My citizens. They'll need a leader, someone to look up to when I'm gone. They're the backbone of any great land. Except where the backbone is an actual backbone. Ever been to Malacath's realm...? Nasty stuff. But, back to the business at hand. You'll need to control one of the Courts of Madness. Replace a current Duke. Or Duchess. Whichever. That will command respect! The people will rally around you. You'll have their love, their admiration, their complaints! Whatever. As long as it keeps them on Our side."
Won't the Dukes be displeased?"No. No, no, no. Absolutely not. Well... yes. Absolutely. Bit of a shame for them. But, sometimes you need to break a few eggs. Or skulls. There are rules, though. Even in the Isles. Rituals and rules. You need to follow them. Speak to Arctus and Dervenin, the High Priests at the Sacellum Arden-Sul. They can explain what needs to be done. And you've always got our man Haskill to call on for help. Faithful like a good hound, that one. And he looks better in a suit."
Greymarch"It's already started, but you might be able to stop it. We're making you into a leader the people can trust. Someone to look up to. Someone to blame! Once I'm gone, things usually get bad quickly. Lots of defections. Lots of carnage. But with you at the helm, things will be different!"
Jyggalag"This time, I'll beat him. I can't stand losing. And I don't mind cheating."
If approached again:
"You're talking to me. You should be talking to the Priests. You can't be doing both, can you? Neat trick if you could."
After talking with one priest:
"You haven't spoken to both Priests. You'll end up making a stupid decision, and you won't live to regret it. Don't do that."
After talking with both priests:
"You're back! How nice for you. Does that mean you've made a decision? Or are you lost? Suicidal? Just let me know."
Decision"A friendly word of warning before you choose. Once you have decided which Duke to replace, there's no turning back. One choice. No more, no less. Try not to do something stupid. So, which is it? What will it be? Mania? Dementia? The suspense is killing me. Or you, if I have to keep waiting."
I chose Syl, Duchess of Dementia."A dangerous choice. I like it! She's gotten to be a bit much, anyway. Thinks everyone is out to get her. Which they are, in this case. So be it."
Syl"Syl is as crafty as she is beautiful. I'd watch my back if I were you. Oh, this is so much fun!"
I choose Thadon, Duke of Mania."A safer choice, perhaps. Maybe you'll live through this. Thadon's a bit lost these days. Not that it's a bad thing. It suits him. Until now. Besides, won't it be a grand surprise when you make his heart burst from too much Greenmote? Thadon loves surprises!"
Thadon"Thadon may be in a constant state of euphoria, but I wouldn't underestimate his intelligence. Oh, this is so much fun!"
I am not ready to choose."I hate indecision! Or maybe I don't. Make up your mind, or I'll have your skin made into a hat -- one of those arrowcatchers, I love those hats!"
Decision"Syl or Thadon? Which will it be?"
"We will speak when your task is complete."
If approached again:
"You have things to do. Talking to me isn't one of them."
Greymarch"It'll be in full swing soon! Excited? You shouldn't be. It's the death of all things. But, if we can get you into shape, we might stand a chance. You'll lead My forces, inspire My people! Hopefully, everyone won't end up dead."
Jyggalag"He'll be here soon, and I'll be gone. Can't say I like the sound of that. I like the sound of other things, though. Like birds. And bones cracking."
After becoming the Duke of Mania:
"You've done it! The Ritual is complete, and you've survived! A shame about Thadon, but it's how he would have wanted to go. Now, on to other..."
If Thadon turned traitor:
"Wondering why I let him go, aren't you? I can see it in your face. Mostly in the eyes. I may take those from you when this is done. This has never happened before! The ruler of Mania turning traitor? Unprecedented! But different is good. A new act in this play. Maybe we're on to something here. We'll see how it plays out. It can't be worse than what's happened before."
If you say so."I do. I did. And I won't say it again. But, that's enough about that. You're the ruler of Dementia! Just look at you. You're positively beaming! You now have the power to summon Golden Saints/Dark Seducers. They've always served the Duke (Or "Duchess") of Dementia. I think they have a thing for pain. They just love it. And here is the Ring of Lordship, a symbol of your new station. Symbols are important. They carry weight in this Realm, and others. You would be well served to remember that."
And the Fringe?"He was right about that. I can feel it. In My bones. The little ones. The Greymarch has swept the Fringe. Order gathers its forces there as we speak. And I hate when people gather forces in My Fringe. You'll need to put an end to that. Stop them. My armies should already be there, but I want you to see what you can do to help. If they continue to marshal their forces there, we won't be able to contain them. Make sure they can't."
If Syl turned traitor:
"Wondering why I let her go, aren't you? I can see it in your face. Mostly in the eyes. I may take those from you when this is done. This has never happened before! The ruler of Dementia turning traitor? Unprecedented! But different is good. A new act in this play. Maybe we're on to something here. We'll see how it plays out. It can't be worse than what's happened before."
If you say so."I do. I did. And I won't say it again. But, that's enough about that. You're the ruler of Mania! Just look at you. You're positively beaming! You now have the power to summon Golden Saints. They've always served the Duke (Or "Duchess") of Mania. I think it's the bright colors. They just love 'em. And here is the Ring of Lordship, a symbol of your new station. Symbols are important. They carry weight in this Realm, and others. You would be well served to remember that."
And the Fringe?"She was right about that. I can feel it. In My bones. The little ones. The Greymarch has swept the Fringe. Order gathers its forces there as we speak. And I hate when people gather forces in My Fringe. You'll need to put an end to that. Stop them. My armies should already be there, but I want you to see what you can do to help. If they continue to marshal their forces there, we won't be able to contain them. Make sure they can't."
"Greetings! Salutations! Welcome! Now go away. Leave. Run. Or die."
Greymarch"It's swept the Fringe. That's not good. See if you can't hold them off there. Because, if you can't, everyone is going to die. No pressure."
Obelisks"They'll get more and more active as the Greymarch continues. If they've already taken the Fringe, they must have one there already. I really hate those things."
"News of your success in the Fringe precedes you. To further cement the victory I have an important task for you to perform. You will seek the assistance of Relmyna Verenim in Xaselm to rebuild the Gatekeeper. You remember the creature you killed to get in here? With the Gatekeeper restored and Xedilian in operation, we won't have to worry about anything getting in. Things already here are another matter. You'll need to speak with Relmyna Verenim. She'll help you with your task. Strange woman. Has some unusual tastes. With that done, the Fringe should be secure. For now. I can feel things start to get a little hairy. And, not in the good way, like on your head."
Greymarch"It's all moving faster than I'd expect. And I'm good at expecting. Things are getting a bit thin. Get that Gatekeeper in place, and do it quickly. I'm not sure how much time I have left."
Jyggalag"He's almost here. I can feel it. You won't like Him as much as Me. He doesn't even carry a cane! More the giant, bone-cleaving sword type of Prince. If he's on his way, I'm on My way out. I already feel not quite Myself. Not quite someone else... but not quite Myself."
Rebuild the Gatekeeper"It's essential. Simply essential! If only it were essentially simple... but it's not. I want him there guarding those Gates. If any of Jyggalag's forces show up, he should be ready for them. It wouldn't do to just let them in if more show up. And more always show up. Still and all, I think things are going well, considering! Go talk to Relmyna in Xaselm. Tell her you're working for me. She'd do anything for me, that little minx."
Relmyna Verenim"A powerful Sorceress. Maybe a genius. And a complete lunatic. All in all, my kind of person. I brought her to my Realm so she could continue to study her "sixth element." Honestly, I didn't know there were five already. She's a bit obsessed with it. And with Me. Makes dealing with her difficult. You shouldn't have any problems, though. No one likes you that much."
"Send Relmina my love. That'll get her going."
After constructing a new Gatekeeper:
"A new Gatekeeper! Excellent. We might be onto something with you, after all. That should keep out the stragglers. And I see you've learned to summon Flesh Atronachs! Relmyna must like you, little Duke (Or "Duchess")... but probably not in THAT way."
"This is a particularly exciting turn of events, is it not? A perfect job for you, my newest and only Noble in the realm! If Order has entered my army's stronghold, things have taken a disturbing turn. It means Order has tried subterfuge... not its strong suit. Amazing! Perhaps things aren't going as poorly as I'd imagined. You'll want to get all the details from the messenger. Unless you already have. You haven't, have you?"
Why hasn't Jyggalag attacked himself?"Aren't you precious? Do you really not know? Haven't you noodled it all through yet? Because He is Me! I'm Him! We're a bit of each other, really. I won't be here when He arrives, because I'll be Him. Happens every time. The Greymarch starts, Order appears, and I become Jyggalag and wipe out My whole Realm."
When will it happen?"Soon. Too soon. I can already feel the change beginning. I feel like I'm not quite here. I'm not over there yet, but I'm not quite here. And I've been having moments of clarity that are quite unlike me. Like now."
Can we stop it?"Stop it? Oh, no. Can't do it. Believe me, I've tried. It never ends well. But you're still going to stop the Greymarch. Stop Jyggalag... Me... from destroying My Realm."
What do we do now?"Now? Nothing has changed! You deal with this messenger. Make sure my army is secure. You'll need them."
Greymarch"Your job is still to stop it. And to stop Jyggalag. You've already forced Order's hand. No stopping now. Some things can't be stopped. Trust me. I've tried."
Jyggalag"Cat's out of the bag on that one, isn't it? Who puts cats in bags, anyway? Cats hate bags. Soon, I'll turn into Jyggalag. There's no stopping it. That doesn't excuse you from your duties, though. Get to it."
If approached again:
"You should probably be off like the wind, solving problems and doing good deeds! And if not good deeds, then deeds of a sort. Strongholds to save, and Daedra to rescue. That sort of thing. Now get going."
"Time. Time is an artificial construct. An arbitrary system based on the idea that events occur in a linear direction at all times. Always forward, never back. Is the concept of time correct? Is time relevant? It matters not. One way or another, I fear that our time has run out. As I feared it would, My plan has failed. The Greymarch is upon us, and I must go. I thought we had more time. I thought we had a chance. My plan has failed. And we were so close...."
But, we haven't failed!"Optimism! How adorable! I love it! Even at the end, you make me laugh. I'm lying. That wasn't funny at all. No matter. Soon you and everyone else will be dead, and I will be left a mad god, ruler of a dead realm. Again."
What happens now?"What happens is what always has happened -- what always will happen. I crumble, I fade, the Realm dies. And you with it. Flee while you can, mortal. When we next meet I will not know you, and I will slay you like the others."
What can I do?"I had intended to give you My staff, the symbol of My office. But life has gone from it, as it goes from Me. It is now dead wood. A useless twig. With the staff, there was hope. But now, hope is dead. I am dead. The Realm....The realm is dead! Sheogorath is dead!! All shall crumble before Jyggalag!"
Syl: "Wait! I must speak! The Ritual must not be completed!" Sheogorath: "Syl! You dare interrupt Me? Only I interrupt Me. Like just then. I'm speaking with someone. We'll talk later. Or not. When is later, exactly? Not now, I'm sure of that. Guards, I think Syl forgot how to use the door. Kindly show her out. Before I forget myself." Syl: "Thadon... dead? You've done this. It was you all along!" Sheogorath: "Hold your tongue, little Duchess, or I'll tear it from your mouth." Syl: "Replacing Thadon with this... outsider? This is how it ends. I should have seen this coming." Sheogorath: "Calm yourself, Syl. You're making my teeth itch. You still hold your office. I suggest you see to your duties." Syl: "No! I see what's going on. I should have seen it before. You conspire to destroy us all! You're a fool if you think I'll allow this to happen." Sheogorath: "Fool? Visionary! Change is in the air, Syl. Breathe it deep! Bathe in its scent! Bottle it up. Save some for later." Syl: "Order stands at our door. They've taken the Fringe! Did you even know? Do you care? And you speak of "change"?" Sheogorath: "Change will preserve us! It is the lifeblood of the Isles. It will move mountains! It will mount movements!" Syl: "No. I can't do this. There has to be a way out. A way to escape." Sheogorath: "Then go, Syl. Return to your quarters. Before I send you back in pieces." Syl: "Yes! That's what I'll do. I'll go. The enemy of my enemy. Order is the key. I'll keep them close." Sheogorath: "No! Let her go!" Syl: "This is not over, Madgod. I give myself to Jyggalag. As a Priest of Order, I'll be safe. Your empire will crumble before the armies of Order."
Duke of Dementia
Thadon: "Wait! I must speak! Halt! Cease! Desist!" Sheogorath: "Thadon, how dare you interrupt me! Only I interrupt me. Like just then." Thadon: "Syl... my... Syl is dead? This can't be right. Is this right? What have you done? Have you done this?" Sheogorath: "I'm speaking with someone. We'll talk later. Or not. When is later, exactly? Not now, I'm sure of that. Guards, I think Thadon forgot how to use the door. Kindly show him out. Before I forget myself." Thadon: "But, this... stranger? Someone new? From somewhere else? Not here. I'm sure of that. I don't understand. Or I can't." Sheogorath: "Hold your tongue, little Duke, or I'll tear it from your mouth." Thadon: "Ridiculous! You can't do this! Although... you're omnipotent. Or just tall. It's one of the two, I'm sure. And a fool!" Sheogorath: "Calm yourself, Thadon. You're making my teeth itch. You still hold your office. I suggest you see to your duties." Thadon: "Order approaches! It's taken the Fringe already! With Order clothes and Order hats! And you speak of "change"?" Sheogorath: "Change will preserve us! It is the lifeblood of the Isles. It will move mountains! It will mount movements!" Thadon: "No. No. Certainly not. This isn't good. I'm sure it's bad. I can't do this anymore. No more." Sheogorath: "Then go, Thadon. Have your Greenmote. Take a bath. But leave. Before I decorate my throne with your insides." Thadon: "Yes. That's it. I'll go. Away. Far away. Working for them is like working for us, but without all the dying." Sheogorath: "No! let him go!" Thadon: "Enough! I go to Jyggalag. I give myself to him, as a Priest of Order! This isn't done, Madgod. I think it's just started."
Pinnacle Rock
Dark Seducer: "Lord Sheogorath! I apologize for the intrusion, but you must help us! Order has attacked Pinnacle Rock and routed us!" Sheogorath: "Well, well! What a turn of events this is! It's new, and I like new, even if it's bad. And this is bad, isn't it? My, my."
Brellach
Golden Saint: "Lord Sheogorath! I apologize for the intrusion, but you must help us! Order has attacked Brellach and routed us!" Sheogorath: "Well, well! What a turn of events this is! It's new, and I like new, even if it's bad. And this is bad, isn't it? My, my."
Sheogorath: "More tea, Pelly my dear?" Pelagius: "Oh, I couldn't. It goes right through me. Besides, I have so many things to do. So many detractors and undesirables, naysayers, buffoons. My...My headsman hasn't slept in three days." Sheogorath: "You are far too hard on yourself, my dear, sweet, homicidally insane Pelagius. What would the people do without you? Dance? Sing? Smile? [laughter] Grow old? You are the best Septim that has ever ruled. Well, except for that Martin fellow, but he turned into a Dragon god, and that's hardly sporting. You know, I was there for that whole sordid affair. Marvelous time! Butterflies, blood, a Fox, a severed head... Oh, and the cheese! To die for." Pelagius: "Yes, yes, as you've said countless times before." Sheogorath: "Harumph! Well, if you're going to be like that, I think its best I take my leave. A good day to you, sir. I said good day!" Pelagius: "Yes. Leave me to my ceaseless responsibilities and burdens."
Dervenin: "Master! You've taken me back! Does this mean we're going home? Oh, happy times! I can't wait to..." Sheogorath: "Yes, yes, that's quite enough celebration. Let's send you ahead, shall we?"
Note: The preceding conversations only occur when the Dragonborn is inside the mind of Pelagius.
Quotes
Morrowind
Quote
Audio
"I see you have completed my little errand. Well done. Perhaps you've gotten a taste of madness aswell? Do not believe madness to be a curse, mortal. For some it is the greatest of blessings. A bitter mercy perhaps, but mercy non the less. Give me the Fork of Horripilation, I believe I have something more suitable for your needs. Go now. Remember what you have seen."
"Use the fork wisely, mortal. Few have wield to have not come away changed. Use the fork to strike a deathblow to the giant Bullnetch that resides near the hermit. Do this, return the Fork of Horripilation to me, and Sheogorath will reward you well."
"What is it, mortal? Have you come to be of the service to Sheogorath? That in and of itself speaks toward your madness. This pleases me. Fetch the Fork of Horripliation from the mad hermit near Ald Redaynia. Take care with him. He's not the most... stable man."
Oblivion
Quote
Audio
"Unworthy, unworthy, unworthy! Useless mortal meat. Walking bag of dung!"
"Bring me a champion! Rend the flesh of my foes! A mortal champion to wade through the entrails of my enemies!"
"Really, do come in. It's lovely in the Isles right now. Perfect time for a visit."
"Greetings! Salutations! Welcome! Now go away. Leave. Run. Or die."
"Isn't that a hoot? I love it, myself. Best part of being a Daedric Prince, really. Go ahead, try it again. He loves it!"
"Marvellous, marvellous! Self-immolation is a wonderful thing, isn't it? But now that we've had our fun, off to the Sacellum with you."
"I suppose an introduction is in order. I'm Sheogorath, Prince of Madness. And other things. I'm not talking about them."
"You should be off like the wind, solving problems and doing good deeds!"
"Time. Time is an artificial construct. An arbitrary system based on the idea that events occur in a linear direction at all times."
"Always forward, never back. Is the concept of time correct? Is time relevant? It matters not. One way or another, I fear that our time has run out."
"A new Gatekeeper! Excellent. We might be onto something with you, after all. That should keep out the stragglers."
"A little busy here! I'm trying to decide what to have for dinner. Oh, how I love eating. One of my favorite things to do."
"It's Jyggalag's time, and not a good time at all. You're going to help me stop it. First, though, you need to get your feet wet."
"Another Daedric Prince. Not a nice one. I don't think ANY of the other Princes like him, actually. I mean, Malacath is more popular at parties."
"The Daedric Prince of Order. Or biscuits... No. Order. And not in a good way. Bleak. Colorless. Dead. Boring, boring, boring."
"The Greymarch comes, and Jyggalag walks. Or runs. Never skips, sidles, or struts. Mostly, he just destroys everything around him."
"Once you understand what My Realm is, you might understand why it's important to keep it intact."
"Two halves, two rulers, two places. Meet and greet. Do what they will, so you know what they're about."
"Ask? ASK? I don't ask. I tell. This is My Realm, remember? My creation, My place, My rules."
"Wonderful! Time for a celebration... Cheese for everyone!"
"Makes all of my subjects uneasy. Tense. Homicidal. Some of them, at least. We need to get that Torch relit, before the place falls apart."
"You're going to stop the Greymarch by becoming Me. Or a version of Me. You'll be powerful. Powerful enough to stop Jyggalag."
"You know what would be a good sign? "Free Sweetrolls!" Who wouldn't like that?"
"You'll be my champion. You'll grow powerful. You'll grow to be me. Prince of Madness, a new Sheogorath. Or you'll die trying. I love that about you."
"Oh, don't forget to make use of dear Haskill. Between you and me, if he's not summoned three or four times a day, I don't think he feels appreciated."
"I hate indecision! Or maybe I don't. Make up your mind, or I'll have your skin made into a hat -- one of those arrowcatchers. I love those hats!"
"So, which is it? What will it be? Mania? Dementia? The suspense is killing me. Or you, if I have to keep waiting."
"Except where the backbone is an actual backbone. Ever been to Malacath's realm...? Nasty stuff. But, back to the business at hand."
"Happens every time. The Greymarch starts, Order appears, and I become Jyggalag and wipe out My whole Realm."
"Flee while you can, mortal. When we next meet I will not know you, and I will slay you like the others."
"Ah... New Sheoth. My home away from places that aren't my home. The current location is much better than some of the prior ones. Don't you think?"
"The Isles, the Isles. A wonderful place! Except when it's horrible. Then it's horribly wonderful. Good for a visit. Or for an eternity."
"Time to save the Realm! Rescue the damsel! Slay the beast! Or die trying. Your help is required."
"Daedra are the embodiment of change. Change and permanency. I'm no different, except in the ways that I am."
Skyrim
Quote
Audio
"Was it Molag? No, no... Little Tim, the toymaker's son? The ghost of King Lysandus? Or was it... Yes! Stanley, that talking grapefruit from Passwall."
"Reeaaaallllyyyy?"
"Well? Spit it out, mortal. I haven't got an eternity!"
"I am a part of you, little mortal. I am a shadow in your subconscious, a blemish on your fragile little psyche. You know me. You just don't know it."
"Sheogorath, Daedric Prince of Madness. At your service."
"Yaaawwwwnn...."
"Oh, pardon me. Were you saying something? I do apologize, it's just that I find myself suddenly and irrevocably..."
"Bored!"
"I mean, really. Here you stand, before Sheogorath himself, Daedric Prince of Madness, and all you deem fit to do is... deliver a message? How sad."
"Now you. You can call me Ann Marie."
"Oh... lovely. Now all my dear Pelagius has to worry about are the several hundred legitimate threats..."
"Ah, wonderful, wonderful! Why waste all that hatred on yourself when it can so easily be directed at others!"
"Mortal? Insufferable."
"Yes, yes, you're entirely brilliant. Conquering madness and all that. Blah blah blah."
"Ah, so now my dear Pelagius can hate himself for being legitimately afraid of things that actually threaten his existence..."
"Conquering paranoia should be a snap after that ordeal, hmm?"
"Welcome to the deceptively verdant mind of the Emperor Pelagius III. That's right! You're in the head of a dead, homicidally insane monarch."
"The Wabbajack! Huh? Huh? Didn't see that coming, did you?"
Online
"Look Haskill! Forky's back! It's so nice to see him again! Oh. And good to see you too, mortal. I guess."
"The game is a foot. Or a leg. Or all manner of severed limbs!"
"Ah, my little mortal. I'm a man of many personalities, but tell you what? They're all very fond of you."
"Catch? Such an untrusting soul. If there were a catch, I'd say it's that two of my guests are murderous cannibals."
"It's been so long since we had guests. You would have loved my old Uncle Leo, back in the day. Charming dinner conversation, when he wasn't bringing up old girlfriends. Literally, regurgitating them. Nasty habit."
"Why do I need a reason for everything? Mortals, mortals, mortals! Always needing a reason to do things. For example: people think light chases away the shadows! I prefer to think that without a few lights, there'd be no shadows to enjoy."
"I should make you fight Narwhals on the open ocean. I should make you run a gauntlet of angry Argonian concubines! But I won't. Book's yours."
"No need to worry your pretty mortal head. The Wabbajack, it unleashes the potential in everyone. The unrecognized essence of artistic beauty that swells and beats within the— Look, you want the book? Whack some folks with the Wabbajack."
Sheogorath's dialogue in Skyrim suggests this as well. Referenced by Sheogorath, he first mentions that he was a part of the Oblivion Crisis, "...for that whole sordid affair."
He also mentions "butterflies, blood, a Fox, a severed head," and cheese, likely referencing the events of Oblivion and the Shivering Isles.
Sheogorath's intention was, according to Haskill, for the Hero of Kvatch to mantle him. And at the end of the Shivering Isles questline, Haskill tells the Hero the mantling was successful, and that they'll "grow into the God they need to be."
If the Hero of Kvatch attacks Sheogorath in Oblivion, Sheogorath freezes them in-place, and calmly states "You really shouldn't have done that. Enjoy the view!" The player character is then teleported into the sky above the Shivering Isles, causing them to plummet to their death.
Sheogorath is the highest-leveled character in Oblivion.
Once the Shivering Isles questline is started, if Sheogorath is summoned at his shrine, he will be very disgruntled, saying, "Why are you summoning me? You have things to do. Things I told you to do!" He will, however, give the quest.
Sheogorath's accent is said to be a mix of both an exaggerated Scottish and Irish accent by his voice actor, Wes Johnson.
The setting in which Sheogorath is first seen in Skyrim resembles the Mad Hatter's tea party from Lewis Carroll's most famous work, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Due to his nature as a Prince of Madness, Sheogorath's name may be derived from H. P. Lovecraft's Shoggoth.
Sheogorath is one of the only Daedric Princes known to have had an affair with a mortal, namely Relmyna Verenim.
In The Elder Scrolls: Blades, there exists a character named Theodor Gorlash whose appearance and way of speaking resembles Sheogorath. Also his name is an anagram of "Lord Sheogorath."
Sheogorath was named after the game designer and Elder Scrolls co-creator Ted Peterson. Sheogorath being a corruption of his first name, Theodore.[UL 1]
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.
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.png "Pelagius III's Mind - MadGod Sheogorath (Skyrim).png (1.25 MB)")
