Tsun

Tsun
Basic Info
Race	Nord
Gender	Male
Level	PC×1.2 (10–100)
Class	Nord Hero
Location	Sovngarde
Health	250
Magicka	50
Stamina	50
Faction	Deities
Rank	Deity
Essential	Always
Respawn	No
Ref ID	0004f829
Base ID	0004F828

Tsun is a Nord hero in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim who is described as the ancient god of trials against adversity in the Nordic pantheon. He served as shield-thane to Shor and died defending him from foreign gods during the Ehlnofey wars of the Dawn Era. In the ancient Nordic pantheon, he was often depicted as a bear.

Physical appearance

Tsun is much taller than any normal characters, including Altmer. The only character that comes close to his size is the Ebony Warrior, who stands at a scale of 1.21, while Tsun stands at a towering scale of 1.34, in comparison to the Dragonborn, who stands at a scale of 0.95–1.08, depending on their race and gender. He also wears a unique set of armor and wields a unique Ancient Nord Battle Axe. These items can only be obtained using console commands.

Interactions

"Ah! It's been too long since last I faced a doom-driven hero of the dragon blood."

―Tsun

Sovngarde

Tsun guards the whalebone bridge to the Hall of Valor in Sovngarde and tests all who wish to pass in a trial by combat. The Dragonborn must defeat Tsun in combat to gain entrance to the Hall of Valor to meet with the Tongues inside.

Dragonslayer

After defeating Alduin, Tsun congratulates the Dragonborn. Before sending them back to Mundus, he grants the Dragonborn a boon; the three words of Call of Valor allowing them to summon a Nord hero from Sovngarde to aid them in battle.

Dialogue

Show: Sovngarde

When first spoken to "What brings you, wayfarer grim, to wander here, in Sovngarde, souls-end, Shor's gift to honored dead?" Who are you? "I am Tsun, shield-thane to Shor. The Whalebone Bridge he bade me guard and winnow all those souls whose heroic end sent them here, to Shor's lofty hall where welcome, well earned, awaits those I judge fit to join that fellowship of honor." I pursue Alduin, the World Eater. "A fateful errand. No few have chafed to face the Worm since first he set his soul-snare here at Sovngarde's threshold. But Shor restrained our wrathful onslaught - perhaps, deep counselled, your doom he foresaw." I seek entrance to the Hall of Valor. "No shade are you, as usually here passes, but living, you dare the land of the dead. By what right do you request entry?" By right of birth. I am Dragonborn. "Ah! It's been too long since last I faced a doom-driven hero of the dragon blood." By right of glory. I lead the Companions of Jorrvaskr. "I welcome the chance to challenge the blade of Ysgramor's heir, honored shield-brother/sister to Kodlak Whitemane, whom I've watched for in vain." By right of cleverness. I am Master of the College of Winterhold. "Well met, mage of Skyrim. The Nords may have forgotten their forefathers' respect for the Clever Craft, but your comrades throng this hall. Here in Shor's house we honor it still." By right of blood. I Listen for the Night Mother. "You trespass here, shadow-walker. Shor does not know you. Perhaps before the end you will earn the right to pass this way. Welcome I do not offer, but your errand I will not hinder, if my wrath you can withstand." By right of plunder. I am a Nightingale of Nocturnal. "Do not mistake the night-shrouded thief's stealthily-taken spoils, stolen and unearned, for a warrior's plunder, won in honorable battle. Your doom already binds you to your dark mistress, but your errand I will not hinder, if my wrath you can withstand." Can I enter the Hall of Valor? "Living or dead, by decree of Shor, none may pass this perilous bridge 'till I judge them worthy by the warrior's test." After defeating him "You fought well. I find you worthy. It is long since one of the living has entered here. May Shor's favor follow you and your errand." "Shor's favor has found you, Dragonborn. The Hall of Valor, heart's-ease, awaits."

Show: Dragonslayer

Before defeating Alduin "The eyes of Shor are upon you this day Defeat Alduin, and destroy his soul-snare." After defeating Alduin "This was a mighty deed! The doom of Alduin encompassed at last, and cleansed is Sovngarde of his evil snare. They will sing of this battle in Shor's hall forever. But your fate lies elsewhere. When you have completed your count of days, I may welcome you again, with glad friendship, and bid you join the blessed feasting. When you are ready to rejoin the living, just bid me so, and I will send you back." Not yet "Tarry not too long - the land of the dead is not meant for mortals to linger." I'm ready to return to Tamriel "Return now to Nirn, with this rich boon from Shor, my lord: a Shout to bring a hero from Sovngarde in your hour of need. Nahl...Daal...Vus! (Living... Return... Nirn!)"

Quotes

• "I've waited long for such a worthy opponent."
• "Prove worthy by warrior's test, and cross the bridge to the blessed hall."
• "Shor's Hall awaits, if worthy you prove."
• "The joy of battle burns in your heart!"
• "The path is closed, till your courage is tested."

Gallery

Tsun in Sovngarde.

Trivia

• Tsun is voiced by Thor Edgell.
• Tsun is based on the real-world Norse mythology individual, known as Módgud, who guards the realm of Hel and is described in the story of Baldr as challenging Hermód, who is sent to retrieve a fallen god; it is stated that Módgud demanded that Hermód state his name and business before allowing him to pass. Much like Tsun and the Whalebone bridge in Sovngarde, Módgud is similarly stationed at the Gjallarbrú (Gjöll Bridge).
• If the Dragonborn manages to drop Tsun off the Whalebone Bridge, Tsun will disappear when he reaches the height in which the Dragonborn would die if they were to fall off the bridge. Immediately after his disappearance, he will get out of one of the doors leading into or outside of the Hall of Valor.
• If the Dragonborn attempts to go across the bridge without defeating Tsun, they are instantly killed around halfway across the bridge. This event is scripted and there is nothing that can protect from it.
• If the Dragonborn fails to pickpocket Tsun, he will turn hostile.
  • If the Dragonborn is to enter the Hall of Valor while Tsun is hostile, the heroes of Sovngarde will help the Dragonborn fight him.
• The metal band around Tsun's neck and arm is called a torc, a form of jewelry worn primarily by men in various Iron Age cultures, such as the Gauls, Celts, and Germans. They were rings of precious metals, usually worn around the neck and are thought by historians to be indicators of high status.
  • While not an available item to the Dragonborn, wearable torcs could be found in The Elder Scrolls: Arena and The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall.

See also

• Tsun's Armor
• Tsun's Battle Axe
• Tsun's Boots

Appearances

• The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (mentioned only)
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
  • The Elder Scrolls V: Dragonborn (mentioned only)
• The Elder Scrolls Online (mentioned only)