The Acharyai is the name of the supposed first spirit or spirits in existence, the distant ancestor or ancestors of the traditionally worshipped gods: the Aedra and Daedra. They are acknowledged by the Psijic Order and considered fundamental to their complex system of Ancestor Worship, known to them as the Old Ways. As the foundation of their faith, the nature and existence of the Acharyai is one of the first things any neophyte of Artaeum will learn.[1] Centaurs practice the same devout system as the Psijics, presumably including the Acharyai.[2]
The concept of anything existing before the Daedra has been considered a paradoxical impossibility, even to those in contact with the Psijic Order.[3]
NotesEdit
- What relation, if any, the term "Acharyai" has to "Alcharyai" (a term used to refer to Aldmer in some dialects) is unknown.[4]
- Anu and Padomay are sometimes called the parents of the et'Ada,[5] but their relation to the Acharyai is unknown.
- Hermaeus Mora has been referred to as 'elder than Ada' in obscure texts.[6]
- Nocturnal herself claims the title of Ur-dra and has said she existed "before Oblivion".[7]
ReferencesEdit
- ^ The Old Ways — Celarus the Loremaster
- ^ Daggerfall User's Guide
- ^ Grand Maestro Forte's Research — Grand Maestro Forte
- ^ People of Morrowind — Various
- ^ Varieties of Faith in Tamriel — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
- ^ Fragmentae Abyssum Hermaeus Morus
- ^ Nocturnal's dialogue at Abyssal Geysers in ESO: Summerset