Ah, yes ... this one sees the flaming palm, the starry robe.
It is the Mage that guides you. A fortuitous sign. As surely as Magrus sheds the sun's white light upon the hidden, if you seek out wonders ... you shall find them.
—Baandari fortune-telling for those born under the Mage[1]
The Mage (also known as the Wizard[2], the Sage,[UOL 1] the Mechanist to the Dwemer,[2] and the Witch in the Stars or simply the Witch to the Reachmen)[3] is a constellation of twenty-seven stars and the planet Julianos, which is in the night sky during the month of Rain's Hand.[UOL 1] Along with the Warrior and the Thief, it is a Guardian constellation, and its charges are the Apprentice, the Atronach, and the Ritual. Those born under the sign of the Mage are thought to have more magicka and a talent for spellcasting. They are also thought to be arrogant and absent-minded.[4]
Nedes who followed the Cult of the Stars modeled their weapons and armor after the constellations. Each part of their armaments was crafted in honor of a different constellation. Staves were linked to the Mage, of Rain's Hand "who wieldeth ye staff as the mightiest of armaments" and "whose hand raineth magicka by rod and by staff". Their staves emulated the Mage's qualities and were known for star-disk at their finials for "faster stellar spellcaster".[5] The fabrics used to craft the ancient Nedic ornate clothing often referenced the Mage.[6]
The Reachmen believe that the Witch shines her light on covens that protect the Reach from outsiders and others who mean to do Reachfolk harm and that her good eye sees through everything—rock, water, and flesh—to find the hard truths. According to them she never lies. Together with the Hunter and the Headsman they are called Reach Guardians and that they protect lesser stars from the Snake.[3]
The constellations are present in ancient Yokudan and Redguard poetry.[7] In one of their songs The Mage "orders through the night."[8]
The Dwemer associate the Mechanist with the letter f.[9]
According to the Baandari fortune tellers, the Mage is linked to Magrus.[1] The Mage was also believed to "light one's way on the paths of glory".[10]
The Celestial MageEdit
In 2E 582, the constellations fell from the skies and became known as the Celestials. The mortal incarnation of the Mage was known to the Firstmages as the "Learned One".[11] The Mage's Staff fell from the skies as well, forming the Spellscar in Craglorn.[12]
GalleryEdit
-
Depiction of the Mage (Arena)
-
The Mechanist/Mage (Redguard)
-
Dwarven depiction of the Mechanist (Redguard)
-
The Mage (Morrowind)
-
The Mage (Oblivion)
-
The Mage as shown in the Imperial Orrery (Oblivion)
-
The Mage Standing Stone (Skyrim)
-
An outline of the Mage stone (Skyrim)
-
The Mage (ESO)
-
Depiction of the Mage (ESO)
-
The Celestial Mage (ESO)
-
Dwemer plaque depicting Witch (ESO)
.jpg)
ReferencesEdit
- ^ a b Hanubina-ko's dialogue in ESO
- ^ a b Erasmo's dialogue in Redguard
- ^ a b Arana's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
- ^ The Firmament — Ffoulke
- ^ Crafting Motif 41: Celestial Style — the Guardian of Stars
- ^ Celestial Robes item description in ESO
- ^ The Warrior's Charge
- ^ Coyle's dialogue in Redguard
- ^ The Observatory in Redguard
- ^ Emperor Uriel Septim's dialogue in Oblivion
- ^ Coming of the Learned One Vol. I
- ^ Events of the quest Critical Mass in ESO
Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.