| Draoife Dell | |
|---|---|
| Type | Settlement |
| Continent | Tamriel |
| Region | The Systres (Galen) |
| Appears in | ESO |
Clohaigh is a cave and a druidic ruin located to the east of Glimmertarn on the island of Galen. It was a sanctuary of great significance to the nature spirit Frii, the Sower, and was established in the early years of the Druids' presence on the island by the last Druid King, Kasorayn himself. According to local lore, Clohaigh was once a sacred site of the druidic circles. However, for reasons unknown, it was eventually abandoned and has remained unoccupied ever since.[1]
LayoutEdit
Clohaigh was situated west of Glimmertarn and north of Gladesong Arboretum. It housed various common creatures such as centipedes and torchbugs, as well as the more uncommon phoenix moths. It was also a home to various exotic plants.[1]
Druidic stonework of a statue situated at the entrance of Clohaigh was described by some as impressive and skillfully crafted. Faces depicted on the stone conveyed a message of respect for all possible outcomes and reactions. Multiple faces were depicted on the statue, one with an angry expression and the other with a genuine smile, although the sinister look in its eyes gave an impression of danger. It was known that locals left offerings by the statue. It was speculated that the offerings left at the angry face were meant for someone who was in serious danger.[2]
Carvings within the cavern portrayed several scenes on a number of pillars The first pillar, positioned near the entrance to the tunnels, displayed Frii in the ancient druidic imagery style, resembling the one discovered in Glenumbra from the times before the exodus of the Druids of Galen. The second pillar depicted Frii cultivating the sacred seeds to create the regalia - a gauntlet, staff, and crown. The final pillar portrayed the crowning of the new Druid King with the regalia.[3][1][4]
The architecture of the cavern exhibited the characteristic stonecutting style of the Druids, with long corridors and passages leading to the Stonelore Shrine, a vast and spacious chamber. A stone altar, where the sacred seed was kept, was located on one side of the hall. There was also a secondary exit that connected directly to the Stonelore Shrine chamber, located to the south and much closer to the center of the island.[1][5]
HistoryEdit
Clohaigh was established in the early days of the druidic presence on Galen, founded shortly after the arrival of the Druids of Galen in the Systres Archipelago around 1E 330,[6] during the reign of the last Druid King Kasorayn.[4]
The last Druid King, Kasorayn, created Clohaigh as a sanctuary, and it was adorned with many engravings and carvings that depicted the true nature and purpose of Frii, the Sower.[4] The cavern gradually fell into neglect and was eventually reclaimed by nature over the centuries, leading to the Druids forgetting its true purpose. During the Interregnum of the Second Era, its original purpose had become a mystery.[5][1][7]
In the year 2E 582, following the assault on Tuinh and Draoife Dell by the Firesong Circle under the leadership of Archruid Orlaith, aided by the Maormer pirates known as the Dreadsails led by Sealord Nalos, the Stonelore Circle decided to transfer their sacred seed to a different location. This task was assigned to Frii, who took great caution to ensure the security of the sacred seed by keeping it in the Stonelore Shrine hidden deep inside the caverns of Clohaigh. Although as of then the cavern was overgrown, and no druid paid significant attention to it, Frii took a special interest in it.[7] The cavern has been cleared by Frii, who often visited the area for exploration and meditation.[3] The longer they stayed in Clohaigh, the more they learned and remembered about themselves and their own purpose. By studying the carvings and engravings on the walls, they also gained a deeper understanding of the purpose of Clohaigh itself. Frii discovered that it was their responsibility to grow the Druid King Regalia from the sacred seeds during the appropriate season and to crown the new Druid King.[4]
As the assault on Vastyr by the Firesong Circle and the Dreadsails was expected to begin soon, the mercenary of House Mornard, who was an ally of the Stonelore and Eldertide druids, was assigned the task of retrieving the sacred seed from the cavern. This was necessary to transfer it to the city of Vastyr where a large group of druids were preparing to travel to aid in the defense against the combined forces of the Maormer pirates and the Firesong Circle.[7]
When the mercenary and Laurel of Stonelore Circle arrived to Clohaigh the forces of Dreadsails and Firesong were already inside the cave. During their search for Frii and they both uncovered and examined some ancient druid carvings depicting Frii creating regalia using the sacred seeds, as well as a new Druid King being crowned. Eventually, they reached the gate to the Stonelore Shrine warded with Frii's magic. There, they encountered Captain Liondil of the Dreadsails, who was unsuccessfully attempting to enter the sacred chamber. Upon discovering Captain Liondil's intention to abduct Frii and steal the sacred seed for the Firesong Circle, they engaged in a battle and eventually defeated him. The Laurel's knowledge of Druidic lore then allowed them to dispel the ward and enter the next chamber.[3][5][8]
Frii, realizing that the seed was no longer safe in Clohaigh, entrusted it to a mercenary and later to Archdruid Rahval. They took the seed with them to the city of Vastyr for safekeeping.[4][5] Eventually the threat of the Firesong Circle ended, but the future fate of the sacred site of Clohaigh is unclear.[9][10]
The Systres became a part of Hammerfell's territory by 3E 427.[11] At some point before the Fifth Century of the Third Era the Druids once again had a presence on the mainland Tamriel.[12][UOL 1] It is unknown how those events affected the Druids of the Systres and the sacred caverns of Clohaigh.
See AlsoEdit
- For game-specific information, see the Elder Scrolls Online
article.
ReferencesEdit
- ^ a b c d e Clohaigh's location and loading screen in ESO: Firesong
- ^ Craetia Laecinnius' dialogue in ESO: Firesong
- ^ a b c Druid Laurel's dialogue in ESO: Firesong
- ^ a b c d e Frii's dialogue in ESO: Firesong
- ^ a b c d Events of Seeds of Destruction in ESO: Firesong
- ^ Systres History: Volume 1 — Trilam Heladren, Associate Dean of Eltheric History, University of Gwylim
- ^ a b c Archdruid Rahval's dialogue in ESO: Firesong
- ^ Captain Liondil's dialogue in ESO: Firesong
- ^ Events of Guardian of Y'ffelon in ESO
- ^ Events of And Now, Perhaps, Peace in ESO
- ^ Map of Tamriel – Morrowind Codex
- ^ Death cutscene in Daggerfall
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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.