—Naluroen, a Spider Daedra[1]
Spider Daedra (also called Perthan)[nb 1] are semi-intelligent Daedra[2] who appear as giant spiders with armored carapaces and humanoid torsos.[3] They are associated with Mephala,[2] though they can be seen serving other Princes,[2] such as Molag Bal.[4][5] Other Daedra such as Aureals may summon them to fight.[6] Spider Daedra are capable of speech,[7] and some are willing to engage in relatively peaceable conversation with mortals.[1]
Spiderlings are smaller versions of the Spider Daedra.[8][9][10] Despite some Spider Daedra considering eggs and reproduction "boring mortal stuff",[11] it appears that Spider Daedra are capable of copulation and laying eggs,[12] with Spiderlings being their hatchlings.[13]
BehaviorEdit
They are so fierce, unruly and irrational that not even Mephala's worshipers can trust them, as they may not heed the Spinner's commands.[3] Due to their disobedient and willful reputation, many sorcerers in Morrowind are unwilling to summon them.[3] They are unstable, oversexed, overstimulated, excitable, high strung, and keeping them focused and on-topic in conversation is a difficult task.[14] Mortals view them as hateful, loathsome, and lacking compassion, though befriending and jovial in conversation, and when lost in their realms of Oblivion find no other option but to come to them for help, with their aid suspected to be part of a larger deception on behalf of their princes.[4] They are some of the more powerful Daedra, with formidable melee and spellcasting abilities. They can spin webs, spit poison and cast powerful storm spells.[15] They can summon smaller Spider Daedra known as spiderlings to aid them in battle.[15][10]
They weave cocoons to ensnare mortals,[16] which are so resilient that they can only be broken from the outside.[17] They are known to keep mortals as "ornaments" in their collections, ensorcelled into being thralls for their comfort and entertainment, as well as to provide sustenance to their spider "children".[1]
GalleryEdit
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Spider Daedra concept art
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A male Spider Daedra (Battlespire)
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A Spider Daedra that serves Mehrunes Dagon (Oblivion)
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A less humanoid Spider Daedra (ESO)
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A red Spider Daedra (ESO)
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A Spider Daedra that serves Molag Bal (ESO)
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A Spider Daedra (Legends)
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A Widow Daedra (Legends)
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A Spiderling (Oblivion)
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A Spiderling (ESO)
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A less humanoid Spiderling (ESO)
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A Spiderling (Legends)
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Mephala manifesting as a Spider Daedra
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Spider Daedra Chest Paint
NotesEdit
- They were initially intended to have hands in Battlespire, but Mark Jones gave them claws instead for a preying mantis-like look.[UOL 1] They were later given hands in every subsequent game.
- Some believe Land Dreugh to be of Daedric origins, perhaps related to the Spider Daedra, though these claims are largely unfounded.[18]
See AlsoEdit
- For game-specific information, see the Battlespire, Oblivion, ESO, and Legends articles.
- For Spider Daedra naming conventions, please see their associated list of names.
ReferencesEdit
- ^ a b c Naluroen's dialogue during Crawling Chaos in ESO
- ^ a b c Varieties of Daedra — Aranea Drethan
- ^ a b c Darkest Darkness
- ^ a b The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: Dreams of Cyrodiil — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
- ^ Lady Malygda and the Lady of the Depths's allegiance to Molag Bal in ESO
- ^ Kyne's Challenge: A Hunter's Companion — David S. J. Hodgson Summerset: Watcher
- ^ Anexiel's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Spiderling in ESO
- ^ Spiderling in Oblivion
- ^ a b Spiderling in Legends
- ^ Spider Daedra dialogue in Battlespire
- ^ Perthan Vorn's dialogue in Battlespire
- ^ Hatchling behavior in ESO
- ^ Battlespire concept art description
- ^ a b Spider Daedra abilities in ESO
- ^ The Lady of the Depths' abilities in ESO
- ^ Ruzozuzalpamaz's abilities in ESO
- ^ Brenus Astis' Journal — Brenus Astis
- ^ Battlespire Athenaeum — Ronald Wartow
- ^ Perthan Vorn and Perthan Serni's appearance in Battlespire
- ^ Dialogue with Perthan Oathkin in Battlespire
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.