The world of The Elder Scrolls has plenty of people and creatures that have played huge parts in the history of Tamriel. Some might be familiar with popular heroes like Vanus Galerion, the founder of the Mages Guild, or Ysgramor, the Atmoran warrior who led his 500 Companions against the Snow Elves and drove them to near extinction. There are some figures in The Elder Scrolls universe that are known to a certain extent, but relatively unheard of in the grand scheme of things. These unsung heroes have played pretty big roles in history and are arguably owed a little more recognition and respect for what they’ve done for both their people and the realm of Tamriel.
10 Gormlaith Golden-Hilt, Hakon One-Eye, & Felldir The Old: Heroes That Went Unrecognized For Centuries
These three heroes fought together in the Merethic Era against Alduin, the World-Eater. They also created the Dragonrend shout, which was key to bringing Alduin down. Before the fight, Gormlaith killed four dragons on her own before fighting the World-Eater and it’s known that Hakon and Felldir killed some as well. When they fought Alduin, Gormlaith was killed and Felldir used the Elder Scroll to banish Alduin while Hakon defended him.
However, despite this victory, the three of them haven’t been named in any songs or records of history. It’s a little surprising, since Hakon and Felldir lived and could’ve told others of their victory. Then again, they also didn’t leave any information about the Dragonrend shout either. Overall, it’s just a mystery how no one knew about them. At least they got recognition after the Last Dragonborn helped them defeat Alduin once and for all.
9 Paarthurnax: A Dragon Who Betrayed His Kind To Help Humans
Considering he was the one who helped teach man how to use the Thu’um, it’s a little surprising that no one knows about Paarthurnax. By the time the events of Skyrim happen, the dragons are believed to be extinct. Paarthurnax was living at the top of the Throat of the World where he would meditate. The only ones who know about him are the Greybeards and they keep his existence a secret.
Though he was a lieutenant in Alduin’s army and committed a lot of crimes against humans, Paarthurnax did turn on his brethren. He taught the humans the Thu’um and was the one responsible for turning the tides in the Dragon War.
8 Abnur Tharn: A Battlemage Who Helped Save Tamriel A Few Times
Fans of The Elder Scrolls Online will be very familiar with this tough-to-please Imperial Battlemage. Abnur Tharn has served various emperors of Cyrodiil for over 117 years and is the ancestor of Jagar Tharn, the Imperial Battlemage that famously masqueraded as Emperor Uriel Septim VII for a decade. Abnur Tharn helped the Vestige in stopping Molag Bal’s plan to take over Tamriel and was an important part in doing so.
Abnur Tharn also assisted the Vestige and Khamira, the future Queen of Anequina, helping to put a stop to his half-sister Euraxia’s reign and the dragons terrorism in Elsweyr. After defeating the dragon Kaalgrontiid, Tharn seemingly sacrificed himself to keep the magicka of the aeonstone contained so it wouldn’t destroy part of, or possibly all, of Elsweyr.
7 Empress Katariah: An Dark Elf Empress Who Traveled Instead Of Sitting On The Throne
There have been plenty of emperors and empresses on the Imperial Throne, but very few of them have been another race. Empress Katariah was a Dunmer woman who was married to Emperor Pelegius Septim III, also known as Pelegius the Mad. Because of Pelegius’ madness and eccentricities, Katariah had to do a lot of damage control behind the scenes. She was well-known for her shrewdness and being well-versed in politics; so much so that her reign after her husband’s death is known to be one of the best reigns in history.
Empress Katariah also preferred to travel and it is said that she was never fully comfortable being in the Imperial City. Most who have sat on the Imperial Throne have been Imperial, but Katariah, a Dunmer/Dark Elf woman, showed that other races are just as good at ruling, and, in some cases, can even do a better job.
6 King Bendu Olo: United Tamriel Against One Enemy
It’s not everyday that the races of Tamriel unite and work together, but that’s exactly what King Bendu Olo did. He was the main one who put together the All Flags Navy to go up against the Sload of Thras after they released the Thrassian Plague on Tamriel. This plague wiped out half of the Tamrielic population, starting in the First Era and ending in the Second Era. It is said that Bendu Olo spared no expense when it came to creating the All Flags Navy and famed Archmage Syrabane helped him.
When ready, the All Flags Navy was made up of various races like Colovians, Redguards, and Argonians. Bendu Olo managed to unite the races in a way that very few have accomplished in history. The All Flags Navy was successful in their mission and managed to sink the entire island of Thras through the use of unknown magic.
5 Empress Hestra: The Empress Responsible For Defeating Some Big Names
Empress Hestra might not be as famous as some other emperors and empresses, but it’s thanks to her that some villains in history have been taken out. Under her leadership, her legion was able to wipe out King Styriche, the leader of the Gray Host, which consisted of vampires and various lycanthropic beasts. She was also able to capture the infamous pirate known as Red Bramman, who led other pirates to terrorize the southeastern shores of Tamriel for a time.
To top off the names she’s taken, Hestra was the one who put a stop to Red Eagle, a legendary warrior and king among the Reachman. He was able to wipe a lot of soldiers in her legion, but Hestra and her forces came out victorious in the end.
4 Vahlok The Jailor: A Dragon Priest Who Prevented Miraak's Domination
Unlike most of the Dragon Priests, who are usually evil, Vahlok the Jailor is known as a wise and just ruler. When he learned that Miraak betrayed their dragon overlords, Vahlok sought to put an end to his plans. It was said that the two dragon priests fought in a fierce battle that lasted for days and was so powerful that it tore Solstheim from Skyrim.
Vahlok was close to defeating Miraak, but Hermaeus Mora, the Daedric Prince of Knowledge, saved him before Vahlok could deliver the killing blow. Vahlok continued to watch over Solstheim until his death and continues to do so from the afterlife, just in case Miraak ever returns.
3 Finna: A Nord Child Who Ended A War
This little girl has only been mentioned in a book, but her name should be a little more well-known. Finna was alive during the time when Ysgramor and his 500 Companions fought against the Snow Elves in the Merethic Era. At age 12, she served as a squire to her mother, who was part of the army, and was at the Battle of Moesring.
Sadly, Finna’s mother was killed by the Snow Prince during the battle and in her rage, Finna threw her mother’s sword at him. The sword pierced through his chest, killing him, which left everyone on the battlefield stunned. This led to a victory for Ysgramor and the others, ending the war with the Snow Elves.
2 House Ravenwatch: Vampires Who Guard Tamriel From The Shadows
House Ravenwatch is a vampire clan that’s been around for centuries. Ravenwatch is made of vampires who forsook the murderous tendencies that come with vampirism and instead use their powers for good. They give all vampires they come across a chance to live their way of life, but will eliminate them if ever they become a threat. House Ravenwatch supported High King Emeric during the Second Era and he is one of the very few mortals to know about their true nature.
The leader Verandis helped the Vestige in The Elder Scrolls Online stop the Montclair family from using the Doomcrag’s power. He also helped during the events of the Markarth DLC and is bound to the Dark Heart, an artifact connected to Namira, the Daedric Prince of Decay and ancient darkness.
1 Ezhmaar Sul, Mere-Glim, Annaïg Hoïnart & Prince Attrebus Mede: Heroes That Stopped A Floating Island
Many Elder Scrolls fans haven’t heard of the novels, but they actually have a pretty interesting story and great characters to boot. Ezhmaar Sul is a Dark Elf who helped create the Ingenium, a device that kept Baar Dau floating above Vivec City after Vivec disappeared. He accompanied Attrebus Mede in the novels to stop the Umbriel Crisis.
Mere-Glim and Annaïg were living in Lilmoth in Black Marsh when the Crisis started and both of them ended up on the island of Umbriel. All four of them would stop the Umbriel Crisis, but, sadly, Sul died at the end. Mere-Glim was turned into an Umbrielian and stayed on the island and helped send Umbriel to the Realm of the Hist. Annaïg and Attrebus lived and returned to Tamriel, opting not to receive any credit for stopping the Crisis.