8 Must-Know Skyrim Words and Phrases for Beginners

If you’ve just picked up Skyrim for the first time and aren’t familiar with some of the lingo then this guide is for you. Featuring eight words and phrases you’ll hear very often, remember these and you won’t be scratching your head every time someone gives you their backstory.

8 Must-Know Skyrim Words and Phrases for Beginners
Like most fantasy games or just fantasy stories in general, Skyrim has a long list of hard to pronounce and easy to forget names of characters. On top of that, the Elder Scrolls Series is one with a long and epic lore which inevitably includes various words, phrases, slangs and lingo that are unique to the game. While the list may be long, we’ve taken eight keywords and phrases that you are bound to hear numerous times throughout your playthrough of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Remember these Skyrim terms and you should have an exciting and streamlined gaming experience.

1. Talos

What is Talos in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?

Talos is another name for Tiber Septim, the first emperor who has been worshipped as a god in Skyrim. However, after the Imperial empire took over and the Thalmor stepped in, worship of Talos was outlawed. Step aside social justice, because freedom of speech and freedom of religion don’t exist under imperial rule. Yes, in Skyrim the Thalmor constantly hunt and execute those found to be worshipping Talos.

8 Must-Know Skyrim Words and Phrases for Beginners
The Amulet of Talos is sometimes quite useful in the game, as it decreases the waiting time between dragon shouts by 20 percent. However, if the Thalmor catch you wearing it they will attack you immediately.

2. Septims/Gold

What are septims in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?

This is an important one to remember as you’ll spend most of your time stealing and fencing items to acquire more of it. Gold is the official currency of Skyrim. It should be noted that the true name of the currency is Septims named after Tiber Septim, the first Emperor of the Septim Empire. However, most if not all characters will refer to the currency of Skyrim as gold.

3. Mead

8 Must-Know Skyrim Words and Phrases for Beginners
What is mead in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?
You might often hear NPCs in Skyrim express longing for a “bellyful of mead” and for good reason. Mead is the most commonly found alcoholic drink in Skyrim. Almost like a honey cider, Mead is made from distilled honey. While mead gives you a temporary stamina boost, it causes slower regeneration of stamina, much like in real life when people drink too much and take a day to get over the hangover.

4. Shouts

What are shouts in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?
If you completely skipped all the dialogue in the early parts of the game and just went about wreaking havoc, you may have missed out on an important explanation of the Dragonborn's powers. The special powers only the player can use are different from normal magic spells. They are known as Thu’um or Shouts. So when you accidentally or purposefully use your power in the middle of a public area and a guard tells you to quit shouting, he isn’t scolding you for making noise. He’s warning you not to inadvertently injure citizens with your special ability.

5. Stormcloaks

What is Stormcloaks in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?
The Stormcloaks are a very important faction in Skyrim, as they are the faction fighting for the rebellion under Ulfric Stormcloak. One of the biggest and most entertaining side quests in the game is the battle between the Stormcloaks/Nords and the Empire/Imperials for the rightful leadership of Skyrim. The player is free to choose between defending the empire or overthrowing it with the Stormcloaks.

6. Jarl

8 Must-Know Skyrim Words and Phrases for Beginners
What are Jarls in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?
A Jarl is a Norse chief or ruler and thus is used as a title of honor and the rank of Lord in Skyrim. The Jarl of a certain keep is the ruler and governor of that area. When visiting a new castle for the first time it’s usually a good idea to talk to the Jarl, as they normally have quests to offer you. If you gain the Jarl’s favor they will appoint you the title of “thane” which is sort of a rank between a commoner and a nobleman. Becoming a thane in an area will grant you the ability to buy land. As well, the Jarl can appoint the thane a housecarl which can serve as a follower/companion in the game.

7. Morrowind

What is Morrowind in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?
While Elder Scrolls V takes place in the Nordic lands of Skyrim, many years ago us original Xbox gamers and PC nerds spent most of our time in the land of Morrowind, playing Elder Scrolls 3. While the two games take place in entirely different points in time—over 200 years apart—some NPCs you meet will talk about Morrowind or explain that it was their homeland.

8. Daedra

8 Must-Know Skyrim Words and Phrases for Beginners
What are Daedra in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?
The Daedra are seen as gods or demons in Skyrim depending on who you talk to and which Daedra they are talking about. While their voices can appear as male or female, they are technically genderless and are all referred to as Daedric Princes. Some Daedra appear good-natured while others wear their thirst for blood on their shoulder. The Daedric quests in the game, however, are some of the best and most rewarding. For instance, finding a beacon for the Daedric Prince, Meridia, grants you the Dawnstar, a special sword that causes undead enemies to explode.

Be sure to remember these eight words and phrases for your next Skyrim playthrough. Have some important Skyrim words or lingo that we missed? Let us and our readers know what they are in the comments below!

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