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Anu

Anu

The Elder Scrolls Verse

Anu's History

In the beginning, before creation, there existed two primordial forces - Anu and Padomay. Anu represented stasis, order and light while Padomay represented change, chaos and darkness. When Anu and Padomay entered the Void, their interaction created possibilities from which emerged Nir. Nir embodied the space between them and was considered the first love. Padomay grew jealous of Nir's love for Anu and attacked her, wounding her. From her wounds, Nir gave birth to the original Twelve Worlds. Anu and Padomay continued fighting over the worlds. When Padomay attacked and shattered them, Anu salvaged the remnants by combining them into one world - Nirn. In some versions, this is when their blood mingled and created the Aedra spirits. Padomay later returned to destroy creation again but Anu pulled them both out of time, ending their conflict's threat. However, their spirits lived on in creation.

Anu's blood was said to have become the stars while their mixed blood formed the Aedra. According to Altmer beliefs, Anu personified his own soul as Anuiel so he could understand himself. Anuiel then personified his soul as Auri-El, the chief Altmer deity. Auri-El established the concept of time to allow spirits like the et'Ada to realize their natures. Most versions agree that when Anu and Padomay 's interaction in the Void ended, it left behind many divine and magickal beings, forces, and possibilities that went on to shape the world of Tamriel. Gods with Anuic traits like the Aedra are considered descended from or reflections of Anu's nature and influence over stasis and order.