Skyrim enthusiasts are no strangers to the mighty Giants that traverse its rugged terrain. These towering figures might launch unsuspecting adventurers into the sky with a single powerful swipe or boldly defend their camps against intruders. Despite their intimidating presence, these Giants fascinate players, which is why many feel it’s a real letdown that Skyrim doesn’t delve deeper into their stories. As we look forward to The Elder Scrolls 6, there’s a golden opportunity for Bethesda to enrich its storytelling by giving these enigmatic beings a more substantial role in the game’s world.
Giants were first spotted in The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall, though, back then, they didn’t have much depth. They were mere dungeon-dwelling adversaries, and the only nod to their culture was the mention of a ‘Giantish’ skill, hinting at a unique language. Fast forward to Skyrim, and Giants evolved into much more compelling figures, both visually and in terms of their lore. There are faint hints of their origins interlinked with the Nords, and their intelligent actions within the game hint at a complex societal structure that deserves more exploration.
On first sight, Giants might seem like just another brutish entity wandering Skyrim’s icy landscapes, but they’re far more than that. Observing them closely reveals their aptitude for domestication, as they herd mammoths and even produce cheese from their milk—clear signs of an established society. Their use of basic tools and weaponry, along with personal adornments like decorative scars and bone accessories, indicate an evolving culture and possibly religious practices.
The narrative surrounding Giants is sprinkled throughout Skyrim, suggesting they share ancestry with the Atmorans, a proto-Nordic group, which also birthed several human races, including the Nords and Imperials. Various in-game texts like Giants: A Discourse provide a peek into their rituals, touching on interbreeding with human races—a topic that might be best left somewhat mysterious in future installments.
In The Elder Scrolls 6, the mystery surrounding Giants offers a fascinating avenue to explore. The tension between varied social beliefs and prejudices against Giants creates a rich tapestry for narrative exploration. Instead of demystifying every aspect of Giant lore, Bethesda could enhance their narrative with fresh layers of depth.
Imagine a questline in The Elder Scrolls 6 where the main character has the chance to learn the Giantish language—first introduced in Daggerfall. This skill would allow for direct conversation with Giant characters, opening up avenues for players to learn about their world directly from the source. This approach, full of subjective experiences and varying Giant perspectives, would enrich the lore of the series, adding complexity in a brilliant way.
By weaving these potential storylines, Bethesda can elevate the Giants of The Elder Scrolls from mere background figures to integral parts of its universe, crafting stories that keep players engaged and the world believable yet wonderfully convoluted.
