Why The Elder Scrolls 6 Should Explore the Depths of Skyrim’s Giants

Skyrim players are likely well-acquainted with the towering Giants that populate its landscapes. Known for their strength, these massive beings often send unwelcome guests flying or guard their camps with a fierce presence. Yet, despite their imposing nature, there’s an allure to their mystery that Skyrim never fully unravels. As Bethesda gears up for The Elder Scrolls 6, there’s a ripe opportunity to delve deeper into the intriguing world of these Giants, enriching the narrative and enhancing the game’s lore.

Giants first appeared in The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall, but it wasn’t until Skyrim that they truly began to develop as more than just intimidating foes. In Daggerfall, Giants were somewhat uninspired dungeon dwellers, with only a nod to their culture through the Giantish skill, hinting at a unique language. From these initial concepts, Skyrim’s Giants evolved, becoming visually captivating and more alluring from a backstory perspective. There’s a shared history with the Nords suggested in the game’s archives, hinting at a common ancestry that adds layers to their intelligence as seen through their in-game behaviors. Their semblance of community, along with glimpses of culture and sentience, calls for a deeper exploration.

A surface-level glance at the Giants wandering Skyrim’s icy terrain might make one dismiss them as typical hostile entities. However, a keen observation reveals much more. Without even diving into extensive lore entries, players can decipher a significant amount by watching the Giants’ behavior and attire:

• Mammoth Herding: Giants have domesticated mammoths, even creating cheese from their milk, which indicates intelligence and a degree of civilization.

• Tool Usage: Their basic weaponry and clothing demonstrate an ability to wield tools much like humans.

• Cultural Symbols: The artistic scars, braids, and decorative bones on Giants suggest a vibrant culture, potentially tied to religious beliefs.

All these elements paint a picture of a rich potential backstory. Historical texts within Skyrim imply a belief among some scholars that Giants are descendants of the Atmorans, a proto-Nordic race tied to various human races within the game. Works like Giants: A Discourse and Songs of the Return offer snippets of their life, from rituals to mentions of half-Giant beings, hinting at interbreeding with other men—though this aspect could wisely remain a mysterious piece of the lore.

So, how should The Elder Scrolls 6 incorporate these Giants? What makes them fascinating in Skyrim is precisely their somewhat mysterious backstory. The complexity of their societal perceptions and the prejudices they face provides fertile ground for story exploration. TES 6 doesn’t necessarily need to demystify Giants entirely but could add complexity to their tale.

Incorporating storyline quests focused on Giants is a fitting approach. Since Daggerfall already set the stage for non-Giant characters to learn their language, the main character in The Elder Scrolls 6 could follow suit, allowing for direct communication with Giants. This shift would mean players learn about Giant culture from the beings themselves, presenting a subjective view filled with personal biases and histories—a messy but enriching addition to the Elder Scrolls lore.