The Argonians and Sexual Development in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind

Image of Traveling-New-Woman (Female Argonian) in Morrowind: http://www.uesp.net/w/images/d/d8/MW-npc-Travelling-New-Woman.jpg

Image of Traveling-New-Woman (Female Argonian) in Morrowind: http://www.uesp.net/w/images/d/d8/MW-npc-Travelling-New-Woman.jpg

In Elder Scrolls: Morrowind, the Argonians are a reptilian race from the Black Marsh region of Tamriel, a continent in the The Elder Scrolls universe. The Argonians are born from eggs and are typically characterized by their unique relationship to the Hist tree. Sexless once hatched, their sex is physiologically determined by how often they lick Hist tree sap. As such, Argonians are able to change their sex throughout their lifetime. It is believed that the sap of the Hist tree mediates hormonal expression which lead to the development of specific sex organs. With the case of Ja-Reet, it is possible for an Argonian to mature without the effects of the Hist tree, though they are likely to be disadvantaged socially and developmentally with regards to other Argonians.

LGBTQ references in this game series:

The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (1996): Jaciel Morgen and Deyanira Katrece

An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire (1997): Pun/joke about the Khajiiti Navy; NPC same-sex spouses; Lord Killbar

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (2002): Vivec; Uncle Crassius Curio; Argonians; Daedric Prince Boethiah; Mephala; Molag Bal; Buoyant Armigers

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011): Bjornolfr and Hrodulf, Same-sex Relationship Options

<games listed below are still being researched>

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006): Ahzirr Trajijazaeri; Viranus Dolton and Eduard Hodge; Dumag Gro-Bonk; Pelinal; City-Swimmer

The Elder Scrolls Online (2014): Bameli the Pure; Hadrill Diina; Jakarn; Arlie Edrald, Frederick and Dulkhi; Make-Many-Waves and Sendrasa Llarys; Goveled Herendas; Captain Linwen and Faenir; Hartmin and Mirllir; Snaehild; Sind and Tand; Davilia Ralas; Captain Rana and Sargeant; Seyne; Erirus Cine and Therich Roielle; Little Leaf

See also QRM’s entry for this game.

Citations

  1. Various. (n.d.). Argonian. The Elder Scrolls Wiki. Retrieved from http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Argonian
  2. Various. (n.d.). Traveling-New-Woman (character page). The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages. Retrieved from http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Morrowind:Travelling-New-Woman
  3. Lady Nerevar. (2014, March 13). Myths and Legends of the Hist. The Imperial Library. Retrieved from http://www.imperial-library.info/content/myths-and-legends-hist
  4. Lady Nerevar. (2014, March 13). The Strange Case of Ja-Reet. The Imperial Library. Retrieved from http://www.imperial-library.info/content/strange-case-ja-reet
  5. Lady Nerevar. (2014). LGBTQ in the Elder Scrolls. Tumblr. Retrieved from http://ladynerevar.tumblr.com/post/92855271360/lgbtq-in-the-elder-scrolls