The Eight Divines

Akatosh is the chief deity of the Eight Divines. The Empire reveres Akatosh as its protector. He embodies the qualities of endurance, invincibility, and everlasting legitimacy. Akatosh forged the Covenant with Saint Alessia, and his blood was mystically joined with Alessia and her heirs.

Akatosh says: Serve and obey your Emperor. Study the Covenants. Worship the Eight, do your duty, and heed the commands of the saints and priests.

Arkay is the god of burials and funeral rites, sometimes associated with the seasons. As a psychopomp, he is understood to guide the souls of the dead to Aetherius. His priests are staunch opponents of necromancy and all forms of undead.

Arkay says: Honor the earth, its creatures, and the spirits, living and dead. Guard and tend the bounties of the mortal world, and do not profane the spirits of the dead.

Dibella embodies physical attraction. She has nearly a dozen different cults, some devoted to women, some to art and aesthetics, and others to erotic instruction. She blesses love in all its forms, so long as it is pure and untainted by coercion.

Dibella says: Open your heart to the noble secrets of art and love. Treasure the gifts of friendship. Seek joy and inspiration in the mysteries of love.

Julianos is the god of literature, law, and history. His temples act as educational institutions. The affinity for contradiction makes Julianos a patron of many mages as well as lawmakers, scholars, and inventors.

Julianos says: Know the truth. Observe the law. When in doubt, seek wisdom from the wise.

Kynareth is the strongest of the Sky spirits and a patron of sailors and travelers, also associated with rain and wind. In some legends, she was the first to agree to the plan of creation. Kynareth spoke with Saint Alessia through visions of Pelinal’s imminent arrival. She is the mother of the demigod Morihaus, the winged bull who aided the Slave Rebellion against the Ayleid Elves.

Kynareth says: Use Nature's gifts wisely. Respect her power, and fear her fury.

Often called the Divine Mother, Mara is the patron of marriage and familial love. Her wedding vows can be undertaken by anyone, irrespective of gender or race. Her clergy aids those whose love needs guidance and strives to bring mortals together.

Mara says: Live soberly and peacefully. Honor your parents, and preserve the peace and security of home and family.

Stendarr is the god of mercy, charity, and justice. He is the patron of magistrates, holy warriors, knights errant, Imperial Legionaries, and all those who use their might to protect the weak. He is seen as an enemy of the Four Abominations: Daedra, Lycanthropes, Undead, and Vampires.

Stendarr says: Be kind and generous to the people of Tamriel. Protect the weak, heal the sick, and give to the needy.

Zenithar is a patron of wealth, industry, commerce, and communication, often worshiped by merchants, artisans, and the middle nobility. His priests teach that the path to peace and prosperity is through earnest work and honest profit, rather than war, bloodshed, or theft. He is sometimes called the Trader God.

Zenithar says: Work hard, and you will be rewarded. Spend wisely, and you will be comfortable. Never steal, or you will be punished.