Lore:The Eldest

The Eldest

The Eldest is an ancient Strangler which has been in Valenwood since creation itself. It was the lifeblood, the very essence of Greenshade and the state of its being reflected upon the forest around it.

There are many tales surrounding the Eldest, most of which have never been put to writing. Some speak of a bloodthirsty army which vowed to never make war again upon visiting the Eldest. Others speak of mischievous pranks played upon pilgrims. There's also the tale of the first pilgrims, a couple who watched the Eldest as if it was their own child. These pilgrims eventually became the first Silvenar and Green Lady. During springtime, Bosmer devotees travel to the Eldest's den, offering thanks to Y'ffre but to also read the stories of their home in the strangler's branches. This is followed by a mighty celebration where drinks are had and the aforementioned tales are shared.

Circa 2E 582, the Eldest was tainted by the Veiled Heritance in an attempt to corrupt Valenwood, using the strangler's innate connection to the Green to spread taint throughout the forest. Flora turned to a state of undeath, water became tainted and even Bosmer turned feral. To save the wilds, the Vestige was forced to put down the ancient being and carve out its heart, being presented then with two choices- to use the Eldest's heart to cleanse the forest, or to find another way and use it to grow a replacement Eldest. It's unknown which path the hero took, but whichever one was chosen resulted in most of the taint being cleansed.