Boethiah's Calling
Introduction
"Boethiah's Calling" is a significant quest in the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a popular action role-playing video game developed by Bethesda Game Studios. This quest is dedicated to Boethiah, one of the Daedric Princes, who is revered as the Prince of Deceit, Conspiracy, and Secret Plots of Murder. Boethiah is known for her cunning and manipulative nature, often involving herself in the affairs of mortals to further her own inscrutable goals. The quest "Boethiah's Calling" serves as a testament to her influence and the dark allure she holds over her followers.
Background of Boethiah
Boethiah is a prominent figure in the pantheon of Daedric Princes, entities that exist beyond the mortal realm of Nirn. She is often depicted as a malevolent force, embodying the darker aspects of ambition and betrayal. Her sphere of influence extends over deceit, treachery, and the unlawful overthrow of authority. Unlike other Daedric Princes, Boethiah is not bound by a single form and can appear as either male or female, depending on her whims and the context of her interactions.
Boethiah's worship is characterized by secretive cults and clandestine gatherings, where followers engage in rituals that often involve acts of violence and betrayal. Her teachings emphasize the importance of strength, cunning, and the willingness to seize power through any means necessary. As such, Boethiah is both feared and revered by those who seek to gain her favor.
The Quest: Boethiah's Calling
"Boethiah's Calling" is an intricate quest that begins when the player character, known as the Dragonborn, stumbles upon the Sacellum of Boethiah, a remote shrine dedicated to the Daedric Prince. The quest is initiated when the Dragonborn reads a book titled "Boethiah's Proving," which can be found in various locations throughout Skyrim. This book serves as an invitation to seek out Boethiah and participate in her deadly trials.
The Sacellum of Boethiah is located in the mountains east of Windhelm, a city in the northeastern part of Skyrim. Upon arrival, the Dragonborn encounters a group of cultists who are in the midst of a ritual. These cultists are fervent followers of Boethiah, and they challenge the Dragonborn to prove their worthiness by defeating a champion in combat.
The Trial of Sacrifice
The first major task in "Boethiah's Calling" is the Trial of Sacrifice. Boethiah demands a sacrifice to demonstrate the Dragonborn's loyalty and willingness to embrace her teachings. The player must bring a follower to the Sacellum and use the Blade of Sacrifice, a ceremonial dagger, to kill them on the altar. This act of betrayal is a test of the Dragonborn's resolve and commitment to Boethiah's path.
The choice of whom to sacrifice is left to the player, adding a layer of moral complexity to the quest. The act of sacrifice is not only a test of loyalty but also a reflection of Boethiah's influence over her followers, who must be willing to betray even those closest to them.
The Champion of Boethiah
After the sacrifice, Boethiah herself appears to the Dragonborn, taking the form of the sacrificed follower. She commands the Dragonborn to eliminate her current champion, a powerful warrior who resides at Knifepoint Ridge, a bandit stronghold in Skyrim. The task is to defeat this champion and claim their title, proving the Dragonborn's superiority and dedication to Boethiah.
The confrontation with the champion is a test of combat prowess and strategy, as the player must navigate the stronghold and overcome its defenses. Upon defeating the champion, the Dragonborn is rewarded with the Ebony Mail, a powerful piece of armor imbued with Boethiah's dark magic.
The Ebony Mail
The Ebony Mail is a unique piece of armor that serves as the ultimate reward for completing "Boethiah's Calling." It is a manifestation of Boethiah's power, offering protection and enhancing the wearer's abilities. The armor is characterized by its distinctive black appearance and the aura of darkness that surrounds it.
The Ebony Mail grants the wearer several advantages, including increased resistance to physical and magical attacks. It also emits a poisonous aura that damages nearby enemies, reflecting Boethiah's lethal nature. This armor is highly sought after by players for its formidable attributes and the prestige associated with bearing a Daedric artifact.
Themes and Symbolism
"Boethiah's Calling" is rich with themes and symbolism that reflect the nature of Boethiah and her influence over her followers. The quest explores the concepts of betrayal, ambition, and the pursuit of power, challenging players to confront their own moral boundaries.
The act of sacrifice is a central theme, symbolizing the willingness to forsake personal relationships and ethical considerations in the pursuit of power. This theme is further reinforced by the requirement to eliminate Boethiah's champion, highlighting the ruthless nature of her teachings.
The quest also delves into the idea of transformation, as the Dragonborn must undergo a series of trials to prove their worthiness. This transformation is both literal and metaphorical, as the player assumes the mantle of Boethiah's champion and gains the Ebony Mail, a symbol of their newfound power.
Cultural and Historical Context
In the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe, Boethiah holds a significant place in the history and culture of the Dunmer, the dark elves of Morrowind. She is revered as one of the Three Good Daedra, alongside Azura and Mephala, who guided the Chimer (ancestors of the Dunmer) to their homeland and helped shape their society.
Boethiah's influence is evident in the Dunmer's emphasis on strength, cunning, and the pursuit of personal glory. Her teachings have left a lasting impact on their culture, shaping their values and societal structure. The quest "Boethiah's Calling" serves as a reflection of this cultural heritage, offering players a glimpse into the complex relationship between the Dunmer and their Daedric patrons.
Conclusion
"Boethiah's Calling" is a compelling quest that challenges players to explore the darker aspects of ambition and power. Through its intricate narrative and moral dilemmas, the quest offers a unique opportunity to engage with the rich lore of the Elder Scrolls universe and the enigmatic figure of Boethiah. By completing the quest, players not only gain powerful rewards but also a deeper understanding of the Daedric Prince's influence and the complex web of deceit and ambition that defines her realm.