Argonians

The Argonians, also known as Saxhleel in their native tongue, are a reptilian race from the province of Black Marsh in Tamriel. Known for their adaptability, resilience, and unique connection to the Hist trees, Argonians have a rich culture deeply intertwined with their natural environment and spiritual beliefs.

Physical Characteristics

Argonians are distinguished by their reptilian features, including scales, claws, and tails. Their skin color ranges from green to brown, gray, red, and even blue, often with patterns unique to individuals. Argonians have sharp, angular faces with slit-pupiled eyes that can be any color, though yellow and red are common. Some Argonians possess horns, fins, or other distinctive features on their heads. They are known for their natural agility, swimming ability, and resistance to diseases, making them well-suited to their marshy homeland.

Cultural and Societal Traits

Governance and Politics

Black Marsh, also known as Argonia, is a largely decentralized region, with governance varying among different tribes and settlements. The Argonians do not have a unified political structure akin to other provinces. Instead, each tribe governs itself according to its customs and traditions. The An-Xileel is one of the most influential political groups, particularly noted for leading the Argonian forces during the Oblivion Crisis and subsequent events.

The Hist

Central to Argonian culture and spirituality are the Hist trees. These ancient and sentient trees are considered sacred, believed to be the source of all life and knowledge for the Argonians. The Hist communicate with the Argonians through their sap, which provides guidance, wisdom, and even determines their physical forms and abilities.

Origins and Nature

The Hist are an ancient race of trees that predate the arrival of the Argonians in Black Marsh. The Hist are said to be older than all other races on Nirn as well as predating any sentient life on Tamriel.
They are believed to have a collective consciousness, allowing them to communicate with one another and with the Argonians. The roots of the Hist extend deep into the earth, connecting them to the very essence of Nirn. The Hist's origin is shrouded in mystery, with some legends suggesting they are remnants of the previous world cycle or entities from a different realm altogether.

Role in Argonian Life

Upon birth, Argonian hatchlings are bathed in Hist sap, a ritual that is said to influence their development and destiny. This sap not only nourishes them physically but also imparts the Hist’s wisdom and guidance. Throughout their lives, Argonians periodically consume Hist sap during important rituals or times of need, seeking counsel and strength from the Hist.
The Hist are deeply integrated into all aspects of Argonian society. They are revered not just as spiritual guides but also as protectors and ancestors. Argonians believe that the souls of their ancestors reside within the Hist, and through communion with the trees, they can seek advice and blessings from those who have passed on.

Influence on Physical and Psychological Traits

The Hist's influence on Argonians extends beyond spiritual guidance. It is believed that the Hist can alter an Argonian's physical traits, endowing them with specific abilities or characteristics suited to their roles or the needs of their society. This connection is so profound that Argonians born away from Black Marsh or without access to the Hist sap are often considered less connected or "lost" by their kin.
Psychologically, the Hist instill a deep sense of unity and purpose among the Argonians. The guidance of the Hist helps maintain social cohesion and ensures that Argonian communities act in harmony with the natural world and their cultural values.

Hist Tree in the heart of Black Marsh

Religion and Beliefs

Argonian spirituality revolves around the worship of the Hist. The Hist are seen as both ancestors and gods, guiding the Argonians in all aspects of life. Argonians believe in the reincarnation of souls through the Hist, with each new life contributing to the collective memory and wisdom of the tribe. While some Argonians may adopt aspects of other Tamrielic religions, the reverence for the Hist remains the core of their spiritual identity.

Sithis and the Shadowscales

The Argonians have a unique connection to the worship of Sithis, which is closely tied to the existence of the Shadowscales, a specialized group of assassins. Shadowscales are Argonians born under the sign of the Shadow, who are consecrated to Sithis at birth and trained from a young age to serve the Dark Brotherhood, a cult dedicated to the worship of Sithis and the execution of assassinations.
Raised within Black Marsh, Shadowscales are trained by their own kind in the arts of stealth, assassination, and the dark rituals associated with Sithis. They serve as the hand of Sithis in Argonian society, fulfilling contracts of death both within Black Marsh and across Tamriel. Their existence is a testament to the deep integration of Sithis worship into Argonian culture, where the void is seen as a necessary counterpart to the life-giving force of the Hist.
Shadowscales are highly respected, and their role is considered both an honor and a duty. However, as the influence of the Dark Brotherhood waned in later eras, so too did the tradition of the Shadowscales, leading to their decline in Argonian society. Nonetheless, the legacy of the Shadowscales and their connection to Sithis remains a powerful reminder of the darker aspects of Argonian spirituality.

Art and Architecture

Argonian art and architecture reflect their natural environment and cultural values. Their settlements are often constructed from organic materials such as wood, reeds, and mud, blending seamlessly with the marshland. Argonian art includes intricate carvings, woven textiles, and vibrant body paint, often depicting the natural world and spiritual symbols. Their practical and sustainable approach to building and art emphasizes harmony with nature.

Slavery and Its Impact

For centuries, Argonians suffered under slavery, primarily at the hands of the Dunmer of Morrowind. Many Argonians were captured and forced to work on plantations and in households under harsh and brutal conditions. This period of enslavement created deep-seated animosity between the Argonians and Dunmer, influencing Argonian society's evolution. The abolition of slavery following the Red Year and the Argonian invasion of Morrowind significantly impacted both cultures. Argonians reclaimed much of their territory and gained a sense of unity and resilience from their collective struggle.

Notable Historical Events

The Knahaten Flu

The Knahaten Flu was a devastating plague that swept through Tamriel during the Second Era, particularly affecting Black Marsh. The flu spared the Argonians, who were immune, but decimated other races living in the region. This event led to increased isolation of Black Marsh, as other provinces feared the spread of the disease and withdrew their interests.

Ancient Argonian Xanmeer

The Oblivion Crisis

During the Oblivion Crisis, the Argonians were affected the least of all the races in Tamriel during the daedric invasion, thanks to the intervention of the Hist. The Hist used their influence to call Argonians from across the Empire back to Black Marsh. 
Having foreseen the Oblivion Crisis, the Hist (through the An-Xileel) ordered the Argonians to assault the invading Daedra. The Argonians poured into the Oblivion Gates with such ferocity that Dagon's lieutenants had to close them. This resulted in an astounding victory for the Argonians and led to the collapse of the Empire in Black Marsh as the Argonians turned to the An-Xileel, who proceeded to drive out the Imperials.

The Argonian Invasion of Morrowind

In the aftermath of the Red Year, the Argonians seized the opportunity to invade and reclaim territory from Morrowind. This invasion was driven by a desire for revenge against the Dunmer for centuries of enslavement and oppression. The Argonians successfully captured southern Morrowind, significantly altering the political landscape of the region and marking a new chapter in Argonian history.

Attributes

Argonians are known for their adaptability, natural agility, and resilience. Their unique physiology grants them resistance to diseases and poisons, as well as the ability to breathe underwater, making them excellent swimmers. Argonians are versatile and capable in various roles, including warriors, mages, and thieves. Their cultural emphasis on harmony with nature and the guidance of the Hist shapes their skills and abilities.

Conclusion

The Argonians, or Saxhleel, are a resilient and adaptable race with a deep connection to the natural world and their spiritual heritage. From their unique relationship with the Hist to their enduring spirit in the face of adversity, Argonians embody the strength and wisdom of their ancient culture. Despite the challenges of slavery and external threats, they have maintained their identity and continue to thrive in the diverse and dynamic world of Tamriel.

Argonian Man

Argonian Woman Alchemist

• Singular: Argonian
• Plural: Argonians
• Adjective: Argonian