Anu and Padomay
Before time, only the stillness of Anu and the chaos of Padomay remained.
Anu and Padomay represent the primordial forces of stasis and change that existed before time itself began in the Aurbis. They are not merely characters but fundamental cosmic principles whose interaction sparked the creation of all existence, from the divine to the mortal realms. Their eternal conflict and cooperation form the metaphysical bedrock upon which the entire Elder Scrolls universe is built.
- Nature
- Primordial Forces (Stasis vs. Change)
- Domain
- The Void / Pre-Time Existence
- Offspring
- The Et'Ada (Anui-els and Sithis)
Lore & Background
The conflict between Anu and Padomay is not a simple battle but an eternal tension required for existence to persist. Without Anu's stasis, reality would dissolve into pure chaos; without Padomay's change, nothing could ever happen or evolve. This dynamic gave rise to the concept of time, as the interplay between stillness and movement created the forward momentum of events. The spirits born from this union often sided with one parent over the other, creating the diverse pantheons seen in mortal religions, such as the Order of Stasis (Aedra) and the Sons of Sithis (Daedra).
In Their Own Story
The void stretched endlessly, a silence so profound it felt like a weight. Then came the first ripple, a tremor of pure chaos that shattered the eternal stillness. Anu, vast and unyielding, held firm against the encroaching darkness of Padomay. Where they touched, light fractured into a billion shards, each one singing with the birth of a new spirit. The silence broke into a roar as the first moment of time was born, not from a clock, but from the struggle between what is and what could be.
Reader's Guide
The mythology of Anu and Padomay serves as the foundational creation myth for the Elder Scrolls universe, explaining how existence arose from nothingness. Unlike many other fantasy settings where gods create the world through deliberate design, here the universe is an accidental byproduct of two opposing cosmic forces colliding. This duality permeates every aspect of Tamrielic lore, influencing everything from the nature of magic to the structure of time itself.
Scholars in-universe often debate whether Anu and Padomay are singular entities or collective concepts representing all aspects of stasis and change. The Et'Ada, who emerged from their interaction, carry these traits within them; some spirits lean toward order and preservation, while others embrace entropy and destruction. This philosophical framework helps explain the complex relationships between the Aedra, who sacrificed themselves to create the mortal plane, and the Daedric Princes, who rejected such sacrifice to maintain their own chaotic realms.
Understanding this duality is crucial for interpreting the game's deeper narratives, as many conflicts mirror this primordial struggle. Whether it is the fight against Oblivion or the resurrection of a dragon god, these events often reflect the eternal tension between maintaining the status quo and embracing necessary change. The lore suggests that balance, rather than victory by one side, is essential for the continued existence of reality.
Did You Know?
- The name 'Aurbis' comes from the combination of Anu and Padomay's interaction, representing the universe born between them.
- Sithis, often worshipped as a Daedric Prince, is considered by some interpretations to be the direct manifestation of Padomay rather than a separate entity.
- Anui-els are spirits that embody the aspect of Anu, while Sithis represents the chaotic influence of Padomay within the spiritual realm.