Amulet of Kings
The key to the Dragonfires and the shield against the end of days.
The Amulet of Kings is a legendary artifact and the ultimate symbol of legitimate sovereignty over Cyrodiil, serving as the physical manifestation of the Dragonfire Covenant between the Empire and Akatosh, the chief deity of the Eight Divines. For centuries, it was not merely jewelry but a sacred requirement for the Emperor to wear during the ritual that maintained the barrier against the forces of Oblivion. Without the Amulet, the Dragonfires could not be lit, leaving Tamriel vulnerable to demonic invasion and the prophesied end of the world.
- Primary Wielder
- Emperor Uriel Septim VII, Emperor Martin Septim
Lore & Background
The Amulet's importance was tested during the Great Crisis known as the Oblivion Invasion. When Emperor Uriel Septim VII was assassinated in his cell, he died with the artifact still in his possession; it was subsequently recovered by Jauffre alone before escaping with the Hero of Kvatch to safety. The subsequent attempt by the Mythic Dawn cult to steal it nearly succeeded in plunging Tamriel into eternal darkness. Crucially, the Amulet retained its divine connection even while in the hands of non-Dragonborn like Jauffre during transport; however, only a Dragonborn could activate its function to light the Dragonfires. Ultimately, the Amulet could not be used in its traditional form because the last living Dragonborn, Martin Septim, had to sacrifice his humanity and the artifact itself to become a temporary Avatar of Akatosh, shattering the Amulet to permanently seal the gates of Oblivion.
In Their Own Story
The air in the Temple of the One hung thick with ash and the cloying scent of ancient incense. Martin stood before the shattered altar, the Amulet heavy against his chest, its golden facets pulsing with a light too brilliant for this dying world. Outside, the sky was choked by the smoke of burning cities and the shrieks of daedra tearing through the ruins. He locked eyes with the Hero of Kvatch—the only soul left who truly understood the weight of this burden. 'There is no other way,' Martin whispered, his voice trembling not with fear, but with a terrible, quiet resolve. As he pressed the Amulet to his heart, the gold began to dissolve into pure light, revealing the dragon within. The ground heaved as the barrier between worlds tore open one final time, and for a heartbeat, there was only the deafening roar of a god breaking through.
Reader's Guide
During the events of the Oblivion Crisis, the traditional use of the artifact became impossible because the last Emperor had died and his heir was not yet recognized. In a final act of desperation, Martin Septim wore the Amulet to initiate a transformation rather than a ritual. The artifact absorbed his life force and merged with him, creating a colossal Avatar of Akatosh that physically destroyed Mehrunes Dagon's forces and permanently sealed the gates, effectively destroying the Amulet in the process.
Did You Know?
- The Amulet is capable of manifesting as the Avatar of Akatosh, but there is no evidence it can transform mortals into Avatars of Daedra.
- Unlike common belief, the Amulet does not lose its divine connection if stolen or held by a non-Dragonborn; Jauffre successfully transported it alone after Uriel's death without severing its power, though only a Dragonbo
- Despite rumors that no Dragonborn remained after Uriel's death, Martin Septim was confirmed as a living Dragonborn during the Oblivion Crisis, enabling him to perform the final ritual.