Markarth is a dark and unfriendly place. Players will immediately learn about the haunted house and the cult of cannibals, but even experienced Skyrim researchers miss some of the secrets of this place. We will tell you about them!
From all the cities of Skyrim Markarth is definitely one of the most unique.
Located in the southwestern part of Skyrim, the entire complex spreads out on a hill and consists of several levels. However, despite the magnificent views of the plains of the Reach, This city has a complex history.
From the Forsworn and the mysterious Cidna Mine to a haunted house and even a cannibal cult, Markarth has his own secrets.which the Jarl would most likely prefer not to notice. However, with the arrival of the Dragonborn, all the secrets and hidden details of the city were revealed. Here are 10 of the most mysterious facts that are not evident on the first playthrough.
College of Voice
In Skyrim, Thu'um is a special magic that only a select few people can use. and master over the course of your life. This is what makes the Dragonborn special. However, the Thu'um was once a weapon for other, more brutal purposes.
Markarth was indeed home to the College of the Voice. It was a school opened by the Emperor of Tamriel himself, who wanted to train others who knew the Voice to use it in battle. Unfortunately, this college is long gone, and, most likely, it was either destroyed or demolished.
City of stone, not metal
The Dwemer are a race that has been mentioned multiple times in previous Elder Scrolls games. They are known for their mysterious and somewhat violent lifestyle, but also for their unique architecture; once they built Markarth, and not only the upper, but also its lower levels.
However, in the previous parts, gamers could see structures that were built from metal, not stone. In this matter, Markarth is special. Indeed, the city was carved out of the mountain itself, and all superstructures were formed from stone blocks.which is impressive to say the least. And this is unusual for the Dwemer!
High King Olaf One-Eye
Olaf One-Eye, found both in Sovngarde and in the form of Draugr during the quest "Set it on fire!", is an important character in the history of Skyrim. He is a national hero. He is said to have defeated the dragon Numinex, though the Dragonborn can change this fact during the quest.
Olaf also played an important role in the history of Markarth. It can even be said that without his contribution the city would not be what it is today. It was Olaf who took control of Markarth and brought it back into the hands of the Nords.
Calcelmo tablet
During the Thieves Guild quest chain, the player will eventually be sent to Markarth to see the heavily guarded Calcelmo stone slab in his Dwemer museum. It will help decipher the entries in one important diary. Although the tablet serves as the key to the cipher, it actually contains some rather interesting text.
It's almost like a letter to the Falmer, a kind of invitation for them. join the Dwemer and drink a mysterious mushroom concoction that ends up blinding them. The Dwemer even state in their letter that the Falmer should not be afraid when the "darkness falls". Perhaps their allies knew what they were getting into?
Original Markarth
The Elder Scrolls: Arena is an old game, so old that modern fans of the franchise have likely never played it. Considering how much the view of Tamirel's lore has changed since then, this isn't really a big surprise, but the map of Skyrim still looks somewhat familiar.
One detail that is very different from Markarth in Elder Scrolls XNUMX is its location. It roughly corresponds to where Solitude is now. Moreover, the city was called Markarth Side, not just Markarth, which shows how much lore was changed to accommodate the city for later games.
Etherium mining
It's no secret that Markarth was built by the Dweme and once belonged to them. However, this place was not just part of the larger province of Skyrim, it was something more. In fact, it was actually an independent state and city at the same time.
Markarth's primary goal was to mine Etherium, a rare ore that appears in the Dawnguard DLC. The old name of the city was actually Nchuand-Zel. Now this is the name of the ruins lying under Markarth.
Kosnach and hotel
One of the funniest and weirdest companions available in Skyrim also resides in Markarth. Kosnach is a little lazy, and although he works at a local shop, he never seems to be busy. As a result, it is most often found in the Silver Blood Inn.
After talking to him, he can be challenged to a fight for 100 gold. If the player wins, the character will be hired as a companion. But what's more interesting once Kosnach has been defeated, the player can also take any cheap item from the inn for free and will not be accused of stealing.
He is also one of the worst relationship partners in Skyrim.
Kera and Endon
Kera and Endon are a very remarkable couple living in Markarth. First, Endon works for the Thieves Guild as a local fence., and can be interacted with later in the Outlaws questline. However, his wife Kera doesn't really seem to know about her husband's work, or if she does, she doesn't care.
Kera herself sells jewelry, and it is implied that she, too, had not acquired her goods legally. It is known for certain that some of her treasures belong to the "nobles of Hammerfell". This means that they can be stolen.
Poor neighborhoods
While most players are at least familiar with the slums in Riften, many probably did not visit the Anthill in Markarth. After all, there isn't much to see here, unless the player wants to sink into the gloom of those who live in great poverty.
At the same time, the slums have one interesting character - Harvey. Not only can he teach the Dragonborn how to sneak well, but he will also treat the player as if they themselves were part of the Anthill. With it, you can for a moment feel like a beggar from the slums.
Bad customer service
Let's go back to the Silver Blood Tavern, which is probably the busiest place in depressing Markarth. Upon entering, it is clear that the two innkeepers, Klepp and Frabby, are not happily married. They constantly quarrel over trifles right in front of the guests.
If the player sits by the fireplace, the couple will start arguing until Klepp won't tell Frabby to go and ask the Dragonborn what he needs. It's a cool interaction that most players might miss out on when they first get here.