Lore:Places H

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Haafingar

Haafingar(also calledHaafingar Holdand theKingdom of Solitude) is a relatively small, mountainous, coastalholdin northwesternSkyrim.Its capital is the famed city ofSolitude,and the two are sometimes treated as one and the same. Solitude is perched atop a large rock outcropping known as theGreat Arch,towering high above the Solitude Inlet, which is found at the end of theKarth Riverand the massive Karth delta. However, Haafingar is far more than just Solitude. The Karth River allows for a great deal of commerce in Solitude and the town ofDragon Bridgein theKarth River Forest(mostly in timber and fish), and the longGiant's Coastlinewith theSea of Ghostsis littered with frozen shipwrecks and treasures.Mount Kilkreathand its associated mountains take a large portion of the hold and it is filled with caves and ruins where bandits and creatures make their homes.

The hold shares borders with two other holds,the Reachto the south andHjaalmarchto the southeast, and the province ofHigh Rockborders it to the west, theForgotten Valefound between the hold andWrothgar.Themountains of Haafingarare only the tapered end of theDruadach Mountains,an enormous range of jagged mountain peaks to the south which rise up among the clouds of the Reach.

Hackdirt

Hackdirtis an isolated settlement located deep in theGreat ForestofCyrodiil,far south ofChorrol.

Haj Uxith

Haj Uxith(translating to"Hidden Nest"inJel) is anArgoniancity found with the depths ofColdharbour,a plane ofOblivion.Haj Uxith comes from a time in Argonian civilization that came before the events known asDuskfall.In order to escape it, theHisthad made a pact withMolag Bal,which took the settlement into his realm, where the Hist would be harvested by theDaedra.A motto that the Argonians of Haj Uxith follow is to preserve the culture that their Hist attempted to keep safe.

Hakoshae

Hakoshae(also known asValley Guard) is a settlement found in the region ofAnequina,within the province ofElsweyr.It is neighbored by several settlements, includingRimmento the north, Darkarn Place to the southwest, andAlabasterin the southeast.

It is one of the few villages across Northern Elsweyr that were built by theAkavirirefugees that fled to Elsweyr following the death of Emperor-PotentateSavirien-Chorakin2E 430.Hakoshae is an isolated and quiet community that promotes their Akaviri background with pride. It is populated byRim-Menwith a very loose and distant background from theTsaescithat were contemporary with the Potentate.

Halcyon Lake

Halcyon Lake(also calledLake Bjoulsae) is a lake on theBjoulsae Riversituated in easternHigh Rock,in theMournothregion of northernBangkorai.The city ofEvermoreis not far to the southwest. There is a prominent island in the middle of the lake.

Half-submerged near the island are the ruins ofBisnensel,anAyleidcity founded byLaloriaran Dynar,the Last King of the Ayleids, in theFirst Era.However, he was forced out by a growing cult ofHermaeus Mora,which occupied the ruins for some time afterwards. As the desertification of Bangkorai spread north, the lake was destined to dry up. In2E 582,a localnereidattempted to avoid this fate by stealing the memories of mortals to create aWater Stone,much to the displeasure of Hermaeus Mora. It is unknown if she succeeded in her plans.

Hale

Haleis a village in theManiaregion of theShivering Isles.It lies along the northern coast, southeast of theIsle of Flameand just north of the ruins ofMilchar.

Circa3E 433,the occupants were mostly a collection of artists. AKnight of the ThornnamedPykesettled here after entering the Shivering Isles through the newly-opened Strange Door inNiben Bay.

Hallin's Stand

Hallin's Stand,formerly known asOjwambu,is a city in southwesternBangkoraiinHammerfell.It lies in a desert region known as theFallen Wastes.The river from Nilata Falls feed into the Sacred Springs surrounding the city. A large number of ruins are found nearby, such as theAyleidNilata Ruinsto the north, theYokudanQharroa Ruinsto the northeast, theTelesubi Ruinsto the east, andHall of Heroesto the southeast, andDwarvenRazak's Wheelto the south.

The Halls of Colossus

TheHalls of Colossus(orColossus Halls) is an ancient set of ruins found in the province ofElsweyr,deep in the reaches of the region ofPellitine.It overlooks theGreat Divide,a stretch of road that runs along theQuin'rawl Peninsula.These ancient ruins have existed in the area long before recorded history, with no indication of who built them, or why. But as the eras go by, the Halls of Colossus was used to contain ancientweapons,fromNumidium,to a piece of theStaff of Chaos.

Hammerfell

Illustration of a typical Redguard male

Hammerfell,once known asHegathe,theDeathland(orDeathlands), andVolenfell,is a region in the west ofTamriel.It has been described as a province, kingdom, or republic throughout its history. Situated betweenSkyrim,Cyrodiil,andHigh Rock.Hammerfell features diverse landscapes including beaches, jungles, grasslands, mountains, and the vastAlik'rdesert. It is inhabited by the human race ofRedguards,who migrated to Tamriel following the partial sinking of their homeland,Yokuda.

Harlun's Watch

Harlun's Watchis a settlement located in theNibenay Basinto the south ofCheydinhal,in theCheydinhal Foothillsregion.

Harstrad River

TheHarstrad Riveris a river in northernSolstheimwhich empties into theSea of Ghostsalong the northeastern coast of the island.

Before theRed Yearof4E 5,the Harstrad river formed the eastern boundary of theMoesring Mountainson the island ofSolstheim.It sprung up near the center of the island and flowed north, merging with theIsild Riverin theIsinfier Plainsand then out into the Sea of Ghosts. TheWind Stonewas located on its western shore, theTree Stonewas near its headwaters, and its banks were dotted with barrows andsnow wolves.

The cataclysms of the Red Year substantially changed the landscape of Solstheim. The delta of the river has moved a little northeast, and the Wind Stone is now located on its eastern shore. The body of the river was substantially truncated, as the headwaters, now inhabited bySpriggans,emerge further north on the island. When the fungal tower ofTel Mithrynbegan suffering a serious malady in4E 201,taprootsoaked in the headwaters of the river was used to heal the living building.

Hatching Pools

TheHatching Poolsis a settlement in centralShadowfen,deep in the province ofBlack Marsh.It is named for the pools ofHist Sapfound beneath the greatHisttree located here. These pools are used by theArgoniansof Shadowfen, who leave their eggs beneath the Hist tree to incubate. The Hist tree is tended to by theKeepers of the Shell,who also act as midwives for the unborn Argonians and preside over their hatching ritual.

Hattu Mountain

Hattu Mountain,sometimes calledMount Hattuor "The Father of Mountains",is a mountain in theHigh Desertprovince ofYokuda.It was notable for itsonyxreserves and for being the place whereFrandar Hundingwrote theBook of Circles.Shortly after, a bloody conflict known as theWar of the Singerstook place at the foot of the mountain. The mountain was inhabited by Hunding zealots during the mid-Second era.

Haven

Havenis one of the eight major cities in the province ofValenwood,located on the stormy waters of theLong Coast.Haven is an important trading post and port city that has changed hands constantly over the course of years, from theImperialsto theAltmer.It is considered the gateway intoGrahtwood,the greater region of southeast Valenwood and it is also a key link inthe Lane,a major sea route that runs along Tamriel's southwest coast. Haven acquired its name because it seems to be a safe place in a dangerous world.

Havoc Wellhead

TheHavoc Wellhead(sometimes styledHavok Wellhead) is a realm ofOblivioncontrolled by manyDaedricclans in the service ofMehrunes Dagon.It acts as one of Dagon's many provincial governmental centers. It was accessible from theBattlespire,but the connection was lost after its destruction during theImperial Simulacrum.

Heartlands

TheHeartlands(also known as theValley Heartland) are the central lowlands ofCyrodiil;a grassland region surroundingLake Rumare,as well as theUpper NibenandNiben Bay.At its center is theImperial City,the largest settlement in the province and the seat of Empires, from the originalAyleid Empireto theCyrodilic EmpiresofMan.

Hectahame

Hectahame(Ayleidoonfor"Home of the Exiles"and also called theHeart of Valenwood) is a large and expansiveAyleid ruinfound in the evergreen jungles ofGreenshade,in the province ofValenwood.Built deep in the vales ofGreen's Marrow,it contains the Heart of the Valenwood, an ancient tree that represents the physical embodiment of the forest's soul and lifeblood. The localWood Elvesview these ruins with superstition and awe, both fearing the past and venerating the Heart for its life energy. It was built by theAyleids,possibly for those that lived in theWhite-Gold Tower.

Hegathe

Hegathe(also calledOld Hegathe) is one of the eight major cities in the province ofHammerfell,found in the fertile grasslands on the tropical western shore landings of theAbecean Sea.Hegathe was once the capital of Hammerfell, ever since theRa Gadalanded on its shores in1E 808until it was moved to the north, in theKingdom of Sentinel.It is known for its austere ramparts that harken back to antiquity, and is considered an equal toWayrestin terms of splendor. The name originally referred to the wastelands that was later designated as Hammerfell, deriving from theAldmeriword for"Deathland".Despite the meaning of the name, the entire peninsula that the city itself is found upon is a lush subtropical rainforest biome, reaching as far north asAbibon-Goraand as far east asKhefrem.

Heimlyn Keep

Heimlyn Keep(sometimes simply calledHeimlyn) is a fortified settlement built on a mesa overlooking theZabamatregion in the province ofMorrowind.Despite its location far from their main settlements, it is a foothold owned byHouse Telvanniin central Morrowind. The town serves primarily as a research center where they study ancientmagic,weapons, and relics that are too dangerous for circulation. These items are stored in a reliquary underneath it and its guardians have been ages ago from their knowledge.

Hel Ra Citadel

Hel Ra Citadel(or theCitadel of Hel Ra) is aYokudanfortress found in theDragontail Mountainsof southwestCraglorn,south ofDragonstarin the province ofHammerfell.Originally aNedicfort captured by Yokudans, Hel Ra was one of the easternmost of theRa Gadadomains, and one of the few to survive into modernity. It grips the sheer side of a tall mountain, and once oversaw a nearby Yokudan city. Sealed by ancient methods for thousands of years, Hel Ra Citadel long remained a revered remnant of "old Yokuda" in Hammerfell. It was re-opened and briefly occupied bythe Celestial Warriorand the re-awakenedAnka-Raduring theInterregnum,until they were vanquished by theUndaunted.

Helgen

Helgen,referred to as the "Gateway to the North" due to the many travelers who visited while coming fromCyrodiilto the south, was a fortified hamlet located east-northeast of the city ofFalkreath,south ofRiverwood,and north ofPale Pass.

The rather small "backwater hovel" was guarded by a wooden wall and the slopes of the mountains it was nestled in, and surrounded a large fort known as Helgen Keep. The Keep held a barracks for Imperial troops, a torture room, and led into a series of caves that traveled north into the wilderness.

Heljarchen

Heljarchen(also calledHelarchen Creek) is a historical settlement located in the region known asthe Pale,within the province ofSkyrim.It is found on the edge of the Pale, where the mountains descend into the great plains ofWhiterun Hold.By theFourth Erathe original settlement had been abandoned and a private homestead known asHeljarchen Hallwas constructed on the land.

During theImperial Simulacrumin the lateThird Era,the village of Helarchen Creek was an active settlement, being ruled by Lady Ingte. It had a rivalry withLaintar DaleandDunpar Wall.It was neighbored by several settlements, includingDawnstarto the northwest, Dunpar Wall to the southwest, andWinterholdto the northeast.

By4E 201,the area had become entirely abandoned. The jarl of Dawnstar offered to sell the land to theLast Dragonbornas a private estate for the purpose of constructing a homestead andwheatmill known as Heljarchen Hall.

Helkarn

Helkarn(orHelkarn Land) is a village located on the edge ofAnequina,on the border withPellitinenear the city-state ofCorinthe.Helkarn is a small settlement in the heart of Elsweyr that is known for its expert breeders and shepherds.

They have a unique breed of wolf known as theHelkarn Wolf.Their young are more sociable than the typical wolf. For a time, they were used as watchdogs, until they were considered unsuitable, so instead, they were bred to be rideable mounts. Helkarn was one of the original sixteen kingdoms of Elsweyr, even back then, they were known for breeders and shepherds.

Helland

Helland(orNorth Hall) is a town found in south-centralHammerfell,found in between the city-states ofTaneth,Rihad,andElinhir.

Helnim Wall

Helnim Wallis a settlement located in theIndoril Districtof easternMorrowind,which is in the jurisdiction of the GreatHouse Indoril.It is near theInner Seaand south of the city ofFirewatch.The terrain around it is made up of badlands.

Helstrom

Helstromis one of the eight major cities in the province ofBlack Marsh,located in the reputedly inhospitable center of the province calledMiddle Argonia.Many consider Helstrom the immortal capital of theArgonians.Located in the interior of Black Marsh, which is generally held to be "impenetrable" by non-Argonians, the city itself is notorious for its perilous reputation and the city's guard is reportedly dangerous.

Heretic's Horn

A peninsula south ofNew Sheoth,in theDementiaregion of theShivering Isles.Deepwallowcan be found along its marshy inland coast, while theHowling Hallswere built atop the central mountain range that runs the length of the peninsula. Named for theHeretics.

Herne

Herneis an island off the west coast ofHammerfell,north ofCespar.It is most notable for acting as the temporary refuge for theYokudannobility, known as theNa-Totambu,during theRa Gadaexodus toTamrielin the earlyFirst Era.

Although some sources claim Herne was uninhabited before their arrival, others claim that it was inhabited by a tribe ofNedes,led by a warchief namedHaakon.The Nedes had successfully repulsed many attacks by elves prior to the arrival of the Yokudans, but the Ra Gada ultimately exterminated them.

After the loss ofEyeveato theMages Guildin2E 582,Sheogorathconsidered bringing Herne to theShivering Isles,but it was not the right shape. The island was considered by theEmpireto be Hammerfell's territory in2E 864,but by the lateThird Era,the island appeared to be considered part ofHigh Rockin certain maps.^{[verification needed — seetalk page]}

Hew's Bane

Hew's Bane,originally known asKhefrem's Boot,is a peninsula in southernKhefremon the south coast ofHammerfell.The largest settlement on the Peninsula is the city ofAbah's Landing.It is bounded byHew's Bayto the north and east, across theAbecean SeafromTaneth.The peninsula starts at the isthmus found south ofGilaneand north of Prince's Gate. There are a number of small islands found south ofShark's Teeth Grotto.

The region is named after PrinceHubalajad,or "Prince Hew", who was the first to attempt to settle the Peninsula, in the early days of theRa Gada.He discovered a barren peninsula hostile to most life; scorching heat and seasonal flooding led to brackish water and ground which was unsuitable for crops. His struggles during the founding of Abah's Landing gave Hew's Bane its name.

The peninsula is home to exotic species such as thekotu gavaandhaj mota,as well as more mundane creatures likelions,lamia,andassassin beetles.The sight of a Senche-Serval in Khefrem is a sign of good luck, so people tend to capture several of them to get a streak of fortune, and even train them to become mounts.

Hew's Bay

Hew's Bay(formerly known asHubalajad's Bay) is the body of water that encompasses south-centralHammerfell,around the eastern coast ofHew's Baneand the cities ofAbah's LandingandTaneth.It is named after PrinceHubalajad,theYokudannoble that founded the aforementioned region of Hew's Bane, but his efforts throughout the years ended in failure and tarnished his name.

High Hrothgar

High Hrothgar(or simplyHrothgar) is a secluded monastery, perched atop the highest peak inSkyrim,theThroat of the World.Here reside the few members of the ancient order of theGreybeards,who endeavor to become more attuned to thevoice of the sky.Jurgen Windcaller,after his defeat at Red Mountain and subsequent meditation, built his home at High Hrothgar and founded the order to study the Thu'um in peace. The Nords believe that they were created byKynewhen the sky breathed onto the peak of this mountain, and many journey up the seven thousand steps on pilgrimages. Few are granted access to its halls as they must be deemed worthy by the Greybeards first (notable examples includingGrundwulf,Jorunn,Tiber Septim,Ulfric Stormcloak,and theLast Dragonborn). Most who are accepted are then trained in theWay of the Voice.Some can also receive theClever Mantraining at Hrothgar, linking the arts and philosophy of Greybeards with clever craft.

High Rock

High Rockis a province in northwesternTamriel.Most of the province is inhabited by theBretons,who have divided the province into multiple Breton city states and minor kingdoms. High Rock has also historically containedOrsinium,the City-State of theOrcs.High Rock encompasses the many lands and clans ofGreater Bretony,theDellese Isles,theBjoulsae Rivertribes,and, by tradition, theWestern Reach.TheDirennionce controlled the entire province until the dissolution of theirHegemonyin theFirst Era,leaving behind many ruins and a lasting legacy on the newly formed Breton city-states in their wake. The rugged highland strongholds and isolated valley settlements have encouraged the fierce independence of the various local Breton clans, resisting integration into a formal province orImperialidentity. Nonetheless, their language, bardic traditions, and heroic legends are a unifying legacy. Aside from the Bretons and their ancestors, other races that have inhabited the province includecentaurs,giants,goblins,Orcs, andSnow Elves.

Highcross

Highcrossis a village in theManiaregion of theShivering Isles.It lies roughly at the northernmost section of The Jester's Spine.

In3E 433,the occupants were an eccentric bunch. For example, Bruscus Dannus concerned himself with nothing other than cleaning the road that ran through the settlement. Another eccentric resident was Runs-in-Circles, anArgonianwhose very name gives enough explanation as to her erratic and often comical behavior.

TheHero of Kvatchwas tasked by one of the village residents, Mirili Ulven, with luring various creatures back to Highcross so that she could capture and study them.

Hill of Suicides

TheHill of Suicidesis a hill that rises out of the swamp waters of northernDementia,in the center of theShivering Isles.It is located north of the Low Road, to the west ofNew Sheoth.A small graveyard is located nearby.

The Hill is infamous among the mortal inhabitants of the Isles, as any citizen who choses to end their own life is doomed to spend eternity on the Hill bySheogorath's decree. Thesoulsof these suicides can be seen mournfully gazing out adopt the Hill, but cannot be spoken to. It is believed to be a miserable existence, intended to discourage depressed mortals from killing themselves. Visitors to New Sheoth sometimes take day trips to the Hill to take in the sight.

The only way to free a soul from the Hill of Suicides is to bring their mortal remains to them. However, these skeletal remains may allegedly be scattered across the Isles by forces unknown. Those that free trapped souls are said to become blessed.

Hirstaang Forest

TheHirstaang Forestcovered most of the southern half ofSolstheim,south of theIsinfier Plains.Bloodskal BarrowandBrodir Groveformed the northern border. The west, south and eastern borders ended at the northern waters of theInner Sea.The forest was destroyed following the eruption ofRed Mountainin theRed Yearof4E 5,leaving only ash wastes in the southern half of Solstheim.

The Hirstaang Forest was home to numerous barrows and ice caves. There were only twoImperialsettlements on the island, both located within the forest:Fort Frostmothand the mining town ofRaven Rock.Barrows like Bloodskal Barrow,Himmelhost Barrow,Frosselmane Barrow,Kolbjorn Barrow,Skogsdrake BarrowandValbrandr Barrowmade the Hirstaang Forest home to the largest concentration of barrows anywhere on Solstheim. The few ice caves in the region, like theHalls of Penumbra,Ulfgar the Unending's DwellingandKolfinna's Dwelling,made the Hirstaang Forest as extensive underground as it was above ground.

Hissmir

Hissmiris a historic settlement in theVenomous Fensof southernShadowfen,deep in the province ofBlack Marsh.It is a site of pilgrimage, centered on an ancientxanmeercomplex.Lukiulpilgrims come to Hissmir from all overTamrielto complete the Trials of the Burnished Scales and commune with theHist.This ritual allows even non-Argonians to speak with the Hist. Many Argonians born outside Black Marsh lack a connection to the Hist and come to Hissmir to find that missing piece of themselves.

River Hjaal

TheRiver Hjaalis the main river that flows through the center ofHjaalmarchinSkyrim.Its headwaters are located in northwesternWhiterun Hold,in the highlands south ofMorthal.After dropping down a series of waterfalls and entering Hjaalmarch, the river passes northeast through Morthal, then spreads out and drains into theKarth delta,the marshy area where the River Hjaal and the larger Karth River empty into the icySea of Ghoststhrough a variety of intricate channels.

Hjaalmarch

HjaalmarchorHjaalmarch Holdis a lowland coastalholdinSkyrim.Roughly half the hold consists of theDrajkmyrmarsh, south of which is the capital and only major settlementMorthal(althoughStonehillsand some farmsteads lie on the tundra ofHailstone Valley). The region is veined with waterways that empty into theSea of Ghosts,and theSkyborn Rangefurther isolates the area from the eastern and southern border.

Hjaalmarch is home to the Karth delta, also called the Mouths of the Karth, where the mightyKarth Riverand the smallerRiver Hjaal(from whence the hold's name is derived) empty into the Sea of Ghosts through a variety of intricate channels. TheDeathbellflower is known to be abundant throughout the swamps. Many ruins dot the hold, including the legendaryLabyrinthian.Combined with the fog that surrounds the marshes and the creatures that stalk the land (Wispmotherspurportedly originated here), Hjaalmarch is considered one of the more mysterious holds in Skyrim.

Hjaalmarch has the lowest taxes of the nine holds, but it is also the poorest hold.

Hla Oad

Hla Oadwas a tiny fishing village at the southern end of theBitter Coastregion, southwest ofBalmoraonVvardenfell.It offered few services, and was rumored to be a major stopover for smugglers. Circa2E 582,Hla Oad was not yet a town, though the Sarandas Shack was found at the site of the future settlement. Like most of Vvardenfell, it was likely destroyed during theRed Year.

Hoarbeld

Hoarbeldwas a village featured in the fictional novel seriesThe Adventures of Eslaf Erol.It was located in the province ofSkyrim,outside the kingdom ofErolgard.It was located near the southern woods ofTamburkarandMount Jensen.Eslaf Erol committed his first act of thievery in the nearby Tamburkar.

Holamayan

Holamayanis a monastery and sacred temple ofAzura,located on an isolated island off the eastern coast ofVvardenfell.It lies alongAzura's Coast,south ofSadrith Moraand east ofMount Assarnibibi.The monastery has been a pilgrimage site for thousands of years, with ferries coming from as far away asEbonheart.Secretly, Holamayan became the home of theDissident Priests,who disputed the doctrines of theTribunal Temple.Thus, the monastery became a repository for the Apographa, the hidden writings the Temple had suppressed. The monastery itself is built underneath the surface of the island, with its entrance hidden by hills and brush. It is further protected by a magical stone hood that raises only during the times of Azura, dawn and dusk. Within, the monks pay homage to Azura and thesaintsof theDunmer(not including theTribunal).

The Hollow City

TheHollow Cityis an abandoned city found in the depths ofMolag Bal's realm ofColdharbour.It is protected from Molag Bal's influence and minions by his enemy,Meridia,who despises undeath. It is thus a unique oasis of light and life in one of the darkest and most dangerous realms ofOblivion.

The Hollow City was once a city inTamriel,likely inCyrodiil,at which point it was called by another name.

The legend of the city's disappearance bears a striking resemblance to the history ofDelodiil,which was transported by her intoColdharbourin response to an attack by Molag Bal. It is implied that the Chapel of Light is the same as the one found in Delodiil, which was also built around a cathedral dedicated to Meridia. However, there are some inconsistencies in that Hollow City was transported in the time ofLaloriaran Dynar,the "Last King of the Ayleids", and therefore at the very end of the decline of Ayleid civilization, while Delodiil apparently disappeared when Ayleids still ruled the Heartlands.

Honor's Rest

Honor's Restis a tomb, built byOrcish,Redguard,andBretonmasons after the destruction of the FirstOrsinium.It serves as the final resting place ofBaloth BloodtuskandGaiden Shinji,two great heroes and rivals, buried together side by side.

Lake Honrich

Lake Honrichis a lake in the easternRift.Riftenis located on the shores of Lake Honrich, and a set of islands called theIsle of Goldcan be found at its center.

Howling Halls

Emperor Pelagius Septim IIIdied on the 2nd of Sun's Dawn,3E 153in theTemple of Kynarethon the Isle ofBetony.This Temple was destroyed promptly after the Emperor's death. Not long after, residents of theShivering Islescame toTamriel,stole the stones of the ruined Temple, brought them to the Isles, and rebuilt the Temple in exact detail atop theHeretic's HorninDementia.This structure became known as theHowling Halls,as it was said that one could still hear Pelagius' screams.

Hrota Cave

Hrota Caveis a natural cave network found just north ofAnvil,on a hill overlooking the city. It lies just off theGold Road.

Like all natural caves, these tunnels once served as the capillaries ofNirn,pulsing with the divine essence of theAedra.The cave possesses black rock walls and extensive stalagma.

Circa2E 582,the cave was home to an evil spirit, awispmothernamed Exulus. She spawned other lesser wispmothers, and used herwispsto reanimate the corpses of the countless warriors sent against her. The Temple ofArkaylost several holy warriors to the monster, and offered a bounty through theDragonstar Caravan Companyto whoever could destroy Exulus and recover the pauldrons of the fallen warriors. This contract was duly completed, and the evil was driven from Hrota Cave. However, the cave had also become the lair of avampire lordnamed Zalar-do, whose presence threatened the whole of Anvil. The famed vampire hunterMel Adrystracked the vampire to the cave, killing her and the few victims she had turned.

By the end of theThird Era,the cave was uninhabited. This changed in3E 433when a gang ofBosmerthieves moved in and started plaguing Anvil. One of their victims was the Anvil harbormaster, Newheim the Portly, whose heirloom flagon was stolen. The localFighters Guildwas hired to take care of the thieves, and subsequently wiped out the gang and recovered the missing flagon. Wild beasts and monsters then began to occupy the vacated cave.

Hrothmund's Barrow

Hrothmund's Barrowis aNordicbarrow on the island ofSolstheim,located in theMoesring Mountains.

History

The barrow is the resting place ofHrothmund the Red,aSkaalwho leftSkaal Villageand foundedThirskin3E 326.He ruled over Thirsk for twenty-one years, but was slain and devoured byOndjage,the Fell Wolf, in3E 347.He was buried in the barrow with two of his prized possessions:Hrothmund's Axe,which became a conduit for speaking with his spirit, and theAmulet of Infectious Charm,a famous magical trinket which he had used in life to woo women despite his great ugliness. A body encased instalhrimwas placed in the barrow, although it's unknown if it was the remains of Hrothmund. The barrow was guarded bydraugr,bonewolvesand undeadskeletons,and the entrance was magically sealed. To gain entrance, one needed to speak the correct password ( "Ondjage" ), or the barrow would be sealed forever. The main chamber was flooded with water, which would recede when approached. A geoglyph called Hrothmund's Bane was assembled around the barrow to resemble the head of a wolf, with the entrance as its eye.

Following Hrothmund's death, the inhabitants of Thirsk began the tradition of sending their new chieftains to the barrow to receive Hrothmund's blessing. It was during one of these visits, in3E 427,that theNerevarineentered the barrow, seeking to become chieftain following the death of theUdyrfrykte.The Nerevarine also looted the stalhrim, and took the Amulet of Infectious Charm forLouis Beauchamp,aBretonmage fromAld'ruhnwho had sent a failed expedition to the barrow earlier that year in a patchwork airship. By4E 201,the seal on the entrance was no longer in place and the barrow's undead guardians were gone. After Thirsk had been taken byrieklingsearlier that year, the warriors of Thirsk had fallen out of Hrothmund's favor, and it's unknown if the tradition continued.

Hsaarik Head

Hsaarik Headis a headland located at the extreme northern tip ofSkyrim'sBroken Cape,where the city ofWinterholdis built upon. According to tradition, it is where the last fleet fromAtmora,under the command ofYsgramor,made landfall inTamrielduring the lateMerethic Era.Some believed that theresting placeofYngol,the son of Ysgramor, was located far below the rocky face of Hsaarik Head.

The headland was once much larger and more populated until theGreat Collapseof4E 122,when large portions of it fell into theSea of Ghosts,taking entire city districts of Winterhold with it.

Hunding Bay

Hunding Bay,named after thefamed Redguard hero,is a body of water in theAbecean Sea,near the isle ofStros M'Kai,south ofHammerfell.It is well known as the site of the famousBattle of Hunding Bay.

Hunting Grounds

TheHunting Grounds,also known as theGreat Hunt,is a realm ofOblivioncreated and ruled over byHircine,theDaedric Princeof the Hunt. It has been described as a realm of dense woodland and vast grasslands populated bywerebears,wildcattleandunicorns.It is a savage land inhabited by vicious creatures such asbears,wolves,werecreatures, andDaedra.These creatures are generally much larger than their counterparts in the mortal realm. The spirits of animals from the mortal plane are a common sight within the Hunting Grounds, as Hircine brings them in to please his followers. All who die within the Hunting Grounds are doomed to remain within the realm after death. Inhabitants of the realm may take on the shapes of various animals to participate in the eternal hunt.

Followers of Hircine are promised an afterlife within the Hunting Grounds, where they can indulge in spectacular hunts, as well as experience an endless cycle of violence as well as death and rebirth. Its inhabitants reside in the many hunting lodges dotting the landscape. The forests of the Hunting Grounds are teeming with powerful beasts, which allow Hircine's followers to engage in the most spectacular hunts. For the devoted, it is a paradise. The souls oflycanthropesare claimed by Hircine and spend eternity experiencing the thrill of the hunt in his Hunting Grounds. However, it is possible for a soul to transfer to the proper afterlife (such asSovngarde) if their lycanthropy is cured posthumously, provided their soul is yet to have been taken to the Hunting Grounds. During the daylight hours,werebearsand fierceNordsstalk the land in their continual Hunt. When the sun sinks below the horizon, Hircine announces himself with a pack of werewolves to take his turn in the cycle.