Was Cicero in Oblivion? Unraveling the Mystery of the Keeper

The short answer is a resounding no, Cicero as we know him from Skyrim was not in Oblivion. While the Elder Scrolls series is known for its intricate lore and recurring characters, Cicero, the quirky and unsettling Keeper of the Night Mother in Skyrim, did not make an appearance in the previous installment, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. However, the waters get a little murky when you consider subtle references and fan theories. Let’s dive into the details and separate fact from speculation.

Cicero: A Skyrim-Specific Phenomenon

Cicero’s character is deeply intertwined with the events of Skyrim. He serves as the Keeper for the Night Mother, the undead bride of Sithis, and is an integral part of the Dark Brotherhood questline. His erratic behavior, unsettling jester costume, and devoted (some might say obsessive) loyalty to the Night Mother are defining aspects of his character. These elements are entirely absent from Oblivion.

In Oblivion, the Dark Brotherhood has a strong presence, with its sanctuary located in Cheydinhal. However, the Keeper of the Night Mother at that time is not Cicero. Instead, the Night Mother’s coffin rests within the Cheydinhal sanctuary, and her presence is primarily felt through Lucien Lachance, a Speaker of the Black Hand, who relays her directives to the player character. There’s no eccentric jester running around and journaling his every thought.

The Oblivion Connection: A Matter of References and Fan Theories

Despite Cicero’s absence in Oblivion, there are a few factors that fuel the confusion and speculation:

• The Dark Brotherhood’s Continuity: The Dark Brotherhood is a recurring guild in the Elder Scrolls universe, appearing in multiple games. This creates a sense of shared history and interconnectedness, leading fans to wonder about the fates of characters across different eras.

• Cicero’s Journal: In Skyrim, Cicero’s journal entries reference events and characters that are familiar to Oblivion players. One notable example is a mention of the Adoring Fan, a famously annoying character from Oblivion. This reference is often interpreted as a playful nod to fans, not a confirmation of a direct connection.

• Fan Theories: The Elder Scrolls community is known for its elaborate fan theories. The idea that Cicero might have had a past in Cyrodiil (the province where Oblivion is set) is an appealing concept for some, although it lacks concrete evidence within the games themselves.

The Truth: A One-Way Street

While the Skyrim storyline acknowledges Oblivion through references, the same cannot be said in reverse. Oblivion, being the earlier game, couldn’t possibly foreshadow a character that hadn’t been conceived yet. The mention of the Adoring Fan in Cicero’s journal is clearly a retroactive nod to the Oblivion players, giving them an easter egg to enjoy.

Why This Matters

Understanding the difference between direct character appearances and clever references is crucial for appreciating the depth and complexity of the Elder Scrolls lore. The developers often include these nods to previous games as a treat for long-time fans, enriching the experience without necessarily altering established storylines. Learning about game development and design through the Games Learning Society can allow players to appreciate the nuances of the game in its entirety!

FAQs: Debunking the Cicero in Oblivion Myths

1. Is there a Keeper of the Night Mother in Oblivion?

No, there isn’t a specific character designated as the “Keeper” in Oblivion in the same way as Cicero in Skyrim. The Night Mother’s coffin is present in the Cheydinhal sanctuary, but there’s no dedicated caretaker character.

2. Does Cicero’s journal in Skyrim confirm he was in Oblivion?

No, his journal only references events and characters from Oblivion, like the Adoring Fan. This is a common practice in the Elder Scrolls series, where later games reference earlier ones as easter eggs.

3. Could Cicero have been a minor, unnamed character in Oblivion?

While technically possible, there is no evidence to support this. Cicero’s personality and role are so distinctive that it’s highly unlikely he would have been a silent or insignificant character.

4. Did the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion know about Cicero?

There’s no mention of Cicero in Oblivion dialogue or lore books. He is a Skyrim-specific addition to the Dark Brotherhood mythology.

5. Was Lucien Lachance (from Oblivion) aware of a future Keeper of the Night Mother?

Again, there is no indication of this. Lucien Lachance serves as a direct intermediary for the Night Mother, but he doesn’t reference any future arrangements.

6. What happened to the Night Mother between Oblivion and Skyrim?

The events that transpired with the Night Mother between the two games are largely unknown, which adds to the sense of mystery around her role and the rise of Cicero as her dedicated Keeper.

7. Who was in charge of the Night Mother before Cicero?

Prior to Cicero’s rise to prominence as the Keeper, the Night Mother was primarily “managed” by Speakers of the Black Hand, who received her directives and communicated them to the assassins.

8. Are there any other Skyrim characters who appeared in Oblivion?

Some characters or their ancestors are mentioned across multiple games, but direct appearances of major Skyrim characters in Oblivion are rare.

9. Is the Adoring Fan from Oblivion somehow connected to Cicero?

The reference to the Adoring Fan in Cicero’s journal is purely an easter egg. There’s no story-based connection between the two characters. The Adoring Fan is a gladiator arena fan who annoys the player character.

10. Could Cicero have been a member of the Cheydinhal Dark Brotherhood sanctuary?

No evidence suggests this. His devotion to the Night Mother seems to have developed later in his life, after the events of Oblivion.

11. What is the significance of the Night Mother in the Elder Scrolls universe?

The Night Mother is a central figure in the Dark Brotherhood’s mythology. She is considered the undead bride of Sithis, the void, and her whispers guide the assassins.

12. How does the Dark Brotherhood function in different Elder Scrolls games?

The Dark Brotherhood’s structure and operations can vary slightly between games, but the core principle remains the same: a guild of assassins bound by a strict code and devoted to Sithis and the Night Mother.

13. Where can I learn more about Elder Scrolls lore?

There are numerous online resources, including the UESP (Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages) wiki, forums, and lore discussion communities. Many fans share their insights, theories, and analyses of the complex Elder Scrolls universe.

14. Are fan theories about Cicero’s past considered canon?

No, fan theories are not considered canon unless officially confirmed by Bethesda Softworks, the developers of the Elder Scrolls series.

15. What are some other interesting easter eggs connecting Oblivion and Skyrim?

Besides the reference to the Adoring Fan, there are subtle nods to characters, locations, and events from Oblivion scattered throughout Skyrim. Discovering these easter eggs is part of the fun for dedicated fans. You can discover more about game design with the GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

While the mystery surrounding Cicero’s origins and the fate of the Night Mother between Oblivion and Skyrim remains open to interpretation, the evidence clearly indicates that Cicero himself was not present in Oblivion. His character is a unique addition to the Skyrim installment, contributing to the rich and evolving lore of the Elder Scrolls universe. So, rest assured, the jester didn’t grace Cyrodiil with his presence—at least, not that we know of.