The Contentious Court: What do Altmer Think of the Thalmor?
The Altmer, or High Elves, of Summerset Isle are a complex and nuanced society. To assume a monolithic view of any political entity, particularly one as controversial as the Thalmor, is a gross oversimplification. The truth is, Altmer opinions on the Thalmor range from fervent support and zealous adherence to quiet disapproval, open rebellion, and outright hatred. The Thalmor’s rise to power was fueled by a potent blend of nationalism, xenophobia, and a promise to restore Altmer dominance, appealing to a segment of the Altmer population yearning for a return to a perceived golden age. However, their methods – purges, manipulation, and aggressive expansionism – have alienated a significant portion of their own people.
The Thalmor’s claim of representing all Altmer is a fallacy. Their rule is built upon fear and enforced through propaganda and ruthless suppression of dissent. The reality is far more fragmented. Many Altmer, especially those with Imperial sympathies or those who value individual liberties, deeply resent the Thalmor’s oppressive regime. This resentment is often voiced in hushed tones, behind closed doors, for the price of open defiance can be severe.
The Spectrum of Altmer Opinion
The Altmer view on the Thalmor can be roughly divided into several categories:
- The Zealots: This group wholeheartedly embraces the Thalmor’s ideology of Altmer supremacy and their goal of dismantling the Empire. They are often found within the Thalmor ranks, driven by a fervent belief in the righteousness of their cause.
- The Pragmatists: This group may not necessarily agree with the Thalmor’s methods, but they see them as a necessary evil. They believe the Thalmor are the only ones capable of protecting Altmer interests and securing a future for their people, even if it comes at a cost.
- The Complacent: This is the largest group, consisting of Altmer who are largely indifferent to the Thalmor’s politics. They prioritize their own lives and avoid getting involved in political matters, choosing to passively accept the status quo.
- The Resistors: This group actively opposes the Thalmor, either through open rebellion or subtle acts of defiance. They believe the Thalmor’s rule is tyrannical and that it is their duty to fight for freedom and justice. This group often consists of Imperial loyalists who witnessed the Thalmor’s brutal purges.
- The Silent Dissenters: This group secretly despises the Thalmor but remains silent out of fear of retribution. They may sympathize with the resistors but lack the courage or opportunity to act. Many of these Altmer harbor a deep sense of shame and guilt over the Thalmor’s actions.
- The Psijic Order: While not a unified political faction, it’s worth noting their ideological opposition. They often consider the Thalmor’s interference with fate and meddling in affairs beyond their understanding as dangerous and short-sighted. Their disappearance and reappearance on Artaeum is partially attributed to the growing tension with the Thalmor.
The Impact of the Thalmor’s Actions
The Thalmor’s policies have had a profound impact on Altmer society. Their crackdown on religious freedom, particularly the worship of Talos, has alienated many Altmer who still hold the Emperor Tiber Septim in high regard. Their aggressive expansionism has led to wars and conflicts that have cost many Altmer lives. Their purges of Imperial sympathizers have created a climate of fear and paranoia.
The Thalmor’s control over information and their manipulation of public opinion have also contributed to the divisions within Altmer society. Many Altmer are simply unaware of the true extent of the Thalmor’s atrocities, while others are deliberately misled by their propaganda. The pursuit of “pure” bloodlines has also reintroduced antiquated eugenics ideologies that were thought long gone. The Games Learning Society could use simulations to showcase the ethical implications of this kind of political rhetoric. The GamesLearningSociety.org website contains valuable insights into how games and simulations can be used to educate about complex societal issues.
Understanding the Nuances
It’s crucial to remember that not all Altmer are monolithic in their thinking. Just as in any society, there are diverse opinions and beliefs. Painting all Altmer with the same brush would be as unfair as suggesting all humans support tyrannical regimes. The existence of the Stormcloaks, secretly funded by the Thalmor, showcases their manipulative reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are all Altmer supporters of the Thalmor?
No, absolutely not. As discussed, opinions vary widely, ranging from zealous support to outright opposition. Many Altmer resent the Thalmor’s oppressive rule and their aggressive policies.
2. Do Altmer born outside Summerset Isle view the Thalmor differently?
Yes, Altmer who have lived outside of Summerset Isle, particularly within the Empire, are often more open-minded and less susceptible to the Thalmor’s propaganda. They have experienced different cultures and perspectives, which can make them more critical of the Thalmor’s narrow-minded ideology.
3. How do the Thalmor treat Altmer who disagree with them?
The Thalmor are notoriously intolerant of dissent. Altmer who openly disagree with them face severe consequences, including imprisonment, torture, and even execution. Even suspected dissenters can face scrutiny and social ostracization.
4. Is there an organized resistance movement against the Thalmor within Summerset Isle?
While there is no single, unified resistance movement, there are various groups and individuals who actively oppose the Thalmor. These resistance efforts are often conducted in secret, due to the Thalmor’s pervasive surveillance.
5. Do the Thalmor consider themselves superior to other Altmer?
Yes, the Thalmor believe that they are the most enlightened and pure Altmer. They view other Altmer who do not share their ideology as misguided or even heretical.
6. How do the Thalmor view mixed-race individuals, especially Altmer half-elves?
The Thalmor generally view mixed-race individuals with disdain, considering them to be inferior to pure-blooded Altmer. Their obsession with maintaining “pure” bloodlines leads them to discriminate against anyone with non-Altmer ancestry.
7. Do the Thalmor have any allies within the Empire besides the Stormcloaks?
While they publicly denounce the Empire, the Thalmor likely have informants and sympathizers within the Imperial bureaucracy. These individuals may be motivated by a variety of factors, including ideological alignment, personal gain, or fear of the Thalmor’s power.
8. How has the Thalmor’s control of Summerset Isle impacted Altmer culture?
The Thalmor have sought to reshape Altmer culture to align with their ideology, promoting traditional values and suppressing anything they deem to be degenerate or impure. This has led to a stifling of creativity and a decline in artistic expression.
9. What is the Thalmor’s ultimate goal?
The Thalmor’s ultimate goal is to dismantle the Empire and re-establish Altmer dominance over Tamriel. Some believe that they seek to unmake reality and revert the world to a pre-Nirn state.
10. How do the Altmer of the Psijic Order view the Thalmor?
The Psijic Order generally views the Thalmor with disdain, considering them to be reckless and arrogant. They believe the Thalmor’s meddling in world affairs is dangerous and that it threatens the balance of the universe.
11. Are there any Altmer who actively work against the Thalmor within the organization itself?
It is possible that there are Altmer within the Thalmor who secretly oppose the organization and work to undermine it from within. However, such individuals would have to be extremely cautious, as the Thalmor are known for their ruthlessness and paranoia.
12. How does the average Altmer citizen living in Summerset Isle perceive the Thalmor?
The perception of the Thalmor among the average Altmer citizen varies. Some support the Thalmor due to their belief in Altmer supremacy or out of fear. Others are simply indifferent, focusing on their own lives and avoiding political involvement. Still others secretly resent the Thalmor but remain silent out of fear of retribution.
13. Does the Thalmor’s focus on racial purity extend to other Mer races, such as Dunmer and Bosmer?
While the Thalmor claim to champion Mer supremacy, their true focus is on Altmer dominance. They often view other Mer races, such as the Dunmer and Bosmer, as inferior to the Altmer and treat them with disdain.
14. How has the Thalmor’s rule affected the economy of Summerset Isle?
The Thalmor’s rule has had a mixed impact on the economy of Summerset Isle. While they have implemented policies aimed at promoting Altmer businesses and trade, their aggressive expansionism and their suppression of dissent have also created economic instability.
15. What are the long-term prospects for the Thalmor’s rule in Summerset Isle?
The long-term prospects for the Thalmor’s rule are uncertain. While they currently hold a firm grip on power, their oppressive policies and their divisive ideology have created deep divisions within Altmer society. It is possible that the Thalmor’s rule will eventually collapse, either through internal rebellion or external intervention.