Why Are Khajiit Slaves? Unraveling a Complex History in The Elder Scrolls
The enslavement of Khajiit in the Elder Scrolls universe is a complex issue rooted in historical power dynamics, racial prejudice, and economic exploitation, rather than any inherent inferiority or characteristic of the Khajiit themselves. While the primary enslavers are the Dunmer (Dark Elves) of Morrowind, the reasons behind this practice are multifaceted. Khajiit vulnerability due to geographic proximity to Morrowind, coupled with the Dunmer’s cultural acceptance of slavery and their economic reliance on it, particularly within Great House Dres, created a system where Khajiit were frequently captured and forced into servitude. Desperate circumstances within Khajiit society, including internal conflicts and poverty, sometimes even led to the tragic sale of Khajiit by other Khajiit, though this was far from the norm. This practice was driven by survival and exploitation, rather than an endorsement of slavery itself.
A Deep Dive into the Khajiit Enslavement
The relationship between the Dunmer and the Khajiit is a fraught one, steeped in centuries of conflict and oppression. It’s crucial to understand the different elements that contributed to Khajiit enslavement to truly grasp the complex history of Tamriel.
Dunmer Culture and Slavery
Slavery, or “bondage” as it was sometimes euphemistically called, was an integral part of Dunmer society, particularly in Morrowind. The Dunmer Great Houses, especially House Dres, were heavily reliant on slave labor for their agricultural economy. This demand fueled raids and purchases of slaves, creating a lucrative, albeit morally reprehensible, market. This cultural acceptance of slavery is a critical component of why the Khajiit, along with other races like the Argonians, were targeted.
Geographic Vulnerability
Morrowind’s geographic proximity to Elsweyr, the homeland of the Khajiit, made them easily accessible targets for slave raids. This, coupled with the Dunmer’s naval capabilities, allowed them to conduct frequent incursions into Khajiit territories, capturing individuals to be brought back to Morrowind as slaves. The Argonians, being neighbors to the south of Morrowind, were similarly targeted.
Economic Factors
The agricultural economy of Morrowind, particularly the plantations of House Dres, relied heavily on manual labor. Slaves provided a cheap and readily available workforce to till the land, harvest crops, and perform other menial tasks. The demand for this labor created a market for slaves, making the acquisition and maintenance of a slave population economically beneficial for the Dunmer enslavers.
Racial Prejudice and Justification
While economic necessity and geographic opportunity played a significant role, racial prejudice also fueled the enslavement of Khajiit. The Dunmer often viewed other races as inferior, justifying their enslavement as a means of controlling and utilizing those deemed less civilized. This attitude, though abhorrent, provided a convenient rationalization for their exploitative practices.
Internal Khajiit Issues
While not a primary cause, internal strife within Khajiit society sometimes led to desperate situations where some Khajiit sold others into slavery. This was often driven by poverty, famine, or tribal warfare. While these instances were relatively rare and condemned by most Khajiit, they nonetheless contributed to the overall problem of Khajiit enslavement. It’s important to remember that this was a consequence of dire circumstances, not an endorsement of the institution of slavery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Were Khajiit the Only Race Enslaved by the Dunmer?
No. While the Khajiit and Argonians were the most commonly enslaved races due to proximity, the Dunmer also enslaved Humans, Orcs, and other Elven races when the opportunity arose.
2. Did All Dunmer Great Houses Participate in Slavery?
While slavery was present in varying degrees across all Dunmer Great Houses, House Dres was the most notorious for its reliance on and promotion of slave labor.
3. How Were Khajiit Treated as Slaves?
Khajiit slaves were subjected to brutal conditions, often forced to work long hours in harsh environments with little food or rest. They faced physical abuse, emotional trauma, and the constant threat of sale or separation from their families. Some Dunmer also employed magical restraints to prevent slaves from using their natural abilities to escape.
4. Was Slavery Always Legal in Morrowind?
No. The Empire outlawed slavery in Morrowind in 4E 98, though its enforcement was often lax, and the practice continued in secret for some time.
5. How Did the Argonians Overthrow Their Dunmer Enslavers?
The Argonians, empowered by the Hist, launched a massive invasion of Morrowind during the Accession War after the Oblivion Crisis. They overwhelmed the Dunmer defenses and drove many of them out of Morrowind.
6. What is the Relationship Between the Khajiit and the Argonians Regarding Slavery?
Both Khajiit and Argonians were victims of Dunmer slavery. They often found common cause in their shared suffering and resentment towards their oppressors. However, there were also instances of tension and conflict between the two races due to resource scarcity and border disputes.
7. How Did the Abolition of Slavery Affect Morrowind’s Economy?
The abolition of slavery had a significant impact on Morrowind’s economy, particularly for Great House Dres. It led to economic hardship and social upheaval, as the Dunmer were forced to find alternative sources of labor and adapt to a society without slavery.
8. Do Khajiit Still Face Prejudice in Tamriel?
Yes. Despite the abolition of slavery, Khajiit still face widespread prejudice in many parts of Tamriel, often based on stereotypes about their thieving nature or perceived lack of trustworthiness.
9. Did the Khajiit Ever Retaliate Against the Dunmer for Slavery?
While there was no organized Khajiit invasion of Morrowind on the scale of the Argonian invasion, individual Khajiit and Khajiit groups often engaged in acts of rebellion, sabotage, and revenge against their Dunmer enslavers.
10. How Did Khajiit Culture Help Them Survive Slavery?
Khajiit culture, with its emphasis on community, resilience, and adaptability, helped them survive the horrors of slavery. Their strong sense of identity and their faith in the Moons provided them with a source of strength and hope in the face of oppression.
11. Is There Any Evidence of Khajiit Selling Other Khajiit into Slavery in Skyrim?
While the game might not depict it explicitly, it’s implied that desperate Khajiit caravans or individuals might have been forced to sell other Khajiit to survive. This is a tragic reflection of the economic hardships faced by some Khajiit.
12. What is Moon Sugar’s Role in the Khajiit Slavery Narrative?
Moon sugar, a substance central to Khajiit culture, also contributed to their vulnerability. Its addictive properties made Khajiit susceptible to exploitation by those who controlled its supply, further perpetuating the cycle of poverty and enslavement.
13. Did the Empire Do Enough to Stop Slavery in Morrowind?
Many argue that the Empire did not do enough to effectively enforce the ban on slavery in Morrowind. Corruption, resistance from powerful Dunmer families, and a lack of resources hampered their efforts, allowing slavery to continue in secret for many years.
14. How Does the Elder Scrolls Lore Reflect Real-World History?
The Elder Scrolls lore often draws inspiration from real-world historical events and social issues, including slavery. By exploring these themes in a fictional setting, the games encourage players to confront complex moral questions and reflect on the realities of injustice and oppression. Games Learning Society can offer more analysis of these themes.
15. How Can Players Learn More About the History of Khajiit and Slavery in the Elder Scrolls?
Players can learn more by exploring the in-game books, interacting with NPCs, and researching online resources such as the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) wiki. Engaging with fan communities and academic analyses can also provide valuable insights. Further study in GamesLearningSociety.org will help.
In conclusion, the enslavement of Khajiit in the Elder Scrolls universe is a tragic chapter in their history, driven by a confluence of factors including Dunmer culture, geographic vulnerability, economic incentives, and racial prejudice. Understanding the nuances of this history is essential for appreciating the complexities of Tamriel and the challenges faced by its diverse inhabitants. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of this difficult topic, encouraging readers to engage with the lore critically and thoughtfully.