Holidays, Hofborg (Lore)

In addition to the main Nord holidays and the Tamriel wide festivals, the town of Hofborg has a few additional special days on their calendar. (Many of the events are Fanon adaptations of other holiday's in Tamriel.)

Morning Star (January)

New Life Walk

Morning Star 2nd

Hofborg has a tradition who's origins are lost, and is perhaps a conglomeration of other traditions. But on the second of Morning Star, the priests/esses, clever men, and villagers all set out from the spirit wood where they gather fallen wood, leave offerings for the spirit of the land, and make their way around the entire boundary of the town lighting bonfires and reaffirming the wards and oaths to the land. During this event, the priests/esses and clever practitioners take their auguries of what the new year will bring. (Fanon)

Sun's Dusk (November)

Moon Blessing

Sun's Dusk 8th

On the 8th at Sun's Dusk, the villagers of Hofborg attend an event known as Útiseta, or outsitting. This tradition comes from earlier days when the gift of magical ability was considered rare or difficult to attain. It was believed that a person might gain the power to become a shaman or clever practitioner if they would sit out all night in the woods engaged in meditative reflection and vision questing. This holiday is attended by all of the villagers during a dark-of-night picnic-style dinner around the Vard tree. As the night continues those who interested in the vision quest, wish to gain additional magicaka, earn the skill of prophecy or young people who wish to become clever practitioners themselves remain. (Fanon)

As more Breton's are drawn to Hofborg they will comment on how similar the practice is to the Moon Festival held in on the Glenumbra Moors, where the Bretons honor Secunda, goddess of the moon. Although the goddess has no active worshippers, even in Glenumbra, the Hofborg Bretons have take the similarities of the event as the good will inclusion of other beliefs and thus the celebration often includes prayers, poems and offerings in Secunda's name. (Canon)

Warrior's Repose

Sun's Dusk 20th

On the 20th at Sun's Dusk the people of Hofborg celebrate Warrior's Repose. A time of joy and sorrow as the warriors of the village prepare to set aside their weapons of war for the coming winter and recount tales of victories and loss. Young person's often receive their first sword at this time, and older warriors take advantage of the discounted price on weapons and armor to upgrade their equipment for next year.

The event is traditionally hosted in the hot springs of the Spirit Woods where the warriors relax in the sacred springs and are brought small offerings of drink or food as an indication of gratitude for the warrior's devotion to keeping the village safe. One of the temple priests will evoke blessing over the warrior's heads for wisdom and hands for strength, and upon weapons which have finally earned a name in battle. As tired muscles soak in the warm water, strong fingers help massage away the physical and spiritual wounds of war. When the event winds down the villagers will dress in new clean clothes and make their way to the nearest hall to drink, feast, tell tall tales and to sleep one last time together as a band. By morning, each warrior will be gone away to home or bunk. (Fanon)

Evening Star

Alduin's Day

Evening Star 21st

Alduin's Day winter solstice - An important holiday falling on the winter solstice dedicated to the dragon god Alduin, ceremonies are held at the ancient Dragon Cult temples to keep the god asleep for another year. Offerings of strong mead are preferred, as it is thought to keep the dragon asleep for a longer period of time. Superstition holds that Nords are to keep as quiet as they possibly can on this day, so as to not rouse Alduin from his slumber. (Fanon)

Old/New Life Festivals

30th of Evening Star and 1st of Morning Star

Imperial holidays that have managed to make their way into Skyrim, the twin celebrations have generally been accepted well by the Nords,(although many Nords see the Old Life Festival as unnecessary, considering it to be an unneeded addition to Alduin's Day) who have weaved their own traditions and customs into the holidays.

Common celebrations include the polar bear plunge, feasts, games, hunts and in Hofborg the New Life Walk which happens on the 2nd of Morning Star. (Scroll up to the top for details.)

Disclaimer and Copyright

This page may contain a mix of ESO canon and Hofborg fanon. This guild project, including the player homes, the story arcs, the add-on and the wiki, is the combined effort of an entire team of incredibly talented writers, builders and programmers. ESO canon has been credited to its source site and Fanon contributors are on the Copyright page.