I will say a little about the races that appear in Skyrim or that lived in Skyrim before.
————————
«Mer»
In the universe of The Elder Scrolls, the elven races belong to a category known as the Mer. This term encompasses the direct descendants of the Aldmer, the original race of elves who migrated from the mythical island of Aldmeris. Over the centuries, the Mer have evolved and diversified into various subraces, adapting to different regions and circumstances.
————————
[Altmer]
The Altmer, also known as High Elves, are one of the oldest and longest-living elven races in Tamriel. Originating from the mythical island-continent of Alinor, located in the Summerset Isles, the Altmer are renowned for their cultural refinement, innate magical prowess, and a sense of superiority over other races.
The High Elves are the most gifted in the arcane arts among all races. They can use their noble power to rapidly regenerate magicka.
The Altmer revere the Aedra, the creator gods, with particular devotion to deities such as Auri-El (Akatosh), Magnus, and Syrabane. They believe they are direct descendants of the Aldmer, the first elves, and consider themselves closer to the gods than any other race.
[Dunmer]
The Dunmer, also known as Dark Elves, are a race of elves native to Morrowind, in northeastern Tamriel. Their dark skin and glowing red eyes distinguish them from other elven races. Marked by a rich history of greatness, tragedy, and exile, the Dunmer are a proud, reserved race deeply tied to their traditions.
The Dunmer are devoted to the Tribunal (Almalexia, Vivec, and Sotha Sil), who were once mortals elevated to divinity. After the fall of the Tribunal, many returned to worshiping the Daedra, particularly the Three Good Daedra: Azura, Boethiah, and Mephala.
Originally known as the Chimer, the ancestors of the Dunmer were a golden-skinned race who worshiped the Daedra. Their transformation into the Dunmer occurred as punishment for betraying Azura by using the Heart of Lorkhan and murdering Nerevar, acts committed by the Tribunal in their quest to become demigods.
[Bosmer]
The Bosmer, also known as Wood Elves, are an elven race native to Valenwood, a densely forested region in southwestern Tamriel. Unlike their Altmer and Dunmer cousins, the Bosmer are more connected to nature and wildlife, granting them exceptional skills as hunters, archers, and survivalists.
They primarily worship Y'ffre, the God of Song and Nature, who granted them the Green Pact. Their religion revolves around preserving the natural balance and respecting the spirits of the forest.
[Orsimer]
The Orsimer, commonly known as Orcs, are a mer (elven) race distinguished by their robust and aggressive appearance, as well as their rich tradition of honor and resilience. Originating from the mountainous region of Orsinium, the Orcs are skilled warriors and craftsmen, renowned for their ability to endure harsh conditions and their expertise in forging weapons and armor.
They worship Malacath, the Daedric Prince of the Outcast, who is regarded as their protector and spiritual guide. According to legend, the Orcs were created when the elven god Trinimac was transformed into Malacath.
The Orsimer were originally followers of the elven god Trinimac, but after Trinimac was turned into Malacath by the deception of Boethiah, the Orcs were cursed and transformed into their current form.
[Dwemer]
The Dwemer, also known as the Deep Elves, were an extremely advanced and mysterious elven race that primarily inhabited the regions of Morrowind, Hammerfell, and northern Skyrim. They are famous for their impressive technology, unique architecture, and tragic disappearance, which remains one of Tamriel's greatest mysteries.
Unlike most races of Tamriel, the Dwemer did not worship the Aedra or Daedra. They believed that gods were unnecessary and that progress could be achieved solely through science and reason.
In the year 1E 700, the Dwemer suddenly vanished during the Battle of Red Mountain. This event occurred when they attempted to use the Heart of Lorkhan to power the mechanical god Numidium. However, something went terribly wrong, and the entire Dwemer race disappeared from Tamriel.
[Snow Elves]
The Snow Elves, now known as the Falmer, are a lost elven race that once inhabited Skyrim long before the arrival of the Nords. They were once a race of beautiful, wise, and proud elves who shared a deep connection with snow and ice. However, their history is marked by a tragic fall from greatness, ultimately becoming the deformed and feral beings now dwelling in Tamriel's depths.
The Snow Elves lived in Skyrim before the arrival of the Nords, led by Ysgramor. During the massacre known as the Night of Tears, the Snow Elves nearly exterminated the Nords after the initial attack on Saarthal, from which Ysgramor escaped with his two sons to Atmora.
Ysgramor returned to Skyrim with the Five Hundred Companions, massacring the Snow Elves to near extinction.
The surviving Snow Elves sought refuge with their Dwemer kin, but the Dwemer enslaved them, subjugating them for generations. Over time, their bodies and minds adapted to the darkness, losing their former beauty and sanity. Eventually, they became the fearsome Falmer.
————————
«Men»
In the The Elder Scrolls universe, human races belong to the category known as the Men. They are descendants of the first humans who arrived in Tamriel from the continent of Atmora or developed in specific regions of the world. While they share certain biological traits, such as resilience and adaptability, they have diversified into various races with distinct cultural, physical, and magical differences over time.
————————
[Nord]
The Nords are one of the predominant human races in Tamriel, hailing from the province of Skyrim. They are renowned for their physical strength, bravery, and ancestral connection to the cold and mountains. As the first humans to settle in Tamriel after arriving from Atmora, the Nords possess a rich cultural heritage defined by their devotion to their gods, their skill as warriors, and their love of freedom and independence.
Nords primarily worship the gods of the Nine Divines, though they also honor local heroes and legendary figures such as Ysgramor and Talos.
In ancient times, many Nords followed the animal gods of the Nordic Pantheon, such as Kyne, Shor, and Tsun.
Nords believe in an afterlife called Sovngarde, a sacred place where honorable and brave warriors rest after death. This paradise is ruled by Shor, the Nordic god of honor and war. The desire to reach Sovngarde motivates many Nords to lead courageous and honorable lives.
[Imperial]
The Imperials are one of the human races of Tamriel, native to the province of Cyrodiil, the heart of the Septim Empire. Known for their resourcefulness, military discipline, and diplomatic prowess, they have historically ruled vast territories. While not the strongest or fastest among human races, they excel in leadership and adaptability.
Imperials worship the Nine Divines, with particular devotion to Akatosh, regarded as the protector of the Empire. They also hold special reverence for Talos (Tiber Septim), though this worship has become controversial under the Aldmeri Dominion, which banned the worship of Talos, leaving only the Eight Divines.
[Redguard]
The Redguards are a human race originating from Yokuda, a continent now submerged beneath the ocean. They migrated to Hammerfell, where they have dominated the region ever since, establishing themselves as a proud, independent culture with a rich martial tradition. Known as Tamriel's finest swordsmen, they are also celebrated for their resilience in the face of adversity.
Their religion has roots in ancient Yokudan beliefs, though many have adopted the worship of the Divines. Despite this, they still revere legendary figures such as Leki, the goddess of the sword, and Tu'whacca, the god of passage to the afterlife.
[Breton]
The Bretons are a human race native to High Rock, one of Tamriel's provinces. They are descendants of ancient intermingling between elves and the first humans of Tamriel. This mixed heritage has granted them an affinity for magic, sharp intellect, and a human constitution with subtle elven traits. Bretons are renowned for their ability to combine magical and combat skills, making them versatile individuals in any situation.
The primary religion in High Rock aligns closely with the worship of the Divines but also includes three elven deities: Magnus, Y'ffre, and Phynaster. Bretons also venerate Sheor, a deity unique to their culture, although scholars often agree it is a variant of the Nordic god Shor. However, their faith is often vague, and their religious moderation led to their war against the Alessian Order during the First Era.
————————
«Beastfolk»
In the The Elder Scrolls universe, races such as the Khajiit and Argonians are grouped under the general category of Beastfolk due to their distinctive physical and biological characteristics that separate them from both human (Men) and elf (Mer) races. These races have a strong connection to their native regions and unique cultures, often influenced by their biology and environments.
————————
[Khajit]
The Khajiit are a race of Tamriel known for their feline appearance and exceptional agility. Hailing from Elsweyr, the Khajiit possess a unique culture centered around trade, exploration, and a deep connection to the two moons of Nirn: Masser and Secunda. Their appearance, abilities, and nature are profoundly influenced by the lunar cycle under which they are born, granting them a physical and functional diversity unmatched by other races.
The type of Khajiit born is determined by the phases of the moons Masser and Secunda at the time of their birth. This results in multiple forms, ranging from humanoid to beastly and quadrupedal shapes.
The Khajiit religion is deeply influenced by their connection to the Moons, nature, and spirits. Their pantheon of gods, known as the Khajiiti Pantheon, plays a crucial role in their spiritual and daily life. The Khajiit follow a polytheistic religion, with a strong cult of the Moons, which represent a cosmic connection essential to the existence and physical form of the Khajiit.
————————
[Argonian]
The Argonians are one of the most mysterious and fascinating races of Tamriel, originating from Black Marsh (Moor of Argonia), a vast swampy and forested region located in the southeast of Tamriel. This reptilian race is known for its resilient nature, adaptability to the harshest environments, and ability to thrive both in water and on solid ground.
The Argonians have a religion deeply tied to their ancestors and the spirits of nature. It is believed that their ancestral spirits, known as the Hist, are ancient trees that possess vast knowledge and power.
These Hist trees have a profound spiritual relationship with the Argonians, and they are believed to be a source of wisdom and guidance for their people. Offerings and prayers are given to them in gratitude, and the Argonians believe that important decisions, even those about life and death, may be influenced by the Hist.
————————
«Dragon»
Dragons are among the oldest and most powerful creatures in the world of Tamriel, with a mythical presence spanning all eras. They are the immortal children of Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time.
One of the dragons' most distinctive powers is their Voice or Thu'um, which allows them to use words of power to unleash supernatural effects. These words, resonating with the strength of the dragon's very soul, can bring their enemies to their knees, disintegrate them, or cause massive destruction.
Dragons are closer to the et'Ada than to animals or mortal races. They are ageless and immortal, with their souls persisting beyond physical death. Unlike animals, they do not mate or reproduce.
Among all dragons, the most powerful and fearsome is Alduin the World-Eater, who will bring about the end of this world so that the next Kalpa can exist. It is believed that he cannot be killed.
————————