The Beauty of The Elder Scrolls Soundtrack

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The Elder Scrolls series has one of the most iconic soundtracks in gaming. Today we're gonna look at the newer, modern main line of Elder Scrolls soundtracks. We might revisit the series for older titles and spin-offs in the future. :)

_{The three titles we'll be talking about today. The modern mainline Elder Scrolls series.}

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Before Jeremy Soule came in, the Elder Scrolls were lacking, in my honest opinion, in identity. The man came along and produced a theme that has shaped the franchise into what it is today. He created something instantly recognizable, something that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best soundtracks in gaming.

He also composed The Elder Scrolls Online OST as well. However, we will not be talking about that soundtrack today. Today's blog is meant for the titles that slowly, but most assuredly, brought The Elder Scrolls brand to the mainstream. And we're starting with the 2002 GOTY: Morrowind.

Even though TES III takes place only on the island of Vvardenfell, I found it fitting to represent these game's soundtrack by their region. Morrowind is the land of the Dunmer - the Dark Elves. As such it is a dangerous land, filled with peril (and giant mushrooms!).

Having said all of that, it's only fitting that Morrowind's soundtrack be filled with adventure - and mystery.

We'll soon see that this becomes a common trend in these soundtracks, the soundtrack reflects the region it is based on. Because Elder Scrolls are such well crafted open world games, the soundtrack has to identify that and enhance it. Each piece reminds the player of a certain encounter somewhere in the world. And for Morrowind, the constant danger and mystery of the land can be heard in every note.

"The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind Main Theme"

Oblivion is set in Cyrodiil, the center of Tamriel and seat of the Capital, The Imperial City. It is home of the Imperials, a conquering race, a race filled with historical figures - heroes.

It is only suiting that its soundtrack mirrors that. Where Morrowind's soundtrack was adventurous and mysterious, Oblivion's is more heroic. As you're traveling through the lush green forests and jungles of Cyrodiil, you're accompanied by this amazing score that just makes you feel like you're doing something epic.

Of the three, this one is most certainly my favorite. And, in my personal opinion, the best work Mr. Jeremy Soule has created.

"The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Main Theme"

The North Remembers - that Skyrim's soundtrack reflects the hard, gritty posture of its people - the warrior race known as the Nords. The land of Skyrim is treacherous, with freezing temperatures, and in the game's timeline - dragons!

As my awful pun previously suggested, the Skyrim soundtrack resembles a lot of Nordic themes. The drums and choir that frequent this soundtrack just give the player a feeling of being powerful. Of conquering the harsh land around him. And of course, the score mirror's the main theme of the game, that of the Dragonborn. An all powerful mortal that has returned to set things right between the Joor and the Dovah!

"The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Main Theme"

The main theme that constantly gets reworked to match the game's setting is, at this point, engraved itself in gaming history as one of the most recognizable soundtracks. These three games would not be as amazing as they are if the soundtrack was held back. Thank Akatosh it wasn't.

Here's a compilation video of the three aformentioned soundtracks to cap it all off:

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