Exactly! That right there is the key to being a good fan theorist, understanding the artist. Once you tap into their wavelength and really get a feel for how they think and present their thoughts, you can often guess/predict their intentions accurately. Thank you for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it 😃
Sounds like a huge stretch to me. But so do all the theories. And all ES lore in general. Probably because I pick up books to open them for skill boosts and then sell them. I'm usually all about story line, but... books. Long... ass... books. I try to read them and then I don't, and then I become traumatized because I almost read a book. I think the first time was Oblivion when I picked up some book and was a few minutes into reading it on page 6 or something and I lost it and hit next to the end and it was like 28 pages. I guess what I'm saying is do 50 times more voice acting and no words at all. It's like, I care enough to play the game and know the story, but just release 100 more DLCs the size of Skyrim itself to explain all the lore. ALSO, that better be the theme of ES6 after a decade and a half of waiting.
The friend is clearly the courier. He always knows where you are, never attacks you, and will run across bandit infested areas to simply give you a letter.
And, even if the Courier dies, he gets replaced by another who acts almost the exact same way! Courier is obviously something Elder in nature! Potentially a Daedra or Lesser Aedra?
It's worth bring up that Mara had a appearance back in morrwind where she appeared as a normal imperial women stuck in a cave with monsters if you give her a scroll she will disappear and give you a skirt of Mara So gods pretending to be human isn't a new idea in elder scrolls
@@howtodelete3717 @Draco19977 has it, Morrowind. He shows up at Ghostgate after you get the Wraithguard from Vivec but before you defeat Dagoth Ur. (Not sure if he shows up or not if you get the Wraithguard by the backpath.)
I always thought it was the Ebony Warrior sending the letters. Method: He knows the Thuum, so he could easily tell you where he found the words he knows, and maybe some others he didn’t learn. Motive: He not only wants an honorable battle with you, he wants you to kill him so he can go to Sovngarde. To achieve both those goals, he would want you to be as strong as possible. Logic: In a no-cheating playthrough, you would normally have learned every word there is to learn by the time you reach level 80, which is when the Ebony Warrior approaches you, therefore, his death would not influence the letters since, at that point, there would be no letters to send anyway.
Good points. And Ebony warrior also says that he has “done all that can be done”, so very likely has gone exploring across skyrim and seen all the word walls, but just cannot gain their powers.
@@Jaymo00this makes sense and lines up with the in game lore of only the dragonborn being able to learn new shouts with ease while everyone elee has to meditate for long periods of time
Big problem is that the Ebony Warrior is a Redguard and I don’t make friends with brown people. He is not my friend…. Jokes aside the letters assume only the Dragonborn can unlock the words, so it can’t be the Ebony Warrior.
I've seen a lot of theories - Delphine (she her letter from the horn was adressed with "a friend") - Paarthurnax and the greybeards - Sheogorath (having fun in his weird ways and because it would never be weird to have Sheogorath, the whole madness thing) - the Dragonborn themselves from the future - Hermaeus Mora (training a new dragonborn to replace Miraak) - the Ebony Warrior (to get a proper fight) - the courier - a bunch of unrelated people who just happen to write the same kind of letter
Not entirely sold on Karita being A Friend, but you did open me up to the aspect of Kyne idea and I gotta say I’m pretty convinced of that. I remember encountering Karita on one of my first playthroughs and I’ve been curious ever since, especially why she disappears and only shows up during the greybeard quest. The fact she wore a circlet seemed important; NPCs generally don’t wear those unless they’re nobility or the like, and it could be symbolic of her divine status. If this is all true, then Karita and the Voice of Kyne reward from the tablets (note the statue of Talos at the final tablet) near perfectly mirrors the aspect of Talos NPC from Morrowind. The fact that both these NPCs also “manifest” at World Towers could also support this theory.
While I agree with the points you made, the Towers bit, less so, as Zenithar's and Mara's avatars/aspects (who also are in Morrowind) aren't near the Red Mountain.
@@Practitioner_of_Diogenes Fair enough, but at least in the context of Kyne it’s fitting, as she is the Divine most closely associated with the Snow Tower.
@@fikrijuanda6321in most fiction avatars of God's tend to be mortal and temporary. Generally just being vessels they either created or incarnated into.
@@fikrijuanda6321so first of all it's a game, and where this is a secret and only hinted. They wouldn't implement something like this of course. Second, she is a god, and not this mortal in the end. She only uses it.
Klemek or whatever his name is might be the middle man. He is the only person to frequently go up the mountain. Has more respect for the graybeards than anyone in my opinion. He goes all the way up there. To deliver food and supplies for nothing in return and has never even seen the graybeards. I'd imagine the mountain of Kyne wouldn't kill Kyne. Is basically her shine. He had probably noticed her there never leaving and there for knew she is a supernatural entity
I am definitely sold on Karita being Kyne, but not as certain that she's sending the letters. She may just have wanted a glimpse of you and placed herself on the mountain as you climb. Great video all round though, thanks for sharing an interesting theory.
I second this, it doesn't fit Kyne's modus operandi to be actively cloak and dagger. If her goal was to go unnoticed basically everything about what she's doing is incredibly counterproductive.
The answer is Farengar. He's male, a "friend" by Skyrim standards, and he clues you in by writing the word with a capital F. The anonymity can be explained by the persecution the Blades (and anyone associated with them) are suffering. Ironically he wears a cloak and carries a dagger. He also conducts research on dragon history and the dragonstone, so it's not that farfetched to imagine he knows about word walls and some of their locations.
He really doesn’t have a reason to send the letters that early on, though. The thalmor (the main threat to the blades) can’t enter whiterun, he could just tell Delphine to tell you, or he could always just say “yeah I know it because I research dragons.” He doesn’t have a real reason to stay anonymous
This is a really good theory, but in another video I saw, it explained that, if you look in the code (or something like that), the letters are shown to come from the word walls themselves.
Sincerely, More Than A Friend PS. Could you drop by Belethor and get some groceries, we need: - Elves Ear - Pheasant Breast - Frost Mirriam - A Jug of Milk - And Fire Salts, NOT Frost Salts, like you got last time
I remember that Talos shows up in the guise of an Imperial soldier in Morrowind. It's only briefly, while the player is heading up Red Mountain to take on Dagoth Ur. He'll give a 'lucky coin' to the player, then disappears forever. That appearance could be what influenced Bethesda to do something similar for Skyrim.
@@ragingfurball5419 Wulf is also hardly the only one that appears; Ana Nin and Jon Hawker are Mara and Zenithar respective, and disappear after quests relating to them are completed. The person that tells you who Wulf is also tells you who Ana Nin is, while Jon Hawker gives you hard evidence himself of who he is.
I don't think her disappearing is much of anything. Obviously she would finish her pilgrimage and leave or something. Honestly, it would make more sense for them to keep her there if she were a god, wouldn't it?
@@mobiusdick6225 Other mortal aspects of the Aedra have shown up in games and disappear after interacting with the player or after a quest relevant to them. Karita disappearing isn't out of the realm of possibly because of that. If anything, this theory just weakens the theory that the Ebony Warrior is Ebonarm.
The sender is just the courier himself. He is just sick of having to run around extra to avoid dragons. Hes practically been everywhere and hears rumors all the time so he knows where the words of power are. He has to anonymous because if he just told the dragonborn it would be a breach of duty as a courier to share information that wasn't his to share.
Good question. The answer is no. Keep in mind that Bethesda can't take everything that the player can do into account. Especially for mysteries, bc that can make them too easy to solve. Let's say Bethesda did mark Karita as essential, that's not something they do for most NPCs. So, that would draw a huge amount of attention to her, thus this mystery would've been solved many years ago. So, Bethesda has to be careful about things like that to keep mysteries engaging, and lots of ideas for clues don't make it into the game for that reason. For example, in "Is the Sole Survivor a Synth" I mentioned a cut terminal entry called "Unique Project," which I suspect was cut bc it's way too obvious of a clue for that mystery. I'm surprised it even made it into the game files, normally they'd nix an idea like that before ever actually making it. Thank you for watching! 😄
After watching this video I checked on both the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Page and the Famdom Page, and both say that the class of Karita (Pilgirm) is Warrior. For those who don't know, in the Nordic Pantheon Kyne is Known as the "Kiss at the End", goddes of Storm and most importatnly the WARRIOR-widdow to Shor. Also I'm going to play Skyrim (I started this a new playthrough this week) and will see if there is a differcance inmy playthroughs considerring that I paly modded skyrim. Juat to be on the safe side. I will eddit this coment after I checkt. (2nd editd shortent) I did chek BTW and she did have every thing on her, just the circlet and amulet of talos didn't show in her inventory. But she you could the the amulet of talos and the Gold Emerald circlet on her.
No one will ever convince me that the sender is anyone other than Akatosh himself. You can receive a "letter from a friend" after using a thu'um way out in the wilderness, or in the depths of Blackreach, or on the top of Hvitkald Peak, with literally no one else around -- no witnesses. How is that possible unless the sender has some god-like ability to know exactly where you are and what you're doing? And who has the most vested interest in making sure the Dragonborn becomes stronger? For me, I will always believe it's Akatosh.
@@Tracker947, fair point, but pin-pointing exactly where it's echoing from? Much more difficult, and the letters are always very specific: "You caused a bit of a stir when you used your thu'um at XYZ location..." Especially when there's no one around. It's like the tree falling in the forest.
It's possible that Lorkan was actually the one who has the most influence over the power of the voice, and since he has very limited reach maybe Kyne is handling it for him
I remember in Morrowind before entering ghost gate to climb red mountain with the tools. There is an avatar of Tiber Septim named Wulf you can meet only briefly in this same way.
Love the video! I've always looked at Karita and wondered what story there was there. I went looking online for any theories anyone had come up with but found nothing. No one really seemed to care about Karita, but I'm glad you did!
Personally I assumed it was possibly the Ebony Warrior, as he seeks a foe with potential to be stronger than himself and a full strength Dragonborn well could be that final challenge. Never something I put an ounce of thought into tho. Interesting theories all around on this channel, always a good time and better thought out than my passing assumptions
I can't say I'm convinced, but I do appreciate the detective work. Karita being an avatar of Kyne/Kynereth certainly is interesting, and while I don't think it's the case literally speaking, I can buy that the character might have been inserted with the intention to nudge the attentive player or someone interested in RP into thinking of the goddess in an immersive way at least. In that regard, she is, in a way, an avatar of a divine... It can't be denied that she was put in the player's path with only matters of Nordic faith to consider.
You may be correct that Karita is Kyne personified. But I think the letter sender that hires the courier, the “He” in “He didn’t say” is Klimmek. That’s the guy who quests you to deliver food to the Greybeards. I’m thinking he is a middleman for middleman Argneir who represents Paarthunaax. P is a dragon and has a network of dragons on his side to help him easily talk to dragons and thus find all the word walls guarded by dragons.
Very keen my friend 🧐. I did consider that Klimmek could be the middle man for the Dragons, Greybeards, or Kyne. But I decided it wasn't worth putting in the video bc I think that the couriers would have more info if he was the person giving them the letters. They'd at least know that he lives in Ivarstead, so why not tell us that? Though you may be right, he could absolutely be Karita's middleman. I'm just not convinced enough of it to have put it in the video.
For Karita to be Kyne makes sense to me, and her just disappearing makes sense too. For there's two times in which i think Kyne interferes in the path of the dragonborn. When we accept the help of Maurice Jondrele during the gildergreen quest, bro simply vanishes and the sampling appears exactly where he was. Since Kyne is the goddess of nature, it would perfect fit for her to protect it. (Since the other way to end this quest results in harming the tree) What prevents kyne from impersonating this other character? (As a way to protect gildergreen) It is worth mentioning that he is also a pilgrim just like Karita. Of course this isn't a way to make the dragonborn more powerful as the theorie of the video ended, but this event made me think.
This makes even more sense, if you remember that the Graybeards themselves call High Hrothgar the "blessed mountain of Kynareth". Makes sense she would appear there. Also if you read the shrines story it says that Kyne was the one who gave the voice to humans with the help of Pharthurnax. Giving the voice is literally teaching them shouts. If you add the fact that the "friend" knows where you use the Thu'um, even if its on the most isolated and mystical places; it suits an all seeing goddess.
Makes sense to me. I've watched numerous lore related videos on Skyrim and you covered the points one could bring up about "the friend". Very convincing.
Good video, but you missed probably the most compelling piece of evidence: According to Nordic mythology, Kyne was the one who taught the Thu'um to the Nords, to begin with. It makes complete poetic sense that she would teach the Dragonborn.
think about how sad this is. she knows, and likely remembers, but goes unrecognized. waiting for the time when she finally is recognized, but time continues to pass, and she still walks the world alone.
After all these years.. I honestly think this makes the most sense. you explained it so logically and even if it isnt her...this discovery alone is so crazy dude. props! im subbin
I am surprised that you didn't mention the boon attached to visiting every shrine of etched tablets, Voice of the Sky. This power gives the benefit of animals not attacking you for a period of time and can be regained by visiting every shrine going up or down whenever you want it. Sky and animals, must be Kyne I think. This was something I actually thought years ago so glad someone else thinks it too. 👍🇬🇧
I decided that it didn't really add anything that acknowledging that the Throat of the World is "Kynareth's Sacred Mountain" didn't. But that is a good point! Thanks for bringing it up 😄
Absolutely phenomenal video. Topic touched on perfectly with your supporting details being given clearly and also being engaging. I'm a sucker for new, fresh, and solid ES theories/themes/etc. Effortlessly earned a subscription my dude. Keep up the awesome work!
Delphine's anonymity isn't an issue its a solution, She is a blade, the blades are being hunted by the Thalmor. A known blade signing a letter with their name is a bad idea, hence the anonymity. So Delphine stays the most likely cantidate.
The only problem with this is that you can get letters from a friend that mention places outside of Mundus such as the realms of Oblivion. Delphine would have no way of knowing that.
But there is still the "Why not tell the Dragonborn directly?" part. I mean, we can ask Arngeir about word walls, so why not Delphine, if she really knows the Location of those
@@p3chv0gel22 In game explanation could be that she discovers words of power walls by gathering information and then sends you a letter about the location. She dosent tell you about shouts directly because she is looking for shouts like you do and tries to give you info as fast as posible. Dragonborn is a busy guy who may not visit delphine for long periods of time. Its makes sense for her to send letters, to make sure her info reaches you while you are traveling the land
You didn’t even need a deep dive to tell its not Delphine because she says herself that she had no idea who the dragonborn was until they ask for the attic room.
Odahvings Dragon faction is a really cool theory i never even considered before! We already know that the dragons are very smart and can speak. Its very plausible that the dragons have human servants (similar to dragon priests) who are able to write letters for them and contact the dragonborn. If anything, they probably know much more about thuum/ word walls than Delphine. They also want to remain anonymous because if other dragons learn which one betrayed Alduin, then it could come back to haunt them.
Excellent theory...I always thought it was Esbern, considering he's in hiding, and would write the letters, knowing damn well where all the walls are, and would use the Thieves' Guild to send out the letters.
The only drawback for it being Esbern, is that he is unaware that there is a Dragonborn until you tell him you're a Dragonborn when you meet him in the Ratway warrens. He's hiding out from the Thalmor and is convinced the world is doomed by the prohesy of the Worldeater.
It is wulfgar who sends the letters, he senses the world walls, he knows you, He is also the ONLY NPC IN THE GAME WITH A PIECE OF CHARCOAL AND PAPER ROLLS in his inventory.
This was an incredibly thorough theory! I especially enjoyed that after all my many years of playing this game i am still learning secrets (Karita being an incarnation/aspect of Kyne) very cool, and kudos to you on the research 👍
The idea of Karita sending these letters is an good theory. However I just have one issue with it. If you kill Karita, she still sends the letters to you
She can be killed by the Dragonborn and by the troll further up the mountain. Hardly a godlike death. After she is killed she gets her own coffin in Riften, but can still write letters? While it is possible she wrote and mailed them before her death how would she know where/when you used your thu'um in a public place? And why would she need to keep hidden? Except for this UA-camr's wild, incorrect idea about Kyne, getting a letter from Karita would be very trustworthy. We would have no reason to suspect her of misleading us. She is just a high hrothgar pilgrim. She has been around. She has seen things. She has heard things. However, being dead and having only one interaction and no motive to help us kinda tosses aside the idea that it's her. Besides, wouldn't her circlet be fitted with a blue gem like the shrine if it were her? Green just makes no sense when sapphires exist in the game.
Delphine is the only character [NPC] that uses the exact quote "I am 'A Friend' .". The stone on every shrine of Kynerath is Blue . Why would she have a green stone? PS: I have killed Karita , and still have gotten a Letter from a A Friend .
You think a lettercasing was significant in a Bethesda game? Need I remind you that these are the same people who made the password to an underground railroad "RAILROAD"?
Very likely, since we get Voice of the Sky power(does the same as Kyne's Peace shout) from reading those tablets and this is not the last time a deity disguises as a regular npc in these games. Fun fact: In elder scrolls blades(mobile) we have Theodor Gorlash. Reordering letters of the name will give his identity away if his obvious appearance didn't.
I don't see why it has to be _someone._ It's just some random person. The Dragonborn has returned -- the Greybeards announced it to all of Skyrim. So when a random person learns the Dragonborn was in their city, the send an anonymous letter about a nearby ruin they've heard (through rumor or family legend or whatever) has a dragon wall the Dragonborn might be able to make use of. The fact that any random or isolated location can also be listed is just a fluke of the system Bethesda created.
I think this is cool and interesting. You did a lot of research! I think this is a fun answer, and I like it. (It could certainly be Kyne, and it's fun for that to be the answer). As for whether or not I believe it, I think the answer is kind of a yes and no. I believe it because it's fun and interesting, and makes sense in a way. But Bethesda is also notorious for random throwaways because of cut storylines, so she could be just no one in the final game. But, it does make the game a little more interesting, for her to be Kyne.
Great video. Many thanks! Convincing, although I must admit many of the evidence you present feels quite bonkers imho. The fact that she's an npc with a unique name, that particular dialouge, and sitting at that very spot, is enough evidence for me that she very well may be Kyne. If Karita means beloved, that could just mean that she's yet another candidate for "mother of Balgruuf's children".
Before I watch this video I always had one of two theories on who "A Friend" really is. 1. A Friend is Delphine, to my knowledge the letters only become available once you complete the first step towards becoming the Dovahkiin, right after you visit the greybeards. So it only seems reasonable she would easily figure you out and wish to help you progress your journey but making sure you become powerful enough. 2. A Friend is the Ebony Warrior who has heard of you shortly after you became recognized as the Dovahkiin and wants to see you become stronger for when you both eventually meet.
There is also a theory that its the Dragonborn himself from the future, using time magic to go back in the past and have the letters delivered to him upon certain actions his past self did. It's plausible because he used time magic with the Elder Scroll and the Wooden Mask in Labrynthian. He would obviously know to send the letters at those points because it was they themselves who did it.
@HappyBeezerStudios Yup that's exactly it. I personally think this is more plausible than the theory in this Vid, as we have solid 100% proof of the Dragonborn utilizing time magic in two different scenarios, so it's definitely possible for him to do this.
@bable6314 To be fair, Hermaeus Mora's whole sphere is fate and knowledge. The dragonborn received those letters, it was fate and it gave the Dragonborn knowledge to find the powers in the letters. Mora would obviously know the Dragonborn received those letters, and would likely allow him to send the letters to as Beezer said, "Keep the time loop stable" and prevent a paradox.
I have a very important information to support this theory. In my main play through I never got the "letter from a friend", reason for that i believe to be that I by mistake killed karita while climbing the stairs to reach Blackbeards for the first time. Till now before watching this video i believed that she was not important at all.
So it's not Delphine because she signed a letter differently than how she signed a note, but it's Karita because she might somehow be the godess Kyne in disguise. Gotcha.
I don't know about the kynareth thing but I don't think it's delphine. Delphine asks you to prove you're dragonborn later in the game and you can receive the letter before that.
@@meli4535 That's a valid arguement. I imagined that Bethesda set it up so that you'd get mysterious letters from "A friend" and then in the Horn quest you'd find who that mysterious person was, but it ended up being ruined by the way that they made the MSQ have no breaks and feel so urgent.
Her being Kyne might also explain the “glitch” that use to always cause a dragon to spawn there when you talked to her could it be Alduin sensed her and sent one of his minions to check it out
There's a piece of evidence you missed but its rather small. During your journey up the steps if you hit all the shrines you get a boon called "Voice of the Sky" that says "animals won't attack nor flee from you". Kyne has alot of nature themes and one of them is animals which are shown time and time in her temples and etc. Plus she is called Goddess of the Storm which if you think about it the boon and her title are very closely related. So yeah thats my evidence sorry for the long read.
Important unmentioned point; Kyne/Kaan isn't just shor/lorkhan's wife. She's his SHIELD wife. Dibella was the hearth/bed wife of shor. And lo, we see her wearing a hide shield. There's also the matter of the dangerous wildlife on the mountain; which are levelled to the character and often very tough relative to what you'd encounter wandering the world at the time of the quest. There's no way she could have gotten to her little meditation spot alive without already having the voice of the sky buff. Which requires the mountain to be climbed from bottom to top. Kynareth wouldn't have to bother with that bit of trouble because all wildlife is inherently unaggressive to her. Importantly, EVERY enemy on the path up high hrothgar is an animal/wildlife monster affected by the voice of the sky buff. There is absolutely no danger for kyne or a person bearing her blessing anywhere on high hrothgar.
I think this theory is compelling, but there's a small flaw. The reason she disappears after the Way of the Voice quest is probably just because she only makes the trip up the Throat of the World occasionally, and just happens to leave while you're at High Hrothgar. She literally says she only makes the trip every few weeks as one of her 3 lines of dialogue.
swear to god you were under 2k subs last night and now you gained another quick 200! You have a good backlog of videos for people to binge, so I think this is the start of something good for your channel :) Just keep at it with the uploads, you got this bro!
I think you're right, but I also think some of this is absolutely overthinking, conspiracy theory nonsense. I can buy that Bethesda put her here as a very subtle nod, and while I'm more in the boat of the "Friend" letters probably don't have an intended writer, this is a very solid theory. However, the map marker theory and the points about how the emerald in the circlet is a fitting choice and ties to Atmora is in the overthinking territory. I do think the blue eyes have potential though since that's something you can actually customize on the NPC.
This is just a passing thought, but it could also be the Ebony Warrior. He doesn't appear until you reach level 80 and his whole schtick is that he wants a powerful opponent to kill him in battle, so that he can go to Sovngarde. It would definitely be within his interests to help the Dragonborn grow in power, and you never learn his true identity so anonymity is right up his alley.
Nah, it’s Delphine. She’s anonymous as she’s been hiding for so long she’s used to using layers of subterfuge. Also, I’ve seen Karita killed by both trolls and dragons.
I was just sort of nodding along like “okay, yeah. I can see how this could be convincing,” but the amulet being a way marker that points to Karita sold it for me. I’m totally on board with this.
Wow, this is interesting. In all my Skyrim playthroughs, I met her and completely forgot about her 2 minutes later. After seeing this I don’t think that will ever happen again. You really did think this through. Bethesda really should think about hiring some of you guys to develop the next chapter of elder scrolls, bc you guys seem to give it much more thought than many of it‘s current creators! Good thing it‘s weekend, you just made me play this marvellous game again! Instant sub, Greetings from Germany
Great perspective and sound rationale. I have many thousands of hours on the game. I recall receiving the letter when I popped off in dwarven ruins. That detail adds strength to someone hearing the thum supernaturally - which in turn supports kyne/karita as you theorize. I would love for you to be the one who finally puts the hammer down on a debate. Simply visit the bannered mare as a Thalmor in the early game. Someone will give you a gift. I have no doubt that you will connect the rest of the dots immediately. Cheers.
The first time I got a Letter from a Friend, it sent me to that place where you drop down and a necromancer captures you. I never really paid attention to the letter on later runs, so I always thought the sender was that guy luring wannabe Dovahkiin to die and become undead.
Karita being kyne and the one sending the letter makes sense also its even crazier to know that the last dragonborn may be an aspect of lorkhan kynes husband
Great theory, but I personally think its miraak, because not only does he want the dragonborn to be extremely powerful, so we can fight him, he also thinks no one but another dragonborn would be a worthy opponent to face in battle, and last but not least miraak also shows the dragonborn where a word of power is. Thats just my theory, you could say its wrong because its a dlc, but most games have part of the dlc in the base game to give you a hint on what its going to be
This is honestly one of the best researched videos I’ve ever seen on this topic! You’ve kinda convinced me. But at the same time, i do just think this was Bethesda’s way of helping us out for some reason. Idk why there has to be a connection to a direct character
Honestly, Bethesda has continually impressed me with their insane attention to detail. Sometimes their focus is so much on the details that I think they lose track of the larger picture, even. But I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that this whole necklace, map marker thing feels very "Pepe Silvia" to me.
I always assumed the letters came from one of the gods, assuming your existence is their will and are aiding you in your fight against Alduin. Your theory not only justifies that idea but makes sense of it too.
Dragons not be able to write could be proven wrong because it’s shown that dragons write words via the Thu’um. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say they write the words by imbuing them with the Thu’um
I often thought it was Kyne in some way but had absolutely 0 idea of these bits and pieces (had to do it) were even thinkable but I am on board with you 100% because this finished overall my theory that Kyne was indeed "Friend". I always thought the capital F meant something in relation to lore. Maybe it does maybe it doesn't but great work dude. You earned a sub from me!
I always figured it was Esbern. He's got every reason to stay hidden since the Thalmor are after him, he has an extensive knowledge of dragon locations and has been monitoring the prophecies.
I've never really thought much about the sender of these letters. From the very first playthrough, Greybeards automatically seemed to me the only possible option
Cool video. I always assumed it was just whoever was in charge of the holds sending them since they’d have the knowledge of gossip and would like being anonymous since they have a reputation. My original suspicion was I had to shout near outdoor vendors as that’s what triggered my first letter from a friend. I figured if I bought from them they would want me to go on an adventure and then buy supplies from them. Silly but I had just started playing. Honestly I think the game devs just left it ambiguous to make it seem people were watching the player. But I do think you’re on to something with that girl being the god of nature. So perhaps you’re looking at things in a very significant way. That symbol in the mountains blew my mind
i saw the theory about it being hermaus mora and that honestly seems the most convincing, his entire thing is being the price of knowledge and he clearly wants a powerful and capable dragonborn by his side
I love this theory. It’s like seem the more Bethesda thing to do and it’s just way cooler than the other theories
Exactly! That right there is the key to being a good fan theorist, understanding the artist. Once you tap into their wavelength and really get a feel for how they think and present their thoughts, you can often guess/predict their intentions accurately. Thank you for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it 😃
@@TheBlackRose3 Preach. I honestly wish more people would think like this about being a theorist.
Sounds like a huge stretch to me. But so do all the theories. And all ES lore in general. Probably because I pick up books to open them for skill boosts and then sell them. I'm usually all about story line, but... books. Long... ass... books. I try to read them and then I don't, and then I become traumatized because I almost read a book. I think the first time was Oblivion when I picked up some book and was a few minutes into reading it on page 6 or something and I lost it and hit next to the end and it was like 28 pages. I guess what I'm saying is do 50 times more voice acting and no words at all. It's like, I care enough to play the game and know the story, but just release 100 more DLCs the size of Skyrim itself to explain all the lore. ALSO, that better be the theme of ES6 after a decade and a half of waiting.
She's a god. Even if you kill her avatar, the God Kynareth would still be around.
The friend is clearly the courier.
He always knows where you are, never attacks you, and will run across bandit infested areas to simply give you a letter.
I like to think he's the courier from New Vegas who got Isekaid into Skyrim to assist the Dragonborn.
Nah the courier is literally a God character I mean he just poops up out of thin air just to give you your mail
I've been looking for you...says the courier. If he's been trying to find you then he doesn't know where you are at all times.
Nah, the courier is definitely Akatosh in disguise
And, even if the Courier dies, he gets replaced by another who acts almost the exact same way!
Courier is obviously something Elder in nature! Potentially a Daedra or Lesser Aedra?
It's worth bring up that Mara had a appearance back in morrwind where she appeared as a normal imperial women stuck in a cave with monsters if you give her a scroll she will disappear and give you a skirt of Mara
So gods pretending to be human isn't a new idea in elder scrolls
Also Wulf and his Old Man's Lucky Coin, actually Tiber Septim (Talos).
@@radwolf76 what game was that?
@@howtodelete3717Morrowind , by the ghostgate when you’re on your way to beat the main game
@@howtodelete3717 @Draco19977 has it, Morrowind. He shows up at Ghostgate after you get the Wraithguard from Vivec but before you defeat Dagoth Ur. (Not sure if he shows up or not if you get the Wraithguard by the backpath.)
@@radwolf76 The things you miss if you just always fly over the fence and to the mountain at the end -.-
I always thought it was the Ebony Warrior sending the letters. Method: He knows the Thuum, so he could easily tell you where he found the words he knows, and maybe some others he didn’t learn. Motive: He not only wants an honorable battle with you, he wants you to kill him so he can go to Sovngarde. To achieve both those goals, he would want you to be as strong as possible. Logic: In a no-cheating playthrough, you would normally have learned every word there is to learn by the time you reach level 80, which is when the Ebony Warrior approaches you, therefore, his death would not influence the letters since, at that point, there would be no letters to send anyway.
Good points. And Ebony warrior also says that he has “done all that can be done”, so very likely has gone exploring across skyrim and seen all the word walls, but just cannot gain their powers.
@@Jaymo00this makes sense and lines up with the in game lore of only the dragonborn being able to learn new shouts with ease while everyone elee has to meditate for long periods of time
Big problem is that the Ebony Warrior is a Redguard and I don’t make friends with brown people. He is not my friend….
Jokes aside the letters assume only the Dragonborn can unlock the words, so it can’t be the Ebony Warrior.
@@VidelxSpopovich I said he could also tell you about words he didn’t learn
@@VidelxSpopovichWhat's wrong with brown people? 😮
I've seen a lot of theories
- Delphine (she her letter from the horn was adressed with "a friend")
- Paarthurnax and the greybeards
- Sheogorath (having fun in his weird ways and because it would never be weird to have Sheogorath, the whole madness thing)
- the Dragonborn themselves from the future
- Hermaeus Mora (training a new dragonborn to replace Miraak)
- the Ebony Warrior (to get a proper fight)
- the courier
- a bunch of unrelated people who just happen to write the same kind of letter
miraak was added in a DLC so any theory regarding him is wrong. the ebony warrior was also added later so that doesnt work either.
I personally always figured it was Talos himself sending the letters.
@@cv8167 skyrims hero seeing that it needs a new hero in times of crisis and knowing youre the guy for the job. I like it.
it's most likely delphine. she would sign the letters as "a friend" so that the thalmor wouldn't know who to look for.
@@ariabritton9669 why wouldn’t she just talk to you at sky haven temple l
Interesting idea, I'll be blunt. That quest marker thing sounds like a crackpot nonsense coincidence.
Not entirely sold on Karita being A Friend, but you did open me up to the aspect of Kyne idea and I gotta say I’m pretty convinced of that. I remember encountering Karita on one of my first playthroughs and I’ve been curious ever since, especially why she disappears and only shows up during the greybeard quest. The fact she wore a circlet seemed important; NPCs generally don’t wear those unless they’re nobility or the like, and it could be symbolic of her divine status. If this is all true, then Karita and the Voice of Kyne reward from the tablets (note the statue of Talos at the final tablet) near perfectly mirrors the aspect of Talos NPC from Morrowind. The fact that both these NPCs also “manifest” at World Towers could also support this theory.
While I agree with the points you made, the Towers bit, less so, as Zenithar's and Mara's avatars/aspects (who also are in Morrowind) aren't near the Red Mountain.
@@Practitioner_of_Diogenes Fair enough, but at least in the context of Kyne it’s fitting, as she is the Divine most closely associated with the Snow Tower.
I always bring frost troll to karita so i can loot her when she died (and also saving my life), so how does she can died when she has superpowers?
@@fikrijuanda6321in most fiction avatars of God's tend to be mortal and temporary. Generally just being vessels they either created or incarnated into.
@@fikrijuanda6321so first of all it's a game, and where this is a secret and only hinted. They wouldn't implement something like this of course. Second, she is a god, and not this mortal in the end. She only uses it.
Klemek or whatever his name is might be the middle man. He is the only person to frequently go up the mountain. Has more respect for the graybeards than anyone in my opinion. He goes all the way up there. To deliver food and supplies for nothing in return and has never even seen the graybeards. I'd imagine the mountain of Kyne wouldn't kill Kyne. Is basically her shine. He had probably noticed her there never leaving and there for knew she is a supernatural entity
dude it’s not the grey beards 😂 they literally give you quests to look for shouts “find the word of power” vs “find the power of ___”
@@jare2067 they were just suggesting Klemek could be Kyne's middle man. Not the greybeards
I am definitely sold on Karita being Kyne, but not as certain that she's sending the letters. She may just have wanted a glimpse of you and placed herself on the mountain as you climb. Great video all round though, thanks for sharing an interesting theory.
I second this, it doesn't fit Kyne's modus operandi to be actively cloak and dagger. If her goal was to go unnoticed basically everything about what she's doing is incredibly counterproductive.
The answer is Farengar. He's male, a "friend" by Skyrim standards, and he clues you in by writing the word with a capital F. The anonymity can be explained by the persecution the Blades (and anyone associated with them) are suffering. Ironically he wears a cloak and carries a dagger. He also conducts research on dragon history and the dragonstone, so it's not that farfetched to imagine he knows about word walls and some of their locations.
You can kill Farengar during the Ebony Blade quest, so there's a simple way to test whether Farengar is the "Friend"
@@IIJOSEPHXII Same with this theory. I don't think A Friend is a killable character.
He really doesn’t have a reason to send the letters that early on, though. The thalmor (the main threat to the blades) can’t enter whiterun, he could just tell Delphine to tell you, or he could always just say “yeah I know it because I research dragons.” He doesn’t have a real reason to stay anonymous
This is a really good theory, but in another video I saw, it explained that, if you look in the code (or something like that), the letters are shown to come from the word walls themselves.
Now I'm wondering whether or not having an amulet of mara when you speak to her will trigger a marriage option
Me when I twist my balls
It doesn't, Karita isn't tagged in the game files as marriage abled
Sincerely,
More Than A Friend
PS. Could you drop by Belethor and get some groceries, we need:
- Elves Ear
- Pheasant Breast
- Frost Mirriam
- A Jug of Milk
- And Fire Salts, NOT Frost Salts, like you got last time
With some marriage mods, it's possible. However karita will not appear after the ceremony.
@@bryncollier7120Good to know, I was about to try that
Damn, I wonder if there are incarnations of other divines in the game and if so, who?
Karita disappearing like the wind is also a bonus point.
I remember that Talos shows up in the guise of an Imperial soldier in Morrowind. It's only briefly, while the player is heading up Red Mountain to take on Dagoth Ur. He'll give a 'lucky coin' to the player, then disappears forever. That appearance could be what influenced Bethesda to do something similar for Skyrim.
@@ragingfurball5419 This is likely the most compelling evidence, as it shows a pattern of development by Bethesda.
@@ragingfurball5419 Wulf is also hardly the only one that appears; Ana Nin and Jon Hawker are Mara and Zenithar respective, and disappear after quests relating to them are completed.
The person that tells you who Wulf is also tells you who Ana Nin is, while Jon Hawker gives you hard evidence himself of who he is.
I don't think her disappearing is much of anything. Obviously she would finish her pilgrimage and leave or something. Honestly, it would make more sense for them to keep her there if she were a god, wouldn't it?
@@mobiusdick6225 Other mortal aspects of the Aedra have shown up in games and disappear after interacting with the player or after a quest relevant to them.
Karita disappearing isn't out of the realm of possibly because of that.
If anything, this theory just weakens the theory that the Ebony Warrior is Ebonarm.
When you fight mirmulnir, the guard inside the tower says "Kynereth save us, here he comes again, he also uses the nord voice.
Yeah??
The sender is just the courier himself. He is just sick of having to run around extra to avoid dragons. Hes practically been everywhere and hears rumors all the time so he knows where the words of power are. He has to anonymous because if he just told the dragonborn it would be a breach of duty as a courier to share information that wasn't his to share.
Wouldnt this theory be proved/falsified by killing her and observing whether the letters stop coming in?
Good question. The answer is no. Keep in mind that Bethesda can't take everything that the player can do into account. Especially for mysteries, bc that can make them too easy to solve. Let's say Bethesda did mark Karita as essential, that's not something they do for most NPCs. So, that would draw a huge amount of attention to her, thus this mystery would've been solved many years ago. So, Bethesda has to be careful about things like that to keep mysteries engaging, and lots of ideas for clues don't make it into the game for that reason. For example, in "Is the Sole Survivor a Synth" I mentioned a cut terminal entry called "Unique Project," which I suspect was cut bc it's way too obvious of a clue for that mystery. I'm surprised it even made it into the game files, normally they'd nix an idea like that before ever actually making it.
Thank you for watching! 😄
Only if Kyne say's "You know what, screw this dragonborn! What a monster!"
Not really, some characters are known to send hired thugs to you even after their death
After watching this video I checked on both the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Page and the Famdom Page, and both say that the class of Karita (Pilgirm) is Warrior.
For those who don't know, in the Nordic Pantheon Kyne is Known as the "Kiss at the End", goddes of Storm and most importatnly the WARRIOR-widdow to Shor. Also I'm going to play Skyrim (I started this a new playthrough this week) and will see if there is a differcance inmy playthroughs considerring that I paly modded skyrim. Juat to be on the safe side. I will eddit this coment after I checkt.
(2nd editd shortent) I did chek BTW and she did have every thing on her, just the circlet and amulet of talos didn't show in her inventory. But she you could the the amulet of talos and the Gold Emerald circlet on her.
You tend to get goons hired by dead people at times too, but that's assuming that this isn't a lesser aspect of Kyne or something
No one will ever convince me that the sender is anyone other than Akatosh himself. You can receive a "letter from a friend" after using a thu'um way out in the wilderness, or in the depths of Blackreach, or on the top of Hvitkald Peak, with literally no one else around -- no witnesses. How is that possible unless the sender has some god-like ability to know exactly where you are and what you're doing? And who has the most vested interest in making sure the Dragonborn becomes stronger? For me, I will always believe it's Akatosh.
You can literally hear the Greybeards fron across the country when they call for the Dragonborn. Shouts are probably just hella loud
@@Tracker947, fair point, but pin-pointing exactly where it's echoing from? Much more difficult, and the letters are always very specific: "You caused a bit of a stir when you used your thu'um at XYZ location..." Especially when there's no one around. It's like the tree falling in the forest.
I mean, Kyne is also one of the aedra, and even in a weakened state would probably also be able to do this.
It's possible that Lorkan was actually the one who has the most influence over the power of the voice, and since he has very limited reach maybe Kyne is handling it for him
I remember in Morrowind before entering ghost gate to climb red mountain with the tools. There is an avatar of Tiber Septim named Wulf you can meet only briefly in this same way.
Love the video! I've always looked at Karita and wondered what story there was there. I went looking online for any theories anyone had come up with but found nothing. No one really seemed to care about Karita, but I'm glad you did!
Personally I assumed it was possibly the Ebony Warrior, as he seeks a foe with potential to be stronger than himself and a full strength Dragonborn well could be that final challenge.
Never something I put an ounce of thought into tho. Interesting theories all around on this channel, always a good time and better thought out than my passing assumptions
That could also explain the lack of given identity as the Ebony Warrior’s true name is a mystery as well.
I can't say I'm convinced, but I do appreciate the detective work. Karita being an avatar of Kyne/Kynereth certainly is interesting, and while I don't think it's the case literally speaking, I can buy that the character might have been inserted with the intention to nudge the attentive player or someone interested in RP into thinking of the goddess in an immersive way at least. In that regard, she is, in a way, an avatar of a divine... It can't be denied that she was put in the player's path with only matters of Nordic faith to consider.
You may be correct that Karita is Kyne personified. But I think the letter sender that hires the courier, the “He” in “He didn’t say” is Klimmek. That’s the guy who quests you to deliver food to the Greybeards. I’m thinking he is a middleman for middleman Argneir who represents Paarthunaax. P is a dragon and has a network of dragons on his side to help him easily talk to dragons and thus find all the word walls guarded by dragons.
Very keen my friend 🧐. I did consider that Klimmek could be the middle man for the Dragons, Greybeards, or Kyne. But I decided it wasn't worth putting in the video bc I think that the couriers would have more info if he was the person giving them the letters. They'd at least know that he lives in Ivarstead, so why not tell us that? Though you may be right, he could absolutely be Karita's middleman. I'm just not convinced enough of it to have put it in the video.
For Karita to be Kyne makes sense to me, and her just disappearing makes sense too.
For there's two times in which i think Kyne interferes in the path of the dragonborn.
When we accept the help of Maurice Jondrele during the gildergreen quest, bro simply vanishes and the sampling appears exactly where he was.
Since Kyne is the goddess of nature, it would perfect fit for her to protect it.
(Since the other way to end this quest results in harming the tree)
What prevents kyne from impersonating this other character?
(As a way to protect gildergreen)
It is worth mentioning that he is also a pilgrim just like Karita.
Of course this isn't a way to make the dragonborn more powerful as the theorie of the video ended, but this event made me think.
Always warms up my heart whenever I see somebody still uploading Skyrim content ❤
This makes even more sense, if you remember that the Graybeards themselves call High Hrothgar the "blessed mountain of Kynareth". Makes sense she would appear there.
Also if you read the shrines story it says that Kyne was the one who gave the voice to humans with the help of Pharthurnax. Giving the voice is literally teaching them shouts.
If you add the fact that the "friend" knows where you use the Thu'um, even if its on the most isolated and mystical places; it suits an all seeing goddess.
Makes sense to me. I've watched numerous lore related videos on Skyrim and you covered the points one could bring up about "the friend". Very convincing.
I've seen so many theories on the the "Friend" and yours is one of the more original, I really like it
Finally, a Skyrim theory video that actually makes sense and presents something new! Subscribed.
Good video, but you missed probably the most compelling piece of evidence: According to Nordic mythology, Kyne was the one who taught the Thu'um to the Nords, to begin with. It makes complete poetic sense that she would teach the Dragonborn.
This is so obscure and accurate that I wonder if this is that big secret Bethesda was saying nobody’s ever found
think about how sad this is. she knows, and likely remembers, but goes unrecognized. waiting for the time when she finally is recognized, but time continues to pass, and she still walks the world alone.
It's the dragonborn himself. From some sort of time loop.
The way we know it can’t be Delphine is because Delphine is just A friend, meanwhile the person sending the letter is A Friend, a real homie
After all these years.. I honestly think this makes the most sense. you explained it so logically and even if it isnt her...this discovery alone is so crazy dude. props! im subbin
I am surprised that you didn't mention the boon attached to visiting every shrine of etched tablets, Voice of the Sky. This power gives the benefit of animals not attacking you for a period of time and can be regained by visiting every shrine going up or down whenever you want it. Sky and animals, must be Kyne I think. This was something I actually thought years ago so glad someone else thinks it too. 👍🇬🇧
I decided that it didn't really add anything that acknowledging that the Throat of the World is "Kynareth's Sacred Mountain" didn't. But that is a good point! Thanks for bringing it up 😄
@@TheBlackRose3 Voth kogaan zeymah. 👍🇬🇧
Absolutely phenomenal video. Topic touched on perfectly with your supporting details being given clearly and also being engaging. I'm a sucker for new, fresh, and solid ES theories/themes/etc. Effortlessly earned a subscription my dude. Keep up the awesome work!
Delphine's anonymity isn't an issue its a solution, She is a blade, the blades are being hunted by the Thalmor. A known blade signing a letter with their name is a bad idea, hence the anonymity. So Delphine stays the most likely cantidate.
That's what I thought I think most fans are making this more complicated than it needs to be, the most simple theory is usually the right one
The only problem with this is that you can get letters from a friend that mention places outside of Mundus such as the realms of Oblivion. Delphine would have no way of knowing that.
@rickastley4993 Widely this is regarded as a bug because it mentions causing a stir even in places with nobody around.
But there is still the "Why not tell the Dragonborn directly?" part. I mean, we can ask Arngeir about word walls, so why not Delphine, if she really knows the Location of those
@@p3chv0gel22 In game explanation could be that she discovers words of power walls by gathering information and then sends you a letter about the location. She dosent tell you about shouts directly because she is looking for shouts like you do and tries to give you info as fast as posible. Dragonborn is a busy guy who may not visit delphine for long periods of time. Its makes sense for her to send letters, to make sure her info reaches you while you are traveling the land
You didn’t even need a deep dive to tell its not Delphine because she says herself that she had no idea who the dragonborn was until they ask for the attic room.
Great video!
Sincerely,
A Friend
Odahvings Dragon faction is a really cool theory i never even considered before! We already know that the dragons are very smart and can speak. Its very plausible that the dragons have human servants (similar to dragon priests) who are able to write letters for them and contact the dragonborn. If anything, they probably know much more about thuum/ word walls than Delphine. They also want to remain anonymous because if other dragons learn which one betrayed Alduin, then it could come back to haunt them.
Excellent theory...I always thought it was Esbern, considering he's in hiding, and would write the letters, knowing damn well where all the walls are, and would use the Thieves' Guild to send out the letters.
The only drawback for it being Esbern, is that he is unaware that there is a Dragonborn until you tell him you're a Dragonborn when you meet him in the Ratway warrens. He's hiding out from the Thalmor and is convinced the world is doomed by the prohesy of the Worldeater.
I assure you, none of the greybeards writes that note. We don't have papers. We usually just shout to call someone from afar.
It is wulfgar who sends the letters, he senses the world walls, he knows you, He is also the ONLY NPC IN THE GAME WITH A PIECE OF CHARCOAL AND PAPER ROLLS in his inventory.
I believe that it's Paarthurnax and Wulfgar just writes down what he tells him.
This was an incredibly thorough theory! I especially enjoyed that after all my many years of playing this game i am still learning secrets (Karita being an incarnation/aspect of Kyne) very cool, and kudos to you on the research 👍
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it
The idea of Karita sending these letters is an good theory. However I just have one issue with it. If you kill Karita, she still sends the letters to you
People who are dead still send mercenaries after you as well ;)
What the guy above said and the fact she be God
You basically only killed her avatar
@@BlazingBurrito2K Am not saying it's fact personally
Just saying how she could still send letters IF it is True
She can be killed by the Dragonborn and by the troll further up the mountain. Hardly a godlike death.
After she is killed she gets her own coffin in Riften, but can still write letters?
While it is possible she wrote and mailed them before her death how would she know where/when you used your thu'um in a public place?
And why would she need to keep hidden? Except for this UA-camr's wild, incorrect idea about Kyne, getting a letter from Karita would be very trustworthy. We would have no reason to suspect her of misleading us. She is just a high hrothgar pilgrim. She has been around. She has seen things. She has heard things.
However, being dead and having only one interaction and no motive to help us kinda tosses aside the idea that it's her.
Besides, wouldn't her circlet be fitted with a blue gem like the shrine if it were her? Green just makes no sense when sapphires exist in the game.
One year later
I am still perplexed on the “one key reason in the videos tab”
Delphine is the only character [NPC] that uses the exact quote "I am 'A Friend' .".
The stone on every shrine of Kynerath is Blue . Why would she have a green stone? PS: I have killed Karita , and still have gotten a Letter from a A Friend .
you killing karita and still getting the letters is likely an oversight if this is true lol
Yup, and I've killed bandits and gotten their inheritance.
@@bable6314 and dead people will still send mercs after you ;)
Why would anyone assume that killing a random mortal vessel used by an Aedra would at all inhibit or do more than inconvenience, if that?
I just thought it was the ebony warrior for some reason
You think a lettercasing was significant in a Bethesda game? Need I remind you that these are the same people who made the password to an underground railroad "RAILROAD"?
Very likely, since we get Voice of the Sky power(does the same as Kyne's Peace shout) from reading those tablets and this is not the last time a deity disguises as a regular npc in these games.
Fun fact: In elder scrolls blades(mobile) we have Theodor Gorlash. Reordering letters of the name will give his identity away if his obvious appearance didn't.
I don't see why it has to be _someone._ It's just some random person. The Dragonborn has returned -- the Greybeards announced it to all of Skyrim. So when a random person learns the Dragonborn was in their city, the send an anonymous letter about a nearby ruin they've heard (through rumor or family legend or whatever) has a dragon wall the Dragonborn might be able to make use of.
The fact that any random or isolated location can also be listed is just a fluke of the system Bethesda created.
I think this is cool and interesting. You did a lot of research! I think this is a fun answer, and I like it. (It could certainly be Kyne, and it's fun for that to be the answer). As for whether or not I believe it, I think the answer is kind of a yes and no. I believe it because it's fun and interesting, and makes sense in a way. But Bethesda is also notorious for random throwaways because of cut storylines, so she could be just no one in the final game. But, it does make the game a little more interesting, for her to be Kyne.
Great video. Many thanks!
Convincing, although I must admit many of the evidence you present feels quite bonkers imho.
The fact that she's an npc with a unique name, that particular dialouge, and sitting at that very spot, is enough evidence for me that she very well may be Kyne.
If Karita means beloved, that could just mean that she's yet another candidate for "mother of Balgruuf's children".
I made this discovery when I was investigating Balgruuf's children! 😄
Plot twist its the courier himself
Before I watch this video I always had one of two theories on who "A Friend" really is.
1. A Friend is Delphine, to my knowledge the letters only become available once you complete the first step towards becoming the Dovahkiin, right after you visit the greybeards. So it only seems reasonable she would easily figure you out and wish to help you progress your journey but making sure you become powerful enough.
2. A Friend is the Ebony Warrior who has heard of you shortly after you became recognized as the Dovahkiin and wants to see you become stronger for when you both eventually meet.
This is pretty well thought out and I'd say I've been convinced this is the case, head canon at least. Talos did much the same in Morrowind.
There is also a theory that its the Dragonborn himself from the future, using time magic to go back in the past and have the letters delivered to him upon certain actions his past self did.
It's plausible because he used time magic with the Elder Scroll and the Wooden Mask in Labrynthian. He would obviously know to send the letters at those points because it was they themselves who did it.
So the dragonborn sends letters back in time because they know when they got a letter from the future and have to keep the time loop stable.
@HappyBeezerStudios Yup that's exactly it.
I personally think this is more plausible than the theory in this Vid, as we have solid 100% proof of the Dragonborn utilizing time magic in two different scenarios, so it's definitely possible for him to do this.
@@Spiketrooper Ehhhh we also know he is enthralled by Mora at the end of Dragonborn DLC, so that's not believable at all tbh.
@bable6314 To be fair, Hermaeus Mora's whole sphere is fate and knowledge. The dragonborn received those letters, it was fate and it gave the Dragonborn knowledge to find the powers in the letters.
Mora would obviously know the Dragonborn received those letters, and would likely allow him to send the letters to as Beezer said, "Keep the time loop stable" and prevent a paradox.
I have a very important information to support this theory. In my main play through I never got the "letter from a friend", reason for that i believe to be that I by mistake killed karita while climbing the stairs to reach Blackbeards for the first time. Till now before watching this video i believed that she was not important at all.
And after watching this video i realised that I never got the letter from a friend in Skyrim 😅
So it's not Delphine because she signed a letter differently than how she signed a note, but it's Karita because she might somehow be the godess Kyne in disguise. Gotcha.
I don't know about the kynareth thing but I don't think it's delphine. Delphine asks you to prove you're dragonborn later in the game and you can receive the letter before that.
@@meli4535 That's a valid arguement. I imagined that Bethesda set it up so that you'd get mysterious letters from "A friend" and then in the Horn quest you'd find who that mysterious person was, but it ended up being ruined by the way that they made the MSQ have no breaks and feel so urgent.
Her being Kyne might also explain the “glitch” that use to always cause a dragon to spawn there when you talked to her could it be Alduin sensed her and sent one of his minions to check it out
There's a piece of evidence you missed but its rather small. During your journey up the steps if you hit all the shrines you get a boon called "Voice of the Sky" that says "animals won't attack nor flee from you". Kyne has alot of nature themes and one of them is animals which are shown time and time in her temples and etc. Plus she is called Goddess of the Storm which if you think about it the boon and her title are very closely related. So yeah thats my evidence sorry for the long read.
I believe they are all separate people. They might belong to the same group but not the same person.
I think the truth is far simpler than what people are making up. Just npcs that see you shout and have knowledge of a word wall location smh
Important unmentioned point; Kyne/Kaan isn't just shor/lorkhan's wife. She's his SHIELD wife. Dibella was the hearth/bed wife of shor. And lo, we see her wearing a hide shield. There's also the matter of the dangerous wildlife on the mountain; which are levelled to the character and often very tough relative to what you'd encounter wandering the world at the time of the quest. There's no way she could have gotten to her little meditation spot alive without already having the voice of the sky buff. Which requires the mountain to be climbed from bottom to top. Kynareth wouldn't have to bother with that bit of trouble because all wildlife is inherently unaggressive to her. Importantly, EVERY enemy on the path up high hrothgar is an animal/wildlife monster affected by the voice of the sky buff. There is absolutely no danger for kyne or a person bearing her blessing anywhere on high hrothgar.
ngl this theory has that 2016 illuminati confirmed mlg feel to it
I think this theory is compelling, but there's a small flaw. The reason she disappears after the Way of the Voice quest is probably just because she only makes the trip up the Throat of the World occasionally, and just happens to leave while you're at High Hrothgar. She literally says she only makes the trip every few weeks as one of her 3 lines of dialogue.
swear to god you were under 2k subs last night and now you gained another quick 200! You have a good backlog of videos for people to binge, so I think this is the start of something good for your channel :) Just keep at it with the uploads, you got this bro!
I think you're right, but I also think some of this is absolutely overthinking, conspiracy theory nonsense. I can buy that Bethesda put her here as a very subtle nod, and while I'm more in the boat of the "Friend" letters probably don't have an intended writer, this is a very solid theory.
However, the map marker theory and the points about how the emerald in the circlet is a fitting choice and ties to Atmora is in the overthinking territory.
I do think the blue eyes have potential though since that's something you can actually customize on the NPC.
You clearly don't know who Michael Kirkbride is.
This is just a passing thought, but it could also be the Ebony Warrior. He doesn't appear until you reach level 80 and his whole schtick is that he wants a powerful opponent to kill him in battle, so that he can go to Sovngarde. It would definitely be within his interests to help the Dragonborn grow in power, and you never learn his true identity so anonymity is right up his alley.
Nah, it’s Delphine. She’s anonymous as she’s been hiding for so long she’s used to using layers of subterfuge.
Also, I’ve seen Karita killed by both trolls and dragons.
Also to make sure if any thalmor get a hold of the letters, shed remain anonymous
Probably not.
I was just sort of nodding along like “okay, yeah. I can see how this could be convincing,” but the amulet being a way marker that points to Karita sold it for me.
I’m totally on board with this.
Wow, this is interesting. In all my Skyrim playthroughs, I met her and completely forgot about her 2 minutes later. After seeing this I don’t think that will ever happen again. You really did think this through. Bethesda really should think about hiring some of you guys to develop the next chapter of elder scrolls, bc you guys seem to give it much more thought than many of it‘s current creators!
Good thing it‘s weekend, you just made me play this marvellous game again!
Instant sub, Greetings from Germany
Great perspective and sound rationale. I have many thousands of hours on the game. I recall receiving the letter when I popped off in dwarven ruins. That detail adds strength to someone hearing the thum supernaturally - which in turn supports kyne/karita as you theorize.
I would love for you to be the one who finally puts the hammer down on a debate. Simply visit the bannered mare as a Thalmor in the early game. Someone will give you a gift. I have no doubt that you will connect the rest of the dots immediately.
Cheers.
she disappears after the mission, and is never seen anywhere else even where you meet her for the first time, it's..., very strange
Great theory, I love that people can still see this game in new lights.
The first time I got a Letter from a Friend, it sent me to that place where you drop down and a necromancer captures you.
I never really paid attention to the letter on later runs, so I always thought the sender was that guy luring wannabe Dovahkiin to die and become undead.
Karita being kyne and the one sending the letter makes sense also its even crazier to know that the last dragonborn may be an aspect of lorkhan kynes husband
Great theory, but I personally think its miraak, because not only does he want the dragonborn to be extremely powerful, so we can fight him, he also thinks no one but another dragonborn would be a worthy opponent to face in battle, and last but not least miraak also shows the dragonborn where a word of power is.
Thats just my theory, you could say its wrong because its a dlc, but most games have part of the dlc in the base game to give you a hint on what its going to be
holy crap this is actually really good most of these theory videos are just conjecture but you've honestly convinced me.
This seems like the most off-the-wall answer to this question but I'd buy it
This is honestly one of the best researched videos I’ve ever seen on this topic! You’ve kinda convinced me. But at the same time, i do just think this was Bethesda’s way of helping us out for some reason. Idk why there has to be a connection to a direct character
5:55 "One thing people overlook about the Ebony Warrior and Ulfric Stormcloak is that they both can speak"
This is my absolute answer to this theory!
She only appears there and this makes so much sense I’ve been curious of her for YEARS
I got this letter from the soul carin, so I'm not sure what to think at this point.
Honestly, Bethesda has continually impressed me with their insane attention to detail. Sometimes their focus is so much on the details that I think they lose track of the larger picture, even. But I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that this whole necklace, map marker thing feels very "Pepe Silvia" to me.
I find these theories as fun as anyone else; yet my question is why do so many people assume it has to be only one sender?
I always assumed the letters came from one of the gods, assuming your existence is their will and are aiding you in your fight against Alduin. Your theory not only justifies that idea but makes sense of it too.
Your existence is will of Akatosh, he created dragons and all dragonborns. So it would need to be him.
Dragons not be able to write could be proven wrong because it’s shown that dragons write words via the Thu’um. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say they write the words by imbuing them with the Thu’um
I often thought it was Kyne in some way but had absolutely 0 idea of these bits and pieces (had to do it) were even thinkable but I am on board with you 100% because this finished overall my theory that Kyne was indeed "Friend". I always thought the capital F meant something in relation to lore. Maybe it does maybe it doesn't but great work dude. You earned a sub from me!
I unalive that Karita on the steps every single playthrough, and the letters still come afterwards
I always figured it was Esbern. He's got every reason to stay hidden since the Thalmor are after him, he has an extensive knowledge of dragon locations and has been monitoring the prophecies.
Pretty sure the Dragonborn is the reincarnation of Shore
Finally, I've found another UA-camr to binge during my long graveyard hours.
The letters are obviously from Albert Friend.
I've never really thought much about the sender of these letters. From the very first playthrough, Greybeards automatically seemed to me the only possible option
Well, damn. I'm not often convinced but you know what they say. One point makes a dot, but several points makes a line.
Cool video. I always assumed it was just whoever was in charge of the holds sending them since they’d have the knowledge of gossip and would like being anonymous since they have a reputation.
My original suspicion was I had to shout near outdoor vendors as that’s what triggered my first letter from a friend. I figured if I bought from them they would want me to go on an adventure and then buy supplies from them. Silly but I had just started playing.
Honestly I think the game devs just left it ambiguous to make it seem people were watching the player. But I do think you’re on to something with that girl being the god of nature. So perhaps you’re looking at things in a very significant way. That symbol in the mountains blew my mind
Shadow would not believe her, this one would be just confused.
So you're saying in Skyrim we play as Lorkhan, the god whose heart was haarnessed and destroyed in Morrowind?
i saw the theory about it being hermaus mora and that honestly seems the most convincing, his entire thing is being the price of knowledge and he clearly wants a powerful and capable dragonborn by his side