Lore:Daedra

Daedra (  or  ) are immortal beings that did not take part in the creation of the Mundus, and thus retain the full breadth of their power. They have a very real impact on the mortal realm; in one way or another, Daedric influence touches everyone on Tamriel. 

The word "Daedra" is of Aldmeri origin, and roughly means "not our ancestors", as opposed to Aedra—"ancestors".  Technically, only the plural is written "Daedra", but this word is frequently used in singular as well. The proper singular form is "Daedroth",  but that has come to refer to a specific species of Daedra.   Different cultures have their own myths and names for Daedra, as well. The study of Daedra is referred to as Daedrology. Likewise, those who study Daedra are called "Daedrologists." 

Daedra are sometimes referred to as demons, but this is misleading. All Daedra have a penchant for extremes and are therefore capable of tremendous acts of devastation, but their different spheres make them apply their power in different ways, and their infinite diversity makes speaking about them generally difficult.   Thus, it is often impossible to accurately label them as "good" or "evil"; the one thing that can be stated with certainty is the Daedra are beyond mortal comprehension (as mortals seem to be beyond Daedric comprehension).  

Daedra come in many forms. Undoubtedly there are true Daedra (called Greater Daedra),  such as the Daedra Princes, Demiprinces,  and highly intelligent Dremora.  There are many lesser beings known to be in league with these greater powers, but whether each type constitutes actual Daedra is unknown. 

A Daedroth's physical form can be ruined, but it cannot be truly killed; the soul (more specifically known as the animus or vestige) of a slain Daedroth returns to the void of Oblivion until it manages to coalesce into a physical form again.   A slain Daedroth is often said to have been "banished" or "purged" instead of "killed" to reflect this.  It is not known what happens to a Daedra killed in Aetherius,  though it has been suggested that this may be the one way to permanently kill a Daedra.  Septima Tharn put this theory to the test when she lured the Vestige to the Far Shores in an attempt to permanently destroy the hero. While in Aetherius, the Vestige was separated from their soul, which was trapped in Coldharbour. Septima Tharn believed that if she managed to kill the Vestige in the Far Shores, the hero wouldn't have been able to resurrect themselves, effectively dooming them.  A way of permanently disposing of a Daedra or Daedra Lord does exist; this is done by binding a portion of their energy to an object such as a skull. This prevents their return, and they cannot reform unless the essence is freed from the object.   

Daedra are great imitators, and their creations are described as mimicking things found on Nirn in an outlandish or even corrupted way. They are capable of creating seemingly indestructible and mighty Daedric armor and weaponry through dark rituals.   The Daedric Princes have also created several species of daedra that resemble species found on Nirn. The Beetles, Scorpions, Wasps, and Spiders from Mephala's Spiral Skein and the Crows from the Nocturnal's Evergloam are the more blatant examples of Daedric imitations of animals from Nirn.  

Daedric Princes
thumb|right|An Auroran (Knights of the Nine)
 

Lesser Daedra
The Daedric Princes are only the most powerful of the Daedra, and many of them have many servants known generally as lesser Daedra (not to be confused with Lesser Daedra, a specific type of Daedra similar to Daedroths). Even though many lesser Daedra are associated with a Daedric Prince in particular, in reality, any individual Daedroth can serve any Daedric Prince by taking part in an "Oath Bond" while others stay unaligned, though the specifics are characteristically unknown.    Some are in service to mortals.  For example, the Dunmer have been known to use Daedra as servants and instruments,   as have many other cultures,   and the Ayleids employed entire armies of Daedra in their wars against men.  Daedra are often summoned and used in the study of Magic; of course, the school of Conjuration deals specifically with connecting one's mind with a Daedroth and compelling its appearance in the mortal plane.   For information on mortals summoning such Daedra, see the book Darkest Darkness.

See Also
For game-specific information, see the Daggerfall, Battlespire, Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim, ESO, and Legends articles.
Nymic

Bestiary
thumb|right|A Lurker (Dragonborn)
 

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