The Legend of Red Eagle ( Book ) Content . This tale was transcribed from the memory of Clarisse Vien , student of Winterhold . Elements of the legend suggest a date c . 1E 1030 , though as with any oral tradition , much of it is likely a later anachronism . Curiously , stories of a similar king and his legendary blade appear in other ancient myths of the Reach . Long ago , a child was born in the Sundered Hills . They named him Faolan , which means ' Red Eagle ' in the tongue of the Reach , for the screeching bird - call that greeted his birth , and the crimson blooms on the autumn hills . Thus began his legend : Reach - child , born under auspicious skies , his very name the color of blood . Ten kings ruled the Reach in those days , and though men were free , the people were scattered and warred amongst themselves . The augurs foresaw the boy ' s destiny : a warrior without peer , first and foremost Lord of the Reach , chosen to unite all under his name . Faolan grew in years and strength , and it seemed the prophecy would be fulfilled . The banner of the Red Eagle was raised along the cliffs of the Reach , and his people prospered . Then came Hestra , Empress of the South , riding to war . One by one , the kings stood before her . One by one , they fell aside , bending knee in Imperial bargains or slaughtered on the battlefield . Her legions came at last to the Sundered Hills , and envoys were sent to bargain for their surrender . Faolan refused to yield the freedom of his people , but the elders were afraid , cast him out , and accepted the Imperial yoke . Thus was stolen by the foreign invaders : his land , his people , his very name . In the years that followed , Red Eagle became known as the untamed spirit of the Reach , unbowed , unbroken , stained by the blood of his foes . He gathered loyal Reachmen to himself , those who clung to the old ways , who yearned for freedom , and forged a new nation . Together , they fell upon the occupiers and the traitors by night , disappearing into the cliffs and caves each morn , evading capture . It was not enough . For every Imperial patrol and garrison they wiped out , yet more seemed to march from the green south to replace them . One night , under a cloud - choked sky , the men of the Red Eagle warmed themselves over damp fires of smoldering moss . A huddled , shambling figure came to them , cloaked in rags , face cowled . Though his men mocked and cast stones at the stranger , Faolan sensed something , and beckoned . The cowl was thrown back in the dim light , and she revealed herself to be one of the ancient and venerable Hagraven s . She offered power , for a price , and a pact was made . Thus was brokered to the witch : his heart , his will , his humanity . From that day forth , his was a spirit of vengeance , pitiless and beyond remorse . The rebels grew in strength and numbers , and none could stand against them . Faolan ' s eyes burned coldly in those days , black opals reflecting a mind not entirely his own . Two years passed , and the foreigners were all but driven from the Reach . Such peace could not last , however , and a great host fell upon them , a swift army of invaders unlike any before . For a fortnight , Hestra ' s generals laid siege to Red Eagle ' s stronghold , till he himself came forth for battle , alone and robed in nothing but his righteous fury . A thousand foreigners fell before his flaming sword , and the enemy was routed . Yet , when night fell , so too did he . The warriors who came to him said Faolan ' s eyes were clear again on that final night . He was taken to the place prepared for him , a tomb hidden deep within the rock . With his remaining strength he presented his sword to his people , and swore an oath : Fight on , and when at last the Reach is free , his blade should be returned , that he might rise and lead them again . Thus was given for his people : his life , his dream , his sword . But when every debt is repaid in blood , these he shall reclaim once more .