Marcella Varian

This article contains lore based on sources from the timeline occur in The Elder Scrolls universe.
Warning!This article contains spoilers. Read at your own risk!
"Marcella" and "Meht" redirect here. For the realm of the same name, see Judhofkiin. For other uses, see Marcella (disambiguation).

## Marcella Varian

* Invasion
* Skyrim

## Biography information

### Alias(es)

Marcella the Wise
The Ashen Dragon
Dragonborn-Goddess
Peacemaker Goddess
Peacemaker
Heroine-Goddess of Mankind
Meht (by the Daedra)
 (by Paarthurnax and Novulvenkaal)

 (by the Dragons)

### Location

Cyrodiil (formerly)
Skyrim (formerly)
Sovngarde (temporarily)
Judhofkiin

### Family

Caius Varian (father)
Brelyna (mother)
Tulvia Varian (sister)
Jenassa (wife)
Livia Varian (adoptive daughter)
Flavius Varian (uncle)
Reman Varian (grandfather)
Svennja (grandmother)
Sergentius Varian (cousin)

### Ingame database

Marcella Varian (Skyrim)
Marcella Varian (Invasion)
Marcella Varian (Rebellion)
Marcella Varian (Legends)

## Physical information

### Skin Color

Tan (*Skyrim* and its expansions)
Gray (*Invasion* and its expansions)

## Affiliation information

### Title(s)

Princess (formerly)
Empress of Cyrodiil (formerly)
Head of the Alliance (formerly)
Dragonborn
Goddess of Peace
Goddess of Strategy

### Affiliation

Varian Dynasty
Fourth Empire
High Hrothgar
Ten Divines
Tamrielic Alliance

## Behind the Scenes

### Appears in

*The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim*
*The Elder Scrolls V: Dominion*
*The Elder Scrolls V: Moonstrider*
*The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion*
*The Elder Scrolls VI: Akavir*

### Mentioned in

*The Elder Scrolls VI: Underworld*

*"My life as both a mortal and a Divine, is that simple really. To protect, having good knowledge and judgment. That what makes me successful with my achievements on both my former and current live."*
―Marcella Varian[src]
**Marcella Varian** (later **Marcella**), was the Dragonborn-Goddess of the Ten Divines and the former Empress of the Fourth Empire. Born as a mortal, Marcella is a half-breed of a Imperial and Dunmer blood, and become the first female Dragonborn in her own right. She became a heir presumptive to her uncle Emperor Flavius Varian, after her sister Tulvia, the heir apparent, refused to accept the throne, due its associated with the Dragonblood. She started her rise to popularity when she rose throughout the ranks of the Imperial Legion ending the rank of Legate before being promoted to General, and by her uncle's orders; Marcella conquered the independent islands of the Padomaic Ocean.

When Marcella ascended the Ruby Throne, she rebuild most of the Imperial City and played a key role of defeating all combatants in a three-way conflict known as War of the Red Dragon, with concurrent events such as the Skyrim Civil War by defeating Ulfric Stormcloak, and slaying Alduin, the World Eater, during the Dragon Crisis in 4E 201. Her significant events of releasing and meeting hero who later called the Moonstrider in 5E 57. In her 70-year reign in the final years of the Fourth Era and dominated in the Fifth Era, she had prosperous institutions and laws, including the abolish of slavery and reorganization of the Synod, as well most popular to support the same-sex marriages.

After her death and apotheosis, Marcella became a deity of the Ten Divines, where she was worshipped as a guide heroes improved strategies in battle or sieges and bring peace through negotiation tactics. In her divine life, Marcella was involved in history in time of need, she witness the end of the her family, the Varian Dynasty after a Orcish warlord Shamar gro-Rogdul usurped the Ruby Throne after murdering Titus III, and the rise of the Avento Dynasty. She also defeating the returning Haidoneus and Miraak respectfully, hunting down and allied with the Nerevarine to defeat a Dwarven Titian, and explored the ancient ruins of Septimia and Ionith.

## History

### Early years and first female Dragonborn

Marcella was born in the port city of Anvil, either in Anvil Palace or Lexian Manor (later Dovahhofkiin) to Caius Varian, the reigning Emperor and Brelyna in year 4E 173. She is a half-breed of Imperial and Dunmer races, which when she is young, she had a dark ashen skin, however the skin changed to tan as she grow older, and was a fan of mohawk hair styles. Marcella have a older sister, named Tulvia which considered Marcella, the most beloved sister of their lifetime. During her childhood, she is a skilled swordsman, which it was useful during her life and reign. From birth, Marcella not realized that she born with the blood Akatosh, and claimed the god said that her future and career for years to come. and saw the deaths of her parents at the Battle of Grimpen Ward and her uncle Flavius become Emperor.

When reaching her youth, Marcella bonding with her parents, became a skilled swordsman, and became best friends with Freydis Strong-Blade, the future Harbinger of the Companions and Thane of Whiterun under Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. She than was summoned to High Hrothgar by the Greybeards by travelled to Skyrim, while accompanying with guardsman. She met with Arngeir and later Paarthurnax to be her mentors respectfully, and learned the rest of her childhood to her early young adulthood of the Way of the Voice. Marcella than was declared Dragonborn by the Greybeards, which she is also the first female Dragonborn of all time. When Marcella return to Cyrodiil in year 4E 189, she joined the Imperial Legion and eventually rose the rank of Legate in the next few years. By the following year on 4E 192, Marcella stationed as her short or brief tenure as a crusader, when she was visited by the ghost of Rasman that his tomb was raided by group of Necromancers during the First Era which Rasman become Haidoneus, and she defeat the Prince's realm of Oblivion, The Underworld.

After defeating Haidoneus and was slowly recovering from her wounds, she had contained her legion career during the First Forsworn Uprising broke out, which the Empire supports the Forsworn. By 4E 194, the Emperor Flavius promoted Marcella as General, and eventually become one of the youngest generals of the Empire. Flavius ordered Marcella to reconquer the Padomaic Ocean, which this starts the Padomaic Conquests. The first battle, the Battle of Padomaic Land ended in Imperial victory. She re-conquered the islands of Rosacrea and Cathnoquey in 4E 195, and Esroniet the following year. While she had plans to re-conquer on continent of Akavir which the last time was Emperor Uriel V and his failed attempt which led to his death in 3E 290. In the same year, Marcella start the Yneslea Offensive to re-took island of Yneslea in 4E 197. However the island was inhabited by a thief family attack Marcella and her forces, which she was ambushed and wounded by the result, however the family escape and eventually took Yneslea. The result is of the family escape to Riften.

Marcella return to Cyrodiil as she recovered. Her uncle Flavius I summoned Marcella that another threat posed to the Empire, a Thalmor-Bosmer alliance led by Calrim Elsinor, entered the countryside, gaining a early upper hand. Marcella, later joined by her uncle met Calrim's forces near Fort Caractacus, and defeat Calrim and his forces and re-take the fort, renaming to Dovah Skor.

### Ascension and Imperial reign

At the conclusion of the Padomaic Conquests, her uncle Flavius's health begin to rapidly declined. Marcella was than recalled to the Imperial City by the Elder Council when there's a short-lived succession crisis. Marcella's older sister, Tulvia alleged to next be chosen to be Empress but she refused and make the offer to Marcella, who already become Dragonborn years prior, and she accepted the throne as heir. The Imperial Act of Succession had prevent of a future succession crisis and states Marcella was the second-in-line to the Imperial, and most importantly is that having the Dragonblood, making her the heir presumptive to the throne. When her uncle, Flavius I died in 4E 199, Marcella ascended to the Ruby Throne after completing the relighting of the Dragonfires at the Temple of the One, and was approached by a blacksmith named Octavius Jannus to have an new weapon as an symbol that eventually forged a new weapon for Marcella, and presented a longsword-style claymore, which she named it Dragonbreath.

During her reign, she was popular among the notability, legion, and the common citizens in Cyrodiil and later in Tamriel. In times of war, Marcella was popularly known for her famed tactical strategies which later adopted by the Imperial Legion. Marcella's popularized two institutions was to outlawing slavery, and supporting allowing same-sex marriages. She also recognized and reorganized the Synod, a guild that replaced the now dissolved Mages Guild following the Oblivion Crisis. Marcella had also rebuild the damages with and to the Elder Council, and developed relationship with Adebnis Salvian, a new recently appointed High Chancellor. Marcella's religious reforms and a Divine worshipper herself, she let the Altmer-living people in the Empire worship their native deities and forbade proselytizing in any Tamrielic religions, allowing to worship freely. The less notably Marcella founded her knightly order, the Order of the Mohawk, who had their members increased and being admired in Tamriel.

### Return of Alduin and the Second Great War

While Marcella had visions of Alduin's return to Nirn and eventually by destroying the town of Helgen, which begin the Dragon Crisis. She assembled the Legion and travel to Skyrim on her request to stop Alduin. She returned to High Hrothgar to met with her long-time mentor, Paarthurnax with his guidance. However they was confronted by Alduin at the Throat of the World, which turned into a duel and resulted with Alduin had a minor defeat at the hands of Marcella. After Alduin's first defeat, Marcella captured Odahviing in Whiterun with the help of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, and rode Odahviing to Skuldafn. The second and final battle with Alduin come in Sovngarde, realm of Shor, and met the legendary Nordic heroes; Gormlaith Golden-Hilt, Hakon One-Eye and Felldir the Old in the Hall of Valor. The heroes helped Marcella defeat Alduin.

The murder of Torygg, the High King of Skyrim by Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak, which started a civil war. In response, she ordered General Tullius into Skyrim as its provisional governor and Legate Rikke to Solitude, as well ten Legionaries entered the now civil war-torn nation. While Skyrim without a High King, the nation divided into two pretenders, Elisif the Fair, Jarl of Solitude, who supported by Marcella and the Empire and Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm, supported by Ulfric's supporters in the Western Holds. Marcella and Legate Rikke help Balgruuf from the Stormcloak attack of Whiterun. Next, Marcella and her generals marched into Stormcloaks' territory, capturing Stormcloak Forts of Dunstad and Greenwall. While traveling from Falkreath to Riften, Marcella was ambushed by the Stormcloaks, led by the assassin, Bolfur Scar-Honored, which he wounded Marcella but she managed to overpowered and defeat Bolfur. Marcella continued her campaign, she was wounded while taking Fort Amol, which later recovered. Months later, she and her legions while accompanying by General Tullius and Legate Rikke, marched to Windhelm to assault and end the Rebellion. Marcella prayed to the Divines and begin the assault, which was badly wounded but pushed into the Palace of the Kings. Marcella, Tullius, and Rikke enter the Palace, confronting Galmar Stone-Fist and Ulfric Stormcloak, eventually defeating them and quarrel the Rebellion. After Ulfric and his Stormcloaks defeated, Elisif was elected as High Queen by the Moot, and Brunwulf Free-Winter becomes new Jarl of Eastmarch.

Unclear that the possible war with the Dominion had raising in the past months, however when High King Larethahl Elsinlock send a few Thalmor embassy was to the Imperial City, to discussed about the Talos worship situation, which was secret lifted by Marcella's father and uncle and ended with war, which the War of the Red Dragon was renewed. Upon meeting with Imperial generals, Marcella met with the Imperial navy and army was ready, and marched south of the coast and border the home of the Khajiit of Elsweyr, which she helped General Claudius Falx, defeating Borbaz gra-Yakla, a Orsimer mercenary general of the Fourth Orsinium. Marcella than encountered and wounded by Tauraril Athan, the Duke of Skywatch and commander-in-chief of the Third Dominion forces which Odahviing arrived and save Marcella. After recovered from her wounds, Marcella defeat the Thalmor at Water's Edge, capturing King Larethahl himself, however the King escaped from capivity by Tauraril himself. Marcella travel to Hammerfell, helping with her second cousin, High King Kaydoc of Renemath and King Helseth Selodil respectfully, defeating the Thalmor, led by Morelle Aedahl, and a Orcish War party, led by Yambul gro-Coblrbush at Sentinel. Weeks later, Marcella met with the Tamrielic Alliance leaders including King Larethahl, accompanying by Tauraril Athan, and other nations leaders signed the Second Concordat at White-Gold Tower, ending the War of the Red Dragon and Marcella declared the Fifth Era.

### Marriage and Voyage Across Tamriel

After the treaty of the Second White-Gold Concordat, Marcella met her future wife Jenassa after she had a huge crush on the Empress, resulting in love letters to each other, mostly Jenassa. After they fall in love, they became engaged and married at the Temple of the One, and becoming the first homosexual wedding and royal family in Cyrodiil and Tamriel. Then soon after the wedding, Marcella and Jenassa agreed to travel all-across Tamriel, first they start their honeymoon in Morrowind, Marcella than met with her uncle-in-law, King Helseth Selodil to stabilized their respected nations. In 5E 07, after the royal couple return to Cyrodiil, Marcella was survived the second and final assassination attempt by Rinveso Rothni, Listener of the Dark Brotherhood but Rinveso escapes, and Marcella again was wounded which going to cause the Empress's future health issues. Two years later, she met High King Elsinlock to discuss to future between Imperials and Almeri. The following year, Marcella and her wife Jenassa visit Hammerfell, than after they return to Skyrim for the first time since the Skyrim Civil War, reuniting with High Queen Elisif the Fair and her own, Haakon, before the royal couple return back to Morrowind. After visiting Skyrim, the couple went to one of the series of visiting various cities in the Summerset Isles, making the first Imperial royal couple to visit the Empire's former archenemy, dating back during the Great War. Than they met with Larethahl Elsinlock in Alinor for the final time before he died peacefully in 5E 16, which they were present at his funeral. Her final visits are in High Rock, Black Marsh, and Elsweyr before returning to Morrowind for the third time, and finally return to the Imperial City.

### Post-war conflicts and Beyond

While Marcella had good relations with the Forsworn kingdom, it had declining throughout the years during the reign of King Madanach, the King in Rags. After the accession of Honnuad Travozu as king after Madanach's death, Honnuad had agreement and was glad the support of the Fourth Empire after Marcella recognizing the Reach as independent. With tensions rising, the Forsworn king ready to invade first Skyrim and Cyrodiil which she sent letters to both High Queen Elisif and her adopted daughter Livia to deal with the Forsworns which Livia accepted after Marcella give Livia the Generalship, and went to an proxy war with the Forsworn, which called the "Reachmen Proxy War". The proxy war went well for the Empire, but it was ended when Livia encountered Honnuad Travozu at the Battle of Broken Bones in 5E 33, thus ending the war. By 5E 57, the release to the upcoming hero which later to be called The Moonstrider, which Marcella requested their help which they agreed. Upon speaking to the Hero, she needs help form her second cousin Aleslen, the High King of Hammerfell from threats which known as the Sea Buccaneers which they agreed. After The Moonstrider completed their tasked and also meeting Aleslen in Rihad, they returned to the White-Gold Tower and Marcella awards the Hero with serves within the Empire, and also cleaned the Hero's pervious crimes.

During her later and final years of Marcella's reign and life, she had troubled and had stressed life on the toll on her body and health, but managed to survive various illnesses, including continual pain and discomfort from her series of wounds, which she suffered. First, when she lost her eldest sister, Tulvia in 5E 61, the Empress' reaction was she saddened and mourned on her death. Next, her most trusted General Tiberia Macelia's death in 5E 64, Marcella's was mourned her death. Marcella did spend the last years of her life, in a peaceful Tamriel, and ready for her adopted daughter, Livia for the throne. She is celebrating her Sapphire Jubilee, of her 65-year reign in 5E 63 which the Imperial citizens cheered and had successful. Her final Imperial laws is included, continuing policies with the Tamrielic Alliance, with the Third Aldmeri Dominion recently joined the alliance, and her order, the Order of the Mohawk's members increased and became popular. Her most popular law, is continuing support of the same-sex marriages in Cyrodiil. Marcella died at 96-years-old in 5E 68, after celebrating her Platinum Jubilee of her 70-year reign anniversary. She was succeeded by her adopted daughter which took the name, Livia Varian.

### Ascendance and Divine Life

After her death, she apotheosized into divinity as the member of the Divines, her fellow divines give a realm in Aetherius, which she called Judhofkiin, meaning "Queen Home" in the Dragon Language. In Cyrodiil, she is called the Dragonborn-Goddess which act as the Motherly-figure of Imperial children, and patron to peace negotiators and tactical strategies in battle which the Imperial Legion adopted. Throughout the Fifth Era, Marcella given guidance for her successors, including her adopted daughter, Livia and her grandson, Claudius I, as well her descendants. The rumored return of the Daedric Prince Haidoneus, caused concerned to Marcella that the Deadgod raised his UnDead Army plunged Tamriel. During the Orsinium Conquest led by Shamar gro-Rogdul usurped the Ruby Throne by killing Titus III, ending the Varian Dynasty of over 790-year reign on the Imperial throne.

Haidoneus return years later during the reign of Emperor Uriel Avento, which the Prince took over Imperial City and defeating Uriel, caused harm in newly formed Avento Dynasty. In response, Marcella and Mara successfully re-take Imperial City from Haidoneus's forces, and Marcella herself confronted and defeating the Prince for the final time, making the Marcella and the Prince's rivalry ended. This results in the UnDead Army defeated and cased back to Oblivion. Marcella helped Uriel's brother Cavotan to the Imperial throne, and eventually rebuild the Imperial City and Cyrodiil in his reign.

Some time later, Marcella and Talos, formerly known as Tiber Septim, traveled northeast of Skyrim to the island of Solstheim to the rumored Miraak return since being defeated by Dragon Priest Vahlok in his unsuccessful rebellion. Marcella, under her Nelilia Sedaleth aspect, witness the first to be a stone, an magical upright stones dotted around the island. However Miraak challenged the deities at which known as "The Summit" in the Hermaeus Mora's realm, Apocrypha, but Marcella accepts. Marcella eventually defeat Miraak at the Summit. She return to Skyrim, when heard about a mysterious and powerful criminal has been spotted in small town called Little Vivec. After tracking the criminal down, and met a legitimate reincarnation of Indoril Nerevar, which Nerevar recognized Marcella even in her Nelilia aspect. Marcella and Nerevar agreed and teamed up and successful defeat the Dwarven titan, before go separate ways.

Marcella sent a expedition adventure in Akavir for her research and investigated of what happened to her late ancestor Emperor Uriel V in a settlement called Septimia. She mostly spend time in Septimia, at the the abandon palace about the reports of Imperial Legionnaires' last stand against the Akaiviri forces in the Third Era. Since she in the Tsaesci territory, but unware that the Tsaesci shadowing Marcella, which the Tsaesci was confronted and defeated. She traveled to its sister-settlement, Ionith, also abandoned, and learned that the last reports while being under siege or was presumably killed. Marcella then was ambushed and wounded by a the Tsaesci archer, but she defeat the archer before returning back to Judhofkiin.

## Legacy

*"You know, I've a great life here in Tamriel. My life is always great and since my reign start in my early years. As Empress, my life had been the stress but powerful ruler that my parents always wanted me to be. That's my legacy."*
―Marcella Varian[src]
Marcella is well-known for all aspect of war, peace, and strength, and had successful battles and sieges during both her mortal and divine lives. She had left a enduring and popularized legacy. She also had many large amounts of documents survived, including letters and memoirs. Marcella also had mentioned as the first pansexual/bisexual Varian empress. Historically, she is the first female Dragonborn in her own right after Saint Alessia. Her feat of Alduin in Sovngarde she was giving the title of the "Dragon of the Empire". Marcella was one of the most famous figures both in Cyrodilic and Tamrielic history, surpassing her predecessors Tiber Septim and Uriel Septim V. She is the most prominent figures in both the Fourth and the Fifth Eras.

During her reign as empress, she was popular among the elite (nobility, military, and citizens). Though historians listed her reign of 70 years and her death at 96 years old. When she ascended the Ruby Throne in 4E 199, the last warning three years of the Fourth Era to have the majority of her reign, dominated in the Fifth Era of 67 or 68 years. She re-recognized the Synod, and the Fighters Guild prospered and grew. Marcella's laws are the most popularized laws in Cyrodilic history, including same-sex marriage. Her military tactics and strategies had adopted by the Imperial Legion and later becoming the superpower in Tamriel. She also maintains the relationship with the Archmage of the Synod, and Skyrim High King Torygg which his murder led to a civil war. She also founded her own illustrious knightly order, the Order of the Mohawk. After her ascended to Aetherius as a Divine making the Nine become Ten and become the second mortal who became a divine after Talos, formerly Tiber Septim.

### Jubilees

During the 70-year reign as empress, Marcella had celebrated seven jubilee anniversaries during the majority of the Fifth Era, and become the first and only female monarch to rule a seven decade reign. In 5E 23, Marcella celebrated her Silver Jubilee, her 25th year anniversary of her reign which it was celebrated. On the anniversary of Tiber Septim's death in 5E 38, Marcella celebrated the Ruby Jubilee, the 40th anniversary, however it was a low-profile event as well there is no widespread public celebrations. Marcella celebrated her Golden Jubilee, a 50th year anniversary of her reign, in 5E 48, which she thanks her loyal supporters. In her Diamond Jubilee in 5E 58, Marcella celebrated her 60th year anniversary. Marcella celebrated her 65th year anniversary, the Sapphire Jubilee, which the event marked longest-reigning female monarch in Cyrodilic history, as well the first female Imperial monarch to have a sapphire jubilee, and it was cheered among her citizens as being the most popular Empress and a peacemaker to keep stabilized in the Empire. On the Platinum Jubilee in 5E 68, Marcella celebrated her 70th year anniversary, which marked the final jubilee of Marcella's reign, which she died peacefully weeks after the historic event.

### Titulature

Giving her great fame all throughout Tamriel and Cyrodiil, Marcella was known by a plethora of titles and aliases. Her nature and status as **Dovahkiin**, earned titles such as **Dragonborn**, **Ysmir** or the **Dragon of the Empire**, and **Dragon Lady**. This status as the first female Dragonborn empress, she was sometimes stylized as **Marcella Varian I** and **Marcella I**, earning her the nickname titles like the **Ashen Dragon**, because of her ashen skin and her connection as a half-breed. During her reign, she is popular known as **The Wise** or **Marcella the Wise**, and her achievement of being the first individual to bring peace to Tamriel earned him the moniker or title of the **Peacemaker** or the **Peacemaker Goddess**. In war, she earned the nickname the **Cyrod Conqueror of the Altmer**, because of her successfully defeat the Elves. After her apotheosis as a god, Marcella was mostly as the **Dragonborn-Goddess** and the **Heroine-Guardian of Man**. Other descriptors that were in reference to her Imperial Legion armies she led like the **Dragon Queen**, were attributed to her as well. Other titles that commonly in her reign is **Her Dragon Imperial Majesty**, a commonly style of office during her reign, and **The Purple High**.

## Worship

After Marcella Varian's death and apotheosis, she became a prominent figure of worship.

### Imperial

*"Marcella says: Be wise and being peace in Tamriel. Don't violate and protect the people of Cyrodiil."*
―Eleven Commands: Ten Divines
Marcella is worshipped and acknowledge by the Imperials as the Dragonborn-Goddess, where the Nine becomes the Ten Divines as Marcella had taken his place among the gods, along with Tiber Septim (later Talos). In the Imperial Pantheon, she is the Goddess of Tactics and Peace due to her famed great tactician in battles and sieges and peaceful negotiations skills in time in peace. The Imperials acknowledged Marcella as the peaceful and tactical deity within the Divines. Marcella's status as a divine is as acknowledged as the patron of peace, tactician and strategy, and along with her eight Aedric counterparts and Tiber, this order emphasized Marcella as a Divine heroine-goddess.

As one of the most popular Divines (along with Talos), they become "Eight and Two" while formerly called "Eight and One" with Talos, they mostly known as the war and peace mortal-gods and which are eight original divines. While both Talos and Emperor Reman Cyrodiil the earthly hero-god of the Imperials, both Emperors were both worshipped as conqueror gods. Marcella also being worshipped as the Peacemaker of the Divines, as well within the Aedra deities, who being targeted by the Daedra worshippers.

Her religious order, the Order of the Mohawk who dedicated Marcella as their founder and a patron deity of the order. They formed alliances with other religious orders included the Temple of Stendarr and a group of daedra hunters the Vigilants. The Order of the Dragon, a order by Tiber Septim, and the Order of Talos allying themselves with the Order of the Mohawk.

Such groups such as the Thalmor, the combined government of the Third Aldmeri Dominion, recognized Marcella as a Divine god in the Imperial pantheon, and as legitimate. Worship of Marcella had increased in popularity, even surpassing Talos since the early Fifth Era. The Nordic aspect, Freya is also worshipped as "Ramus" as the Dragon Queen while the aspect was canonicatized as a saint, alongside Alessia the Slave-Queen, empress of the First Empire, Saint Kaladas, builder of the Great Chapel of Zenithar, and Reman Varian, the founder of the Fourth Empire and his Dynasty.

### Nord

The Nords of Skyrim worshipped Marcella as Freya, the Heroine-Guardian of Mankind. Like Marcella, the Thalmor also acknowledge the aspect as legitimate. Such as Talos, Ramis was seen as personified, and a overall crucial figure to the culture, heritage, and tradition of the Nords. Ramis is sometimes called the Dragon Lady or the Dragon Queen, and the Dragon of the Empire.

The Nords also often swear by Freya Axe, a common exclamation who generally used to express surprise or shock. The Greybeards called Freya as the "Dragon of the Fourth Empire" and sometimes called "The Good Dragon" which expressions of Freya using the thu'um for good use from innocent casualties against enemies of the Empire and the Nords.

### Aspects

As a divine, Marcella had appeared various of times in the Fifth Era, associated with five notably aspects.

**Nelilia Sedaleth**

Marcella's popular aspect is Lady Nelilia Sedaleth, also known as "Purple Lady", a Dunmer stealth mercenary during the Fifth Era. She is a slim muscular women, had side-cut mohawk, thick arch brow and violet eyes. Marcella, in her first act as Nelilia, she helped the fragmented Great Houses to reunite and help defeat Haidoneus in Mournhold. In 5E 870, Nelilia went to Apocrypha, a Daedric realm to Hermaeus Mora, the Daedric Prince of Knowledge, and fought and defeat Miraak after a fierce battle. Than Neilia traveled to a settlement called Little Vivec, and later met the Nerevarine, a legitimate reincarnation of Indoril Nerevar, to defeat a Dwarven Titan. Years later, Nelilia went on a adventure, and set out in Akavir. Than she visits the abondening settlements of Septimia and Ionith, which the Tsaesci ambushed her, which she defeats them in combat, and return to Judhofkiin which she had new founded respect to Miraak. Nelilia also known for notably defeating and fatally killing Antonius Mede, causing the Order of the Dead fragmented.

**Freya**

Other aspect is Freya, also called "Ramus", and the Dragon Queen, is a deity to the Nordic people, Freya had acknowledge Marcella as the Dragon Queen Freya due to her well-known feat against Alduin in Sovngarde in the last year of 4E 201 of the Fourth Era. She is often seen and referred as the Heroine-Guardian of Mankind, and associating with the thu'um. The Thalmor accepted Freya as a deity and legitimate. In the Fifth Era, the aspect of Freya appeared to Maeldr Richcloak, the High King of Western Skyrim, before his reconquest of the Skyrim Kingdom. The deity name also become a honorary title of Ramis awarded by the Emperor or Empress of Cyrodiil.

**Herdis Early-Stone**

The lesser Nordic aspect of Marcella is Herdis Early-Stone. She took the name prior becoming Empress in her mortal life, which traveled to Skyrim to become Dragonborn. Herdis is described as a muscular figure, from either thin to thick arch eyebrows, long blonde hair and blue eyes, as well wield a axe. She also was present during the events of the Bruma Massacre.

**Lucina Calidius**

Marcella named another aspect Lucina Calidius, a Legate of the Imperial Legion during the Fifth Era. While born into a wealthy family in Cyrodiil, she is known for allying and befriending Melgreah on her quest stoping Shamar gro-Rogdul, a usurper of the Ruby throne during the Imperial Usurpation. She is also guided General Crassius Avento, the future emperor to at the Battle for the Imperial City, defeating Shamar and Crassius becoming Emperor by the Elder Council. The aspect also appeared as a non-canonical character which Marcella took the alias in *The Elder Scrolls: Rebellion*.

**Darielle**

She is the most less common aspect of Marcella, which appeared to King Helseth Selodil of Morrowind in the last decade years of the Fourth Era. She is lesser known Dunmer aspect, and had appeared in loincloth-type clothing and wield a spear, and had long dark or red hair with a strong chin and prominent nose and mouth.

## Personality

Marcella was a skilled swordwomen and was feminine tone-masculinity, and described as brave, beautiful, honest and shy. But many more such as loving, friendly and honorable, however, she disliked cowardice, only bursting out in anger when antagonized or threatened. As Princess, she was learned hunting and mostly close with her mother, Brelyna, the Empress Consort and was fondable by her older sister. While describing Marcella in her reign and life, she was recognized her valor, daring, justice, courtesy, pride, generosity, and humility—these traits, as well that she like giving orders by her uncle Flavius Varian, the reigning Emperor.

She has honor for both of her Imperial and Dunmer culture and heritage, and considers the royal ceremonies to be "honor and love." During her 70-year rule as Empress, her personality improved, and had worked all night of her paper work and was that she was also patriotic and loyal, fiercely protective of those she considers friends, as well being loved by her citizens and nobles of the Empire. Marcella also deemed a women of responsibility and industry—often regarded as the most intelligent of Cyrodiil's famously empresses which she seems to have mastered the art of remaining independent of her ministers. She had improved relations with the Elder Council and the High Chancellor Adebnis Salvian. In war time, she supported her allies, giving both trade, dipmolic, and foreign policies in the Tamrielic Alliance. After Ulfric Stormcloak was fatally wounded at the Siege of Windhelm, Marcella had deep repugnance of Ulfric and the Stormcloaks somehow lifted, that her revenge for her late parents was successful.

Marcella identifying herself as a pansexual, while many believes that her true sexuality is either a lesbian or bisexual. As the result of this, she passed the same-sex marriage law during her reign. In Tamrielic history, Marcella and Jenassa had described as "the beautiful couple" and been seen holding hands, as well the marriage.

## Powers and abilities

Marcella possessed a number of powers and abilities. As both a Dragonborn and a god, she relies on both her blade and magical spells such as:

### Powers

#### As a mortal

* **Shouts:** As Dragonborn, she was able to use Dragon Shouts, a powerful and dangerous power that she wielded mostly to surprise his enemies. Marcella was also naturally fluent in the Dragon Language.
* **Supernatural Speed:** Due to her dragon bloodline, Marcella is immensely more faster than almost any other humans and monsters. She also has enhanced reflexes which helps her react faster to counter her enemies' attacks.
* **Supernatural Strength:** With her dragon blood, Marcella is unnaturally stronger than most of her opponents as her capabilities are almost pushed beyond the natural level; making her immensely stronger than both normal werewolves and dragons alike.
* **Supernatural Stamina:** Marcella possesses a amount of superhuman stamina. She fought continuously throughout the War of the Red Dragon, fend off large numbers of Stormcloaks reinforcements, battling Ulfric Stormcloak, then went on to fight Kratos immediately after sending Jörmungandr back to the past.
* **Negotiation Mastery:** Marcella gained the ability to have have good of amount of peaceful negotiation.
* **Master Combatant:** Marcella is a good swordswomen and ability to use one-handed swords.
* **Blood Loss Inducement:** Marcella had mental wounds scars that she suffered during her early reign as empress, and as well being wounded various during sieges and battles during her war against Ulfric Stormcloak. Which at the time of her death, her main cause is she suffering pain and uncomfort from her wounds that she suffered.

#### As a god

* **Immortality:** After her death, Marcella became the Tenth member of the Divines, making her considered to be constant, completely indestructible and immune to age and disease.
* **Nigh-Omnipotence:** After ascending into godhood, Marcella can do almost anything that she desires, possessing a great deal of near infinite supernatural power.
* **Nigh-Omniscience:** As a new Goddess of the Divines, Marcella now possesses an awareness of everything that goes around within Tamriel and has near infinite knowledge of almost everything.
* **Nigh Invulnerability:** Like all the Nine Divines, Marcella has immense resilience to physical and supernatural attacks. She is one of the beings that are next to indestructible and can likely only be killed by comparably powerful beings or more powerful ones.
* **Aspect Manipulation:** As a god, Marcella gain the ability the power of manifesting and appeared as both Men and Mer aspects
* **Supernatural Stamina:** Marcella possesses a amount of almost unlimited stamina. She fought continuously throughout her life such as the War of the Red Dragon, fend off large numbers of Stormcloaks reinforcements, battling Ulfric Stormcloak, then went on to defeat Miraak in Apocrypha.
* **Superhuman Senses:** Marcella's senses are heightened, which make her aware of her surroundings and to sense danger when it's near.
* **Spell Casting:** As the greatest master of the magics of the Divines, Marcella is fully capable of casting a wide variety of spells without any concentration, requiring simply mere hand gestures:
	+ **Lock-Picking Mastery:** Marcella can allows her to open any locked door or container, and even can alter the laws of reality and manipulate her surroundings.
	+ **Magical Combat:** Marcella can used her destruction spells for range attacks.
* **Negotiation Mastery:** As a god, Marcella gained the ability to have very high negotiation of negotiations, persuasion, and diplomacy in peace and war times.
* **Absolute Combat Mastery:** Marcella also have very high learn of combat proficiency, capabilities and knowledge at a maximum and limitless level.
* **Regenerative Healing Factor:** Marcella regenerative healing factor allows her to heal & regenerate from injuries at a fast rate, making her able to recover from attacks that would normally kill other beings.

### Abilities

Beside her powerful abilities, Marcella also possesses fair sets of skills she has developed through the years in both mortal and god lives, and even also inherited certain skills from both her parents, such as:

* **Dragon Blood:** As she blood flows through Marcella's veins, she is able to possess many attributes of a dragon such as:
	+ **Thu'um Translation:** Marcella is naturally fluent in the dragon language as good as she is able to translate the words written in Thu'um.
	+ **Pain Surpression:** Marcella is able to suppress pain at will and endure more pain than others, allowing her to think clearly and continue to move despite a grievous injury.
	+ **Fire/heat Resistance:** Marcella has a very high resistance to fire and could engulf himself within flames and cannot be harmed. She is also highly tolerance towards heat as well.
* **Absolute Pacifist:** A trait she inherited from her mother, Marcella is also known for having against war or conflicts and even attempts of ending it peacefully.
* **Diplomacy:** As a empress and a god, Marcella used her ability to have peaceful negotiation to end a war. Most example is the Second White-Gold Concordat.
* **Magical Knowledge:** Another trait that was inherited from his mother and part of her teachings, Marcella learns a fair share of magical spells like healing.
* **Speech:** Besides great swordsman skills, Marcella also has a way with words which she mostly uses when interrogating a suspect and persuading people.
* **Swordsmanship:** In her youth and during her life, she is a skilled swordswomen and is proficiency with swords and one-handed weapons.
* **Two-Handed Weapon Mastery:** A important trait after being ascended into divinehood, Marcella has the proficiency over two-handed weapons, and wielded like a one-handed. She also wield Dragonbreath who turned into a two-handed weapon after her Apotheosis.
* **Genius-Level Intellect:** Marcella was an extremely intelligent, clever, wise, creative, unpredictable and curious goddess, her curiosity for knowledge and wisdom have led her to know and even visit other pantheons in order to have a higher perspective and to find a way to achieve true peace, also her high intelligence, she was able to deceive and outsmart her enemies and the Daedric Princes.
* **Diplomat:** Her gift in diplomacy earns her immense respect and even adoration from various races of different realms and even foreign pantheons. She is considered as the peace and respect goddess among the Divines, and was possibly the only Aedra they held in high regard.

## Artifacts

Marcella Varian had with four notable artifacts during her lifetime (and, in some cases, beyond).

### Dragonbreath

*Main article: Dragonbreath*

Dragonbreath is a longsword and an Aedric artifact wielded by Marcella, during her reign and her godhood. Before Marcella light the Dragonfires during her coronation in 4E 199, Octavius Jannus a blacksmith approached the Empress to create a sword as a symbol for her rule. Octavius then re-created the longsword that was re-creation of Sword of the Crusader since the Oblivion Crisis which the god Arkay blessed it, and Octavius presented to Marcella which she immediately loved the sword and she named the sword, "Dragonbreath."

The sword itself became the notable symbol, as well wielded of the Empress herself making it her personal sword during her reign. During the War of the Red Dragon in the last year of the Fourth Era, she defeated Alduin while wielded the sword in the Dragon Crisis, and the Third Aldmeri Dominion which making the Empire, the return of former glory of a superpower. When Marcella become a divine, she was buried with Dragonbreath in her tomb at Dovah Skor when legends had it when the Forsworn attempted to get the artifact, but it was defeat by Kynareth herself.

The original Dragonbreath was than brought back to Judhofkiin, where Ragnar the Shatterer, a blacksmith re-sharped and repaired the sword, and eventually created a replica as a replacement in Marcella's tomb. The longsword had a different appearance in the Fifth Era which she still wielded the new repaired sword while the replica sword is the original sword that had during her reign. She used the sword during her godhood, when she face off against Haidoneus while the Empire was invaded during the Orsinium Conquest that killed the last Varian Emperor Titus III. She also used Dragonbreath, notability defeating a long battle with Miraak at Apocrypha.

### Marcella's Robes

*Main article: Marcella's Divine Robes*

The **Marcella's Divine Robes** is a Aedric Artifact and a unique light armor set that appears in *The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion* and it's expansion, *Akavir*. The robes is currently worn by the Dragonborn-Goddess Marcella. After the Apotheosis of Marcella, Akatosh gifted Marcella the artifact. The robes outfit are a royal white fabric with a gold trim, and on the waist, the gloves, the arm armor, and the shoulder cape are embedded with silver platting with gold trim. On the bra top that covered the breasts, it had a black coding padding around the top. On the waist, three silver plates on each hip on the belt.

### Holyblade

*Main article: Holyblade*

After the war with the Third Aldmeri Dominion and the Four Year War ended, Marcella's second cousin, King Helseth Selodil of Morrowind presented a powerfully enchanted Dragonbone daggers, Holyblade and Lightbless, during a wedding of Marcella and Jenassa. Marcella was given Holyblade while Jenassa giving Lightbless. The dagger Holyblade was used and impaled which badly wounded Marcella by a assassin Rinveso Rothni in her assassination attempt.

### Amulet of the Kulaas

The Amulet of the Kulaas was a gift to Marcella after became Dragonborn on her twelfth birthday. The amulet is enchanted that bring luck, and was blessed by the three Divines, Dibella, Kynareth, and Mara, and the true name of the amulet is never mentioned but appears in Marcella's quarters in Judhofkiin.

### Marcella Varian's Cuirass

*Main article: Marcella Varian's Cuirass*

*"This gold bronze Imperial armor was worn by Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Marcella Varian in her reign. After her death, the armor was stored in the Imperial City Palace."*
―Gregelis[src]
The cuirass was a set of Imperial Dragon Armor worn by Marcella during her reign as Empress. The armor was forged and crafted by Octavius Jannus who had primarily bronze, gold, and dark red. It was most notably worn by Marcella herself during the conflict known as the War of the Red Dragon. During the last decade years of Marcella's reign, she give the armor to Penitus Oculatus, the same was when Emperor Tiber Septim give his artifact to the Blades. The artifact currently reside at the Imperial City Palace.

## Trivia

* Marcella is the only deity that appeared in another *The Elder Scrolls* series, which she appeared as both an Mortal and now an Ten Divine, as well two different occupations respectfully.
* Marcella's eye color is bright Purple which herself confirms that her mother's mother was Half Dunmer, even though the only appear as Half Dunmer is her eye color.
* The Roman cognomen name Marcella is of Italian origin, meaning warlike, martial, and strong.
* Marcella is the first half breed ruler of the Varian Dynasty and to ruled Cyrodiil, and the first Varian character to appear in more than once, other is Flavius Varian's appears in three.
* Having succeeded her uncle, Marcella's uncle and predecessor mostly based on *Celene Valmont I* from the *Dragon Age* series.

## Gallery

Marcella in her Throne Room.Nelilia Sedaleth, one of Marcella's most popular aspects.Marcella in her Nordic aspect, Freya the Dragon Queen.Marcella on the balcony, observing Novulvenkaal in Judhofkiin.Marcella as Lucina Calidius in *The Elder Scrolls: Rebellion*.Marcella in *Legends*.
## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 *Guide to Judhofkiin*
2. ↑ *Understanding the Half-Breeds*
3. ↑ Loading Screens in *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim*
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 *The Varian Dragon*
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 *Varieties of Faith, the Empire v2*
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Events of *The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion*
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Events of *The Elder Scrolls VI: Akavir*
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 *Dynasties: The Varians of Cyrodiil*
9. ↑ *Cyrodiil's Greatest Empress*
10. ↑ *I've met Akatosh!*
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 11.6 *Marcella Varian's Memoirs*
12. ↑ *Marcella at High Hrothgar*
13. ↑ *Marcella and Paarthurnax*
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 *Brief History of the Empire, Book IV*
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 *Pocket Guide to the Empire, Second Edition: Cyrodiil*
16. ↑ 16.00 16.01 16.02 16.03 16.04 16.05 16.06 16.07 16.08 16.09 16.10 *Marcella's Life*
17. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 4E 194*
18. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 4E 195*
19. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 4E 196*
20. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 4E 197*
21. ↑ *Battle of Dovah Skor*
22. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 4E 198*
23. ↑ *A Letter to My Uncle*
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 *The Dragon Queen of Cyrodiil*
25. ↑ *Succession Law: Blood of the Dragon*
26. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 4E 199*
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 *The Legend of Dragonbreath*
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 *The Tactics of Marcella Varian*
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 *Marcella's Recognized in Tamriel*
30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Events of The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion
31. ↑ *Second White-Gold Concordat*
32. ↑ *Order of the Mohawk*
33. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 4E 201*
34. ↑ *Visions of Alduin's Return*
35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 Events of *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim*
36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 *Year in Skyrim: 4E 201*
37. ↑ Events of the Dragon Crisis
38. ↑ *The Empress and Bolfur*
39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 Events of *The Elder Scrolls V: Dominion*
40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 *The Tamrielic Alliance*
41. ↑ *Peace Among Tamriel*
42. ↑ *The Fifth Era*
43. ↑ *Marrying my Love*
44. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 7*
45. ↑ *Marcella and Rinveso*
46. ↑ *Failed Assassination of the Empress*
47. ↑ *History of Marcella Varian's Wounds*
48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 48.3 48.4 *The Fifth Era Timeline*
49. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 16*
50. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 33*
51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 57*
52. ↑ Events of *The Elder Scrolls V: Moonstrider*
53. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 61*
54. ↑ *My Sister*
55. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 64*
56. ↑ *Tiberia Macelia's Passing*
57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 63*
58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 58.2 *The Peacemaker of Tamriel*
59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 59.2 *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 68*
60. ↑ *Haidoneus's Madness*
61. ↑ *Imperials Never Dies!*
62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 *Marcella and Miraak*
63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 *Marcella and the Nerevarine*
64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 *Last Imperial Akaviri Reports*
65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 65.2 *The Personality of Marcella Varian*
66. ↑ *The Tactics of Marcella Varian*
67. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 23*
68. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 38*
69. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 48*
70. ↑ *Year in Cyrodiil: 5E 58*
71. ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 Dialogue with Arngeir
72. ↑ *Peace Among Tamriel*
73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 Dialogue with Paarthurnax
74. ↑ Dialogue of Andarius Golditian in *The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion*
75. ↑ Loading Screens in *The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion*
76. ↑ Loading Screens in *The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion'*s expansion *Akavir*
77. ↑ Loading Screens in *The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion*
78. ↑ *The Wolf Queen, Book III*
79. ↑ 79.0 79.1 Dialogue of Raelana
80. ↑ *The Order of the Mohawk*
81. ↑ *The Healer's Tale*
82. ↑ Dialogue with Vigilants of Stendarr
83. ↑ 83.0 83.1 83.2 *Marcella and the Nords*
84. ↑ Dialogue of Imperials in *The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion*
85. ↑ 85.0 85.1 85.2 *Varieties of Faith: The Nords*
86. ↑ Dialogue with Claudius
87. ↑ 87.0 87.1 *The Ramuses of Cyrodiil*
88. ↑ Dialogue of Tulvou Black-Blade
89. ↑ Dialogue of Nords in *The Elder Scrolls VI: Invasion*
90. ↑ *Varieties of Faith: The Nords*
91. ↑ 91.0 91.1 *Marcella and the Nords*
92. ↑ *An Elder Scrolls Novel: The Bruma Killer*
93. ↑ 93.0 93.1 Dialogue with Jenassa
94. ↑ Dialogue with Adebnis Salvian, *The Elder Scrolls V: Dominion*
95. ↑ 95.0 95.1 *Key to Marcella's Success Strategy*
96. ↑ *The War is Over*
97. ↑ *The Sexuality of Marcella Varian*
98. ↑ *Marcella's New Artifact*
99. ↑ Dialogue with Arcanist Jargor
100. ↑ Dialogue of Rinveso Rothni in *Skyrim*
101. ↑ *My Childhood Amulet*

The following are unlicensed references. They are not copyrighted by a ZeniMax Media company, but can still be considered part of *The Elder Scrolls* lore and are included for completeness.
1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 *A Conquest of the Padomaic Islands*
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 *The Reign of Empress Marcella Varian*
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 *Marcella's Aspects*
4. ↑ *Marcella's Elder Sisters*
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 *Our Popular Dunmer Varian*
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 *Marcella and The Dragonbreath*
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 *Marcella the Peacemaker*
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 *First Pansexual Empress of Cyrodiil*
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 *The First Bisexual or Lesbian Empress of Cyrodiil*
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 *The Purple Empress Of Cyrodiil*
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 *Marcella Varian and the Tsaesci*
12. ↑ *Ulfric Shouted By Marcella Varian*
13. ↑ The Killer and the Blade

## External links

* Marcella Varian on SpartanMazdapedia Wiki