Thalmor And Fascism, A 'short' Analysis

Thalmor and Fascism, a 'short' analysis

Hello! Welcome to my breakdown of the Thalmor party that gained power steadily after the Oblivion Crisis and soon created the Third Aldmeri Dominion. I follow Umberto Eco's Ur-Fascism (or Eternal Fascism: Fourteen Ways of Looking at a Blackshirt) and use his points as I delve further into how the Dominion might work in the 4th Era. I also use historical parallels and create world-building ideas for scenarios one could use. (ex: in fanfic, RP, etc.)

The parallels with real-world fascism make the Thalmor’s ideology both chillingly familiar and deeply immersive. >:3

By integrating these traits into world-building, I want the Dominion to become more than just an imperial power—it becomes a pervasive and insidious force shaping every aspect of life within its borders and beyond. These features not only make the Thalmor a more compelling enemy but I think also creates rich opportunities for storytelling.

I'm also planning a one-shot TES parody of sorts of Ur-Fascism, written by the father of one of my OCs. That's the reason why I started this to begin with. That, and my love for history, philosophy, and all things Elder Scrolls.

Fair warning, this is a long post! +3.6k words! So strap in, and please, I encourage talk/criticism, but keep it civil. Obviously this is only my interpretation and I tried my best at this. I would love to hear what others think.

I offer my short paper to Hermaeus Mora to store in Apocrypha ;)

1. The Cult of Tradition

The Thalmor’s reverence for ancient Elven supremacy mirrors real-world historical movements that glorified an idealized past to justify oppressive ideologies.

TES: The Thalmor frame the time before the rise of Men as a lost golden age of Elven dominance. They’ve always venerated the old, almost mythological Aldmeri civilization, despite very little history has survived. They could hold the Ayleid Empire (a high point of Elven civilization) as a model, ignoring its brutal practices like slavery and human sacrifice. They vilify human achievements, such as the Empire of Man under the Septim Dynasty, as an aberration in Tamrielic history.

Historical Parallel: The cult of tradition can be seen in Fascist Italy under Mussolini, where the regime idealized Ancient Rome. Fascists claimed to restore the grandeur of the Roman Empire to evoke pride and justify militaristic expansion. Similarly, the Nazis glorified an Aryan past, constructing myths of ancient Germanic peoples as paragons of civilization to reinforce their racial ideology.

Implication for World-Building: The Thalmor’s obsession with restoring ancient Elven dominance could involve deliberate distortion of history, erasing inconvenient truths about the Ayleids and glorifying their achievements to unite the Dominion under a shared identity.

2. Rejection of Modernism

The Thalmor’s disdain for change and multiculturalism reflects their rejection of modernity in favor of an exclusionary, stagnant worldview.

TES: The Altmer have a history of xenophobia. The Thalmor oppose the integration of races and cultures within the Empire, viewing it as a dilution of "pure" Elven tradition. They also resist technological and cultural advancements driven by non-Elves, such as innovations from the Empire’s blending of cultures. Their policies enforce strict adherence to Elven superiority, preventing any progressive mingling of traditions. 

Historical Parallel: This echoes the Nazi and Fascist rejection of modernist art, multiculturalism, and democracy. The Nazis, for example, condemned modern art movements like Expressionism and Cubism as “degenerate art” while promoting a “pure” Aryan aesthetic. Similarly, fascists saw liberal democracy as corrupt and promoted authoritarian control as a return to a purer societal order.

Implication for World-Building: The Thalmor could actively suppress creative or intellectual progress, possibly banning works by humans or elves that deviate from their idealized Elven cultural norms. Their strict cultural laws could possibly lead to an underground resistance of artists, scholars, and mages seeking to preserve diverse traditions.

3. The Cult of Action for Action’s Sake

The Thalmor’s focus on aggressive policies and grandiose actions often prioritizes symbolism over practicality.

TES: The Thalmor's enforcement of the White-Gold Concordat—especially the persecution of Talos worship—is a clear example. The ban on Talos worship is more symbolic than practical, aimed at asserting dominance over human cultures rather than resolving tangible problems. Similarly, their brutal measures to crush dissent, such as burning shrines and executing priests, serve to showcase their power rather than address any real threat posed by Talos worshippers. Their actions seem more about demonstrating power and control than about achieving specific, practical goals.

Historical Parallel: This parallels Fascist Italy’s grandiose projects, such as Mussolini's attempts to “modernize” Italy with large-scale public works that were often inefficient or impractical but served as propaganda. Similarly, Nazi Germany emphasized militarization and dramatic displays of power (like the Nuremberg rallies) even when these actions were economically or militarily unsustainable.

Implication for World-Building: The Thalmor could undertake elaborate but ultimately impractical projects, such as reconstructing ancient Elven temples or waging unnecessary wars to expand their influence, draining resources while reinforcing their narrative of Elven superiority.

4. Disagreement is Treason

The Thalmor’s intolerance for dissent ensures their ideological purity but creates a climate of fear and oppression. They suppress dissent with brutal efficiency, labeling any resistance to their rule as heretical or treasonous. 

TES: The Thalmor persecute anyone who challenges their rule or ideology. This is seen most clearly in Skyrim, where even whispering a prayer to Talos can lead to imprisonment or death. Their Justiciars patrol Tamriel, rooting out dissidents and executing them as traitors, regardless of the validity of the accusations. This mirrors a broader policy of suppressing free thought to maintain their narrative of unquestionable Elven superiority. There’s also the Night of Green Fire, were they attacked Altmer dissident refugees who had fled persecution in Alinor.

Historical Parallel: This is reminiscent of the totalitarian regimes of the 20th century, such as Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia. In Nazi Germany, opposition parties and individuals were quickly silenced, with dissenters labeled as traitors or “enemies of the state” and sent to concentration camps. Stalin’s Soviet Union similarly purged perceived enemies, creating a culture where questioning authority could result in imprisonment or execution.

Implication for World-Building: Within the Dominion, paranoia would dominate daily life, with Thalmor spies embedded in communities and neighbors reporting on one another. This pervasive fear could lead to widespread distrust among Elven citizens, undermining the very unity the Thalmor claim to promote.

Criminalization of Debate: Debating Altmeri policies could be considered treason. Citizens speaking against the Thalmor might be arrested or "re-educated." 

Idea: Characters might rescue political prisoners or distribute forbidden pamphlets challenging Thalmor doctrine, or they could be forced into “re-education”.

5. Fear of Difference

Fascist regimes thrive on creating "others" to vilify and unite the populace through a shared enemy, using xenophobia and racial supremacy as key tools.

TES: As mentioned in #2, the Altmer have a history of closed borders and xenophobia. The Thalmor's ideology is rooted in the superiority of Elves over Men and other races. They actively foster division by portraying humans—especially Nords and Imperials—as inferior beings who disrupted Tamriel's natural order. This fear of difference extends to cultural and religious practices, as seen in their persecution of Talos worshippers and their disdain for mixed societies like the Empire. (The problem with Talos worship also stems from just the idea of a human achieving divinity, which is what every Altmer strives towards through their practice of the Path.)

Historical Parallel: Nazi Germany used antisemitism and anti-Slavic sentiment as core components of its ideology, portraying Jews and other minorities as existential threats to the purity of the Aryan race. Similarly, Imperial Japan framed non-Japanese Asians as inferior and justified brutal colonial domination under the guise of superiority.

Implication for World-Building: The Thalmor could implement policies that segregate or exclude non-Elves from certain professions or cities within the Dominion. Their propaganda might frame intermingling of races or cultural traditions as a dire threat to Elven purity, driving a wedge between the Dominion's Bosmer, Khajiit, and Altmer populations. (We don’t see any Bosmer or Khajiit Thalmor/Dominion soldiers within Skyrim by 4E 201, but that’s very likely just to villainize one race.)

Segregated Settlements: Towns in Dominion-controlled regions could be segregated by race, with Altmer areas enjoying more lavish infrastructure while Khajiit or Bosmer neighborhoods languish. 

Idea: Characters might assist oppressed communities in improving their living conditions or organizing resistance.

6. Appeal to a Frustrated Middle Class

Fascist movements often gain traction among those who feel displaced or diminished in status, using resentment and promises of restored glory to rally support.

TES: The rise of the Third Aldmeri Dominion likely appealed to Altmer who resented their perceived loss of status under the Empire, particularly after the Oblivion Crisis and the Empire's weakening influence. By promising to restore Elven dominance and undo the damage caused by human rule, the Thalmor capitalized on the frustrations of disenfranchised Altmer elites and middle classes.

Historical Parallel: Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany drew significant support from the middle classes, who felt economically and socially marginalized after World War I and the Great Depression. The Nazis promised to restore Germany’s national pride and economic stability, appealing to those disillusioned by the failures of liberal democracy and internationalism.

Implication for World-Building: In the Dominion, the Thalmor’s rise might be tied to social unrest among Altmer artisans, merchants, and scholars (the most important roles within Altmer society) who felt overshadowed by Imperial influence. Those Altmer could display open disdain for humans or non-Altmer races, citing the Thalmor’s rhetoric as justification. Those promises of prosperity could mask policies that disproportionately benefit the Altmer elite while exploiting the Bosmer and Khajiit.

Economic and Social Tensions: The middle classes in Summerset Isles might be portrayed as benefiting from the Dominion’s policies, creating resentment among Bosmer and Khajiit laborers who are exploited for the Dominion’s expansion.

Idea: Characters might witness these attitudes in “quests” dealing with class or racial tensions.

7. Obsession with a Plot

Fascist regimes fuel paranoia by inventing or exaggerating conspiracies, framing all opposition as part of a grand, malevolent scheme.

TES: The Thalmor's rhetoric portrays Men as orchestrating the downfall of Elven civilization. Their ban on Talos worship is part of a broader narrative that blames human cultural and religious practices for undermining Elven power. They likely propagate myths of human conspiracies to keep the Dominion united against a common enemy.

Historical Parallel: The Nazis famously promoted the stab-in-the-back myth, claiming that Jews and communists betrayed Germany during World War I. Stalinist Russia similarly fueled paranoia with fabricated conspiracies, such as accusing political rivals of plotting against the state during the Great Purge.

Implication for World-Building: The Thalmor could use propaganda to spread exaggerated stories about Imperial plots, such as secret Talos cults planning to overthrow the Dominion. This paranoia would justify oppressive policies and galvanize Elven citizens to report suspected traitors, deepening societal divisions.

Conspiracy Theories: Thalmor propaganda could exaggerate Imperial plots, creating paranoia. 

Idea: NPCs might warn characters about spies everywhere, leading to “quests” involving false accusations, actual Imperial agents working to undermine the Dominion, or the real spies being from the Thamor.

8. The Enemy is Both Strong and Weak

Fascism often paints enemies as simultaneously omnipotent (to justify fear) and weak or degenerate (to inspire contempt), creating a contradictory but effective narrative.

TES: The Thalmor frame Men as both a dire existential threat and as an inferior, corrupt race destined for subjugation. For example, the Empire is portrayed as a decaying shadow of its former self, yet it is also seen as a powerful adversary whose influence must be eliminated to restore Elven supremacy. This contradiction serves to keep the populace vigilant while reaffirming their racial superiority.

Historical Parallel: Nazi propaganda depicted Jews as both a weak, parasitic race and as cunning masterminds behind global conspiracies. Similarly, Cold War propaganda in the U.S. framed communism as both an inefficient system and an existential threat capable of destroying the free world.

Implication for World-Building: The Thalmor could disseminate propaganda that mocks the declining state of the Empire while simultaneously warning of its "hidden strength" through Imperial-backed Talos cults or covert military alliances. This narrative would keep the Dominion in a state of perpetual war-readiness, fostering paranoia and militarization.

Contradictory Narratives: The Thalmor could mock the Empire as weak and corrupt while simultaneously portraying it as a looming existential threat. 

Idea: Characters might investigate inconsistencies in Thalmor messaging and uncover deliberate manipulation.

9. Pacifism is Trafficking with the Enemy

Fascist regimes view peace or compromise as betrayal, advocating for perpetual conflict to maintain unity and reinforce their strength.

TES: The Thalmor’s stance toward the Empire and Talos worshippers exemplifies this mindset. Despite the signing of the White-Gold Concordat, the Thalmor show no interest in genuine peace. They exploit the treaty to destabilize the Empire and justify continued hostilities. Their relentless pursuit of Talos worshippers, even in regions nominally under Imperial control, signals their refusal to tolerate coexistence.

Historical Parallel: This trait is reminiscent of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, which glorified war as a tool for national renewal and strength. Hitler dismissed diplomacy as weakness, emphasizing militarization and expansion as ends in themselves. Mussolini similarly viewed war as a mechanism to revitalize the Italian people and demonstrate national greatness.

Implication for World-Building: The Thalmor could have internal propaganda glorifying war as a sacred duty of all Altmer. They might train their youth in military academies that indoctrinate them with a belief in perpetual conflict as necessary to reclaim and preserve Elven supremacy.

Perpetual War Machine: In Dominion regions, resources could be heavily taxed to fuel war efforts. 

Idea: Characters might aid farmers, merchants, or workers struggling under the burden, while the Thalmor justify this as a necessary sacrifice for Elven supremacy.

10. Contempt for the Weak

Fascist ideologies promote the idea that strength is inherently virtuous and weakness is despicable, justifying oppression of those deemed inferior.

TES: The Thalmor’s belief in Elven superiority leads them to view other races, especially humans, as weak and undeserving of respect or autonomy. Their treatment of the Bosmer and Khajiit within the Dominion could possibly reveal a hierarchy even among their allies, where Altmer dominate, and others are relegated to subservient roles. The Thalmor’s disdain for the “weakness” of the Empire is evident in their rhetoric and actions, portraying its willingness to negotiate as proof of its inferiority.

Historical Parallel: This mirrors the Nazi ideology of Lebensraum (living space), which framed Eastern Europeans as subhuman and justified their subjugation and extermination to make way for German expansion. Fascist Italy similarly dehumanized colonized peoples in Africa, justifying brutal exploitation under the guise of spreading civilization.

Implication for World-Building: Within the Dominion, the Thalmor might implement policies that systematically disenfranchise Bosmer and Khajiit while celebrating the physical, magical, and intellectual prowess of the Altmer. The Thalmor’s propaganda could depict other races as servile or parasitic, encouraging Altmer citizens to feel pride in dominating these “weaker” peoples.

Propaganda Celebrating Strength: Altmer architecture, literature, and art could be designed to evoke themes of Elven might and dominance, depicting other races as subservient or parasitic (point 10). For instance, public statues might show Elves towering over Men or crushing symbols of Imperial power.

Oppression of the “Weak”: Non-Altmer races could be forced into hard labor or conscription.

Idea: Characters/NPCs could share stories of family members sent to fight in far-off conflicts, providing characters with morally complex choices about intervening.

11. Everybody is Educated to Become a Hero

Fascist regimes emphasize the importance of sacrifice for the nation, glorifying those who devote their lives to the cause and framing ordinary citizens as warriors for the state.

TES: The Thalmor cultivate a culture where every Altmer is expected to serve the Dominion’s cause, whether through military service, loyalty to the state, or ideological compliance. The Justiciars are portrayed as paragons of Elven virtue, exemplifying the ultimate commitment to the Dominion’s ideals. Citizens are likely educated to believe that their sacrifices, no matter how small, contribute to the restoration of Elven greatness.

Historical Parallel: Nazi Germany placed significant emphasis on the concept of the "Volksgemeinschaft" (people's community), where every German was expected to contribute to the nation’s goals. Similarly, Fascist Italy glorified the ideal of the selfless soldier and the hardworking citizen as heroes of the state. In both cases, youth programs like the Hitler Youth and Balilla were used to indoctrinate the next generation into these values.

Implication for World-Building: The Dominion could have institutions that indoctrinate young Altmer into Thalmor ideology, teaching them to see themselves as part of a sacred mission to reclaim Tamriel for Elvenkind. Public ceremonies might honor fallen Thalmor agents as martyrs, reinforcing the idea that dying for the Dominion is the ultimate act of heroism.

Hero Cults: The Dominion might establish festivals or holidays commemorating key Thalmor victories and honoring fallen agents. Schools could teach children patriotic songs or hymns about their duty to restore Elven supremacy, with heroic figures like early Thalmor leaders mythologized. (Maybe? This seems too far.)

Idea: Characters could infiltrate these events to gather information or sway public opinion by exposing the truth about these “heroes.”

More World-Building Ideas

Points 9-11 underscore the Thalmor’s militarism, supremacist worldview, and ability to co-opt individual lives into their grand vision for Elven dominance. These elements not only enhance the narrative tension between the Thalmor and their opponents, but could also create opportunities for characters to encounter internal resistance movements, oppressed groups, and Altmer citizens questioning the cost of their rulers’ ambitions. I believe after the Great War, tensions would be even higher. 

12. Machismo

Fascist regimes glorify a hyper-masculine, militaristic culture that celebrates dominance, aggression, and disdain for non-conformity or “soft” values.

TES: The Thalmor embody this through their emphasis on martial prowess and superiority. While not tied to gender in the traditional sense, their ideology promotes a cultural machismo centered on Elven dominance, physical and intellectual superiority, and disdain for perceived "weakness." They scorn the cultural diversity of the Empire and other races as decadent or effeminate. Their authoritarianism also seeks to suppress dissent, intellectual inquiry, or emotional expression that doesn’t align with their rigid ideals.

Historical Parallel: Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany glorified masculine ideals of physical strength and aggression while marginalizing traits like compassion or introspection. Mussolini often emphasized virility and militaristic values, while the Nazis celebrated the archetype of the strong, disciplined Aryan soldier. Non-conforming individuals, particularly LGBTQ+ people, were persecuted as threats to this hyper-masculine ideal.

Implication for World-Building: The Thalmor might promote a rigid cultural code that prizes dominance, obedience, and aggression, possibly extending to martial tournaments or ceremonies that celebrate Altmer “purity.” Artistic expressions or philosophies emphasizing introspection or diversity could be banned or dismissed as “decadent.” They would continue with the tradition of marrying proper matches to keep their family blood “pure.” 

Propaganda Festivals: The Thalmor could organize grand public events where martial displays (military parades?) glorify Elven strength. These events would reinforce the idea that the Dominion thrives through dominance and order.

Suppression of Non-Conformity: Non-militaristic or “soft” cultural traditions—like Bosmer storytelling or Khajiiti spirituality—might be ridiculed or suppressed, leading to underground movements that preserve these traditions.

13. Selective Populism

Fascist regimes use rhetoric that claims to speak for “the people,” but this “people” is defined narrowly, excluding minorities and dissenters.

TES: The Thalmor’s concept of “the people” explicitly excludes humans and often sidelines their Bosmer and Khajiit allies. They frame themselves as the sole representatives of Elvenkind, claiming to act in the best interests of a unified racial identity. However, their vision of unity ignores or suppresses internal dissent among Altmer who reject their ideology, as well as non-Altmer who are relegated to subordinate roles. Their claim to represent all Elves is thus selective and exclusionary.

Historical Parallel: Nazi Germany used the idea of a Volksgemeinschaft (people’s community) to create a narrow vision of unity, excluding Jews, Romani people, and political dissidents. Similarly, fascist regimes often co-opted populist rhetoric to claim they acted in the name of “the true people” while disenfranchising anyone who didn’t fit their criteria.

Implication for World-Building: Within the Dominion, the Thalmor’s rhetoric might emphasize solidarity among Elves, but their policies reveal stark inequalities between Altmer, Bosmer, and Khajiit. Resistance movements could emerge within these oppressed groups, challenging the Thalmor’s selective definition of unity and exposing their hypocrisy.

Elven Hierarchy: Bosmeri and Khajiiti groups could face higher taxes, forced military conscription, or exclusion from political power.

Resistance Movements: Selective populism could foster alliances between oppressed groups—such as humans, Bosmer, and Khajiit—who band together to challenge Thalmor dominance.

14. Newspeak

Fascist regimes manipulate language to limit free thought and ensure ideological conformity. They simplify language and control its meanings to make dissent or complex ideas impossible to articulate.

TES: The Thalmor could enforce linguistic purity within the Dominion, outlawing words, phrases, or writings that contradict their ideology. For example, they might ban texts that celebrate Talos, Imperial culture, or non-Elven achievements. The Thalmor’s propaganda would use simplified, emotionally charged language to emphasize Elven superiority and demonize humans. Over time, this manipulation of language could erode the population’s ability to think critically or question authority. 

Historical Parallel: George Orwell’s concept of Newspeak in 1984 was inspired by real-world totalitarian regimes, such as Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia, where propaganda and censorship shaped public discourse. The Nazis used simplistic, repetitive slogans like “Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer” to embed ideology in everyday life. Stalinist Russia altered history books and redefined terms to serve the Party’s goals.

Implication for World-Building: The Thalmor might use the Divine Prosecution, making them responsible for censoring Imperial and Talos-related literature while promoting carefully curated texts that reinforce Thalmor ideology. Dissidents could smuggle forbidden books or create underground presses to preserve cultural diversity and historical accuracy.

Censorship Laws: The Thalmor could outlaw specific languages, such as Cyrodiilic, in Dominion territories. Altmer children might be taught revised histories that erase human contributions to Tamriel’s culture and development.

Idea: “Forbidden Literature” - Characters might encounter hidden libraries or secret meetings of scholars seeking to preserve banned texts. These locations could serve as hubs for resistance or offer “quests” to recover lost knowledge.

More World-Building Ideas:

Cultural Propaganda: The Thalmor could sponsor plays, books, and artworks that glorify ancient Elven achievements while mocking or demonizing human cultures. This would reinforce both their fear of difference (point 5) and their obsession with a plot (point 7).

Perpetual Fear Campaigns: Justiciar crackdowns on "Imperial spies" or "hidden Talos worshippers" could escalate over time, creating a culture of fear where anyone might be accused of treason. This aligns with points 7 and 8, as the threat is exaggerated to justify authoritarian control.

Resistance Movements: Bosmer and Khajiit characters might form secret organizations to challenge Altmer dominance. Characters could align with these groups or face pressure to spy on them, adding moral and faction-based dilemmas.

Thalmor-Run Education: Schools in Dominion territories might indoctrinate children into Thalmor ideology, with NPCs lamenting the loss of older traditions. Characters could disrupt this system by recovering banned texts or creating underground schools.

Religious Persecution: Talos worshippers might practice in secret, creating opportunities for characters to assist them or decide whether to betray their location to the Thalmor.

Civil Unrest: Cities in Dominion territories might feature visible tensions, with oppressed groups protesting or clashing with Justiciars. Characters could influence these outcomes by siding with either the protesters or the authorities.