Lore:Bear

A bear

Bears are large, often hostile creatures found across Tamriel. They will attack those who infringe on their territory, although they often roar or growl in an effort to intimidate potential threats before attacking. They are believed to orignate from the frozen continent of Atmora,^[1] with some legends saying they can be found on Akavir as well.^[2]

There are several varieties of bears. Black bears are black-colored and are usually the smallest kind of bear found throughout Tamriel, although those found in High Rock are notably among the largest bears seen anywhere.^[3] They can be summoned by spriggans for protection. Grizzly bears are dark red colored and can be found throughout Tamriel, and the Skaal can summon them for protection. Brown or cave bears are brown-colored and are larger and more powerful than the black bears variety. Snow bears are white-colored bears that can be found in the most cold parts of Skyrim and Solstheim. They are more resistant to frost than other bears varieties and can cause frostbite to those that are damaged by it. Plague bears are found on Solstheim and are often diseased.

Bears are known to carry infectious diseases such as yellow tick, bone break fever and Ataxia. Bears are hunted for their pelts, which can be tanned into leather, and their claws, for their potential use in alchemy. Bretons are known to use Black Bear musk oil as a fragrance.^[4] Bears that are cursed by necromancers become baneful and easily enraged. Bears that have been transformed in this manner show no fear of death, making them ideal for use in battle.^[5] Bears were the mount of choice for the Orsinium Royal Calvary; the Orcs would use gem-studded bear mount bridles and dress their bears with parade dress bugle and silk displaying the Royal Orsinium Symbol.^[6]^[7]

The Skaal see bears as the sacred embodiment of a warrior's strength and thus as a gift from the All-Maker.^[8] The Boots of the Crusader were once guarded by a bear called the Forest Guardian at the Shrine of Kynareth in Cyrodiil's Great Forest.^[9] Kyne's Sacred Trials include slaying the Ursine Guardian, one of the seven guardian beasts of Skyrim.^[10]^[11] The bear is among the many animals carved onto dragon claws and their respective puzzles in Nordic ruins.^[12] Hircine's aspect of strength takes the form of a bear. As the Father of Manbeasts,^[13] the Prince is also responsible for the creation of werebears.^[14]

Some Dwarven vamidia were constructed in the shape of bears, and conjurers are able to compel Atronachs to adopt the form of bears.^[15] The Hist have shaped useful lizards to a form resembling that of Tamriel's bears.

Breeds[edit]

Badger Bear[edit]

Badger Bear (ESO)

A species of bear with a black and white fur pattern similar to that of a badger, native to Blackwood. They were close to extinction before Viscount Glorion of Leyawiin began breeding them as mounts.

Found in: ESO

Black Bear[edit]

Black Bear (Oblivion)

A smaller species of bear found throughout the woodlands of Tamriel. Some Spriggans have the ability to magically summon bears to defend themselves or attack passersby. Bretons are known to use Black Bear musk oil as a fragrance.^[4]

Variations: West Weald Black Bear
Found in: Oblivion, ESO, Blades

Brown Bear[edit]

Brown Bear (Oblivion)

A larger, more dangerous species of bear. Like other bears, they are typically resistant to the cold and frost spells.

Found in: Oblivion, Skyrim, ESO, Blades

Cave Bear[edit]

Cave Bear (Skyrim)

Stronger than its lower land cousins, this bear is found in the higher elevations of Skyrim.

Found in: Skyrim, ESO, Legends, Blades

Druadach Mountain Bear[edit]

Druadach Mountain Bear

Bred for riding by the Grimfang Clan of Reachmen, these bears were adopted for use by the Nords after being captured during raids on the Reach.

Found in: ESO

Graysmoke Forge Bear[edit]

Graysmoke Forge Bear (ESO)

A striped bear species bred as mounts by a blacksmith in Wayrest in honor of a fallen Warden.

Found in: ESO

Grizzly Bear[edit]

Grizzly Bear (Bloodmoon)

A powerful animal that can attack not only with its powerful jaws, but with both front paws. Found throughout the wooded and snowy areas of Tamriel.

Found in: Daggerfall, Bloodmoon, ESO

Masked Bear[edit]

Masked Bear (ESO)

A species of distinctly patterned bear native to the Jerall Mountains, often used as a steed in the high passes between Bruma and Falkreath.

Found in: ESO

Plague Bear[edit]

Plague Bear (Bloodmoon)

Of similar size to the Grizzly Bear, these beasts are more resistant against the surrounding nature than its cousin, and known to carry diseases.

Found in: Bloodmoon

Psijic Bear Examplar[edit]

Psijic Bear Exemplar (ESO)

Summoned by members of the Psijic Order as a mount, a Psijic Bear Examplar resembles a glowing, golden, translucent bear, and is intended to represent the ideal form of a bear.

Found in: ESO

Snow Bear[edit]

Snow Bear (Bloodmoon)

A white bear with an icy bite often found on the island of Solstheim as well as in the high mountains and icy plains of Skyrim. They are sometimes used as mounts. It is said that the pelts of these animals have innate magical qualities that help guard against Solstheim's brutal frost and snow. The smiths of Solstheim can make use of these pelts to craft powerfully protective Snow Bear armor.^[16]

Variations: Atmoran Snow Bears
Found in: Bloodmoon, Skyrim, ESO, Skyrim Very Special Edition, Skyrim - The Adventure Game

Sweetroll Grizzly[edit]

Sweetroll Grizzly (ESO)

A brown and white bear native to the northern slopes of the Jerall Mountains in the Rift. They make excellent mounts, and are noted for their affection.