Lore:Urag gro-Shub

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Lorekeeper Urag gro-Shub
SR-npc-Urag gro-Shub.jpg
Lorekeeper Urag gro-Shub
Race Orc Gender Male
Resided in College of Winterhold
Appears in Skyrim, Legends
"A mage is only as good as what he knows." —Urag gro-Shub[1]

Lorekeeper Urag gro-Shub is a long-lived Orc scholar, who held the position of the Arcanaeum Librarian, within the prestigious College of Winterhold. He diligently safeguarded and conserved the numerous tomes housed within the library's vast collection, from the days preceding the onset of the Third and throughout the Fourth Era. He was a skilled conjurer and practitioner of restoration and destruction.[1][2][3]:171

History[edit]

Second and Third Era[edit]

The College of Winterhold
"I try and make sure as much knowledge is available as possible. We've been keeping this collection since the Second Era. Books have come and gone during that time, but it's mostly intact."
—Urag gro-Shub[1]

Little is known of Urag gro-Shub's history, except for the fact that he was born prior to the onset of the Third Era, during the Second Era, or even earlier. Urag, unlike a typical Orc, deviated from the norms of his culture by favoring books and spellcraft over combat and weaponary. He adeptly maintained a facade for as long as possible, but eventually seized the opportunity to quietly make his way to the College of Winterhold. Despite his proficiency and passion for his chosen path, he grappled with an internal conflict stemming from the stark contrast between his pursuits and the perceived expectations of Orcish behavior. He eventually ascended the ranks, attaining the positions of Lorekeeper and Arcanaeum Librarian of the College.[1][2][3]:171 Although it is unknown if he was the chief librarian of the College as of then, he already worked in the Arcanaeum before the beginning of the Third Era, ensuring the survival of the rare books.[1]

Fourth Era[edit]

The Arcanaeum
Urag gro-Shub (Legends)
"If I didn't, most of the books would've been burned to ashes or dissolved to nothing before the Third Era. Mages need to be reminded to be careful around research materials."
—Urag gro-Shub[1]

Over time, Urag gro-Shub fostered a deep and meaningful bond with the Arch-Mage Savos Aren, the esteemed leader of the College of Winterhold, and Drevis Neloren, the master instructor of Illusion.[3]:171

Urag gro-Shub persevered in his role as librarian, faithfully tending to the vast repository of knowledge within the Arcanaeum. Even as of the 4E 201, he continued to serve as the custodian of the library.[1] Despite leaving the traditional Orcish society, Urag's influence continued to hold some degree of sway over the Orcs residing in the Skyrim strongholds of Dushnikh Yal, Largashbur, Mor Khazgur, and Narzulbur.[4] Despite his gruff demeanor, Urag gro-Shub was widely regarded as a helpful and cooperative individual among the other members of the faculty at the College.[5] He understood the enduring demand for enchanted items among the local Nords. Recognizing the financial benefits it could bring, he appreciated the importance of enchanting in bolstering the College's finances.[1][6] Urag ensured that the scholars of Winterhold were responsible for returning borrowed materials from The Arcanaeum in their initial state. If any damage or loss resulted from misuse or accident, Urag recommended obtaining a replacement copy to be returned to the Arcanaeum. Neglecting this obligation would entail grave consequences.[7] He possessed extensive knowledge regarding Elder Scrolls. It was known that he would have been greatly honored to have an Elder Scroll within the Arcanaeum's collection, but it remains uncertain whether such a scroll ever came into the possession of the library.[1][8]

In addition to his role as a librarian, Urag gro-Shub actively engaged in lecturing within the College of Winterhold. Among the topics he covered were the Glamoril, a secret of life and Shalidor, a renowned figure in magical history, responsible for its creation.[1]

Urag gro-Shub provided valuable assistance to the Last Dragonborn in their quest to locate the Elder Scrolls. Leveraging his vast collection of literature and his knowledge of the whereabouts of his collegue, Septimus Signus, Urag played a role in guiding the Dragonborn towards their goals.[9][10][11] He also provided information on locating a Moth Priest for deciphering the scroll.[1][12]

He further extended his assistance by aiding the new member of the College in their quest to uncover the secrets of Saarthal. At the behest of the Arch-Mage,[13][14] the College member sought Urag's expertise, and he willingly offered guidance and knowledge regarding the ancient site.[1][15] He also directed the individual to another member of the College's faculty, Tolfdir, allowing them to share and discuss the information further.[1][16][17]

He also displayed a willingness to hire adventurers for the purpose of retrieving rare and precious books from various locations throughout Skyrim to ensure that the Arcanaeum's collection expanded to encompass even more knowledge. Among these sought-after texts were ancient Falmeri writings from the Forgotten Vale,[1][18][19] and works authored by the ancient Nordic mage Shalidor.[1][20]

See Also[edit]

For game-specific information, see the Skyrim and LegendsClockwork City articles.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Urag gro-Shub's dialogue and abilities in Skyrim
  2. ^ a b Arcanaeum Librarian in Legends
  3. ^ a b c The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: Prima Official Game Guide — David Hodgson
  4. ^ Orc Strongholds in Skyrim
  5. ^ Mirabelle Ervine's dialogue in Skyrim
  6. ^ Sergius Turrianus's dialogue in Skyrim
  7. ^ Phinis Gestor's dialogue in Skyrim
  8. ^ Elder Scroll in Skyrim
  9. ^ Events of Discerning the Transmundane in Skyrim
  10. ^ Events of Elder Knowledge in Skyrim
  11. ^ Events of Scroll Scouting in Skyrim
  12. ^ Events of Dawnguard and Vampire versions of Prophet in Skyrim: Dawnguard
  13. ^ Savos Aren's dialogue in Skyrim
  14. ^ Events of Under Saarthal in Skyrim
  15. ^ Events of Hitting the Books in Skyrim
  16. ^ Tolfdir's dialogue in Skyrim
  17. ^ Events of Good Intentions in Skyrim
  18. ^ Events of Fetch me that Book! in Skyrim
  19. ^ Events of Forgotten Vale Books Quest in Skyrim
  20. ^ Events of Shalidor's Insights in Skyrim