Blackreach

Blackreach is a large subterranean region in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Located beneath the surface of Skyrim, it is accessed through Dwemer ruins such as Alftand and connects to a network of caverns, galleries, and lakes. The area is renowned for its otherworldly ambience, created by bioluminescent fungi, glow moss, and reflected light that gives the cavern a dim, ghostly illumination.

The environment comprises vast chambers, underground rivers, and suspended plate-like structures. The climate is cool and damp, and visibility is provided by the airborne bioluminescence rather than natural sunlight. Visitors encounter a mixture of Dwemer ruins, natural formations, and remnants of long-dead civilizations.

Blackreach is home to various denizens and remnants of the Dwemer past. Its ecosystems are inhabited by Falmer and chaurus, along with ancient Dwemer constructs and ruins that hint at a once-thriving, technologically advanced society. Notable sites within Blackreach include Nchuand-Zel, a Dwemer ruin complex, and Mzark’s Tomb, which houses the Dwemer Oculory. In the main quest, the Dragonborn travels to Mzark’s Tomb to obtain the Elder Scroll and use the Oculory to access further locations.

In the broader lore, Blackreach represents a hidden, expansive facet of Skyrim’s underworld, illustrating the scale of the Dwemer civilization and the enduring mystery surrounding their disappearance. It functions as both a narrative focal point in quests and a distinctive exploratory locale renowned for atmosphere and puzzle-driven exploration.