Nords

Nords is a term used to refer to two related but distinct concepts: historically, the North Germanic peoples of northern Europe, and, in contemporary fantasy fiction, a playable human race in The Elder Scrolls video game series. The term carries associations with northern climates, rugged terrain, and martial traditions.

Historically, Norse or North Germanic peoples inhabited Scandinavia and adjacent coastal areas during the Viking Age and medieval periods. They spoke Old Norse and related dialects and developed seafaring, exploration, and raiding cultures that expanded across the North Atlantic. In modern usage, the term "Nordic" is more common for describing the region’s populations and languages, while "Norse" typically refers to the historical language and people.

In The Elder Scrolls series, Nords are a fictional race of humans native to the northern province of Skyrim on the continent of Tamriel. They are depicted as hardy and tall with fair to ruddy complexions, and they are characterized by a strong martial culture, resilience to cold, and a history linked to the ancient homeland of Atmora. In gameplay and lore, they have racial abilities and cultural traits that emphasize combat prowess and endurance, and they play a central role in Skyrim’s political and social dynamics.

See also: Norse, Nordic people, Atmora, Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls.