Sovngarde

Sovngarde is the Nordic afterlife in the Elder Scrolls fantasy setting. It is depicted as a separate realm where the souls of mortals who die bravely or perform notable deeds reside after death. In Nordic belief, the dead are ushered into Sovngarde by Shor, the god of the dead, and enter the Hall of Valor, a great fortress where heroic spirits gather and feast in tribute to their deeds. The realm is described as a bright, wind-swept land with expansive fields and clear skies, a place of honor and preparation for the events of the end times. The folklore surrounding Sovngarde emphasizes justice, memory, and the enduring presence of ancestors among the living.

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Sovngarde is a central setting in the main quest. The Dragonborn travels to Sovngarde to aid the ancient Nord heroes in defeating Alduin. Access is gained through a magical gateway connected to the Hall of Valor, underscoring Sovngarde's status as a realm beyond the mortal plane rather than a conventional location on Tamriel. Within its halls, the Dragonborn can speak with legendary Nord ancestors and receive guidance before the climactic confrontation.

Beyond Skyrim, Sovngarde is referenced in other works in the series as part of Nordic lore and the broader cosmology of Mundus and the afterlife.