Welcome to the next installment of my Skyrim Architecture series,
where I scout the Skyrim world in search of the most beautiful
structures and landmarks Bethesda's award-winning franchise has to
offer.
Picture from: primagames.com
The elusive monastery of High Hrothgar sits upon Tamriel's biggest mountain. Literally the "Throat of the World", this mountain is immense, and climbing the seven thousand steps to the doors of the monastery is no easy task. "It is here the ancient Greybeards reside, living in absolute silence to better attune themselves to the voice of the sky" (The Elder Scrolls Wiki). Aside from their mysterious secretiveness, the architecture is fascinating.
More complex than an Imperial fort, this monastery is quite expansive and it's fortification is impressive. It's made out of massive gray stones with intricate carvings and crown molding (if you can call it that). The front of the structure has two stairway paths leading to the ornately decorated doors along with a single watchtower in the center. The whole building is obviously extremely sturdy, withstanding intense winds from the top of the mountain.
The picture above is a piece of concept art showcasing the exterior courtyard on the back side of the complex. The archway on the top-left is part of a path that leads up to the very top of Throat of the World, where the dragon Paarthurnax resides. High Hrothgar's supports and archways are deeply entrenched into the mountain's rocky cliffs and again are very sturdy.
On the inside, High Hrothgar is equally beautiful. The whole inside of the monastery is very dark, and the walls are lined with a dark (almost black) stone. The picture above shows the main meeting place of the Greybeards when something important arises. Banners hang from the ceiling covered in Dragon language.
Lastly, is a picture showing one of the side hallways linking different rooms and corridors. I love how intricate the carvings in the walls and ceilings are. Overall, this monastery is beautiful. Whether that be on the inside or outside, it is definitely something extremely unique.
References:
>> The Elder Scrolls Wiki
>> Previous Skyrim Architecture Post
Thanks for posting this, Zach :)
ReplyDeleteYou picked up very interesting pictures, and this piece of concept art is amazing! (: Thank you for sharing it, I haven't seen it before. The monastery really is very beautiful and nice place. I love to spend time there. I look forward your next Skyrim-post (=
Seedaum kara
Thanks man! :)
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