Recently, a Skyrim fan stumbled upon an interesting tidbit on one of the game’s loading screens—a detail that’s surprisingly easy to overlook. It turns out that the Draugr, those undead warriors you often run into, manage to sheath their swords through a tiny metallic ring. Despite over a decade having passed since Skyrim first captivated gamers, players are still uncovering these fascinating nuances that enrich the game’s lore. Yet, some of these details spark intense debates within the community.
Launched back in 2011, Skyrim stands as the fifth major installment in the revered Elder Scrolls series, taking the baton from its predecessor, Oblivion, which hit the shelves in 2006. This RPG powerhouse transports players 200 years into the future, immersing them in the snowy, rugged terrain of Skyrim, where they must defend the realm as the Dragonborn against the sinister Alduin, the World-Eater. While Skyrim offers unparalleled freedom in its sprawling open-world setting, many argue that the physics surrounding the Draugr remain puzzling and seemingly cut corners.
A recent Reddit post by user GoBackToLeddit turned the spotlight on a particular loading screen illustration, depicting a Draugr trying to unsheathe its sword. The player posed a question on how the weapon, notably wider near the base with standout points, could fit through that narrow ring. This oversight, many note, only adds to the Draugr’s history of confounding players, turning this detail into a whole new level of in-game trolling.
The response from fellow Redditors was brimming with humor. Some suggested that the loading screen mishap was an elaborate prank by other Draugr. Others lamented the detail, humorously declaring the screen forever ruined. A few users speculated that the ring must somehow be crafted around the blade. Even Bethesda’s Todd Howard made an appearance in the thread—at least in spirit—with one fan suggesting his legendary dismissal of logic with: “It just works.”
In the world of Skyrim, Draugr are seen as ancient Nordic warriors doomed to undeath, once loyal to the elusive Dragon Priests. They’re a staple enemy, encountered frequently throughout the game. Besides the peculiar sword in question, higher-ranked Draugr are also capable of wielding formidable Ebony Weapons, including axes, hammers, and maces. While many gamers may not have noticed, the quandary of the Draugr’s ring sheath certainly adds another layer to their mysterious history.
The ten-year anniversary of Skyrim’s release is a testament to its enduring popularity, celebrated by gamers as one of history’s greatest open-world adventures. It has won over 200 Game of the Year awards, with the Anniversary Edition offering a decade’s worth of engaging content, from the original core experience to various add-ons and curated Creation Club content. As players delve into Skyrim, they continue to explore and breathe life into a virtual world of epic fantasy adventures, where the freedom of choice defines their journey. Whether battling ancient dragons or uncovering new mysteries, Skyrim remains a landmark in the gaming landscape, where what you play truly shapes who you are.
