Sithis
Sithis (or Padomay) is the representation of the one primordial state of chaos, and is called the serpent god of entropy. He is also the patron of the Dark Brotherhood, and said to be the Husband of the Night Mother. Sithis is often thought of as an equal but opposing force to Anuiel. The Dark Brotherhood has claimed he is not a Daedra and does not dwell in Oblivion, which supports the theory he represents a primordial state of chaos. According to his worshipers, Sithis was the huge black nothingness that existed before creation. It was then that the 'Aurbis', the soul of the void, formed, thus creating Aetherius and Oblivion. This interpretation of events differs from most other versions. He is referred to by some texts and legends as a child of Mephala, while some say he is Mephala (just in different form and appearance).
In addition to being the Patron of the Dark Brotherhood, Sithis is also worshipped by the sentient Hist trees. Additionally, the Argonians have ties with Sithis, primarily because of their worship of the Hist (who in turn worship Sithis), but also because of the Shadowscale tradition; any Argonian born in the Shadow birthsign is taken at birth, presented to the Dark Brotherhood and trained in the arts of assassination. If they reach a certain age, the Shadowscales are then entered into the Dark Brotherhood as full-fledged members (which means a life-long service to Sithis).
Night Mother
At the head of the Dark Brotherhood hierarchy is the Night Mother, an immortal spirit who is revered and worshiped by the Brotherhood. She is only ever met face-to-face in very exceptional circumstances and is seen as a phantom-like form. When a person prays for the death of another, the Night Mother hears and passes on the details of the prayer to her Listener. At this point, the Listener informs a Speaker, who then goes to meet the hiring party in order to draw up a contract. It is said that the Night Mother and her children were the first sacrifices to Sithis many years ago.
It is unclear who the Night Mother is exactly. In the book Fire and Darkness: The Brotherhoods of Death, the Night Mother is identified as the Daedra Lord Mephala. In another book entitled Sacred Witness, the Night Mother is identified as a former Thieves Guild member. And in the well known 2920 series of books she is seen as head of the Morag Tong, because the Dark Brotherhood only split well into the second era.
Sithis (or Padomay) is the representation of the one primordial state of chaos, and is called the serpent god of entropy. He is also the patron of the Dark Brotherhood, and said to be the Husband of the Night Mother. Sithis is often thought of as an equal but opposing force to Anuiel. The Dark Brotherhood has claimed he is not a Daedra and does not dwell in Oblivion, which supports the theory he represents a primordial state of chaos. According to his worshipers, Sithis was the huge black nothingness that existed before creation. It was then that the 'Aurbis', the soul of the void, formed, thus creating Aetherius and Oblivion. This interpretation of events differs from most other versions. He is referred to by some texts and legends as a child of Mephala, while some say he is Mephala (just in different form and appearance).
In addition to being the Patron of the Dark Brotherhood, Sithis is also worshipped by the sentient Hist trees. Additionally, the Argonians have ties with Sithis, primarily because of their worship of the Hist (who in turn worship Sithis), but also because of the Shadowscale tradition; any Argonian born in the Shadow birthsign is taken at birth, presented to the Dark Brotherhood and trained in the arts of assassination. If they reach a certain age, the Shadowscales are then entered into the Dark Brotherhood as full-fledged members (which means a life-long service to Sithis).
Night Mother
At the head of the Dark Brotherhood hierarchy is the Night Mother, an immortal spirit who is revered and worshiped by the Brotherhood. She is only ever met face-to-face in very exceptional circumstances and is seen as a phantom-like form. When a person prays for the death of another, the Night Mother hears and passes on the details of the prayer to her Listener. At this point, the Listener informs a Speaker, who then goes to meet the hiring party in order to draw up a contract. It is said that the Night Mother and her children were the first sacrifices to Sithis many years ago.
It is unclear who the Night Mother is exactly. In the book Fire and Darkness: The Brotherhoods of Death, the Night Mother is identified as the Daedra Lord Mephala. In another book entitled Sacred Witness, the Night Mother is identified as a former Thieves Guild member. And in the well known 2920 series of books she is seen as head of the Morag Tong, because the Dark Brotherhood only split well into the second era.
