Description

Although no records survive to confirm their origins, some scholars claim that Minotaurs trace their lineage back to the relationship between Empress Alessia and Morihaus. Their union gave birth to Belharza the Man-Bull, believed to be one of the first Minotaurs, who ruled the Empire after the death of Alessia. Conversely, other scholars dismiss such theories as both lightly heretical and having no basis in historical fact. Regardless, in the years during and after Empress Alessia's reign, Minotaurs began to appear in greater and greater numbers. During this time, it's believed the early Minotaurs possessed intelligence and culture comparable to other races of beastfolk. Artwork and texts from the First Era suggest they were fiercely loyal to the Empire and were among Empress Alessia's most devoted defenders. Some sources place Minotaurs on Tamriel before the First Era, and therefore before the union of Alessia and Morihaus.

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Despite their devotion to the Empire, Minotaurs were always a target of suspicion and fear because of their size and strength. With the rise of the fanatical Alessian Order, they were re-classified as 'monsters' no better than ogres or trolls and were driven into the forests, destroying whatever culture they previously possessed. Much of the evidence to support this claim was also destroyed in the intervening period while the Alessian Order ruled the Empire. One remaining fragment of an ancient tablet depicts Alessian troops revolting against Emperor Belharza, giving some credence to the theory. Minotaurs were not entirely wiped out by the Alessians, and continue to roam the backwoods and hills of Cyrodiil throughout the following eras. By the Third Era, their noble ancestry was all but forgotten when some of them were rounded up and used as opponents for arena matches in the Imperial City.

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Although excessively male as a species, female minotaurs do exist. Minotaurs are social creatures and often appear in groups numbering twenty or more. The largest male dominates this clan structure and has breeding rights with all females of reproductive age. Younger males will often challenge this dominant male in a fight to the death. They have been observed to hoard gold and treasures at their camps for reasons unknown.

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Minotaurs are notoriously strong and difficult opponents in combat, despite their false reputation as clumsy brutes. They are resistant to magic, can easily swing heavy weapons with one hand, and their horns have the ability to tear through the toughest armor. The most powerful individuals are referred to as "Minotaur Lords." They are believed to possess only rudimentary intelligence, but have a heightened sense of smell and can track a man by scent alone. However, despite their supposedly rudimentary intelligence, they still seem to be able to produce complex works of metal and leather. Although Minotaurs commonly fight with weapons, Minotaur shamans have the ability to use magic. Minotaurs also served as the protectors of the unicorn at Harcane Grove, which was killed for the glory of Hircine. The Elden Hollow beneath Elden Root was the final resting place for generations of minotaurs.

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One common observation of Minotaurs in the wild is that they tend to congregate around ancient ruins that were of significance to the Alessian Empire. Some believe they are drawn to guard these places on an instinctual level, possibly due to their ancestral connection to Morihaus, Belharza, or the Empire itself. There are records of wizards placing hexes on Akaviri relics, drawing minotaurs in and around the tomb to guard it. "Yowling-powder" made from moon sugar, sulfur, lemon-peel, and daedra hearts can be used to break the enchantments on the relics, resulting in the minotaurs gradually leaving their post at the area.

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