Skyrim is a land furnished with goblets, daggers stabbed into tables, and books. Lots of books. Previous contests have had us writing haiku and Word Walls. This time we’re going to sink our teeth into something more involved! Your challenge is to write a book either in Dovahzul or about Dovahzul modeled after the ones found in The Elder Scrolls games.

Winning entries will be featured in a collection here in the Library. You don’t need to be a member to enter, but if you are there’s a ​ 120 gold prize for the top 3 entries. We’re also hoping to make winning entries into a mod of books that can be used in-game!

Need inspiration for ideas? Here are a few that would be exactly like what we’re looking for:

• Incantations from a Dragon Priest’s rituals.
• An Imperial scholar’s analysis on tense in the dragon language.
• A Nordic folk tale written in Dovahzul.
• A Greybeard’s meditations on Words of Power.

Furthermore, here are some tips for success:

• Use the translator as a starting point, but not as an end point. Double-check that all of your words have translations! If not find, a close synonym.
• Canon first! Try to write in a way that includes as many canon words as possible.
• Be brief! Channel your inner dovah and use the power of individual words and context to your advantage.
• If you're having trouble coming up with names, give this name list a try.

Contest Entry Guidelines

Entries should be no longer than 1,500 words in length. Your entry should be written in Dovahzul (all or partially) or be about Dovahzul in some way. Ideal entries are in-universe and lore-friendly. Dovahzul can be written in-alphabet or in the Roman alphabet. No translation is required for entries written in Dovahzul, but provide any notes you think might be helpful for reading.

Please send your entry as attachment in an email to [email protected] with the subject line: Dovahzul Book Contest – your name. Word documents would be preferable. In this email, please provide:

• The title of your book
• The fictional "author" of your book, if applicable
• Your attached contest entry
• The name, pen name, username, or blog url you would like attributed to your entry

A challenge as monumentous as this requires time! This contest will be open for entries all the way until Friday, March 7th. Pruzah pel, happy writing!