Nords Are Considered The Strongest Race in Elder Scrolls Online Lore

As a devoted ESO fan and gamer, I am often asked: what is the strongest playable race in terms of raw might and martial prowess? After digging into the lore across games, books and more, the answer is clear – the Nords stand mighty.

The Nords‘ Legendary Strength and Stature

Hailing from the frozen land of Skyrim, the Nords are known for their hulking figures, thick limbs and towering height. They surpass even the muscular Orcs in terms of sheer physical power according to in-game texts:

"The Nords put even the Orsimer to shame in terms of pure physical strength." (Loading Screen, Skyrim)

This tremendous strength comes from their harsh homeland, where only the hardiest survive into adulthood. Carrying greatswords nearly the size of a man and wielding battleaxes single-handed, a Nord‘s power complements their great height.

Take the famous Nord warrior Wulfharth, who "was so large that ordinary armor would not fit him" (The Arcturian Heresy). Even female Nords possessed enough brawn that "a Nord woman typically stands eye-to-eye with most male Elves" (Pocket Guide to the Empire).

So from size to muscle mass, no other race approaches the Nords‘ sheer physical power. But there is far more to their warrior culture than strength alone.

Vicious Tenacity and Unyielding Stamina

Beyond their genes, Skyrim‘s climate and way of life produce a vicious people. While a knight may tire out when armor and weapons weigh too much, a hardened Nord keeps fighting against all odds – even barehanded if need be!

"The Nords are the children of the sky, a race of tall and fair-haired humans from Skyrim who are known for their incredible resistance to cold, even magical frost. Violent and fearless, they are excellent warriors." (Description of Nords, Elders Scrolls Wiki)

An account of High King Wulfharth displays this tenacity. After watching comrades fall to the Dwemer army‘s machinery and magic, he "ripped the Dwemer apart with his hands" until his heart gave out. Even then, the Nord god Shor revived Wulfharth to continue battling! (The Arcturian Heresy).

Clearly, the Nords have the fortitude to endure blows that would cripple any Elf or Breton mage. When imbued by the rush of combat, a Nord clicks into a battle fury where no injury can slow his onslaught.

Masters of Melee Combat

The final component to Nordic strength is skill with weaponry. While any lumbering giant possesses might, true warriors train this power to a razor‘s edge.

From childhood, prospective Nord fighters devote themselves to mastering melee arts passed down through generations. Under the tutelage of sword masters dating back to the Merethic Era, they learn:

• Blindingly swift two-handed weapons techniques
• The perfect balance between attack and defense stances
• How to summon adrenaline-fueled strength in the thick of war

This produces elite combatants who swing colossal swords as deftly as a stiletto. The greatest of them, Ansei warriors, even crafted unique swords that channeled their very spirits!

So Nord strength has both natural and cultivated components – it is far more than the brute force of an angry troll. Their upbringing coupled with martial training creates warriors that excel beyond simply overpowering foes.

How Nords Compare to Other Races

Despite the Nords‘ dominance in martial talent, other ESO races have their own strengths that deserve examination:

Orcs – Unparalled Toughness

The Orcs‘ dense muscles and tusks strike terror in their enemies for good reason.

Table Data Source: Personal assessment of average racial attributes

While surpassing even Nords in endurance, Orcs lack technique and have an unquenchable fury that leaves them vulnerable strategically. As the Battle of Dragon Wall showed, Nord discipline can overcome Orcish savagery.

Overall these two races are near equals with Nords favored in open warfare, while Orcs excel in small engagements.

Redguards – Elite Swordsmanship

Hailing from hot Hammerfell, Redguards train from early childhood to master swordplay suited to desert warfare. Their curved blades slice viciously in the hands of a skilled Redguard bravo.

Though lacking Nords‘ tremendous height and muscle mass, superior Redguard sword arms make them possibly the most technically proficient warriors.

However, their lighter builds make wearing heavy plate impractical, limiting their utility compared to more versatile Nords. Battles are not merely won by duels – weight of arms and armor decide sieges and open combat.

Altmer – Destructive Magic

When it comes to destructive magical might, none rival the High Elves of Summerset Isle. From reducing battalions to ashes to summoning storms upon enemy fleets, Altmer spellcraft reshapes battlefields.

However such terrifying power takes decades if not centuries to master – time Nords spend honing physical prowess and weapon skills to a razors edge. By nature magic is also unpredictable, making it unreliable compared to Nord steel and sinew.

So in summary, Nords combine the extreme might of Orcs, technical skill of Redguards and elements of magic‘s power into phenomenal warriors. None can match their versatility and excel in as many combat roles – infantry, cavalry, commandos and more.

The Verdict: Nords Reign Supreme

To conclude from my analysis of lore and experiences as an ESO gamer, Nords stand atop all other races for martial talent. Their physiques overflow with raw power, hardened by Skyrim‘s unforgiving climate. Height and immense strength let them wield arms that would break weaker races.

Through generations refining melee skills, Nord warriors combine their mighty talents into an unstoppable force. No mage robes or light blades provide enough of an edge for Altmer and Redguards to surpass two-handed weapons swung by brawny giants.

Yet Nord martial superiority comes not from simple strength – their technical mastery and battlefocus far surpasses wild Orcish fury. And Nord courage and hardiness means they fight on despite grievous wounds.

So while races have areas where they surpass Nords, none can match their versatility across all combat roles. This combination of extreme might, skill-at-arms and vigor secures Nords the title of Elder Scrolls‘ strongest warriors. None can stand before the thundering fury of a Nord warband!