A Skyrim Thanksgiving

It's Thanksgiving in Skyrim! Well maybe not, but there isn't anything wrong with a little creative roleplay, right? Especially since avid gamers, will have to tear themselves away from the world of Skyrim, to spend time with their families. Unless of course those Skyrimites are currently awaiting the "fix-it patch," reported to come out a week after Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day was established as a Holiday in the United States, by President Lincoln in 1863. The holiday, however, dates back to 1621, a time when the first Pilgrims arrived, and settled on Native American soil--specifically that of a Native American tribe called "people of the dawn." The Native people believed that land wasn't something that should be owned, but rather something to be shared, and respected, as an art bestowed upon them by nature itself. Skyrim's Bosmer Elves are similar to Native Americans in that respect, as the Bosmer elves also have a strong connection and appreciation for nature. Therefore, when the Pilgrims' crops repeatedly failed, Native Americans gave them seeds, and taught them how to plant corn, catch fish, and avoid poisonous plants. Due to the Pilgrims having a successful harvest, and as a gesture of gratitude for the kindness bestowed upon them, the Pilgrims invited the Native Americans to a harvest feast. This event remains one of the sole examples of harmony between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. It wasn't long after this feast that land disputes between Pilgrims, who wanted to take ownership of the land, and Native Americans, who felt land should not be owned, but rather shared; turned into destructive, and horrific battles that eventually forced Native American tribes to relocate. However, the gruesome events that came after this wonderful feast in history, shouldn't take away from the beauty of the event itself. It was a coming together of peoples, a time of giving thanks and appreciation. We should focus on the positive, yet not forget the humble lessons taught by the tragedy which followed.

I decided to dig into the roots of Thanksgiving this holiday season, and learn which foods were actually served in that moment of history, so many years ago. I found the History channel to be a great sorce of information on the topic, and soon learned that there is no exact record of the foods used for that feast. However, Edward Winslow, the English Pilgrim governor and leader, journaled: that four Pilgrims were sent out on a "fowling" hunt to prepare for the feast. The journal also stated that Native Americans brought deer to the event; and it is likely that they also provided the spices, and cooking methods needed to prepare a meal of this magnitude.

However, beyond the fowl, and deer, there is only speculation as to what the pilgrims most likely ate. Wiki Answers provided a short rundown of foods that may have been on the menu, based on the History Channel's interpretation. They also provided those food items that were probably not part of the feast. Above, is a chart detailing what may have or may not have been included in the feast, on that first Thanksgiving.

I can envision Bosmer Elves, and Nords sitting across from one another, sharing an epic feast. They more than likely have Venison Chop, and Pheasant Roast on their table, along with clam meat, carrots, bread, grilled leeks and wine. They may also have sweet rolls, and apple pie for desert. Nords, don't flaunt your disregard for nature by chomping down on those leeks in an entitling or greedy fashion, and Bosmer Elves, don't let your hunger--overcome you; and it should make for a nice feast, at least for the day.

Be sure to come out of your man-caves, and venture into the world of the living, this Thanksgiving. Your family will appreciate it, and you will again enjoy conversation with people you have avoided like the plague since November 11, 2011. Let your family, God, and others know that they are appreciated. This is a time to give thanks after all.