Ending Explained: Oblivion Remastered

Martin’s dramatic destruction of the Amulet of Kings marks a pivotal moment in Elder Scrolls lore, summoning the god Akatosh to banish Mehrunes Dagon and close the Oblivion Gates for good. This heroic act not only ends the Septim bloodline but also fulfills the Dragonborn Prophecy, setting the stage for the eventual Thalmor conflict featured in Skyrim. The question of whether Martin actually became Akatosh is still debated, but his actions forged a new covenant that continually protects Mundus from Oblivion.

Be warned—this discussion delves into the endgame spoilers for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered.

The climax of Oblivion’s main quest has far-reaching consequences that echo through Skyrim, despite taking place centuries later. In the heart of the Imperial City, at the Temple of the One, the sequence wraps up quickly, leaving players to ponder its deep lore. These events revolve around St Alessia’s covenant with Akatosh, the notion of apotheosis, and Martin’s ultimate sacrifice.

As the malevolent Mehrunes Dagon invades Mundus, Martin smashes the Amulet of Kings, transforming into Akatosh’s avatar—manifesting as a dragon. The ensuing battle sees Dagon vanquished and sealed away. The avatar’s transformation into a stone dragon statue not only ends the Oblivion Crisis by stopping the gates from reopening but also becomes a permanent symbol at the Temple.

Understanding why Martin shattered the Amulet of Kings involves diving into the role of the Septim lineage as “dragon-blooded”—or dragonborn. The connection to Akatosh means only they can don the Amulet, an agreement initiated by St Alessia’s ancient pact. With the Dragon Fires extinguished, this sacred bond was compromised, allowing Dagon’s invasion. By destroying the Amulet, Martin ignites Akatosh’s fiery manifestation, solidifying a new covenant that blocks Daedric intrusion and seals Oblivion’s gates perpetually.

In the Elder Scrolls community, debates rage on about Martin’s transformation and whether he achieved a god-like state known as mantling Akatosh. Mantling means merging one’s essence with a deity’s, a concept described as “walking like them until they walk like you.” Though Martin didn’t mimic Akatosh exactly, his actions allowed the god to appear through him.

The victory over Dagon didn’t just seal Oblivion; it made the protective barrier self-sustaining, eliminating the need for the Amulet or Dragon Fires. References to this epic battle resonate in Skyrim—Sheogorath hints at the transformation by noting Martin’s newfound dragon god status. The end of the Septim line not only completes a critical aspect of the Dragonborn Prophecy but also foreshadows the impending war with the Thalmor, affecting the Empire’s fate in Skyrim.