I've seen http://www.imperial-library.info/sites/default/files/tdgtd_dwemer_lorkhan.jpg on the Imperial Library, and have heard that Lorkhan is sometimes referred to as, or depicted as, a Scarab. Where is the source of this? The Imperial Library cites that picture as an indication that the Scarab represents Lorkhan, but that picture never appears in-game anywhere, to my knowledge. I can't seem to find any instance of a Scarab being used to symbolize Lorkhan or anything about Lorkhan, unless http://images.uesp.net/7/7f/Redguard-DwarvenRuinsBeetleResult.jpg turns into what is supposed to be a likeness of Lorkhan? It does appear to have a clearly visible heart on it. Though this puzzle is also "the Scarab That Transforms into the New Man" which is mentioned in the Loveletter and is a phrase I never knew the meaning of.

So to sum it up, why is Lorkhan sometimes referred to as or symbolized as a scarab? Does it have anything to do with the scarab in the Dwemer Ruins in Stros M'kai? What does "the Scarab That Transforms into the New Man" mean if it is not related to previous questions, and is the puzzle from Redguard relevant to that phrase or just a puzzle that might have significance to the Dwemer but not to us?

I've definitely seen that picture in game, I believe it was on the Dwemer limeware platters. He is referred to as a scarab in the http://imperial-library.info/content/morrowind-thirty-six-lessons-vivec-sermon-ten and http://imperial-library.info/content/more-psijic-endeavor says that the scarab is a symbol of CHIM. I'd say it also goes back to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dung_beetle#Scarab_in_Ancient_Egypt.

[edit] Checked, and yes, it appears on the limeware platter. It is also found on a Dunmer rug.

I've never seen the exact picture in-game, but there are http://imperial-library.info/sites/default/files/tdgtd_dwemer_banner_05.jpg http://imperial-library.info/sites/default/files/tdgtd_dwemer_banner_04.jpg in the Stros M'kai Dwemer ruins that are slightly different. They seem to be indicating how to solve the puzzle in Redguard to make the scarab appear as a man.


Thanks!

I mostly asked because I've been considering getting a TES-based tattoo, and the Lorkhan-scarab is pretty awesome. Just wanted to make sure that there was reason behind it and it wasn't just a big assumption or something like that.

Sounds awesome. So far I've found the image on the Dwarven limeware platter, a random rug, and as the sigil of House Redoran. The art of Morrowind book lists it as "Temple imagery."

Ha - I was about the point out the same thing, but unsurprisingly I seem to have gotten beaten to it. But yes, once I thought of that the whole thing seems to click into place perfectly, and I think I have an idea of where it all is going. Maybe. The fun part of Elder Scrolls lore is thinking you know what's going on and then running across something else which makes you completely rethink things.

I haven't noticed the platter or any of the rugs, but you're right, that definitely is the same scarab as the http://images.uesp.net//3/3c/HouseRedoran_flag.png uses! It seems fitting that they'd use a symbol of Lorkhan, assuming there isn't some other reason to have a scarab flag that I don't know about.

Another example of the symbolism can be found in http://www.uesp.net/wiki/File:MW-place-Kogoruhn_Writing.jpg.

The center looks like someone crowning themselves, but the ovals on left and right not sure about those...

It appears to be sprouting wings of some kind. Which would fit, I think, with the motif of the scarab as the symbol of transformation into a new being...

There's another example of the Scarab motif in Kogoruhn, made out of Septim coins, if my memory still serves me.

Interesting little tidbit, thou not TES related...

To see a http://dreammoods.com/cgibin/dreamdictionarysearch.pl?method=exact&header=dreamsymbol&search=scarab in your dream, symbolizes your ability to survive, adapt, and change. You are on the right path. It also indicates your anxieties about death and aging. Alternatively, the scarab represents the sun, resurrection, and immortality.

The beetle in Kogoruhn doesn't really look like the scarab, though. http://imperial-library.info/content/morrowind-poison-song-book-ii.

Better http://imperial-library.info/sites/default/files/gallery_files/mw_TAoM_p24.jpg here...

Yep, that's a representation of everyone's favorite unstable mutant.

If you do get the tattoo, make sure I we see it. That image brings fond memories of me taking a screenshot of the RG puzzle and then running it through several, several Pshop filters to get it to look grade-A Velothi.

Sixth House?

It's derived from the scarab. A pupa, maybe.

I'm pretty sure it's not Indoril or Dres' symbol

Indoril's symbol is a wing, as described in "The Poison Song" and as seen on Indoril Pauldrons. I'm not sure what Dres uses.

Argonian heads?

If I had to guess, their insignia would indicate agriculture in some way - perhaps no direct references to slavery. I don't believe there are any official images of a House Dres emblem or crest, though. I don't recall if the Poison Song mentioned it either. I only remember the wing because I saw it on the Ordinator armor shoulder part, and there was a lengthy thread about House Indoril not too long ago. I initially wrongly assumed the hand was their insignia, but it was determined that's a symbol of Almalexia or the Tribunal in general and not any House.