I suddenly realized that if Jurgen and the Greybeards did not cripple the Nordic nation by refusing to use the Voice for war, then the Nords would be an army of destructive conquering machines, wielding tonal magic, driven by the madness of Shor, with the sole purpose of victory and triumph, winning after winning. Which would make them effectively - the brat of a Numidium.

I used to think that the Way of the Voice is cause of the downfall of the Nordic culture, but now I'm starting to see that maybe Jurgen did the right thing. I think Jurgen's meditation for the Way wasn't just motivated by the depression of losing the battle of Red Mountain. He was there - he saw what the iniquities of the Dwemer brought to their people - he saw the Numidium walk, and he wanted to prevent his people from that fate. He is a prophet, like Veloth, and changed his people. Although this change brought his people bruise and brooding, and could promise no happy ending by itself, it is necessary for what is to come (that might eventually lead to a happy coda). Veloth made way for the Tribunal, maybe Jurgen made way for the LDB, well, at least I'd like to think so, because I had and is still having all these fantasies of what my last dragonborn who is now also the first and free from all the responsibilities of a dragonborn (thanks to Martin) could do and be.

By the way, this interpretation of the role of Jurgen explains why he would have daedric letters on his tomb - because he identifies himself with Veloth.

Thank you for posting this. Made this one happy.