hello genius loremasters, i was reading both versions of the story of barenziah (the real barenziah & i can't remember the other one) and i was wondering, what is the true, full story of barenziah? in your own words please....

Either one is true, depending on how you choose to interpret them.

Welcome to lore, please enjoy your stay.

With the addendum that there are probably good reasons why you should believe one or the other and it's important to consider said reasons for discussions of the topic, even though it all comes down to you at the end of the day. For your Tamriel (and no one else's), Barenziah could be a time-warping space squirrel for all anyone cares.

That's silly. Everyone knows that's Lady N!