Explaining the Ending of Oblivion Remastered

In the gripping finale of "The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered," Martin Septim’s decisive actions shape the future of Tamriel, sealing the fate of both Oblivion and the Elder Scrolls lore for generations to come. The story reaches its climax in the heart of the Imperial City, at the Temple of the One, where Martin shatters the Amulet of Kings. This heroic act summons the avatar of Akatosh to banish Mehrunes Dagon and permanently close the Oblivion Gates, leaving the province of Cyrodiil at peace.

Martin’s selfless sacrifice, while ending the Septim dynasty, also fulfills the long-awaited Dragonborn Prophecy, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict with the Thalmor in "Skyrim." Though debated among fans, Martin’s mantle of Akatosh not only forms a new covenant but also establishes a lasting barrier between Mundus and Oblivion.

Spoiler Alert: The following contains end-game spoilers for "The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered."

The conclusion of Oblivion’s main quest has repercussions that echo into "Skyrim," set hundreds of years later. The intense final showdown unfolds swiftly, filled with intricate lore tied to St. Alessia’s covenant with Akatosh and the profound nature of Martin’s sacrifice.

As Mehrunes Dagon invades Mundus, Martin takes a bold step. He destroys the Amulet of Kings and transforms into Akatosh’s dragon avatar, engaging Dagon in a monumental battle. Once victorious, Akatosh’s avatar becomes a stone dragon, a lasting symbol at the Temple of the One. With this, the Oblivion Crisis concludes, as all Oblivion Gates across Cyrodiil close forever.

Why Martin Destroyed the Amulet of Kings

At the heart of Oblivion’s conclusion lies the Amulet of Kings and the dragon-blooded Septims. The Amulet’s power, tied to the dragonborn, originates from Akatosh’s covenant with St. Alessia. When the Dragon Fires remain unlit, the covenant fails, permitting Mehrunes Dagon’s invasion.

In a crucial moment, Martin’s destruction of the Amulet summons Akatosh, creating a fiery dragon that expels Dagon, simultaneously forging a new covenant. This act ensures that the Daedra can no longer invade Mundus, sealing the pathways to Oblivion forever.

Akatosh’s Return for the Final Battle

The question of whether Martin Septim truly mantled Akatosh sparks spirited discussion among Elder Scrolls enthusiasts. Mantling—a transformation from mortality to godhood—requires one to emulate a deity so closely that they effectively become them. Although Martin didn’t mimic Akatosh, he channeled the dragon god fully, enabling Akatosh’s avatar to appear.

Following Mehrunes Dagon’s defeat, the protective barrier between Mundus and Oblivion becomes self-sufficient, needing neither the Amulet nor Dragon Fires. This self-sustaining barrier is referenced by Sheogorath in "Skyrim," who hints that Martin "became a dragon god." Thus, Martin’s legacy concludes the Septim era, fulfills a prophecy, and sets the stage for "Skyrim’s" unfolding saga with the Thalmor and the Empire’s fate.