I read a post somewhere talking about which of the human races in Skyrim corresponded to which of the nationalities of actual humans. This is something that has bugged the small OCD part of me and I was just wondering if what I'd heard was true, or what everyone else's thoughts were.

Basically, I read that the Imperial race was representative of those from Greek, Italian, Roman heritage; Bretons were people who would've been of German, British, etc. descent, and Nords were those who were Belgians, Swedish, etc. Redguard are obviously those of African descent.

Anyway, does this matter at all in terms of gameplay? No. Do I for some reason care about it? Yes, inexplicably. In fact, when I read this, I rerolled my guy into a Breton because I am from German-Polish descent and I thought it would be interesting to RP myself in the game. I guess I didn't know if this was actually true and accurate and I was wondering if anyone did know what the races corresponded to. Thanks!

Nords = Northern Europeans(Swedes)
Bretons = Western Europeans(French lol)
Imperials = Southern European(Romans)
Redguards = North African(Moors)

This is a pretty hot topic and there is no confirmation on what each race "represents" (or if they even do for that matter). Basically, your guess is as good as anyone elses. It's all a matter of perspective, with a hint of common sense of course.

I have always heard this, too. I am sure someone can/will correct me if I'm wrong.

Imperials = Romans
Bretons= French
Nords = Scandinavian
Redguard = Middle Eastern/African

The rest, I am not sure.

I would like to assume that the races of man are very very loosely based real world cultures

I don't think it is any one nationality but a general area. I also think it is only cosmetic and doesn't go much further into things such as lore.

Imperials = central and southern Europe (Roman, Franco-German, plus some aspects of the English = accents & East Empire Company)
Bretons = western Europe (Celts, Picts, Gauls)
Nords = Scandinavia / Baltic & some aspect of Slavs (some of the accents sound a bit eastern European)

Redguards = Africa as in Sahara desert (as in the Alik'r desert region of Hammerfell)

Dunmer show strong Turkic and other central Asian influences -&--#62; Turkic tents, the shaman style religion, cushions for seats, buildings looks central Asian inspired as square with dome roofs...

I see no correlation between the Redguards and the Africans. Their culture is nothing like the Africans, and they share no similarities besides skin color and the fact they live in a desert environment.

^Moors. Sub Saharans with middle eastern culture. Think Azeem from Robin Hood.

Moors, Berbers and other Sahara cultures are / were Africans. Look at the Alik'r clothing and tell me it's not exactly like the clothes they wear in the Sahara. Even the name Alik'r resembles the Arabic name for the Sahara. That and they have scimitars.



agreed

I like your interpretation, I always identified more with the Imperials than others, and in this view that is what I would be. So, justification for my choices... my life is complete!

I saw you touch on the Dunmer (my 2nd fav race) and I was curious about what other influences the remaining races might have. I have a very poor understanding of world cultures however, so I can't even begin to hazard a guess. To me though, it seems that the Orsimer might not have any real world influences, or at least I cannot think of any people they are or could draw from.