Since he is the first known human to transcribe Nordic speech using Elven principles of writing, Ysgramor is credited with being the first human historian. He wielded the axe Wuuthrad in battle and rode upon a Storm Atronach Bear conjured for him by his personal Clever Man. Ysgramor fled back to Atmora, gathered the legendary Five Hundred Companions, then sailed back to Hsaarik Head and drove the Elves from Skyrim and Solstheim, cementing himself as a 'culture hero' of the Nords.

Some Elven scholars insist Ysgramor was responsible for unspecified 'provocations and blasphemies' that led to the genocide known as the Night of Tears, when the human settlement Saarthal was attacked by the Snow Elves and all humans purportedly were slain except Ysgramor and his two sons, Yngol and Ylgar, though some scholars believe this attack was unprovoked.

He is generally regarded as the first human ruler of Skyrim.

Ysgramor, 'the harbinger of us all', was an ancient Atmoran king who came to Tamriel before recorded history as a refugee fleeing civil war in Atmora.

Skyrim ysgramor armor mod