Ancestor Moths are rare, mystical insects that gather in secluded Ancestor Glades across Tamriel. In Skyrim they appear with the Dawnguard DLC, and while they won’t fight you, they are central to one of the story’s key moments: the ritual that lets a mortal read an Elder Scroll without being blinded.
Where to find them
Skyrim’s moths live in the Ancestor Glade in Falkreath Hold. Several hover around the highest, southern part of the glade, where they can be caught for their wings. They return within seconds after being harvested, so there is no need to worry about emptying the glade. The wings can also be bought from merchants if you’d rather not make the trip.
The Ritual of the Ancestor Moth
Moth Priests prize the moths above all else. Dexion Evicus explains that they play a key part in the “Ritual of the Ancestor Moth”, the rite needed to read an Elder Scroll. During the Dawnguard quest Unseen Visions you return to the glade for exactly this reason.
Lore
The moths are drawn to the bark of the Canticle Tree, which grows only in Ancestor Glades; each province is said to have one such sanctuary. Their main home is the Temple of the Ancestor Moths deep in the Jerall Mountains of Cyrodiil, where the Cult of the Ancestor Moth tends them.
The insects produce Ancestor Silk, a bright crimson thread that monks enchant and spin into cloth, garments and even light armour – a craft with deep roots in the Nibenay. Legend says the moths gather the singing spirits of the dead, and that this is what becomes the silk. Their connection to ancient magic makes them give off a harmonious sound that lets a reader understand the symbols of an Elder Scroll; Moth Priests who could not gather the moths eventually lost their sight. Their green chrysalises are said to smell of fresh grass and clean water.
In appearance they resemble the real-world Atlas Moth, the largest of the silk moths.
