Martin’s decision to destroy the Amulet of Kings forms a pivotal moment in "The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered," where game lore collides spectacularly with gameplay. His action brings forth Akatosh, banishes Mehrunes Dagon, and seals the Oblivion Gates forever—a move that echoes all the way to Skyrim, shaping the unfolding events there.
This dramatic sacrifice does more than end the Septim bloodline; it fulfills the Dragonborn Prophecy and sets the stage for future conflicts, particularly the Thalmor’s rise in Skyrim. There’s ongoing debate regarding whether Martin essentially became Akatosh, or "mantled" him—a process similar to ascending to godhood by emulating a deity.
Spoiler Alert: This discussion dives deep into the end-game revelations of Oblivion Remastered.
The culmination of Oblivion’s main quest is both swift and complex, unfolding at the heart of the Imperial City within the majestic Temple of the One. The finale is intricately tied to lore involving St. Alessia’s covenant with Akatosh and the nature of Martin’s ultimate sacrifice.
As Mehrunes Dagon breaches Mundus, Martin’s destruction of the Amulet enables the avatar of Akatosh, appearing as a dragon formed from fire, to engage in a fierce battle. The defeat of Dagon sees this avatar become a stone dragon statue, immortalized within the Temple. With the main quest concluded, the dreaded Oblivion Gates cease to open, marking an end to the Crisis.
Now, let’s delve into why Martin chose to shatter the Amulet—it’s all about his dragon-blooded heritage. The Septims, being "dragonborn," are the only ones capable of wearing the Amulet, a symbol steeped in history since St. Alessia’s covenant with Akatosh. However, with the Dragon Fires extinguished, Tamriel was vulnerable to invasion.
In destroying the Amulet, Martin doesn’t just summon Akatosh; he dismantles the old covenant, crafting a new one that forever bars Daedra from Mundus, sealing Oblivion’s gates once and for all.
A Return for the Final Battle
Akatosh’s return to Tamriel for this epic conclusion raises questions about Martin’s transformation. Fans speculate if Martin truly mantled Akatosh. Mantling suggests a kind of divine transformation—becoming a god by walking in their shoes, so to speak.
Though Martin may not have mirrored Akatosh, he channeled the dragon deity’s power, facilitating its emergence as an avatar. This pivotal act ensured the barrier between Mundus and Oblivion remained self-sustaining, no longer tied to the Amulet or Dragon Fires.
In Skyrim, Sheogorath—hinted to be the Hero of Kvatch who witnessed these events—references Oblivion’s climax, pondering Martin’s transformation into a "dragon god." This aligns with predictions in the Dragonborn Prophecy, foretelling the end of the Septim line and opening the narrative doors to the Thalmor conflict that enriches Skyrim’s storyline.
