Dragonfires

From the OblivioWiki – your guide to everything Oblivion

"But should these Dragonfires fail, and should no heir of our joined blood wear the Amulet of Kings, then shall the Empire descend into darkness...."~ Trials of St. Alessia, also found in Imperial City loading screens

The Dragonfires in the Temple of the One go out upon the death of each Emperor, and must be lit anew by each new Emperor (who must be of the Septim bloodline] in his coranation. Akatosh created the Dragonfires with a burning handful of his heart's blood. The Dragonfires themselves are the wards against the planes of Oblivion, though it has been suggested several times in the Main Quest that it protects against all immortal realms. While they are lit, Daedra cannot exist permanantly in Tamriel and portals to Oblivion are not possible. In the beginning of the story, the Dragonfires go out at the Emperor's death and are relit for a few seconds at the end of the Main Quest (where Martin destroys the Amulet of Kings to relight them and thus turna into the Avatar of Akatosh). After the Main Quest has run its course, the Dragonfires have been replaced by a statue of the Avatar, possibly symbolizing the supported idea that Oblivion could never again reopen in the mortal world.

The Amulet Of Kings and the Dragonfires seem to be parts of a whole-the Amulet of Kings was formed from the "tangled skeins of Oblivion" and the sinews of Akatosh's own heart. The Amulet of Kings must be available to light the Dragonfires, and it appears that the Dragonfires cannot burn if the Amulet is destroyed.

"So long as you and your heirs wear the Amulet of Kings, than shall this dragonfire burn -an eternal flame- as a symbol to all men and gods of our faithfulness..."~ Trials of St. Alessia, Imperial City loading screens