Shalidor

Shalidor was famous and extremely powerful Nord Arch-Mage who lived in First Era. He settled in the city of Bromjunnar and decided to raise Shalidor's Maze to serve as a testing grounds for future Arch-Mages. It was practiced for years later, but over time, the Maze became abandoned.

History
At some point in time, Shalidor battled the Dwemer Rourken clan. The Rourken clan was one of the clans that refused an alliance with Chimer in First Era to form the First Council. Instead, Rourken King threw his hammer Volendrung and decided to settle where it fell. The hammer fell in today's Hammerfell, then called Volenfell. On their journey, they encountered Shalidor and went to battle with him. The outcome of the battle is unknown, however it is believed the Spell Breaker, a shield that could deflect any incoming spells, saw action in this battle.

Legacy
Shalidor believed it is for the best to keep the magic away from common people and set up higher standards among mages. He settled in Labyrinthian in which he constructed Shalidor's Maze, a structure to serve as a testing ground for future Arch-Mages. He studied magic and the arcane arts, experimenting and writing more than anyone can imagine possible. He's believed he built the Labyrinthian himself, to hold an artifact Glamoril, the secret of life, stolen from Akatosh himself. It was believed he destroyed the infamous Crimson Book of Skulls, but later it was proven the book still exists. He lived in a Fortress of Ice, near Winterhold. Some believe he built Winterhold itself with a whispered spell, but it is unknown whether this is actually true.

Research
The Arch-Mage Shalidor was well-known for his spell Shalidor's Mirror, which could deflect any offensive spells back at the caster. He created it after his battle with Rourken Clan to try and emulate the effects of the Dwemer shield Spell Breaker. Shalidor also put a lot of effort into dragon research.

Most of the research and writings made by Shalidor were lost to the ages, but from time to time, some show up. All universities want to have his writings, such as the College of Winterhold, to expand its Arcaneum, improve the arcane skills of the members and help to improve and expand the college as a whole.

Shalidor loved his research more then his wife, Ulfsild, as shown in one of Sheogorath's oblivion realms. His wife constantly questions him about his research and at the end leaves him due to "no communication". Eventually, Shalidor stands up and walks to a place where his wife was standing and calls her name, proving he wasn't paying any attention at all to her.