The Return

The Return is a period in the late Merethic Era in which Ysgramor and the 500 Companions returned to Tamriel to settle there permanently and take revenge against the Elves.

The Event
Ysgramor and his famous 500 Companions left the port of Jylkurfyk on the Day of Final Passage to return to the land of Mereth and settle it permanently.

During their voyage, they had been hit by the Storm of Separation, in which Ysgramor lost his eldest son, Yngol, and Yngol's crew. After landing on the Hsaarik Head and retaking Saarthal from the Elves, he sent a party to look for his son. They found him, but he was already dead, along with his crew. In his honor, Ysgramor built Yngol's barrow to bury his son in it.

After Saarthal had been retaken, the Circle of Captains was assembled and it was decided that every captain should go their own way.

The Founding of Whiterun
The crew of the ship named Jorrvaskr, under the leadership of Jeek of the River, explored central Mereth, and discovered a mysterious monument, later known as the Skyforge, feared by the local Elves. The land there was suitable for harvest too, and they decided to settle there.

Founding of Windhelm
The crews of Kaal Kaaz, Sadon Reyth, and Ylgermet, under the leadership of Ysgramor himself, fought the Elves in an area later known as Eastmarch. After the battle, Ysgramor stumbled upon his son's grave and decided to build a monumental city where the White River met the Sea of Ghosts. It was built by the Snow Elf captives in Atmoran fashion. A Long bridge was built so that no Elf could sneak in and avenge his kin.

End of The Return
The great expansion of mankind on the land of Mereth ended with Ysgramor's death. The news spread across Tamriel like a dark cloud and even the mightiest of warriors threw away their weapons, never to lift them again. He was buried on an island facing his homeland, Atmora. His palace in Windhelm served future High Kings for many generations.