Ysgramor is an ancient Nordic king whom arrived in Tamriel with his fleet of men, escaping the devastating civil war taking place in Atmora during the late Merethic Era (in Nordic translates to “Era of the Elves”). Ysgramor was first to set foot into Skyrim at Hsaarik Head (northern tip of Skyrim’s Broken Cape). He's attributed as the first known human historian, due to his renowned accomplishment of transcribing Nordic language through Elven principles of writing and composition. To some, it is believed throughout Tamriel that Ysgramor was the mortal avatar or personification of Alduin. Ysgramor and his Nordic men also known as “Nedic peoples” built the renowned city of Saarthal. During the Night of Tears, the elves ambushed the Nedic colony causing havock among the city killing all civilians except Ysgramor and his two sons; immediately they fled back to Atmora. Ysgramor soon returned with a full armed fleet known as his Five Hundred Companions driving the Elves from Skyrim and Solstheim.

Source : http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Ysgramor

Elaboration, corrections, comments, questions all welcome!

-Starstrider

Excellent post Starstrider, I have a feeling Ysgramor will play a role in Skyrim's game plot.

Before the Night of Tears came to past. The Nords or the Nedic and Elven races lived in relative harmony. Until the Elvish race became worried that this vital young race of Man would soon overtake there stagnated culture. So the Elves pre-emptivly attacked the Nord at they're homes and razed they're capital of Saarthal to the ground.

Once Ysgramor who had escaped the attack with his two sons to Atmora, returned with the famed Five Hundred Companions he first made it his mission to slaughter the Elves whom where living there and the process of the extermination of the Elven race from Skyrim.

On a side note Ysgramor's Five Hundred Companions are believed to be in direct relation to The Companions. Which is a faction found in Skyrim.

Source: http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Nords

Jurgen Windcaller wrote:

Excellent post Starstrider, I have a feeling Ysgramor will play a role in Skyrim's game plot.

I agree! that was my main motivation for posting this. I'm sure Ysgramor will be mentioned quite often throughout our adventures in Skyrim.