Are There Multiple Dragonborns? Untangling the Lore of Skyrim’s Chosen

The answer, in short, is yes, there have been multiple Dragonborn throughout the history of the Elder Scrolls universe. While the player character in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, often referred to as the Last Dragonborn (LDB), holds a unique and significant position, they are by no means the first or only individual blessed (or burdened) with the soul of a dragon. Understanding this requires delving into the history, lore, and even theological underpinnings of the setting. The Dragonborn is a recurring phenomenon, a figure prophesied and destined to play a crucial role in Tamriel’s fate during periods of great turmoil and dragon activity.

The History of Dragonborn: More Than Just the Last

While Skyrim focuses heavily on the Last Dragonborn, the history books, scrolls, and legends of the Elder Scrolls world speak of others. Recognizing these figures and the circumstances of their Dragonborn status is essential to understanding the concept.

• Alessia: Often considered the first Dragonborn of the First Era, Alessia, the Slave Queen, received Akatosh’s blessing after leading a rebellion against the Ayleid masters. The Amulet of Kings, granted to her by Akatosh, bound the gates of Oblivion and allowed her line to rule and bring stability to the newly formed Empire. Her Dragonborn status stemmed from a direct covenant with a divine being.

• Reman Cyrodiil: Founder of the Second Empire, Reman Cyrodiil was a powerful warrior and leader. Like Alessia, his Dragonborn status was recognized and pivotal to his right to rule. The connection to Akatosh legitimized his claim and helped unite Tamriel under his banner.

• Tiber Septim: The founder of the Third Empire, Tiber Septim, is arguably the most famous Dragonborn. His conquests and unification of Tamriel ushered in an era of unprecedented peace and prosperity. The details surrounding his Dragonborn status are somewhat murky, especially regarding his alleged association with Talos, who later ascended to godhood.

• Martin Septim: The last of the Septim Dynasty, Martin Septim sacrificed himself to banish Mehrunes Dagon during the Oblivion Crisis. His act fulfilled the covenant established by Alessia, ensuring Tamriel’s continued protection. His transformation into a divine avatar of Akatosh solidified his Dragonborn legacy.

• Miraak: The first Dragonborn, Miraak, served the dragons during the Merethic Era. After learning the forbidden knowledge of dragon shouts, he sought to usurp their power, leading to a confrontation with Hermaeus Mora and his subsequent imprisonment in Apocrypha. He resurfaces during the events of Skyrim‘s Dragonborn DLC.

These historical figures demonstrate a pattern: Dragonborn individuals emerge during times of crisis, possess innate abilities linked to dragons (primarily the use of dragon shouts), and often play a significant role in shaping the political and spiritual landscape of Tamriel.

The Dragonborn Prophecy and the Last Dragonborn

The arrival of the Last Dragonborn is tied directly to the return of Alduin, the World-Eater, a rogue aspect of Akatosh prophesied to destroy the world. The Dragonborn’s ability to absorb the souls of dragons is what sets them apart, allowing them to learn new shouts and ultimately confront Alduin. While Paarthurnax sought to guide the dragons to a more peaceful existence, the threat of Alduin and the return of dragons in general necessitated the emergence of one final Dragonborn.

The Last Dragonborn, being the player character, has the potential to become exceptionally powerful. They can learn every shout, acquire vast amounts of knowledge, and even influence the fate of the Empire and other political factions. This agency makes the Last Dragonborn a unique and compelling figure within the Elder Scrolls lore.

Dragonborn: A Matter of Destiny and Soul

The precise mechanism by which an individual becomes Dragonborn is a topic of debate and speculation within the Elder Scrolls community. Is it solely a matter of bloodline, divine intervention, or destiny? The answer is likely a combination of factors. The hereditary model suggests a lineage tracing back to Akatosh. Yet, divine selection and the soul of a dragon placed within a mortal are equally significant.

Regardless of the precise mechanism, Dragonborn status grants individuals unique abilities and a destiny intertwined with the fate of dragons and Tamriel itself. This intersection of mortal and draconic essence makes them potent forces, capable of shaping history and confronting even the most formidable threats. Understanding the nuances of Dragonborn lore adds depth to the experience of playing Skyrim and other Elder Scrolls games. It also offers insight into the intricate world-building and the complex interplay of history, prophecy, and divine intervention that define the Elder Scrolls universe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dragonborn

Here are some frequently asked questions about Dragonborn to help you better understand this fascinating aspect of the Elder Scrolls lore:

1. What exactly makes someone a Dragonborn?

A Dragonborn possesses the soul of a dragon in a mortal body. This gives them the innate ability to learn and use dragon shouts, absorb dragon souls, and often grants them a destined role in Tamriel’s history.

2. Is Dragonborn status hereditary?

There is evidence to suggest a hereditary component, especially within certain lineages. However, divine intervention and destiny also play a role, as seen with figures like Alessia. It’s likely a combination of factors.

3. Can any race become Dragonborn?

Yes, Dragonborn have appeared in various races throughout history, including Nords, Imperials, and others. Race is not a limiting factor.

4. Are all Dragonborn good?

No. Miraak, for example, was a Dragonborn who sought power and domination. Dragonborn, like any individual, can be good or evil, and their choices determine their path.

5. What is the significance of absorbing dragon souls?

Absorbing dragon souls grants the Dragonborn the knowledge and power of the dragons, allowing them to learn new shouts and enhance their existing abilities.

6. What is the connection between Dragonborn and Akatosh?

Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time, is the source of the Dragonborn’s power. The soul of a dragon within a mortal is often attributed to Akatosh’s blessing or intervention.

7. Why is the Dragonborn important in Skyrim?

The Dragonborn is destined to defeat Alduin, the World-Eater, and prevent the destruction of Tamriel. This is the central conflict of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

8. Are dragon shouts exclusive to Dragonborn?

While dragons inherently know dragon shouts, Dragonborn are the only mortals who can learn and use them effectively, and are the only mortals who can use them instinctively without dedicated training. Some others can learn them, but not at the same level as Dragonborn.

9. What happened to all the other Dragonborn after their respective eras?

The fate of each Dragonborn varies. Some, like Martin Septim, ascended to divinity. Others, like Tiber Septim, died of old age after shaping the course of history. Their legacies, however, continue to influence Tamriel.

10. Can Dragonborn lose their Dragonborn status?

The lore is unclear on this point. It is possible that a Dragonborn can lose their connection to Akatosh or choose to abandon their destiny, effectively negating their powers.

11. Is there a limit to how many Dragonborn can exist at once?

While the lore suggests Dragonborn typically emerge during times of need, there’s no explicit limit stated. The events of Skyrim, where the Last Dragonborn confronts Miraak, prove that multiple Dragonborn can exist simultaneously.

12. How does being a Dragonborn affect a person’s lifespan?

The article you provide suggests Dragonborn live to be around 80 years old. However, this can vary depending on their individual circumstances and any magical influences they may encounter.

13. Are Dragonborn stronger than dragons?

The Last Dragonborn and Miraak are more powerful than the average dragon due to their unique abilities and destiny. However, ancient and powerful dragons like Alduin pose a significant threat, even to Dragonborn.

14. What are the different types of Draconic ancestries?

The article mentions three types of draconic ancestries: chromatic, metallic, and gem. These ancestries can influence the Dragonborn’s abilities and appearance in certain role-playing systems.

15. Where can I learn more about the lore of the Elder Scrolls and other games?

You can explore various online resources, including wikis dedicated to the Elder Scrolls universe, forums where fans discuss lore, and academic analyses of video game narratives. Many educators are using games for learning, so check out Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to see how video games can be used to learn.

By exploring these questions and answers, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Dragonborn and their role in the vast and complex world of the Elder Scrolls.