Can You Beat Miraak Without Hermaeus Mora?

The straightforward answer is no, you cannot beat Miraak without the explicit assistance of Hermaeus Mora. The Dragonborn DLC for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is structured in such a way that progression to the final confrontation with Miraak is inextricably linked to serving the Daedric Prince of Knowledge and Memory. While you might chafe at the idea of serving a Daedric Prince, especially one as…unique… as Hermaeus Mora, it’s a necessary evil to rid Skyrim (and Solstheim) of Miraak’s influence.

The Inevitable Bargain: Why Mora is Essential

Miraak, the first Dragonborn, poses a significant threat not only to the current Dragonborn but also to the entire province of Skyrim. His power stems from his deep connection to Hermaeus Mora, a connection he uses to steal dragon souls and amass power within his own realm of Apocrypha.

The questline forces the Dragonborn into a series of interactions with Mora, culminating in the acquisition of essential knowledge. Specifically, you require the “Bend Will” shout to progress. This shout is gifted to you by Hermaeus Mora and is crucial for controlling dragons, a necessary step in confronting Miraak within Apocrypha. Without “Bend Will,” you lack the means to effectively navigate Miraak’s domain and weaken him during the final battle.

Further cementing Mora’s necessity is the fact that Hermaeus Mora himself ultimately defeats Miraak. During the final stage of the battle, Mora intervenes, impaling Miraak with his tentacles, thus ending the threat. This makes it abundantly clear that Miraak’s defeat is directly orchestrated and achieved by Mora’s power.

Therefore, regardless of your Dragonborn’s skill level, gear, or preferred combat style, you are fundamentally reliant on Hermaeus Mora’s assistance to complete the Dragonborn DLC’s main questline and eliminate Miraak. Embracing the role, however grudgingly, is part of the Dragonborn’s journey in this expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Miraak and Hermaeus Mora

Here are some common questions that players often have regarding Miraak, Hermaeus Mora, and the Dragonborn DLC.

1. Do I have to serve Hermaeus Mora?

Yes, unfortunately. The main questline of the Dragonborn DLC requires you to cooperate with Hermaeus Mora to gain the power needed to defeat Miraak. There are no alternate paths that allow you to circumvent his involvement. The narrative is structured around the Dragonborn reluctantly accepting Mora’s aid to deal with a greater threat.

2. Can I kill Hermaeus Mora?

No, you cannot kill Hermaeus Mora. As a Daedric Prince, Mora is essentially immortal and exists on a plane of existence beyond mortal reach. While you can interact with him and even bargain with him, killing him is not an option within the game.

3. What happens if I refuse to cooperate with Hermaeus Mora?

If you attempt to resist Hermaeus Mora’s demands or refuse to follow the questline, you will simply be unable to progress. The game locks you out of the final stages of the Dragonborn DLC, preventing you from reaching and defeating Miraak.

4. What level should I be to fight Miraak?

Generally, it’s recommended to be at least level 40-50 before facing Miraak. This ensures you have sufficient health, stamina, and magicka, as well as access to powerful weapons, armor, and spells. However, your skill level and build are more important than your raw level. A well-optimized character at level 40 can outperform a poorly optimized one at level 50. Focus on improving your chosen combat skills (archery, one-handed, two-handed, or magic) and acquiring high-quality gear.

5. Is Miraak the hardest boss in Skyrim?

Miraak is undoubtedly one of the most challenging bosses in Skyrim, particularly due to his ability to steal dragon souls, heal himself, and teleport. Other contenders for the title of hardest boss include the Ebony Warrior and Karstaag, each presenting unique challenges. The difficulty often depends on your character build and playstyle.

6. Can the Last Dragonborn defeat Hermaeus Mora?

It is highly improbable that the Last Dragonborn could defeat Hermaeus Mora. Daedric Princes exist on a different plane of existence and possess power far beyond mortal comprehension. While the Dragonborn is exceptionally powerful, they are still ultimately mortal. Challenging a Daedric Prince in their own realm is generally considered a losing battle.

7. What are the Skaal secrets that Hermaeus Mora wants?

The Skaal secrets are the ancient knowledge and traditions held by the Skaal people of Solstheim. These secrets are deeply connected to the land and its connection to the All-Maker. Hermaeus Mora desires this knowledge for his own inscrutable purposes, believing it will grant him greater understanding and power.

8. What does Hermaeus Mora give you in return for your service?

Hermaeus Mora primarily offers the Dragonborn knowledge and power. The most significant reward is the Oghma Infinium, a Daedric artifact that allows you to permanently increase several skills and attributes. He also grants you the words of power for the “Bend Will” shout, which is essential for controlling dragons and progressing through the Dragonborn DLC.

9. Does Hermaeus Mora claim the Dragonborn’s soul?

The Dragonborn DLC implies the potential for Hermaeus Mora to claim the Dragonborn’s soul. The game presents it as a potential outcome depending on choices made throughout the questline. However, it’s never explicitly stated whether Mora actually claims the Dragonborn’s soul upon death.

10. What races worship Hermaeus Mora?

Various cultures across Tamriel have cults or beliefs associated with Hermaeus Mora. These include:

• Bosmer: See him as a trickster spirit.
• Dunmer: Daedra worship is a complex part of their history.
• Imperial: Some Imperial scholars and mages are drawn to his pursuit of knowledge.
• Khajiit: May acknowledge him within their own pantheon.
• Reachfolk: Daedra worship is common among the Reachmen.
• Maormer: There have been reports about Maormer Cults.

11. Is Miraak a Nord?

Yes, Miraak is a Nord. This is evident from his appearance and his historical role as a Dragon Priest who served the dragons in ancient Skyrim. His Nord heritage connects him to the ancient history of the province and its relationship with the dragons.

12. Can I use the “Bend Will” shout on Miraak during the final battle?

Yes, you must use the “Bend Will” shout on the dragons that appear during the fight with Miraak. You need to dominate those dragons and have them help you fight him.

13. What happens after I defeat Miraak?

After defeating Miraak, you will absorb his soul and the three dragon souls he had accumulated. You can then return to Skyrim and continue your adventures, or you can revisit Apocrypha to respec skill trees using the Black Books. Defeating Miraak removes his influence from Solstheim and allows you to explore the island freely.

14. Is the Last Dragonborn more powerful than Miraak?

Ultimately, yes, the Last Dragonborn is more powerful than Miraak. While Miraak is a formidable opponent with the ability to steal dragon souls, the Last Dragonborn possesses the potential to surpass him. The Last Dragonborn’s ability to learn dragon shouts quickly and their eventual mastery of the “Bend Will” shout, coupled with their other skills and abilities, makes them the superior Dragonborn. Additionally, Hermaeus Mora himself finishes off Miraak, implying that Miraak was not capable of being defeated by mortal means alone.

15. Where can I learn more about the use of games in education?

For more information about games in education, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization explores the intersection of gaming and learning, offering resources and insights into how games can be used effectively in educational settings.