Can You Befriend Miraak in Skyrim? The Truth Revealed
No, in the vanilla version of Skyrim, you cannot befriend Miraak. He is designed to be the final boss of the Dragonborn DLC, and his story arc culminates in a final battle where you must defeat him to absorb his soul and complete the questline. While there are dialogue options that might suggest a different path, they ultimately lead to a confrontation. However, the modding community has created ways to alter this fate, allowing you to potentially have Miraak as a follower through the use of the Bend Will shout or other custom scripts.
Exploring the Possibilities: Mods and Alternate Endings
The desire to befriend Miraak stems from his complex character and tragic backstory. He was, after all, the First Dragonborn, corrupted by Hermaeus Mora and driven mad by his ambition. Many players find the idea of redeeming him or even allying with him appealing.
While the base game doesn’t allow for this, the extensive modding community has stepped in to offer alternate endings. Some mods focus on expanding dialogue options, allowing you to persuade Miraak to see the error of his ways. Others directly alter the game’s mechanics, enabling you to use the Bend Will shout to subjugate him permanently, turning him into a follower.
Keep in mind that using mods can significantly alter your game experience. It’s essential to read the mod descriptions carefully, understand their potential impact on your game’s stability, and follow the installation instructions precisely.
Unveiling the Mystery: Miraak’s Character and Motivations
Understanding Miraak’s character helps explain why befriending him in the vanilla game is impossible. He is driven by a desire for power and control, stemming from his abandonment of the dragons he served in the past and his subsequent manipulation by Hermaeus Mora. His goal is to escape Apocrypha and become a god-king in Skyrim, a plan that directly conflicts with the Dragonborn’s destiny.
This ambition, coupled with his arrogance and paranoia, makes him inherently untrustworthy. Even if you could temporarily subdue him with the Bend Will shout, it’s unlikely he would ever truly befriend you. His ultimate goal would remain the same: to seize power and dominate Tamriel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Miraak
Can you save Miraak in vanilla Skyrim?
No, you cannot save Miraak in the standard, unmodded version of Skyrim. The Dragonborn DLC’s narrative is structured around a final confrontation with him.
At what level should you fight Miraak?
It is generally recommended to be at least level 40-50 before confronting Miraak. You should also have well-developed combat skills, such as archery, one-handed or two-handed combat, or magic spells. A good set of armor and weapons, along with a supply of health and magicka potions, are essential for survival.
Can Miraak be married?
Not in the base game. However, mods exist that allow you to marry Miraak.
What is Miraak’s real name?
According to some Skyrim lore, Miraak was originally a Nord man named Fenrik. He shed this name when he became known by the name of his Dragon Priest mask: Miraak.
Can I use Bend Will on Miraak?
Yes, you need to use the Bend Will shout to control his dragon, Sahrotaar, and ride it. However, you cannot permanently bend his will in the vanilla game to make him a follower.
Who is the hardest boss in Skyrim?
Many consider the Ebony Warrior and Karstaag to be the most challenging bosses in Skyrim. Miraak also presents a formidable challenge, especially at lower levels.
Is Miraak the final boss?
Yes, Miraak is the final boss of the Dragonborn DLC.
What race is Miraak?
Miraak is a Nord.
How many times does Miraak heal himself?
Miraak heals himself three times during the final battle by absorbing the souls of dragons.
What to do if Miraak freezes during the fight?
If Miraak glitches and freezes, try restarting from a previous save, fighting slowly, using a weak weapon, or hiding to reset the battle. Killing the other dragons at the start of the fight also could resolve the issue.
How do you tame Miraak’s dragon?
You use the Bend Will shout on Sahrotaar, Miraak’s dragon, to tame it.
Will Miraak keep stealing my dragon souls?
Yes, until you defeat him in the Dragonborn DLC’s final battle, Miraak will steal dragon souls. Thankfully, these are returned to you after defeating him.
What did Miraak want?
Miraak sought to ascend beyond his station and become a god-king of Skyrim, mirroring the ambitions of Alduin and Harkon.
What to do after defeating Miraak?
After defeating Miraak, you can explore Solstheim, collect the Black Books, complete quests in Tel Mithryn, and search for legendary pirate treasure. The Games Learning Society and similar resources can provide tips for navigating the game after reaching the endgame.
Can you upgrade Miraak’s equipment?
Miraak’s sword can be tempered with an ebony ingot, a deadra heart, and the Dwarven Smithing perk. Mods can be used to upgrade other pieces of his gear.
In Conclusion
While the allure of befriending Miraak is strong, it’s important to remember that his character is designed to be an antagonist. His motivations and history make him a dangerous and unpredictable individual. While mods can offer an alternative, the core game narrative positions him as an enemy you must defeat to protect Skyrim. For those interested in the intersection of games and learning, resources such as the GamesLearningSociety.org offer insights into how game design impacts player experience and narrative engagement. The Games Learning Society is a great resource.