The Chosen of Akatosh: Understanding How the Dragonborn is Chosen
The Dragonborn, a figure of immense power and significance in the world of The Elder Scrolls, isn’t chosen through lineage, skill, or even by consciously seeking the role. Instead, the Dragonborn is chosen by Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time. It’s a divine gift, a bestowal of a dragon’s soul within a mortal body. This soul grants the individual the power to absorb the souls of dragons and, crucially, to speak in the language of dragons, known as Thu’um, with unmatched force. The selection process remains shrouded in mystery, but it seems Akatosh chooses individuals based on reasons that are often unknown, making the Dragonborn’s arrival a surprise event that always aligns with a time of great need in Tamriel. The Dragonborn’s existence is not about fulfilling a prophecy; it’s about being empowered to meet an unknown future threat and serve the role they are best suited for.
Delving Deeper into the Dragonborn’s Selection
Akatosh’s Mysterious Criteria
The precise reasons behind Akatosh’s choices are never fully explained. However, one can infer certain factors influencing the selection. The Dragonborn often appears during times of immense crisis, suggesting that Akatosh chooses individuals who can restore balance or combat a significant threat to Nirn.
It’s essential to understand that being Dragonborn is not hereditary, meaning it doesn’t pass down through bloodlines. Instead, Akatosh bestows the dragon soul upon a mortal.
The Role of Fate and Destiny
While free will remains central to the Elder Scrolls narrative, there’s an undeniable sense of destiny surrounding the Dragonborn. The Last Dragonborn in Skyrim is destined to confront Alduin, the World-Eater. Even though the player’s choices influence the journey, the ultimate confrontation is inevitable, highlighting the powerful role of fate. This aspect of the Dragonborn narrative is something examined within the context of video games and player choice, and these themes are areas of analysis for the Games Learning Society.
Dragonborn and Free Will
Despite being “chosen,” Dragonborn aren’t puppets of Akatosh. They retain their free will and can choose their own paths. Miraak, the first Dragonborn, notably rejected Akatosh’s intended purpose and pursued his own goals, demonstrating the agency granted to those with a dragon soul. The Last Dragonborn, the player character in Skyrim, can choose to become a hero, a villain, or something in between. This is why, for example, we can delve into the Daedric quests if the player is so inclined.
Examples in Elder Scrolls Lore
Across different eras of Tamriel, various Dragonborn have emerged. Saint Alessia, for example, formed the first Empire of Men, establishing a legacy tied to Akatosh’s blessing. The Septim Dynasty also benefited from this divine gift, wielding dragonblood to unite Tamriel. These examples illustrate how the Dragonborn impacts history and can shape the fate of nations.
The Last Dragonborn: A Unique Case
The Last Dragonborn, the protagonist of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is a particularly interesting case. They appear when Alduin returns, a threat foretold in ancient prophecies. Unlike previous Dragonborn, the Last Dragonborn’s race and gender are determined by the player, signifying an unprecedented degree of player agency within the lore. This is why it is the player that must defeat Alduin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Dragonborn
1. Is the Dragonborn always aware of their destiny?
Not necessarily. The Last Dragonborn in Skyrim is initially unaware of their powers. The realization dawns gradually as they begin absorbing dragon souls and harnessing the Thu’um. Some Dragonborn may be more attuned to their destiny from the outset, while others discover it along the way.
2. Can any race become Dragonborn?
Yes. Unlike some previous instances where Dragonborn status was associated with particular bloodlines or regions, the Last Dragonborn can be of any race. This demonstrates the impartial nature of Akatosh’s selection. The only qualification is the possession of a Dragon Soul.
3. Are there limitations to the Dragonborn’s power?
While the Dragonborn is incredibly powerful, they are not invincible. They face physical limitations, can be wounded, and are susceptible to magic. The extent of their power is also tied to their ability to learn and master the Thu’um, which requires time and effort.
4. Is it possible to become Dragonborn through artificial means?
No. Being Dragonborn is a divine gift from Akatosh. There are no known rituals or spells to artificially bestow this power. The dragon souls are what separate the Dragonborn from others in Tamriel.
5. Can the Dragonborn lose their powers?
There is no concrete lore suggesting a Dragonborn can permanently lose their Dragonborn abilities once bestowed by Akatosh. However, it is conceivable that a Dragonborn could be stripped of their power through divine intervention or by a more powerful entity, though there are no explicit examples of this occurring.
6. How does the Dragonborn absorb dragon souls?
When a Dragonborn defeats a dragon, they instinctively absorb its soul. This process is often accompanied by a visible surge of energy and a draconic phrase spoken by the Dragonborn. The absorbed soul enhances the Dragonborn’s power and allows them to unlock new Shouts.
7. Is the Dragonborn’s Thu’um more potent than that of regular Greybeards?
Yes. While Greybeards are skilled in the Thu’um, the Dragonborn possesses an innate connection to the language, making their Shouts significantly more powerful. This inherent connection stems from their dragon soul.
8. Is it possible for two Dragonborn to exist simultaneously?
Yes. Miraak and the Last Dragonborn co-existed during the events of the Dragonborn DLC. The title of “Last Dragonborn” isn’t referring to the end of the Dragonborn bloodline, but rather to a specific individual whose destiny involves confronting a particular threat (Alduin).
9. What is the relationship between the Dragonborn and the Amulet of Kings?
The Amulet of Kings is a significant artifact tied to Akatosh’s covenant with mortals. Wearing it signifies the Dragonborn’s authority and connection to the divine. However, not all Dragonborn are necessarily required to wear the Amulet of Kings, and it is possible to be Dragonborn without a direct connection to the Empire.
10. Does being Dragonborn grant immortality?
No, not necessarily. While Dragonborn may live longer than average due to their connection to Akatosh, they are not inherently immortal. They are still mortal beings with finite lifespans. This is in contrast to Dragons who, if their souls are not absorbed, return to Akatosh upon death.
11. How does the Dragonborn relate to other “chosen one” archetypes in Tamriel?
The Dragonborn is just one of many “chosen one” archetypes in the Elder Scrolls universe. The Harbinger of the Companions, the Arch-Mage of the College of Winterhold, and the Listener of the Dark Brotherhood are other examples. These roles often involve fulfilling specific prophecies or demonstrating unique talents.
12. Is Ulfric Stormcloak Dragonborn?
No, Ulfric Stormcloak is not Dragonborn. Although he is a skilled user of the Thu’um, having been trained by the Greybeards, he lacks the Dragon Soul, which makes his case different from the Dragonborn.
13. Could the Dragonborn defeat a Daedric Prince?
While the Dragonborn can become exceptionally powerful, it is unlikely they could defeat a Daedric Prince in their own plane of Oblivion. Daedric Princes are beings of immense power, and the Dragonborn’s mortal nature would put them at a significant disadvantage.
14. What is the Merethic Era?
The Merethic Era is an era of Tamriel’s history. Miraak is alive from this period, before even the Dragon War.
15. Where can I learn more about the significance of games in education and learning?
Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover research, insights, and resources exploring the intersection of gaming and education. You can find more information at Games Learning Society.