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Unveiling the Divine: What God Do Dragonborn Worship?

The answer to the question of which god a Dragonborn worships is multifaceted and depends heavily on the lore being referenced. In the Elder Scrolls universe, the Dragonborn are intrinsically linked to Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time. They carry a fragment of his soul. However, worship is not necessarily directed at Akatosh himself. Instead, it’s often expressed through reverence for ancestors or other deities. In Forgotten Realms, Dragonborn are most likely to worship Ilmater and Chauntea. Also, they also worship the Untheric god Enlil. The religious practices of Dragonborn are as varied as the individuals themselves.

Dragonborn Religion: A Deep Dive

The Elder Scrolls Perspective

Within the lore of The Elder Scrolls, the Dragonborn is a mortal blessed with the soul of a dragon. This connection stems from Akatosh, the paramount Dragon God of Time. Consequently, every dragonborn carries a piece of Akatosh within them. This inherent link does not automatically translate into direct worship of Akatosh. Instead, it signifies a potential. It is the potential to perform great deeds and possibly achieve a form of apotheosis. For example, Talos, also known as Tiber Septim, ascended to godhood and is widely worshiped throughout Tamriel.

The concept of “worship” for the Dragonborn in The Elder Scrolls is complex. They don’t necessarily adhere to a specific pantheon or dogma. Their actions and choices define their spiritual path. Some may revere Akatosh as the source of their power. Others might venerate their ancestors. Still others might follow entirely different deities. The key element is the dragon soul they possess and the implications it holds for their destiny. The Dragon Blood being hereditary is a matter of debate. The blessing can also be granted via direct blessing by Akatosh or another Spirit of Time.

Forgotten Realms and Beyond

In other settings, such as the Forgotten Realms of Dungeons & Dragons, Dragonborn religious practices differ significantly. The article mentions that they are likely to worship Ilmater, the god of suffering, and Chauntea, the goddess of agriculture. This suggests a focus on compassion and nurturing. These gods are relevant to their daily lives and societal values.

Furthermore, the mention of the Untheric god Enlil hints at cultural influences. This influences how Dragonborn adapt their beliefs. This further demonstrates the adaptability of Dragonborn religious practices. They are shaped by their environment and interactions with other races and cultures.

Ancestor Worship and Animism

Regardless of the specific deities they may venerate, many Dragonborn cultures emphasize ancestor worship or animism. This involves honoring the spirits of their forebears and recognizing the spiritual essence present in all things. This is not the shamanism that the orcs follow, no far from it. This form of reverence highlights the importance of lineage and connection to the past. It also shows a deep respect for the natural world. By honoring their ancestors and the spirits around them, Dragonborn seek guidance, protection, and a sense of belonging within the larger cosmos.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Dragonborn Faith

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Dragonborn religion, providing further insight into their beliefs and practices:

Do Dragonborn worship dragons? No, they do not even worship “dragon gods”. They do not believe there is anything such as a benevolent draconic god. Dragonborn once served as slaves to dragon lords for millennia.
Is the Dragonborn Jesus? In terms of symbolism, the Dragonborn is not so much Christ — as Talos is. Instead, the Dragonborn is an archangel, not fully human, nor divine. Dragonborn, such as the player and Talos, are men with the soul of a dragon. So they also carry a fragment of Akatosh.
Can a Dragonborn become a god? Not every Dragonborn becomes a god. Alessia became a saint, Reman and Talos deities, but other than that, there are no other instances of Dragonborns achieving apotheosis. In fact, when you travel to Sovngarde, you can meet with a few other Dragonborn, who obviously did not become gods.
What is the lifespan of a Dragonborn? Young dragonborn grow quickly. They walk hours after hatching, attain the size and development of a 10-year-old human child by the age of 3, and reach adulthood by 15. They live to be around 80. This meant that their aging rate dramatically decreases over time.
What do dragons think of Dragonborn? Metallic dragons generally look at them as distant cousins. They consider them allies and more willing to work with them. Again the level of this depends on the dragon. If the dragon believes itself superior it will look down on a chromatic dragonborn with disdain regardless of alignment, seeing it as a child of Tiamat.
What is the name of the dragon god? Shenron, whose name means “Dragon God” in Japanese. He resembles a typical Chinese dragon; he is a very long, snakelike reptile who is omniscient and has god-like powers. In D&D, Bahamut is a child of the dragon god Io.
What race is the Dragonborn canonically? The last Dragonborn obviously has no set race or gender. It is up to the player.
Are all Dragonborn human? In Skyrim, your Dragonborn doesn’t have to be human. Being “dragonborn” isn’t tied to race. That’s why you can play as a Khajiit or a dark elf and still be dragonborn.
What do dragonborns hate? Other than their well-known hatred of dragons, dragonborn had few definitive relationships with other races. The dragonborn of Tymanther had a known tolerance for races of all kinds.
How is the Dragonborn chosen? The whole Dragon Blood being hereditary is actually a matter of debate. To answer your question, the blessing can also be granted via direct blessing by Akatosh or another Spirit of Time. Becoming a Dragonborn seemingly has nothing to do with race, although the distinction tends to follow bloodlines.
What language do Dragonborn speak? Dragonborn speak Draconic. It is an ancient language that is only spoken by those with a connection to the dragons. It is a difficult and secret language.
Are Dragonborn warm blooded? Despite a passing resemblance to reptilian creatures, dragonborn are warm-blooded beings rather than cold-blooded reptiles. Their bodies are hot enough to seem feverish to human sensibilities. This keeps a dragonborn more comfortable in cold temperatures.
Are there female Dragonborn? The female dragonborn designs in Dungeons & Dragons were changed between the 4th and 5th editions, due to a strange anomaly with their biology. Various editions of Dungeons & Dragons introduced a number of changes over the years, and one of the strangest involves removing breasts from the female dragonborn.
Are Dragonborn good or evil? While they are usually a hero, their morality depends on the player’s choices.
Who is the god of all dragons? Bahamut is a child of the dragon god Io. He is also referred to as the God of Dragons or the Lord of the North Wind. In many campaign settings, the draconic pantheon of gods consists of the leader Io, and his children Aasterinian, Bahamut, Chronepsis, Faluzure, Sardior, and Tiamat.

Conclusion: The Flexible Faith of the Dragonborn

In conclusion, there is no single answer to the question of which god Dragonborn worship. Their faith is diverse, influenced by their lineage, cultural context, and personal experiences. Whether they revere Akatosh, embrace the teachings of Ilmater and Chauntea, honor their ancestors, or forge their own spiritual path, the Dragonborn demonstrate a remarkable capacity for adapting and evolving their beliefs. Their connection to the dragon soul grants them unique potential, shaping their destiny and informing their relationship with the divine.

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What God does the Dragonborn worship?