When did the dragons disappear in Elder Scrolls?

The dragons in the Elder Scrolls universe did not exactly disappear, but were rather hunted to extinction by the Akaviri hunters, who later became known as the Dragonguard, after the Dragon War in the First Era. According to the Elder Scrolls lore, the dragons were thought to be extinct, but they were later reborn in the world through unknown means, leading to their reappearance in the game Skyrim.

Introduction to Elder Scrolls and Dragons

The Elder Scrolls series is a vast and complex universe, filled with magic, mythology, and legendary creatures, including the mighty dragons. To understand when the dragons disappeared, it’s essential to delve into the history of Tamriel, the continent where the Elder Scrolls games take place.

History of Dragons in Elder Scrolls

The dragons have been present in Tamriel since the Dawn of Time, and their civilization was created by Alduin in Atmora. However, their existence was threatened during the Dragon War, which led to their extinction. The Akaviri hunters played a significant role in hunting down the remaining dragons, leading to their apparent disappearance.

FAQs about Dragons in Elder Scrolls

General Questions

1. Are dragons extinct in Elder Scrolls?: In the world of The Elder Scrolls, dragons were hunted to extinction long ago, but they have subsequently been reborn in the world through unknown means.
2. Why did dragons disappear?: Since the Maesters detest anything that seems unnatural, it is hinted that they secretly poisoned the last hatchlings, bringing about the dragons’ extinction.
3. When were dragons last seen before Skyrim?: This piece of evidence clearly suggests that the Dragons survived at least to the time of Tiber Septim’s conquest, approximately 600-800 years before Skyrim.

Dragon History and Lore

4. Did dragons exist before Skyrim?: Dragons don’t particularly have a geographical origin, they simply are, having existed from the Dawn of Time. However, their civilization was created by Alduin in Atmora.
5. Is the Dragonborn actually a dragon?: While the Dragonborn clearly are not dragons by flesh or body, they are born with a dragon soul and even blood.
6. Who is the first Dragonborn?: The First Dragonborn, Miraak, was present during the Merethic Era, and the battle against Alduin that resulted in the Dragon Break that sent him through time to the Fourth Era several thousand years later.

Dragons in Skyrim

7. Why did the dragons disappear in Skyrim?: They didn’t disappear, they died. Those of the dragons that weren’t killed during the Dragon War died of other causes. Alduin was sent forward in time by the Dragon Elder Scroll.
8. Who is the first dragon you see in Skyrim?: Alduin is also the first Dragon seen in-game and is usually seen close to Dragon Burial Sites resurrecting the Dragons found within.
9. What happened to the dragons before Skyrim?: That all changed when the Dragon War started, which, with the help of Kynereth and Paarthurnax, Alduin’s older brother and second in command, ended in a Nord Victory.

Dragon Characteristics and Behavior

10. Why are dragons in Skyrim evil?: Dragons themselves are driven by a strong insatiable instinct to conquer and dominate all that they deem inferior, only a sparse few dragons were able to control such temptations.
11. What is the weakest dragon in Skyrim?: Brown Dragon. These dragons are only level 10 and can only use frost or fire breath, making them fairly basic and easy to battle with.
12. Are there friendly dragons in Skyrim?: A new mod for Skyrim adds a host of new friendly dragon NPCs, alongside new quests and activities for the player to complete in-game.

Dragonborn and Dragons

13. What is the lifespan of a Dragonborn?: Dragonborn Traits: Age: 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.
14. What race was Miraak?: Miraak is a Nord, and this doesn’t come as too much of a surprise since he served the dragons in ancient times.
15. Are there infinite dragons in Skyrim?: There are an infinite number of dragons in Skyrim, since most of them respawn, like other creatures. The number of named main dragons are fixed though, and they are listed in the UESP wiki “Dragon” article.