The Eternal Tug-of-War: Who Gets the Dragonborn’s Soul?

The question of where the Last Dragonborn’s soul ends up after death in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most hotly debated topics among lore enthusiasts. The truth, as with many things in the Elder Scrolls universe, is complex and layered, influenced by factors like the Dragonborn’s choices, allegiances, and even their race. Simply put, there isn’t one definitive answer, but rather a convergence of possibilities.

The most accurate answer? It depends. The Dragonborn’s soul is unique. It is, after all, a mortal vessel infused with the very essence of a dragon, a shard of Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time himself. This inherent connection to Akatosh gives him a strong claim. However, the Dragonborn is also mortal, and their choices during their life significantly influence their afterlife. Daedric Princes, particularly Hermaeus Mora, can vie for the Dragonborn’s soul through pacts and service. Furthermore, traditional beliefs like those of the Nords, which dictate that worthy warriors travel to Sovngarde, can play a role. Ultimately, the final destination of the Dragonborn’s soul is a confluence of divine right, personal agency, and the consequences of their actions.

Factors Influencing the Dragonborn’s Afterlife

Several key factors determine the Dragonborn’s final resting place, or lack thereof:

• Akatosh’s Claim: As the source of the Dragonborn’s power and dragon soul, Akatosh has the most fundamental claim. This is the bedrock upon which all other claims are built. Whether Akatosh actively intervenes to claim the soul remains ambiguous, but the inherent connection is undeniable.

• Daedric Pacts: The Dragonborn can forge alliances with numerous Daedric Princes. Hermaeus Mora, in particular, poses a significant threat to claim the soul, especially if the Dragonborn completes the questline within the Dragonborn DLC. Other Princes, like Nocturnal, through the Thieves Guild questline, or Hircine, through the Companions, could also exert influence.

• Nordic Beliefs: If the Dragonborn is a Nord and lives a life of honor and valor, they may find themselves in Sovngarde, the Nordic afterlife ruled by Shor. This hinges on adhering to the traditional values of courage, strength, and dying a worthy death.

• Vampirism: Becoming a vampire significantly complicates matters. Vampires, especially those with powerful bloodlines like those connected to Lord Harkon, are often bound to Coldharbour, the realm of Molag Bal, upon death.

• Soul Trapping: The Dragonborn, despite their power, is not immune to soul trapping. As demonstrated by Serana’s partial soul trapping during the quest to enter the Soul Cairn, the Dragonborn’s soul can be captured and used for various purposes.

• Personal Agency: Perhaps the most important factor is the Dragonborn’s own agency. The Dragonborn attains immense power throughout their adventures. It stands to reason that at a certain point, they possess the willpower to defy even Daedric Princes and potentially choose their own destiny.

Exploring the Possibilities

Given these competing forces, several scenarios can play out:

1. Return to Akatosh: The Dragonborn’s soul, cleansed of Daedric influence or deemed worthy by Akatosh, returns to its source, becoming one with the Dragon God of Time.

2. Servitude to a Daedric Prince: The Dragonborn’s soul is claimed by a Daedric Prince to whom they pledged allegiance, serving them in their respective plane of Oblivion for eternity.

3. Eternal Glory in Sovngarde: If the Dragonborn embodies Nordic ideals, they fight and feast alongside the heroes of old in Sovngarde.

4. Imprisonment in Coldharbour: A vampiric Dragonborn may be condemned to an eternity of suffering in Molag Bal’s realm.

5. Existence within a Soul Gem: The Dragonborn’s soul could be trapped within a soul gem, used for enchanting, or even for more sinister purposes.

6. A Choice Beyond Comprehension: Considering the unique nature of the Dragonborn’s soul, it is also possible that their afterlife transcends these conventional possibilities, existing on a higher plane of existence incomprehensible to mortals.

It is the beauty of the Elder Scrolls that no single answer is definitive. It is the interplay of fate, choice, and power that determines the Dragonborn’s ultimate destiny, a fitting end for a hero who shaped the course of Skyrim’s history. The complexity of the Dragonborn’s fate underscores the importance of player choice in shaping the narrative, a principle also explored in educational games that leverage player agency for learning. You can learn more about these principles at the Games Learning Society website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Hermaeus Mora definitely claim your soul if you complete his quests?

Not necessarily. While Hermaeus Mora heavily implies that he will claim your soul in exchange for knowledge and power, it isn’t explicitly stated as a binding contract. It’s more of a strong implication and depends on the Dragonborn’s role.

2. Can Akatosh directly intervene to save the Dragonborn’s soul from a Daedric Prince?

There’s no direct evidence of Akatosh intervening, but the Dragonborn’s inherent connection to him implies that he could. Such intervention could be subtle, perhaps weakening the Daedric Prince’s claim.

3. If the Dragonborn is a werewolf, does Hircine claim their soul?

Yes, typically. If the Dragonborn becomes a werewolf through the Companions questline and accepts Hircine’s blessing, their soul will likely go to Hircine’s Hunting Grounds after death.

4. Can the Dragonborn’s soul be split or divided among multiple claimants?

This is unlikely. While multiple entities might have a claim, it’s more probable that one ultimately triumphs, or that the Dragonborn’s own will dictates the outcome.

5. What if the Dragonborn rejects all Daedric Princes and adheres strictly to the Eight (or Nine) Divines?

In this scenario, Akatosh’s claim becomes significantly stronger. It also increases the likelihood of the Dragonborn achieving a worthy afterlife, such as in Aetherius.

6. Is there any in-game lore that directly addresses the fate of Dragonborn souls after death?

The lore is intentionally vague and open to interpretation. Much of the understanding comes from inference, extrapolation, and the established rules of the Elder Scrolls universe.

7. Could the Dragonborn achieve CHIM and transcend the need for an afterlife?

Theoretically, yes. Achieving CHIM allows an individual to realize they are part of a dream and potentially manipulate reality. This could allow them to bypass the conventional afterlife entirely.

8. Does the Dragonborn’s race affect the outcome of their soul’s destination?

Yes, it can. The racial beliefs and traditions of the Dragonborn play a role. For example, a Nord Dragonborn has a higher chance of going to Sovngarde due to their cultural beliefs.

9. Can the Dragonborn’s soul be absorbed by another dragon or Dragonborn?

Yes. If another dragon absorbs the Dragonborn’s soul before it can reach Akatosh or a Daedric Prince, then the absorbing dragon will claim it.

10. What happens if the Dragonborn becomes a Lich?

Becoming a Lich fundamentally alters the nature of the soul, binding it to a phylactery. This would likely override other claims, keeping the soul tethered to the mortal realm.

11. Is it possible for the Dragonborn’s soul to simply cease to exist?

While unlikely, it is not entirely impossible. If the Dragonborn’s soul is subjected to immense magical forces or consumed by a powerful entity, its existence could potentially be extinguished.

12. Could the Dragonborn’s soul be used to power an Elder Scroll?

Theoretically, yes. Elder Scrolls are immensely powerful and can be powered by souls. A Dragonborn’s soul would be an exceptionally potent source of energy.

13. What role do the Aedra play in the destiny of the Dragonborn’s soul?

Beyond Akatosh, the other Aedra’s influence is less direct but still present. A Dragonborn who embodies their virtues may receive their favor, influencing their afterlife.

14. How does the Dragonborn’s status as a “Shezzarine” (avatar of Lorkhan) factor into their soul’s destiny?

This is a complex and debated topic. If the Dragonborn is indeed a Shezzarine, their soul may ultimately return to Lorkhan, or become part of the new incarnation of the god.

15. Can the Dragonborn refuse all claims and forge their own unique afterlife?

This is perhaps the most compelling possibility. Given the Dragonborn’s immense power and willpower, it stands to reason that they could defy fate and create their own unique destiny, transcending the limitations of the established afterlives.

Understanding how choices affect outcomes is crucial, not just in games but also in real-world learning. The GamesLearningSociety.org promotes the study of how games can enhance education and understanding.