Lord Harkon: The Tyrannical Vampire Lord of Dawnguard Skyrim
The main villain of the Dawnguard DLC for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is unequivocally Lord Harkon. He is an ancient and powerful Nord vampire, the patriarch of the influential Volkihar Clan, and a figure consumed by a relentless ambition to plunge Tamriel into eternal darkness. His oppressive rule, relentless pursuit of power, and willingness to sacrifice anything for his goals makes him the primary antagonist the player must confront and ultimately defeat.
The Reign of the Volkihar Clan
Lord Harkon’s influence extends far beyond his physical strength and vampiric abilities. He commands the Volkihar Clan, a formidable group of vampires residing in Castle Volkihar. They represent a significant threat to the citizens of Skyrim, engaging in acts of violence and feeding upon unsuspecting victims to sustain their existence. Harkon’s leadership is characterized by his ruthlessness and his disregard for mortal life, solidifying his role as a villain.
The Prophecy and the Pursuit of Auriel’s Bow
The central conflict in the Dawnguard DLC revolves around an ancient prophecy regarding the Tyranny of the Sun and Auriel’s Bow. Harkon seeks to fulfill this prophecy by extinguishing the sun, thus granting vampires dominance over the world. Auriel’s Bow, a powerful artifact capable of manipulating the sun’s rays, becomes the key to achieving his dark ambition. The player, whether aligned with the Dawnguard or the Volkihar Clan (initially), is drawn into this struggle, with Harkon representing the ultimate obstacle to peace and stability in Skyrim.
Harkon’s Betrayal and Final Confrontation
Despite any temporary alliances or agreements, Lord Harkon’s true nature is revealed as one of ultimate betrayal. Regardless of the Dragonborn’s choices, Harkon will ultimately attempt to seize Auriel’s Bow for himself and eliminate any potential threats to his power. This act of treachery solidifies his position as the main villain, leading to a final confrontation where the player must confront Harkon in a climactic battle for the fate of Skyrim.
The Moral Ambiguity
While Harkon is undeniably the main villain, the Dawnguard DLC subtly explores themes of morality. The Dawnguard, while ostensibly the “good” side, are often zealous in their pursuit of vampires, sometimes bordering on brutality. The player’s choices throughout the DLC, regardless of which faction they initially side with, reflect an exploration of the dangers of fanaticism and the complexities of judging right and wrong in a world filled with shades of gray.
FAQs About Lord Harkon and the Dawnguard DLC
1. Who is Lord Harkon?
Lord Harkon is a powerful Nord vampire and the leader of the Volkihar Clan in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC. He serves as the main antagonist of the DLC.
2. What is the Volkihar Clan?
The Volkihar Clan is a powerful group of vampires residing in Castle Volkihar. They are known for their ruthlessness and their desire to dominate Skyrim.
3. What is Auriel’s Bow, and why is it important to Harkon?
Auriel’s Bow is an ancient and powerful artifact capable of manipulating the sun’s rays. Harkon seeks to use it to fulfill a prophecy and blot out the sun, giving vampires ultimate power.
4. Can you side with Lord Harkon?
Yes, you can initially side with Lord Harkon and join the Volkihar Clan. This allows you to experience the game from the perspective of a vampire.
5. Does Harkon always betray the player?
Yes, regardless of your choices, Lord Harkon will eventually betray the player in an attempt to secure Auriel’s Bow for himself and eliminate potential threats.
6. What are the benefits of siding with the Dawnguard?
Siding with the Dawnguard provides access to unique weapons and armor specifically designed to combat vampires. You will also be aligned with a faction dedicated to protecting the citizens of Skyrim.
7. What are the benefits of siding with the Volkihar Clan?
Siding with the Volkihar Clan allows you to become a powerful Vampire Lord, gaining access to unique abilities and perks. You will also have access to Castle Volkihar and its resources.
8. Can you become a Vampire Lord even if you side with the Dawnguard?
No, you can only become a Vampire Lord by accepting Harkon’s gift during the Bloodline quest. Siding with the Dawnguard prevents you from receiving this gift.
9. What happens to Serana if you side with Harkon?
Serana will remain with you regardless of which side you choose. She is essential to the questline and will continue to accompany you throughout the Dawnguard DLC.
10. Can you marry Serana?
Without the use of mods, you cannot marry Serana. While she has dialogue about marriage, the game does not allow for a marriage between the Dragonborn and Serana.
11. Can you cure Serana of her vampirism?
If you side with the Dawnguard, you can convince Serana to seek a cure for her vampirism after completing the main questline. This requires specific dialogue choices throughout the DLC.
12. What level should you be to start the Dawnguard DLC?
While you can technically start the Dawnguard DLC at any level, it is generally recommended to be at least level 10 or higher to handle the challenges presented.
13. Are werewolves accepted by the Dawnguard?
Yes, the Dawnguard is primarily concerned with hunting vampires. They do not discriminate against werewolves, as long as you are not a vampire.
14. What is the best strategy for defeating Lord Harkon?
Defeating Lord Harkon requires a combination of strategy and preparation. Using Auriel’s Bow with sunhallowed arrows is particularly effective. Resistances to frost and magic are also crucial. Utilizing followers like Serana can also significantly aid in the battle.
15. Can you join the Dawnguard after killing Harkon?
Yes, after defeating Harkon, you can join the Dawnguard if you are not a vampire. If you are a vampire, you will still be welcomed at Castle Volkihar.
Understanding Lord Harkon’s motives, his position as the leader of the Volkihar Clan, and his ultimate betrayal is crucial to grasping the central conflict of the Dawnguard DLC in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The moral complexities within the game offer the opportunity for players to learn. You can learn more about how the learning design of games like Skyrim help players hone their skills at GamesLearningSociety.org, where you can find lots of interesting research related to game based learning.