The Undisputed Champion: Determining the Most Powerful Elder Scrolls Protagonist

Deciding the most powerful main character in the Elder Scrolls series is a debate that rages across forums and taverns (virtual ones, mostly) alike. While subjective experiences and preferred playstyles inevitably color opinions, a careful examination of in-game feats, lore implications, and sheer potential points to the Nerevarine from The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind as the most powerful protagonist.

Why the Nerevarine Reigns Supreme

The Nerevarine’s claim to the throne isn’t merely based on raw strength, but on a combination of factors rarely paralleled by other protagonists:

• Prophecy Fulfillment: The Nerevarine isn’t just some random adventurer who stumbled into a grand destiny. They are the literal reincarnation of Indoril Nerevar, a legendary figure in Dunmer history. This grants them a preordained path and inherent advantages, amplified by the will of Azura. Other protagonists might become legendary, but the Nerevarine begins as one in potential.
• Deicide on a Budget: The Nerevarine doesn’t just defeat a powerful antagonist. They systematically dismantle the Tribunal Temple, slaying the living gods Vivec, Almalexia, and Sotha Sil. These weren’t mere mortals; they were beings fueled by the Heart of Lorkhan, possessing divine powers and vast influence. The Dragonborn certainly contends with Alduin, a god-like dragon, but the Nerevarine’s achievements involve actively killing multiple deities.
• The Sharmat Dagoth Ur: Defeating Dagoth Ur isn’t just about stopping a power-hungry villain. Dagoth Ur sought to corrupt the entire province of Morrowind, turning it into a blighted wasteland. His connection to the Heart of Lorkhan made him incredibly resilient, and the Nerevarine’s victory effectively broke the cycle of suffering and corruption that had plagued the Dunmer for centuries.
• Unparalleled Versatility: While the other protagonists are powerful within their respective game mechanics, the Nerevarine’s customizability and sheer potential for build diversity is unmatched. They can master any skill, wield any weapon, and delve into any school of magic with equal proficiency. This inherent versatility means they can adapt to virtually any threat.
• The Curious Case of Game Mechanics: Morrowind’s open-ended design allowed for a level of character development that is hard to find in later Elder Scrolls games. With the right combination of skills, enchanting, and potion-making, the Nerevarine could reach almost godlike levels of power, moving faster than enemies could react, and casting spells that would instantly kill powerful foes. While this is possible in other games, it feels more organic and more of a discovery in Morrowind.

In essence, the Nerevarine isn’t just a powerful fighter; they are a chosen one, a god-slayer, and a master of all trades. Their legend is etched in the very fabric of Morrowind, a testament to their enduring power and influence.

Contrasting with Other Protagonists

The other Elder Scrolls protagonists certainly possess impressive feats, but they ultimately fall short when compared to the Nerevarine:

• The Eternal Champion (Arena) & The Agent (Daggerfall): These protagonists are largely defined by their role in saving Tamriel from specific threats. While powerful, their feats are less personalized and more dependent on external factors. Their stories lack the deep personal connection and moral complexities of the Nerevarine’s journey.
• The Hero of Kvatch (Oblivion): The Hero of Kvatch is undoubtedly powerful, especially after becoming Sheogorath. However, their main achievement lies in closing Oblivion Gates and stopping Mehrunes Dagon. While impressive, this pales in comparison to the Nerevarine’s deicide and the dismantling of an established theocracy. It’s also important to note that much of the Hero’s success is attributed to Martin Septim’s sacrifice and Akatosh’s intervention.
• The Last Dragonborn (Skyrim): The Dragonborn’s ability to absorb dragon souls and wield dragon shouts is undeniably potent. However, their journey often feels more like a natural consequence of their lineage rather than a divinely ordained destiny. While they defeat Alduin, they rely heavily on the aid of other characters and the Dragonrend shout, diminishing the sense of individual power. Also, as a Dragonborn, there were others. The Nerevarine is a unique reincarnation of Nerevar.

Power is Not Always the Same as Fun

It is critical to acknowledge that power is not the sole metric of character effectiveness or player enjoyment. The Dragonborn’s shouts are some of the most entertaining abilities in gaming, and the Hero of Kvatch’s transition to Sheogorath is legendary for its roleplaying potential. However, from a power perspective, the Nerevarine stands above the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Dragonborn really the strongest main character?

While the Dragonborn is incredibly powerful, especially with shouts, their power relies heavily on their lineage and the ability to absorb dragon souls. The Nerevarine, on the other hand, achieves god-like status through their own actions and divine destiny. Their defeat of the Tribunal and Dagoth Ur edges them out in terms of overall impact and established lore.

2. Who is the strongest character in Skyrim lore?

The question is more complex than it seems, but King Laloriaran Dynar is often cited as one of the strongest warriors in Skyrim lore. Others include figures like Pelinal Whitestrake, Indoril Nerevar, and Ysmir Wulfharth, all figures of incredible power and skill.

3. Who is the strongest god in the Elder Scrolls universe?

Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time, is generally considered the most powerful god in the Elder Scrolls universe. His influence is far-reaching, and his actions have shaped the course of history. He represents the qualities of endurance, invincibility, and everlasting legitimacy.

4. Who is the strongest Elder Scrolls villain?

Jyggalag, the Daedric Prince of Order, is often considered the strongest villain in the Elder Scrolls franchise. His power is so great that the other Daedric Princes feared him and cursed him to become Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness.

5. Is it possible for a mortal to become a god in the Elder Scrolls?

Yes, apotheosis, the process by which a mortal ascends into godhood, is a recurring theme in the Elder Scrolls lore. Examples include the Tribunal (Vivec, Almalexia, and Sotha Sil) and the Hero of Kvatch (becoming Sheogorath).

6. Who is the god of time in Elder Scrolls?

Akatosh is the Dragon God of Time, a central deity in the Nine Divines pantheon. He is associated with order, stability, and the flow of time itself.

7. Who is stronger than Alduin?

While debatable, some lore suggests that Vulthuryol, a dragon dwelling in Blackreach, might be stronger than Alduin in terms of raw power. However, Alduin’s role as the World-Eater and his unique abilities give him a different kind of power.

8. Who is the weakest Daedric Prince?

Peryite, the Taskmaster, is often considered one of the weaker Daedric Princes. While he possesses significant power, his sphere of influence is less grand and less direct than that of other Daedric Princes.

9. Can the Dragonborn beat Daedric Princes?

Yes, the Dragonborn can defeat Daedric Princes. In fact, several quests in Skyrim involve confronting and either defeating or outsmarting Daedric Princes like Mehrunes Dagon, Hermaeus Mora, and Molag Bal.

10. Who can defeat the Dragonborn?

This is highly debated. In terms of other video game characters, some argue that Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher series could defeat the Dragonborn due to his witcher senses and combat skills. Others argue that Kratos could defeat the Dragonborn. Within the Elder Scrolls universe, beings like powerful mages or other Dragonborn could potentially pose a threat.

11. Who is the most loved character in Skyrim?

Popular opinion often favors Paarthurnax, the wise and philosophical dragon who aids the Dragonborn. His wisdom, redemption arc, and guidance resonate with many players. He provides invaluable insight and a moral compass throughout the game.

12. Who is the god of werewolves in Elder Scrolls?

Hircine, the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, is the patron god of werewolves and other lycanthropes. He is associated with the primal aspects of the hunt, predation, and the thrill of the chase.

13. Who is the nicest Daedric Prince?

While Daedric Princes are generally not known for their benevolence, Meridia is often considered one of the more “benevolent” Daedric Princes. She is associated with light, life, and the purging of the undead.

14. Who is the evilest Daedra?

Molag Bal, the Daedric Prince of Domination and Enslavement, is widely considered the most evil Daedric Prince. His actions are driven by a desire to dominate and enslave mortals, inflicting pain and suffering on a massive scale.

15. Can Kratos beat Alduin?

This is a hypothetical scenario, but many believe that Kratos could defeat Alduin. Kratos has proven his ability to defeat powerful gods and monsters from both Greek and Norse mythology. His strength, rage, and combat skills could potentially overcome Alduin’s dragon shouts and elemental abilities.

The Enduring Legacy

Ultimately, determining the “most powerful” character in the Elder Scrolls is a subjective exercise. However, based on lore, feats, and the sheer scope of their accomplishments, the Nerevarine stands out as a truly exceptional figure. Their journey, from reincarnation to god-slayer, is a testament to the power of prophecy, perseverance, and the ability to shape one’s own destiny. Understanding this dynamic is important in understanding gaming and education, and learning societies like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are vital for helping in this research.