Who is the Strongest Elder Scrolls Protagonist? A Deep Dive

The question of which Elder Scrolls protagonist reigns supreme is a debate as old as the series itself, sparking countless forum wars and whispered arguments around digital campfires. While a definitive answer remains elusive due to the variable nature of player choice and the ambiguities of lore, a strong contender for the title of “Strongest” emerges when considering raw potential, completed feats, and inherent abilities: The Last Dragonborn from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Why the Last Dragonborn? The argument rests on several key pillars:

• Dragon Blood and Thu’um Mastery: Unlike any other protagonist, the Last Dragonborn possesses the soul of a dragon, granting them the unique ability to learn and utilize the Thu’um, or Dragon Shout. This isn’t just about breathing fire; it’s manipulating the very fabric of reality through the power of Voice. The Dragonborn can slow time, become ethereal, command animals, and even rip the souls of dragons from their bodies.

• Defeat of Alduin: The Dragonborn’s canonical accomplishment of slaying Alduin, the World-Eater, is arguably the most significant feat of any protagonist. Alduin isn’t merely a powerful dragon; he’s a fragment of Akatosh, the God of Time, tasked with ending the current kalpa (cycle of existence). Defeating him, even temporarily, demonstrates immense power.

• Absorption of Dragon Souls: With each slain dragon, the Last Dragonborn absorbs its soul, further augmenting their power and knowledge of the Thu’um. This grants them an unparalleled capacity for growth, constantly increasing their strength beyond any fixed limit.

• Varied Skillsets and Diverse Quests: While other protagonists are undoubtedly powerful, the Last Dragonborn excels in nearly every skill imaginable. They can become masters of magic, stealth, combat, and crafting, tailoring their abilities to any situation. The diverse questlines completed during their adventures further enhance their experience and knowledge.

While the Nerevarine from Morrowind possesses immense potential for divine ascension and the Hero of Kvatch experiences a Daedric transformation into Sheogorath, neither of these reach the raw power and potential of the Last Dragonborn.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elder Scrolls Protagonists

H3 1. Who is the Savior of the Iliac Bay from Daggerfall, and how strong are they?

The Agent from Daggerfall, the Hero of Daggerfall, is a powerful figure but their strength is somewhat nebulous. They influence the outcome of the Warp in the West, a cataclysmic event that reshapes the political landscape of High Rock and Hammerfell. While the Agent’s actions have massive consequences, their individual power level is less defined than other protagonists. Their strength comes from their political and social influence rather than raw combat prowess.

H3 2. How does the Nerevarine from Morrowind compare to the Last Dragonborn?

The Nerevarine is unique in their potential for divine ascension. As the reincarnation of Indoril Nerevar, they are destined to either restore the original Tribunal Temple or overthrow it. While the Nerevarine can achieve god-like status, their canonical power at the end of Morrowind is likely less than the Last Dragonborn’s. However, the Nerevarine has a higher potential ceiling due to their destined role.

H3 3. Was the Hero of Kvatch truly Sheogorath at the end of Oblivion?

The ending of Shivering Isles implies the Hero of Kvatch becomes the new Sheogorath, Daedric Prince of Madness. This transformation grants immense power, but it also raises questions about the Hero’s original identity and goals. Are they still the same person, or have they been completely subsumed by Sheogorath’s madness?

H3 4. How does Tiber Septim/Talos stack up against the other heroes?

Tiber Septim, later known as Talos, is a complex figure. While his strategic genius and military might led to the formation of the Third Empire, his power was largely derived from his armies and the Mantella, a powerful artifact. As a god, Talos is immensely powerful, but comparing his godhood to the other protagonists is difficult, as they aren’t all deities.

H3 5. Could the Last Dragonborn defeat all the other Elder Scrolls protagonists at once?

Hypothetically, yes. The Last Dragonborn’s versatility, combined with their Thu’um mastery and ability to absorb dragon souls, gives them a significant advantage. However, the battle would depend heavily on the environment and the specific builds of the other protagonists. A magically inclined Nerevarine or a strategically cunning Agent could pose a threat.

H3 6. What is the Thu’um, and why is it so powerful?

The Thu’um, also known as the Voice, is a form of magic that uses dragon language to manipulate reality. Dragons are naturally attuned to the Thu’um, but the Last Dragonborn’s dragon blood allows them to learn and use it with unparalleled skill. Each Shout is a word of power that can affect the world in dramatic ways.

H3 7. Is there a definitive list ranking all the Elder Scrolls protagonists by strength?

No official ranking exists, and any list would be subjective. The power of each protagonist depends heavily on player choices and the challenges they face. The games also take place in different eras with varying degrees of magic and technology, making direct comparisons difficult.

H3 8. Who are some of the strongest villains the protagonists have faced?

• Alduin (Skyrim): The World-Eater, a fragment of Akatosh destined to end the world.
• Dagoth Ur (Morrowind): A powerful Dunmer sorcerer seeking to overthrow the Empire.
• Mehrunes Dagon (Oblivion): The Daedric Prince of Destruction, attempting to invade Tamriel.
• Jyggalag (Oblivion – Shivering Isles): The Daedric Prince of Order, transformed into Sheogorath.
• Miraak (Skyrim – Dragonborn DLC): The First Dragonborn, seeking to dominate the Dragonborn.

H3 9. Is the Dragonborn a god?

The Dragonborn is not inherently a god. They possess the soul of a dragon, which is a fragment of Akatosh, but this does not make them a god themselves. They remain mortal, although their dragon blood grants them unique powers and potential.

H3 10. Who is the strongest god in the Elder Scrolls universe?

This is a complex question with no definitive answer. Akatosh (or Auri-El) is often considered the chief deity due to his association with time and creation. However, the power of the Daedric Princes also varies depending on their sphere of influence and their followers. Debates about power depend on the interpretations of lore and metaphysics.

H3 11. What makes Alduin such a formidable opponent?

Alduin’s power stems from his role as the World-Eater. He is not merely a dragon; he is a force of nature destined to consume the current kalpa and usher in a new one. His ability to resurrect dragons and his immense physical strength and magical prowess make him a terrifying opponent.

H3 12. What are some of the limitations of the Last Dragonborn’s powers?

The Last Dragonborn is limited by their mortal body. They can be killed, although their dragon blood may grant them increased resilience. Their Thu’um is also limited by their knowledge of dragon language and their ability to control their Voice.

H3 13. How do the different races of Tamriel affect a protagonist’s potential strength?

Race can influence a protagonist’s starting skills and attributes. For example, Nords are naturally skilled warriors, while Altmer are adept at magic. However, these advantages are not absolute. Any race can become powerful with the right training and dedication.

H3 14. Can anyone become Dragonborn?

No. The Dragonborn is chosen by Akatosh, and the soul of a dragon is bestowed upon them. It is a rare gift that cannot be acquired through training or inheritance.

H3 15. Where can I learn more about the lore and history of the Elder Scrolls universe?

Numerous resources are available online, including the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages (UESP) and various fan forums. It is also helpful to explore academically-oriented sites that consider the narrative of the series. For example, the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org sometimes examines the rich lore and narrative structure of games like The Elder Scrolls series.

The debate will rage on, fueled by passion and differing interpretations of lore. However, the raw power, canonical feats, and inherent abilities of the Last Dragonborn solidify their position as a frontrunner in the race for the title of Strongest Elder Scrolls Protagonist. Ultimately, the strength of any Elder Scrolls character is a product of player choice and the countless adventures they undertake within the vast and ever-evolving world of Tamriel.