The Unofficial Definitive Ranking: Who is the Strongest Skyrim Protagonist?

The Dragonborn, without question, stands as the strongest protagonist in Skyrim. Their innate ability to absorb dragon souls, master shouts, and ultimately defeat Alduin, the World-Eater, sets them apart from any other character in the game. Their power isn’t just raw strength, but a unique and divinely granted destiny intertwined with the fate of Nirn itself.

Why the Dragonborn Reigns Supreme

The argument for the Dragonborn’s supremacy hinges on several key factors:

• Dragon Souls and Shouts: This is the Dragonborn’s defining characteristic. Absorbing dragon souls permanently increases their power and allows them to learn and master Dragon Shouts. These shouts aren’t mere magic spells; they are words of power in the Dragon Language capable of manipulating reality itself. From disarming opponents to summoning storms, to bending the will of dragons, the Dragonborn’s arsenal is unmatched.

• Destined Hero: Unlike other characters who achieve power through skill or circumstance, the Dragonborn is chosen. They are the last of their kind, destined to confront and defeat Alduin, a task no one else can accomplish. This destiny grants them a certain level of protection and guidance, albeit often through cryptic prophecies.

• Unparalleled Versatility: The Dragonborn can master any skill in the game. They can be a powerful warrior clad in the heaviest armor, a stealthy assassin lurking in the shadows, a master mage wielding devastating spells, or a combination of all three. This adaptability makes them incredibly difficult to counter.

• Daedric Artifact Acquisition: The Dragonborn actively seeks and wields incredibly powerful Daedric artifacts, objects imbued with the essence of Daedric Princes. These artifacts, like the Mace of Molag Bal, the Wabbajack, and Dawnbreaker, grant immense power and unique abilities that further enhance the Dragonborn’s combat prowess and versatility.

• Defeating Alduin: This is the ultimate measure of the Dragonborn’s strength. Alduin is no ordinary dragon; he is the Firstborn of Akatosh, the Time Dragon, and he possesses the power to devour the world. The Dragonborn is the only one capable of permanently defeating him.

While other characters, like powerful mages or skilled warriors, might excel in specific areas, none possess the unique combination of destiny, power, and versatility that defines the Dragonborn.

Exploring Alternative Perspectives

While the Dragonborn’s superiority is clear, it’s worth considering the potential strengths of other powerful figures in Skyrim.

• Miraak: As the first Dragonborn, Miraak possesses a similar power to the player character. He commands dragon shouts and can steal dragon souls. He is a formidable opponent, but the Dragonborn ultimately defeats him in his own realm.

• Arch-Mage of the College of Winterhold: The Arch-Mage wields incredible magical power and possesses vast knowledge of the arcane. However, they lack the Dragonborn’s innate ability to absorb dragon souls and command dragon shouts.

• Guild Masters (Thieves Guild, Dark Brotherhood, etc.): While skilled in their respective professions, these characters primarily rely on stealth, cunning, and strategy rather than raw power.

• High-Level Vampires/Werewolves: These creatures possess enhanced strength, speed, and unique abilities. However, they are often vulnerable to specific weaknesses, such as sunlight or silver weapons.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Dragonborn’s Power

H3: 1. Is the Dragonborn a God?

No, the Dragonborn is not a god. They are mortal beings blessed with a unique connection to Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time. This connection allows them to absorb dragon souls and master Dragon Shouts, granting them immense power but not divinity.

H3: 2. Can the Dragonborn Die?

Yes, the Dragonborn can die in the game. While their destiny protects them to some extent, they are still vulnerable to physical attacks, magic, and other hazards. Game over!

H3: 3. What Happens if the Dragonborn Refuses Their Destiny?

The game provides no scenario where the Dragonborn can refuse their destiny entirely. The main questline is essentially forced upon the player, ensuring they confront Alduin. The world needs the Dragonborn to fulfill their role.

H3: 4. How Does the Dragonborn Learn Shouts?

The Dragonborn learns shouts by absorbing dragon souls after defeating dragons and discovering Word Walls throughout Skyrim. These Word Walls contain fragments of the Dragon Language that unlock the power of the shout.

H3: 5. Are Some Shouts More Powerful Than Others?

Yes, some shouts are significantly more powerful than others. Shouts like Dragonrend, which forces dragons to land, and Storm Call, which summons a devastating storm, are particularly effective.

H3: 6. Can the Dragonborn Use Shouts Infinitely?

No, shouts have a cooldown period after each use. This cooldown is determined by the shout itself and can be reduced through perks and enchantments.

H3: 7. Is Magic More Powerful Than Shouts?

This is debatable. Magic offers a wider range of offensive and defensive options, while shouts provide unique abilities like manipulating time or disarming opponents. A skilled mage and a skilled Dragonborn are both formidable forces.

H3: 8. How Does the Dragonborn Compare to Other Dragonborn in Lore?

The Dragonborn’s power varies depending on the era and the specific Dragonborn in question. Some historical Dragonborn, like Reman Cyrodiil, achieved great power and influence, while others were less prominent. However, the player character in Skyrim, due to the urgency of the Alduin threat and the sheer number of dragons they face, arguably becomes the most powerful Dragonborn in history.

H3: 9. What is the Strongest Build for the Dragonborn?

There’s no single “strongest” build, as it depends on individual playstyle. However, popular builds often combine elements of warrior, mage, and thief, utilizing powerful weapons, spells, and shouts for maximum effectiveness. A well-rounded build maximizes the Dragonborn’s versatility.

H3: 10. Do Daedric Artifacts Make the Dragonborn Overpowered?

Daedric artifacts significantly enhance the Dragonborn’s power, but they are not strictly necessary to complete the game. They provide powerful advantages but also come with potential drawbacks or moral compromises.

H3: 11. Can the Dragonborn Become a Vampire or Werewolf?

Yes, the Dragonborn can become a vampire or werewolf. This grants them unique abilities but also comes with specific weaknesses. These transformations can enhance the Dragonborn’s combat prowess but alter their gameplay experience.

H3: 12. Does the Dragonborn Have Any Weaknesses?

The Dragonborn’s weaknesses depend on their build and choices. They can be vulnerable to specific types of magic, weapons, or environments. Their primary weakness is arguably their mortality and the limitations of their physical body.

H3: 13. Is the Dragonborn the Same Person in Every Playthrough?

No, the Dragonborn is a customizable player character. Each playthrough allows players to create a unique individual with different skills, backgrounds, and moral choices. While the destiny remains the same, the journey and the character’s personality can vary greatly.

H3: 14. Can the Dragonborn Defeat Other Powerful Figures in Lore (e.g., Talos, Vivec)?

This is a hypothetical scenario, and the outcome is debatable. Talos, as a god, would likely possess power beyond the Dragonborn’s comprehension. Vivec, a living god, would also be a formidable opponent. However, the Dragonborn’s unique abilities and mastery of shouts might give them a fighting chance.

H3: 15. What Happens to the Dragonborn After Defeating Alduin?

The fate of the Dragonborn after defeating Alduin is largely left to the player’s imagination. They can continue to explore Skyrim, complete side quests, and amass even greater power. The game provides no definitive ending, allowing players to define their own destiny even after the main quest is completed. The Dragonborn, forever etched in the annals of Nirn, remains a legend.