The Undying Allure of Serana: Why Skyrim Players Love Her

Serana, the vampire princess from the Dawnguard DLC, has become one of the most beloved characters in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Her appeal stems from a potent combination of factors: her compelling backstory, complex personality, exceptional combat prowess, witty dialogue, and the significant role she plays in one of the game’s best questlines. She’s not just a follower; she’s a companion with depth, flaws, and a believable emotional arc that resonates with players on a personal level.

A Deep Dive into Serana’s Charm

A Tragic Past and Compelling Motivation

Serana’s backstory is rife with tragedy. Locked away for centuries by her own parents, forced into a ritual against her will, and grappling with the burden of her vampiric nature, she embodies a sympathetic figure. This hardship fuels her desire for freedom and control over her own destiny, making her a relatable character who overcomes adversity. Players are drawn to her because they want to help her navigate her troubled past and forge a brighter future.

A Complex and Nuanced Personality

Serana isn’t a one-dimensional character. She’s witty, sarcastic, and possesses a dry sense of humor. Her interactions with the Dragonborn are filled with playful banter and insightful observations. She’s not afraid to challenge the player’s decisions, offering a refreshing contrast to the often-subservient nature of other followers. This complexity makes her feel real and engaging, fostering a genuine connection between her and the player. The nuances of her personality and storytelling capabilities have a deep impact on the player’s journey. Explore this area more deeply with the Games Learning Society.

Unmatched Combat Prowess and Versatility

In combat, Serana is a force to be reckoned with. As a high-level Nord Vampire, she’s immune to Frost damage and highly skilled in several disciplines, including:

• Conjuration: Her necromantic abilities are exceptional, allowing her to raise powerful corpses to fight alongside her.
• Destruction: She effectively utilizes Destruction spells to obliterate enemies from afar.
• One-Handed: When her magicka is depleted, she seamlessly switches to melee combat, wielding a dagger with deadly precision.
• Light Armor: Provides her with maneuverability without sacrificing protection.
• Sneak: Occasionally utilizes stealth to gain an advantage in combat.

Her versatility makes her an invaluable asset in any battle, capable of adapting to various combat situations. She is also an essential character, meaning she cannot die.

The Dawnguard Questline: A Defining Journey

Serana is integral to the Dawnguard questline, a narrative that explores themes of family, free will, and the ethical implications of power. Her involvement elevates the story from a simple vampire-hunting adventure to a deeply personal journey. Players become emotionally invested in her fate as they help her confront her father, Lord Harkon, and decide the future of the Volkihar vampire clan.

Romance Potential (Unofficially)

While Serana is not officially a marriage candidate in the base game, her dialogue and interactions with the Dragonborn strongly imply romantic undertones. Many players interpret her words and actions as signs of affection, further fueling their attachment to her character. The modding community has responded by creating numerous mods that allow players to marry Serana, fulfilling a desire for a deeper, more intimate relationship.

Serana FAQs: Unveiling More About Skyrim’s Most Popular Follower

1. Is Serana good or bad in Skyrim?

Serana operates within a gray area, leaning towards Chaotic Neutral to Lawful Good. Her motivations are generally noble, as she seeks to stop her father’s tyrannical plans, but her methods can be morally ambiguous. She’s ultimately driven by a desire for freedom and the well-being of those she cares about.

2. Can Serana fall in love with you?

While not explicitly stated, many believe Serana develops feelings for the Dragonborn throughout the Dawnguard questline. Her dialogue and actions suggest a deep connection and affection that transcends mere companionship.

3. Can you marry Serana if she is cured in Skyrim?

In the base game, marrying Serana is not possible, regardless of whether she’s cured or not. However, mods exist that allow players to marry her.

4. Who can cure Serana?

Serana can be cured of her vampirism by Falion, a mage residing in Morthal. He performs a ritual to remove her vampiric affliction.

5. Who is the strongest follower in Skyrim?

Serana is widely considered one of the strongest followers in Skyrim, due to her powerful necromancy, versatile combat skills, and essential status.

6. What is the max level for Serana in Skyrim?

Serana’s level caps at 50.

7. Does Serana like the Dragonborn?

Yes, Serana clearly likes the Dragonborn. Her dialogue often expresses gratitude and hints at a deeper connection.

8. What to say to Serana to cure her?

To eventually convince her to seek a cure, choose the option “Are you all right?” during a conversation with her after bringing the scroll to Fort Dawnguard. This unlocks a future conversation path where you can persuade her.

9. Was Serana supposed to be marriable?

Many believe that Serana was originally intended to be a marriage candidate, given the strong romantic undertones in her interactions with the Dragonborn. However, Bethesda ultimately decided against it.

10. Did Serana become a vampire willingly?

No, Serana did not willingly become a vampire. She was forced into a ritual by her parents as a sacrifice to Molag Bal, becoming a “Daughter of Coldharbour”.

11. Does Serana want you to be a vampire?

Serana’s feelings on the player becoming a vampire are ambiguous. She doesn’t explicitly encourage it, but she also doesn’t discourage it strongly, indicating a possible concern for the player’s safety.

12. Can you keep Serana if you choose the vampire side?

Yes, Serana remains a follower regardless of whether you side with the Dawnguard or the Volkihar vampires.

13. What followers cannot be killed in Skyrim?

Essential followers like Serana, Aela the Huntress, Barbas, and Cicero cannot be killed.

14. Who is the tankiest follower in Skyrim?

Vilkas is often considered one of the tankiest followers, with high health and proficiency in heavy armor and blocking.

15. Why won’t Serana marry?

Lore-wise, Serana’s aversion to marriage is likely rooted in the trauma she experienced during her transformation into a Daughter of Coldharbour, a horrific ritual that deeply affected her.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Vampire Princess

Serana’s popularity endures because she transcends the limitations of a typical follower. She’s a multifaceted character with a compelling backstory, a complex personality, and significant agency within the game’s narrative. Her relationship with the Dragonborn is nuanced and emotionally resonant, creating a bond that many players find deeply satisfying. Whether you appreciate her combat prowess, her witty banter, or her tragic past, Serana remains a captivating and unforgettable figure in the world of Skyrim. The storytelling and characterization within Skyrim can be researched more thoroughly through platforms like GamesLearningSociety.org.