The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has introduced many interesting elements to the lore of its universe. Nearly every aspect has garnered the interest of fans inspiring wonder and amazement. However, one addition, in particular, captured the attention unlike any other, the dragons. These legendary beasts are the central focus of Skyrim's plot yet much about them is unknown.
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The dragons once ruled over Skyrim and its people as gods. However, the dragon's increasingly tyrannical rule led man — and few of their own — to rebel against them. The dragons and their cult fell becoming mere legends forgotten with the passing of time. Fortunately, the stories of the seventeen named dragons of Skyrim grant glimpses into their lost history.
16 Alduin
Alduin the World-Eater is the main antagonist of Skyrim. His name translates to "Destroyer-Devour-Master" after his role in the Kalpa and kingship over the dragons. Alduin is an aspect of Akatosh and the destined bringer of the end times. His sole purpose is to devour the world to usher in a new era. Despite his importance in the Kalpa Alduin forsook destiny in favor of his own selfish desires.
During the Merethic Era, Alduin and his brethren ruled over Skyrim and its people as gods. As his reign became increasingly tyrannical both man and dragon grew wary of his rule. With the aid of Paarthurnax, the Nords overcame their dragon overlords and cast Alduin into time presumably for eternity. Unfortunately, the World-Eater is a force of nature making his return an inevitability.
15 Mirmulnir
Mirmulnir is the first dragon player's fight in Skyrim. His name means "Allegiance-Strong-Hunt" in the dragon language alluding to his loyalty to Alduin. While Mirmulnir holds no astounding abilities he is among the few dragons to survive the Dragon War and the following massacres. Mirmulnir was reportedly soaring the skies of the Reach in 2E 212 but unseen since.
Since his last appearance, Mirmulnir presumably hid away in Skyrim's mountains or other remote areas. Mirmulnir did this to ensure his safety and prepare himself for the World Eater's return. His subsequent appearance shortly after Alduin's return supports this idea. However, it is unknown why Mirmulnir targets Whiterun's Western Watchtower rather than supporting the World Eater.
14 Odahviing
Odahviing is one of the few dragons to ally with the Last Dragonborn. His name translates to "Winged-Snow-Hunter" a fitting title for this dreadful drake of Skyrim. He is among the most powerful dragons in Skyrim even becoming Alduin's right hand upon his return. Despite Odahviing's immense power, the Atlas of Dragons describes his death around the time of the Dragon War.
While Odahviing's past is unknown he was likely a pivotal figure in the dragon's massacre of men. This is idea is plausible considering his name and significance to Alduin. Upon his resurrection, Odahviing was subservient to the World-Eater, but his allegiance shifted after encountering the Last Dragonborn. In Odahviing's eyes, only the Last Dragonborn's Thu'um is worthy enough to rule.
13 Sahloknir
Sahloknir is — if not one of — the first dragons players see emerging from a mound. His name means "Phantom-Sky-Hunter" similar to Odahviing. While among the few to survive the Dragon War Sahloknir met his demise during the First Era according to a report. His mound presumably lies near Kyne's Grove a site of many notable structures.
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Local legends claim that Sahloknir fell to the mighty Nord hero and master of the Voice, Jorg Helmbolg. Following his demise, Sahloknir's mound became a popular attraction for the Dragonguard and Keepers of the Grove. Moments after his resurrection Sahloknir must slay the Last Dragonborn and the Blade Delphine a feat Alduin thought to be undeserving of his time.
12 Paarthurnax
Paarthurnax is the leader of the Greybeards and master of the Way of the Voice. His name translates to "Ambition-Overlord-Cruelty" in reference to his past as a merciless lieutenant of Alduin. While Paarthurnax was a powerful dragon, centuries of meditation and isolation have made him weak. Despite this, Paarthurnax garners respect among man and dragon alike for his wisdom.
Long before he overcame his draconic nature Paarthunax was a loyal and brutal lieutenant of Alduin. During this time, he committed unspeakable atrocities which continue to haunt him centuries later. Despite being a vital force in overthrowing the Dragon Cult, Paarthurnax continues to be a target of the Blades' wrath. His fate ultimately lies in the hands of the Last Dragonborn.
11 Nahagliiv
Nahagliiv is an ancient dragon that terrorizes the inhabitants of Rorikstead. His name means "Burn-Wither-Fury" a suitable title for this fiery menace of Skyrim. Nahagliiv was among the countless dragons that fell during the Dragon War. The Atlas of Dragons believes Nahagliiv's mound to be near the village of Rorikstead.
Local legends claim that Nahagliiv is the dragon in the mound west of the humble village. While much about him is unknown, Nahagliiv's name may indicate this dragon's desire for destruction. This may be why Nahagliiv chooses to set Rorikstead ablaze within moments of his resurrection.
10 Durnehviir
Durnehviir is an undead dragon and guardian of the Soul Cairn. His name translates to "Curse-Never-Dying" after the horrible hex placed on him by the Ideal Masters. Durnehviir is a proficient necromancer capable of summoning undead creatures of the Soul Cairn. While among the most powerful dragons Durnehviir cannot escape the Soul Cairn, at least not permanently.
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Before being hexed Durnehviir was a formidable dragon that sought the magic of necromancy. Durnehviir's pursuit led him to the Ideal Masters who promised him this power if he guarded Valerica until her death. While Durnehvirr obtained this magic Valerica was a vampire meaning she would never die, binding him to the Soul Cairn possibly for eternity.
9 Naaslaarum & Volslaarum
The pair of dragons Naaslaarum and Volslaarum reside in the ice of the Forgotten Vale. Both dragon's names have no definite meaning adding to their mystery. These revered dragons have the unique ability to traverse through the Forgotten Vale's icy waters. Despite being incredibly unique Naaslaarum and Volslaarum have few details regarding their past.
Theories suggest that they came to the Forgotten Vale for protection following the Dragon War. Moreover, fans predict that both Naaslaarum and Volslaarum hold a connection to the Volhikar vampires. When players encounter the pair of dragons, they emerge from the ice in a way similar to a power the vampire clan supposedly has.
8 Vuljotnaak
Vuljotnaak is an ancient dragon lurking near Granite Hill. His name means "Dark-Maw-Eat" a surprisingly bland title for this green dragon. Vuljotnaak is one of the many dragons to have reportedly died around the Dragon War. However, this account does not align with another depicting far different circumstances of his death.
In The Elder Scrolls Online, players can acquire a unique Ancient Dragonguard Burial Mask. This mask displays a serpentine creature eating Vuljotnaak whole placing his death around 1E 2703. This contradicts the Atlas of Dragons creating much confusion regarding Vuljotnaak's history. While the mask may simply be an artistic piece it still presents another possibility of his death.
7 Vulthuryol
Vulthuryol is a hidden boss skulking in the Dwemer ruins of Blackreach. His name translates to "Dark-Overlord-Fire" a title that alludes to his purpose in Blackreach. Vulthuryol not only survived the Dragon War but also remained hidden away from the Dragonguard. Why he remains in Blackreach is unknown but there are many theories regarding his presence.
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The most popular and plausible theory suggests that Vulthuryol resides in Blackreach to oversee the Snow Elves/Falmer. Supposedly the Dwemer used Vulthuryol to keep them in line and has remained there since. While there is no definite reason why Vulthuryol remains, it is likely because of his desire to dominate the Falmer.
6 Viinturuth
Viinturuth is among the most puzzling dragons in Skyrim. His name means "Shine-Hammer-Rage" a very distinct and unusual title for a dragon. Viinturuth is one of the many dragons that fell during the Dragon War according to the Atlas of Dragons. However, the only other piece of information regarding Viinturuth is his dragon mound.
Viinturuth's burial took place near Lake Yogrim an area of many superstitions. Upon his resurrection by Alduin, Viinturuth lurks nearby his mound and will attack any that come near. Unfortunately, there are little to no other details of Viinturuth's past making him one of the most perplexing dragons.
5 Numinex
Numinex is a dragon mentioned throughout the main story, yet he is never seen in the flesh. His name has no accurate translation to dragon tongue yet much of history is well-known. Long ago around 1E 420, Numinex traveled throughout Skyrim destroying everything in his path killing countless Nords in the process. Fortunately, Numinex's reign of terror was put an end to by Olaf One-Eye.
Legends reveal that Numinex and Olaf One-Eye fought for days in a battle of the Thu'um. Eventually, Numinex fell and was brought to Whiterun as Olaf One-Eye's prisoner. The keep became Numinex's prison granting it the name Dragonsreach. According to legend and Paarthurnax himself, Numinex fell into madness from his isolation. He presumably escaped however Numinex's skull is found above the jarl's throne.
4 Sahrotaar
Sahrotaar is presumably the Dragon Priest Miraak's personal dragon. His name can mean either "Mighty-Servant" or "Phantom-Word-Servant", both of which are arguably fitting titles. Sahrotaar is one of the few dragons to betray Alduin and serve Miraak in his plight for power. While much of his history is unknown, Sahrotaar's close connection to Miraak reveals many possibilities.
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A popular theory is that Sahrotaar is the most powerful dragon Miraak swayed using the Bend Will Shout. This may explain why Miraak favors Sahrotaar above the rest. Moreover, when the Last Dragonborn bends Sahrotaar to his will Miraak expresses his disappointment in the dragon. In light of his betrayal, Miraak effortlessly kills Sahrotaar and absorbs his soul.
3 Relonikiv
Relonikiv is one of the few dragons under Miraak's control. His name translates to "Domination-Enlightenment" which gives insight into this dragon's mysterious past. Relonikiv is a servant of Miraak that resides in Hermaeus Mora's realm of Apocrypha. The dragon holds no significant role other than supporting Miraak however his name reveals much more.
The meaning of Relonikiv's name could allude to the dragon's willful subservience to Miraak. It is common for dragons to seek out greater power making this theory even more plausible. Relonikiv may have witnessed the limitless potential of Miraak and sought similar abilities in return for servitude. However, Relonikiv's sacrifice for Miraak may indicate another possibility.
2 Kruziikrel
Kruziikrel is the lesser of Miraak's few dragon servants. His name means "Ancient-Domination" implying that he is the first dragon Miraak bent to his will. Kruziikrel serves Miraak in Hermaeus Mora's realm of Apocrypha. Much like Relonikiv, Kruziikrel is merely an aid to Miraak yet his name alludes to a very interesting idea.
Kruziikrel's name likely signifies that this dragon has been Miraak's servant longer than any other. While Kruziikrel's name may represent his age it is unlikely as he is not an ancient dragon. Additionally, if Kruziikrel's will is bent by the Last Dragonborn Miraak expresses his disbelief. Regardless of Kruziikrel's extensive service to Miraak, he meets the same fate.
1 Krosulhah
Krosulhah is the only servant of Miraak to dwell outside of Apocrypha. His name translates to "Sorceror-Moment-Mind" a peculiar title for a dragon, even for Miraak's servants. Krosulhah guards the Dwemer ruins of Nchardak which holds one of the few Black Books. This dragon's presence on Solstheim is peculiar, resulting in many theories regarding his presence.
A popular idea is that much like the denizens of Solstheim, Krosulhah is under Miraak's control. If the Last Dragonborn uses the Bend Will Shout on Krosulhah the dragon will continue speaking of Miraak's superiority. This is a far different response than other dragons alluding to the possibility that Krosulhah is under a spell as his name suggests.