Skyrimintroduces many intriguing elementsto the loreofThe Elder Scrollsfranchise. The wondrous land of Skyrim presents numerous aspects unseen in the universe before, each of which is awe-inspiring in its right. However, the addition that garners the most attention and admiration among fans is the venerable dragons. These legendary beasts are the central focus ofSkyrim’splotline, yet much about them and their past is a perplexing mystery.
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Long before the fourth era, dragons were the revered overlords of Skyrim and its people. However, their growing tyranny inspired many to undermine their unopposed rule over the Old Kingdom. Man - and even some dragons - challenged Skyrim’s oppressive rulers in an event known as the Dragon War. Upon the conflict’s conclusion, the dragons and their followers fell, becoming mere legends at the mercy of time itself. While much of the dragons' history remains unknown, their unprecedented return grants a great deal of insight.
Updated July 14, 2025, by Christopher Anaya:Skyrimrecently celebrated its tenth anniversary with the release of a new edition. Such a momentous accomplishment is one that a minute number of games can boast. In light of its success, many fans have returned toSkyrimin hopes of reliving the wondrous experience. As such, many returning players may need a refresher concerning the most admirable yet feared creatures in Skyrim: the dragons. These renowned beings bear a long and complicated past that perplexes many. As such, a section has been added to this article detailing the extensive history of dragons.
The History Of Dragons In Tamriel
The origin of the dragons is a mystery to all. However, many in Tamriel believe that they are the children of Akatosh, the Dragon God of Time. Thus, dragons may be as old as time itself, existing long before Nirn came into being. The first was Alduin, the most powerful of Akatosh’s children destined to rebirth the world.
Before coming to Tamriel, the dragons resided primarily on the continent of Akavir, where they ruled benevolently. It was not until the Atmoran migration that they came to rule Tamriel. When Ysgramor and the Five Hundred Companions left Atmora in hopes of escaping a devastating civil war, they brought much of their culture and practices to Tamriel, including their religion. The Atmorans worshipped various animal gods, one of which was the dragon. This deity’s influence grew upon Ysgramor and the Five Hundred Companions' arrival in Tamriel. The dragons' reverence exceeded that of any other animal god, leading to the creation of the infamous Dragon Cult.
At first, the order maintained a peaceful and prosperous rule over Tamriel and its people. However, Alduin forsook his destiny as the World-Eater, choosing to rule over Nirn as a god-king. Thus, the Dragon Cult followed in his footsteps, subjugating or destroying all who opposed their authority. This tyranny began the Dragon War. The opposers of the Dragon Cult prevailed, but only through the aid of Paarthurnax, the first lieutenant of Alduin. He betrayed his kin, teaching mankind how to use the Voice, granting them the advantage needed to combat the Dragon Cult.
With this newfound power, they slew countless dragons and restrained Alduin before casting him into the expanse of time. The aftermath of the Dragon War resulted in the decimation of the dragons and their cult. Thus, causing them to become mere myths, no more real than storybook legends.
16Alduin
Alduin the World-Eateris the main antagonist ofSkyrim. His name translates to"Destroyer-Devour-Master,“signifying his status among dragons androle in theKalpa- the rebirth of the world. His sole purpose - his destiny - is to devour the world and usher in a new era. Despite his importance in the Kalpa,Alduin forsook destinyin favor of his selfish desires. A grievous mistake that would result in widespread suffering and his untimely end.
Duringthe Merethic Era, Alduin and his brethren ruled over Skyrim benevolently. However, he becamearrogant and tyrannical, causing man and dragon alike to question his rule. Such oppressive behavior sparked an uprising against Alduin andtheDragon Cult. With theaid ofPaarthurnax- Alduin’s first lieutenant - mankind overthrew their dragon overlords and cast Alduin into time, presumably for eternity. Being an unyielding force of nature, Alduin returned toNirn in4E 201, seeking to fulfill his destiny as the World-Eater. With the newly resurrected Dragon Cult by his side, Alduin aims to destroytheLast Dragonbornand regain his god-like power.
15Mirmulnir
Mirmulnir is the first dragon player’s fight inSkyrim. His name means"Allegiance-Strong-Hunt"in the dragon tongue, alluding to hisloyalty toAlduin. While Mirmulnir holds no astounding abilities, he is among the few dragons tosurvive the Dragon Warand the following massacres. Mirmulnir was reportedly last seen soaring the skies of theReach in2E 212but has since disappeared.
Mirmulnirpresumably hid awayin Skyrim’s secluded mountains or another remote area, far from vengeful eyes. In doing so, he ensured his survival, allowing him to prepare forthe World-Eater’s return. Such an idea is supported by Mirmulnir’s subsequent return after Alduin’s reemergence. Upon reappearing,Mirmulnir lays siegetoWhiterun’s Western Watchtowerand terrorizes the countryside. Why he did so is uncertain, as Mirmulnir could have offered Alduin aid more practically.
14Odahviing
Odahviing is oneof the few dragons to ally themselves withtheLast Dragonborn. His name translates to"Winged-Snow-Hunter,“a fitting title for such a dreadful drake. Odahviing is one of the most powerful dragons in Skyrim, earning him much respect among his kin. Despite his immense power and status, theAtlas of Dragonsdetails Odahviing’s death during the Dragon War.
While Odahviing’s past is largely unknown, he was likely a pivotal figure in the massacre of Skyrim’s people. Such an idea is plausible, considering his foreboding name and status. Odahviing wassubservient to the World-Eaterupon his resurrection, buthis allegiance shiftedupon encountering the Last Dragonborn. The Dovakiin proved their prowess to Odahviing by besting him in battle. Thus, revealing the Last Dragonborn’smastery over theVoiceand the danger they pose. Such a show of force dramatically shifted Odahviing’s allegiance, making him aninvaluable ally against Alduin.
13Sahloknir
Sahloknir is — if not one of — the first dragons that players witness emerging from a burial mound. His name means"Phantom-Sky-Hunter,“a title similar to Odahviing. Despite being one of the few to survive the Dragon War, Sahloknir met his demise duringtheFirst Era, according to theAtlas of Dragons. His burial mound resides nearKyne’s Grove, a region rich in history and brimming with notable structures.
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Local legend claims that Sahloknir fell to themightyJorg Helmbolg, a venerable Nord hero and Master of the Voice. Following his demise,Sahloknir’s burial moundbecame a popular site. Thus, attracting the attention of the relentlessDragonguardand the religiousKeepers of the Grovewho erected various structures around the burial site. Alduin resurrects Sahloknir and shortly after issues an outrageous request. Within moments of his revival, Sahloknir must dispatch not onlythe Last Dragonbornbut theBlade Delphineas well.
12Paarthurnax
Paarthurnax is the wise leader of theGreybeardsandMaster of theWay of the Voice. His name translates to"Ambition-Overlord-Cruelty,“referring to his past as the mercilessfirst lieutenant ofAlduin. However, Paarthurnax overcame his draconic nature through centuries ofmeditation and self-isolation. Such an admirable feat has weakened him immensely, however. Despite this, Paarthurnax garners respect among man and dragon alike for his unchallenged wisdom.
Long before he overcame his draconic nature, Paarthunax was a fiercely loyal and brutal figure in the Dragon Cult. During this time of his life, Paarthurnaxcommitted unspeakable atrocitiesagainst the people of Tamriel. Alduin’s tyranny influenced the once-barbaric dragon to change his ways. Paarthurnax betrayed the World-Eater, aiding the people of Skyrim by teaching them inthe Way of the Voice. Despite being a significant figure in thedefeat of the Dragon Cult, the Blades seek to punish Paarthurnax for his past transgressions. The sagacious dragon’s fate ultimately lies in the hands ofthe Last Dragonborn.
11Nahagliiv
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 fellduring the Dragon War.The Atlas of Dragonsclaims that the befallen dragon rests somewhere near the village of Rorikstead in a burial mound.
Local legends claim that Nahagliiv is the dragon buried to the west of the humble village. While much about him is unknown, Nahagliiv’s name may indicate this dragon’s unsatiable desire for destruction. As such, he likely played a significant role in themassacres preceding the Dragon War. This may be why Nahagliiv chooses toset Rorikstead ablazewithin moments of his resurrection.
10Durnehviir
Durnehviir is an undead dragon andguardian of the Soul Cairn. His name translates to"Curse-Never-Dying,“referring to the horrible hex placed upon himby the Ideal Masters. Durnehviir isa proficient necromancercapable of commanding the undead creatures of the Soul Cairn. While among the most powerful dragons to ever exist, Durnehviir cannot escape the Soul Cairn, at least not permanently.
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Before being cursed, Durnehviir was a formidable dragon that sought to uncoverthe secrets of necromancy. Durnehviir’s pursuit led him to the Ideal Masters, malevolent spirits that rule the Soul Cairn. They promised him the power of necromancy so long asheguarded Valerica until her death. Durnehviir accepted their offer, earning himself masterful control over undeath, furthering his already impressive capabilities. However, his sense of accomplishment was short-lived, as his prisoner was unlike other mortals.Valerica was a vampireand, as such, would live for all of eternity without outside influence. Durnehviir had been swindled, forced tooversee the Soul Cairn for as long as the vampire lived. Hisonly escape is through the Last Dragonborn, who can summon him whenever they see fit.
9Naaslaarum & Volslaarum
The pair of dragons - Naaslaarum and Volslaarum - reside inthe ice of the Forgotten Vale. The names of these dragons have no definite meaning, adding to the mystery behind the two. Naaslaarum and Volslaarum have the unique ability totraverse through the Forgotten Vale’s icy waters. Despite being incredibly unique, Naaslaarum and Volslaarum have very few details regarding their past.
Theories suggest that Naaslaarum and Volslaarumcame to the Forgotten Vale for protectionfollowing the Dragon War. In addition, fans predict that these unusual dragons areconnected to the ominous Volhikar Clan vampires. When players encounter Naaslaarum and Volslaarum, they ice near effortlessly. Such a remarkable ability is akin to that of the ancient Volhikar Clan vampires. Moreover, Naaslaarum and Volslaarumpossess the Drain Vitality Shout, another power similar to the vampire lineage.
8Vuljotnaak
Vuljotnaak is an ancient dragonlurking near Granite Hill. His name means"Dark-Maw-Eat,“a surprisingly uninspiring title for this green dragon. Vuljotnaak is one of the many dragons to have reportedlydied around the Dragon War. However,the Atlas of Dragons report does not align with another source, depicting far different circumstances concerning his death.
InThe Elder Scrolls Online, players can acquire a uniqueAncient Dragonguard Burial Mask. This mask displays aserpentine creature - likely a Tsaesci - eating Vuljotnaak whole, placing his death around1E 2703, long after the Dragon War’s conclusion. Such information 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 plausible possibility regarding his death.
7Vulthuryol
Vulthuryol is a hidden bossskulking in the Dwemerruins of Blackreach. His name translates to"Dark-Overlord-Fire,“a title that alludes to hisstatus among the Falmer in Blackreach. Vulthuryol not onlysurvived the Dragon Warbut theDragonguard’spurges that followed as well. It is uncertain why he remains in Blackreach but there are numerous ideas.
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Themost popular — and most plausible — theorysuggests that Vulthuryol resides in Blackreach to oversee the Snow Elves, now Falmer. Supposedly,the Dwemer employed Vulthuryolto keep the elves from resisting their rule. However, the dwarves disappeared long ago, meaning thatthe dragon is no longer bound to serve them. There is no given reason as to why Vulthuryol remains, but it is likely because of his desire to dominate.
