Skyrimis a land unlike any other inThe Elder Scrollsfranchise. While this icy region seems unimpressive it holds the most interesting elements ofThe Elder Scrollslore. From the Last Dragonborn to Sovngarde there is nearly noaspect ofSkyrimthat ceases to amaze. Every addition to the expansive universe has garnered fans' interest, but one aspect has peaked their engrossment, the Dragon Priests.
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Dragon Priests were the loyal servants of dragons during the Merethic Era. The most faithful Dragon Priests were granted high-ranking positions and immense power. Upon Alduin’s banishment, the Dragon Cult fell into ruin. Now the thirteen prominent Dragon Priest are undead liches that serve as an obstacle to the Dragonborn. However, there is much more to the Dragon Priest’s stories than players know.
13Hevnoraak
Hevnoraak is the most gruesome Dragon Priest inSkyrim. His name translates to brutality in dragon tongue a fitting title for this horrendous lich. Hevnoraak possesses the unique ability to control the minds of mortals. He used this powerful magic to amass an army of unresisting servants that he tortured relentlessly. However, his sadistic exploits went well beyond manipulating others.
Hevnoraak was obsessed with his own resurrection. His mad fixation on revitalization after death led Hevnoraak to drain his body of blood upon expiring. Hevnoraak would use his stored blood to regain his strength becoming an exceptionally powerful lich. Nonetheless, his efforts were unsuccessful asthe ancient NordValdar bound them both to Valthume.
12Krosis
Krosis is one of the few Dragon Priests without a definite story. His name translates to sorrow, an unusual title considering his status. Krosis wields a powerful fireball staff and uses powerful ice magic. Krosis’s contrasting attacks make him difficult to defend against, especially if a dragon is present. While Krosis does not have any solid backstory there is much speculation regarding his past.
Krosis’s name, location, and mask are peculiar for a Dragon Priest. These elements have led many to believe that Krosis failed his masters in some capacity. His mask supports the popular idea that Krosis was once a capable thief. Presumably, he stole an important item from the Dragon Cult and was banished for his misdeeds.
11Morokei
Morokei is a masterful sorcerer and even greater Dragon Priest. His name translates to glorious a fitting title for an exceptional Dragon Priest. Morokei possesses the unique ability to absorb the Magicka of others for his own strength. In addition to his power, Morokei wields the mystical artifact known as the Staff of Magnus.
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During an expedition to the Labyrinthian Savos Aren and his peers encountered Morokei. None were powerful enough to stop him and all that Aren could do was bind the Dragon Priest permanently. However, Morokei was freed so thatthe College of Winterholdcould take the staff.
10Nahkriin
Nahkriin is by far the most trusted Dragon Priest. His name means vengeance, a suitable name considering his role in Alduin’s plot. Nahkriin is a master of all three Destruction magics and wielder of thekey to Sovngarde. The key itself is a powerful staff that can create walls of devastating electricity. Being the gatekeeper to Sovngarde is no easy task, alluding to Nahkriin’s amazing power and loyalty.
Nahkriin’s position alludes to who he may have been. He is undoubtedly a formidable Dragon Priest but far from being the most powerful. Nahkriin may simply be the most trusted worshipper, yet one theory takes it further. This prediction claims that Nahkriin is Alduin’s own Dragon Priest. His name and mask share similar qualities and Nahkriin even states that he was appointed by his master.
9Otar The Mad
Otar the Mad is a corrupted Dragon Priest. He is the only Dragon Priest without a name in dragon tongue. Even so, his name Otar the Mad captures his likeness perfectly. Otar the Mad is proficient with lightning magic and he wields a staff of the same element. While he is seemingly unimpressive, Otar the Mad is exceptionally powerful.
Before Otar became a Dragon Priest, he was a benevolent ruler and phenomenal warrior. However, Otar’s mind was corrupted - possibly by Hevnoraak - and he was driven to insanity. Soon after he became a Dragon Priest far different from the once-great Otar. Otar the Mad ruled with an iron fist until he was imprisoned bythe Nordic heroesSaerek and Torsten.
8Vokun
Vokun is one of the most mysterious Dragon Priests. His name means shadow. a suitable name for this elusive priest. While he possesses no unique ability, Vokun is a well-rounded mage. He can use every element of Destruction magic and wields a powerful staff of fireballs. Details of Vokun’s past are unclear but it is known that he ruled High Gate Ruins and owns a legendary scroll.
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These aspects have led many to believe that Vokun holds significant tiesto the Companions. He holds a scroll of Ysgramor’s bloodline, an item that is unlikely to fall into the wrong hands. Meaning that Vokun himself was possibly a member of the Companions, predating his role as a Dragon Priest.
7Rahgot
Rahgot is possibly one of the last Dragon Priests to ever live. His name means anger, a title fitting for the rage Rahgot felt following the cult’s decimation. Rahgot is proficient in fire-based magic, being capable ofvarious devastating spells. In addition to his powerful magic, Rahgot wields a staff able to release devastating fireballs. He is an average Dragon Priest but in life a ruthless yet calculating leader.
Rahgot lead one of the last remnants of the Dragon Cult. He and his followers isolated themselves in the monastery of Forelhost. Despite their seclusion, the ancient King of Skyrim Harald deployed a legion to finish the Dragon Cult. To preserve his sanctuary Rahgot ordered a mass suicide meant to dissuade the legion’s advances. Surprisingly, Rahgot’s plan succeeded, and his monastery remained untouched.
6Volsung
Volsung holds by far the most uniqueDragon Priest mask. His name means horrible, an accurate title for this powerful Dragon Priest. Volsung is skilled in the magic schools of Alteration, Conjuration, Destruction, and Restoration. Unlike other Dragon Priest, Volsung does not rely on a staff to further exemplify his power. Volsung is unique and powerful yet one of the most secretive members of his cult.
Despite the secrecy of his background, Volsung’s name and mask share similarities with a Norse hero. The Norse hero named Volsung was the great-grandson of Odin that voyaged across the sea. The Dragon Priest himself possesses great power like the Norse hero. In addition, Volsung’s mask grants its wearer water-breathing, increased carry weight, and fortified speech, qualities one would need when sailing.
5Miraak
Miraak not only is a renowned Dragon Priest but also the first Dragonborn. His name means “Alliance-Guide,” an ironic name for a traitorous and self-serving Dragon Priest. Miraak holds immense power and knowledge unlike any other. His combined might as a Dragon Priest, Dragonborn, and servantof Hermaeus Moramakes him a catastrophic force. Much is known about Miraak’s past, but some details are clouded by the passing of time.
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Miraak served as a famed Dragon Prieston Solstheim untilhe was seduced by the power of Hermaeus Mora. Using his newfound knowledge and power as the Dragonborn, Miraak rebelled against his dragon overlords. Despite his immense power, Miraak fell at the hands of Vahlok the Jailer. Now Miraak remains in the realm of Apocrypha, building his strength and knowledge in preparation for his return.
4Dukaan
Dukaan is possibly the most duplicitous Dragon Priest on Solstheim. His name means dishonor, but it can also be translated to “Devour-Kyne.” Dukaan does not use a staff and instead relies on powerful frost magic. Moreover, as possibly one of Miraak’s acolytes, Dukaan possesses the ability to summon Seekers. Betraying the Dragon Cult alone is traitorous, but a theory claims that Dukaan deceived another.
The “Devour-Kyne” definition of his name may suggest that Dukaan betrayed the goddess, Kyne. Before becoming a Dragon Priest, Dukaan may have been a prominent follower of the goddess. Once he heard of the dragon’s power, he left his patron to attain a higher position. Even as a Dragon Priest, he presumably betrayed the dragons for Hermaeus Mora’s promises of knowledge and power.
