Dragonborn
''Dragonborn'' is a term used in various fantasy media to denote individuals or races with draconic heritage or abilities. It most prominently refers to: For detailed information, see the respective sections below.Gaming
Dungeons & Dragons
Dragonborn are a playable race in the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, representing proud, humanoid descendants of dragons who combine draconic power with humanoid form. First introduced as the "Dragonborn of Bahamut" in the 3.5 edition supplement Races of the Dragon published by Wizards of the Coast in 2006, they were envisioned as transformed humanoids reborn through the platinum dragon god Bahamut's ritual to fight evil. The race gained prominence as a core option in the 4th edition Player's Handbook (2008), where they were reimagined with ties to the Forgotten Realms world's parallel plane of Abeir, and retained core status in the 5th edition Player's Handbook (2014), emphasizing their draconic heritage without specific planar origins. In 5th edition, dragonborn are described as hatched from dragon eggs, shaped by draconic gods or powerful dragons to embody the best traits of both dragons and humanoids.[2] Physically, dragonborn stand between 5 and 7 feet tall, with a muscular, heavily built frame averaging around 250 pounds, covered in tough scales that reflect their draconic ancestry—either vibrant chromatic colors like red, green, or blue, or metallic hues such as gold, silver, or bronze.[2] They possess sweeping horns atop their heads, clawed hands with three fingers and a thumb, broad feet, and a powerful tail for balance, but lack wings and cannot fly naturally.[2] Their eyes are solid colors without pupils, often gold or red, and their scales may be accented by frills, spines, or horns depending on clan and ancestry.[2] A defining mechanical feature of dragonborn is their breath weapon, an innate ability to exhale destructive energy matching their draconic type—such as fire for red or gold, acid for black or copper, cold for silver or white, lightning for blue or bronze, or poison for green or brass. In the 2024 Player's Handbook, this deals 1d10 damage in a 15-foot cone or 30-foot line (5 feet wide, player's choice each use), with targets making a Dexterity saving throw (DC 8 + Constitution modifier + proficiency bonus) for half damage; damage increases to 2d10 at 5th level, 3d10 at 11th level, and 4d10 at 17th level. It can be used a number of times equal to the proficiency bonus and regains uses after a long rest.[2] Complementing this is their damage resistance, granting innate resistance to the elemental type tied to their ancestry, such as fire resistance for those descended from red or gold dragons.[2] In the 2024 Player's Handbook, dragonborn also gain the Draconic Flight trait at 5th level, allowing a bonus action to sprout spectral wings and fly at a speed of 30 feet for 10 minutes, once per long rest. These traits underscore their draconic resilience and offensive prowess, often making them favored for martial classes like fighters or paladins. They also gain darkvision out to 60 feet.[2] Dragonborn society revolves around tight-knit clans that honor their draconic heritage, with members prioritizing collective reputation, personal honor, and martial excellence above all else. Clans emphasize self-improvement through rigorous training, viewing failure as a stain on the group that can lead to exile, and they typically seek aid from fellow clan members before outsiders. In the Forgotten Realms setting, dragonborn trace their history to the nation of Tymanchebar on Abeir, which was transported to Toril during the Spellplague in 1385 DR, overlaying the kingdom of Unther and sparking the Untheric exodus as dragonborn refugees established the nation of Tymanther.[3] This cataclysmic migration integrated them into Faerûn but often positioned them as outsiders amid human-dominated societies. Personality-wise, dragonborn are characteristically proud, honorable, and straightforward, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a disdain for weakness or deceit. Their intimidating appearance and direct demeanor can make them seem aloof or aggressive to other races, though they value loyalty and respect those who demonstrate similar discipline. They mature quickly, reaching adulthood by age 15 and living about 80 years, speaking Common and the guttural Draconic language.[2] Variants of dragonborn expand on the core race, including chromatic (tied to colored dragons like red or blue) and metallic (linked to metallic dragons like gold or silver), which use the standard breath weapons and resistances. The 2021 supplement Fizban's Treasury of Dragons introduced gem dragonborn, descended from neutral gem dragons like amethyst or sapphire, featuring breath weapons with unique damage types such as force, necrotic, psychic, radiant, or thunder, alongside psionic abilities like telepathy (sending messages up to 30 feet to willing creatures) and the option to manifest spectral wings for 10 minutes of flight once per short or long rest.[4] These variants are compatible with the 2024 core rules. In D&D lore, dragonborn origins vary by edition and setting but often involve creation by dragon gods like Bahamut, who transforms worthy humanoids, or the primordial dragon god Io, who crafts them as servants or warriors; alternatively, some tales portray them as former slaves of tyrannical dragons who won freedom through rebellion. Key events like the Untheric exodus highlight their resilience, as clans from Abeir adapted to Toril's threats, forging new legacies while upholding ancient draconic codes of honor.[2]The Elder Scrolls
In the lore of The Elder Scrolls series, a Dragonborn, known as Dovahkiin in the dragon tongue, is a mortal empowered by the blood and soul of a dragon, a blessing bestowed by Akatosh, the chief deity among the Nine Divines and the Dragon God of Time.[5] This divine gift allows the Dragonborn to comprehend the language of dragons and wield the Thu'um, a form of metaphysical magic manifested as powerful shouts that bend reality.[6] As prophesied heroes, Dragonborn can absorb the souls of slain dragons, using them to unlock and master new shouts, thereby growing in strength to confront existential threats. The concept of the Dragonborn is deeply rooted in Tamrielic history, with nine known Dragonborn emperors who shaped the continent's fate through their rule and deeds. These include Saint Alessia, who received Akatosh's covenant in 1E 243 and founded the First Cyrodiilic Empire by leading the slave rebellion against the Ayleids; Reman Cyrodiil, crowned in 1E 2703, who expanded the empire and established the Blades to safeguard future Dragonborn; and Tiber Septim (later deified as Talos), who ascended in 3E 38 after conquering Tamriel in the late Second Era, unifying it under the Septim Dynasty.[5] Other notable figures in this lineage, such as the heirs of Reman and various Septim rulers up to Martin Septim in the late Third Era, maintained the Dragonfires—a ritual sealing the gates to Oblivion—through their draconic heritage, often intervening in crises like wars or demonic invasions.[7] The origins of the Dragonborn trace back to Akatosh's intervention in times of great peril, with the earliest recorded instance being Miraak in the Merethic Era, a dragon priest who rebelled against his draconic overlords using the Thu'um. This blessing is detailed in ancient texts, such as the First Era's Book of the Dragonborn, which describes the Dragonborn's role as defenders against draconic tyranny and bearers of the Amulet of Kings to preserve the covenant barring Daedric incursions.[7] Subsequent Dragonborn emerged sporadically, their appearances aligned with prophecies foretelling upheaval, reinforcing their status as instruments of divine will rather than a hereditary trait confined to one bloodline.[8] In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011), the protagonist embodies the Last Dragonborn, a figure foretold in ancient Nord prophecies to combat the return of Alduin, the World-Eater and firstborn of Akatosh. Awakened in 4E 201 amid a dragon attack on Helgen, the Last Dragonborn masters the Thu'um under the guidance of the Greybeards at High Hrothgar, learning shouts like Fus Ro Dah (Unrelenting Force), which unleashes a devastating shockwave to stagger foes. Throughout the game, the hero absorbs dragon souls upon defeating the beasts, applying them to unlock words of power for an array of shouts—totaling 24 unique ones across the base game and expansions—culminating in Alduin's defeat atop the Throat of the World.[9] Within Tamriel's cultures, Dragonborn are venerated as semi-divine saviors, particularly among the Nords who hail them as legendary dragon-slayers akin to ancient heroes like Ysgramor, yet they evoke fear as agents of upheaval that disrupt established orders. In Skyrim's civil war-torn province, the Last Dragonborn's exploits inspire ballads and reverence from groups like the Companions, while imperial loyalists view their power warily as a potential threat to Cyrodiilic authority. The Dawnguard and Dragonborn DLCs expand the Last Dragonborn's saga, introducing new shouts such as Bend Will, which subjugates dragons and mortals to the user's command, and deeper ties to Apocrypha, the realm of the Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora. In the Dragonborn expansion, the hero confronts Miraak on Solstheim, unraveling the first Dragonborn's betrayal and absorbing his soul to avert a new tyranny, further cementing the prophecy's fulfillment.[10]Other video games
In Baldur's Gate 3 (2023), developed by Larian Studios, Dragonborn serve as a playable race adapted from Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition rules, set within the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.[11] Players can select from ten subraces, each tied to a chromatic or metallic dragon type, granting resistance to a specific elemental damage type—such as acid for black Dragonborn—and access to a breath weapon that deals matching damage in a cone or line.[12] These characters emphasize draconic pride through unique origin stories and dialogue options, where their heritage influences interactions with NPCs, often highlighting themes of clan loyalty and superiority.[13] Mechanically, the breath weapon functions as a level 1 spell-like ability available once per short rest, delivering 2d6 damage in a 15-foot (approximately 4.5-meter) cone for subraces like black Dragonborn, with damage scaling to 5d6 at higher levels.[14] Appearance customization includes scale colors matching the subrace, varied horn shapes, and tail options, which subtly affect social encounters by altering NPC reactions to the character's imposing, reptilian form.[12] This implementation balances the race for turn-based combat, providing early-game area control while integrating elemental themes into the game's tactical depth. Beyond core adaptations, Dragonborn appear in other titles like Neverwinter (2013), a massively multiplayer online role-playing game by Cryptic Studios, where they are a playable race with racial bonuses such as Dragonborn Fury (3% increased critical strike and power) and Draconic Heritage (5% additional healing received).[15] Recruitable companions, including the Dragonborn Raider and Grillmaster, feature draconic abilities like enhanced fire damage or support buffs, obtainable through in-game events or merchants.[16] In Divinity: Original Sin 2 (2017) by Larian Studios, the Lizard race serves as an analogue with reptilian aesthetics and innate fire-breathing capabilities via the "Scorching Saliva" skill, though it lacks direct Dragonborn nomenclature or draconic heritage ties.[17] Video games translate tabletop Dragonborn traits into digital formats by emphasizing visual and interactive elements, such as animated breath effects with particle simulations for elemental bursts and balance adjustments for real-time or hybrid combat systems in MMOs and CRPGs.[11] These adaptations prioritize accessibility, scaling abilities for progression without overwhelming new players, while preserving conceptual pride through voiced lines and environmental storytelling. Recent developments include ongoing updates to Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms (2017) by Codename Entertainment, introducing Dragonborn champions like the paladin Egbert and the oathbreaker Arkhan the Cruel, who utilize breath weapons and draconic resistances in idle formation strategies.[18]Literature
Dragonborn by Struan Murray
Dragonborn is a middle-grade fantasy novel by Scottish author Struan Murray, published on May 1, 2025, in the United Kingdom by Puffin (an imprint of Penguin Random House) and on October 14, 2025, in the United States by Dutton Children's Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House).[19][20] The 352-page book targets readers aged 9-12 and quickly became a New York Times bestseller.[20] It introduces a thrilling adventure blending wonder, action, and emotional depth, centered on a young protagonist's transformation in a hidden draconic world. The plot centers on 12-year-old Alex Evans, a grieving girl in England whose life unravels after her father's death, leaving her under her mother's stifling protection. In a fit of frustration, flames burst from her mouth, unveiling her true identity as a Dragonborn—a dragon capable of living in human form.[20] whisked to the secretive island of Skralla by the wise mentor Oliphos, Alex enrolls in a magical academy to train with other young dragons, learning to harness abilities like shape-shifting and elemental breaths.[20] Amid this, she confronts escalating dangers from the rogue dragon Drak Midna, who rallies forces for a war against humanity, forcing Alex to grapple with loyalties and uncover shocking truths about her heritage tied to her father's legacy.[20][21] The novel delves into themes of self-discovery and identity, as Alex embraces her dual nature amid personal turmoil.[21] It addresses overcoming grief through Alex's journey from isolation to empowerment, while exploring friendships forged in a community of hidden beings.[20] Broader motifs include environmental protection of sacred dragon habitats like Skralla from human threats, and the nuances of conflict between peaceful integration and radical separatism, highlighted by inter-dragon tensions.[21] Narrative twists, including revelations of Alex's lineage and her unforeseen role in foretold events, propel the story's emotional and adventurous arcs.[20] Murray's world-building crafts a parallel realm where dragons inhabit the fringes of human society, disguising themselves to avoid detection, with access via mystical portals called waypaths.[21] Skralla serves as a vibrant haven featuring academies for draconic training, diverse species exhibiting creative traits such as fire-breathing capabilities and elemental affinities, and ongoing strife between domesticated dragons advocating coexistence and feral outliers pushing for confrontation.[21] Vivid elements like aerial skirmishes, enchanted artifacts such as talking dragon skulls, and concealed cities underscore the immersive, lore-rich setting.[20] Reception has been enthusiastically positive, with critics lauding the fast-paced plot, multifaceted characters, and lush, sensory depictions of dragon life.[21] Often likened to A.F. Steadman's Skandar and the Unicorn Thief for its high-stakes magical schooling and creature bonds, the book earned starred reviews for its blend of humor, heart, and peril.[22] The Times selected it as Children's Book of the Week, praising its "epic, sophisticated" narrative with "exceptional writing," and dubbing it "Tolkien meets Teen Wolf" for the fusion of mythic grandeur and youthful rebellion.[20] Kirkus Reviews highlighted the "wonder-laced, laughter-fueled adventure with fearsome action," deeming it a "fanciful and exciting series opener."[21] Publishers Weekly echoed this, noting the effective balance of themes like intolerance through inventive world details.[23] Murray, raised in Edinburgh as the youngest in a lively Scottish family and now a biochemistry lecturer at the University of Oxford, brings authentic emotional resonance to his sophomore middle-grade series following the Orphans of the Tide trilogy.[20] As the inaugural volume in a multi-book series, Dragonborn lays groundwork for escalating perils to the draconic realm, with future installments poised to delve deeper into global threats and Alex's evolving destiny.[20][23]Appearances in Dungeons & Dragons media
Dragonborn have appeared in various novels set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, particularly those published during the 4th edition of Dungeons & Dragons and continuing into the 5th edition era. In Erin M. Evans' Brimstone Angels series, beginning with Brimstone Angels (2011), the gold dragonborn Mehen serves as a devoted guardian and former gladiator to the tiefling warlock Farideh, highlighting the race's emphasis on clan loyalty and martial prowess. Mehen's backstory involves exile from his clan for perceived dishonor, driving narratives of personal redemption and familial bonds amid conflicts with draconic entities.[24] Similarly, in Tim Pratt's standalone novel Venom in Her Veins (2012), the dragonborn fighter Krailash acts as chief of security for the merchant House Serrat, embodying the protective and honorable traits of the race while navigating intrigue in the jungles of Chult. These stories often delve into themes of exile and draconic politics, such as dragonborn clans in Tymanther reclaiming artifacts lost during the Spellplague, which reshaped their society after their arrival from Abeir.[25] In Richard Lee Byers' Brotherhood of the Griffon series, starting with The Captive Flame (2010), dragonborn characters like the platinum-scaled paladin Medrash integrate into the mercenary company led by Aoth Fezim, contributing to battles against ancient threats in Threskel and exploring alliances forged in post-Spellplague turmoil. Notable dragonborn characters extend beyond novels into adventure modules and tie-in media. For instance, in 4th edition adventures, figures like those from Clan Kepeshkmolik, such as paladins upholding draconic oaths, appear as allies in quests involving Tymantheran politics. Themes of redemption recur, with exiled dragonborn seeking to restore clan honor through heroic acts, as seen in stories of skyfarers in expansive campaign settings. Dragonborn also feature in comics and graphic novels published by IDW under license from Wizards of the Coast during the 2010s. In IDW comics such as Frost Giant's Fury (2017), dragonborn rangers like Saarvin join ragtag hero parties, including Minsc, to combat draconic threats, emphasizing their role as steadfast warriors in multiracial ensembles.[26] The portrayal of dragonborn has evolved across editions in tie-in media. In 3.5 edition supplements and early novels, they often served as minor non-player characters or transformed individuals, such as the Dragonborn of Bahamut. By 4th edition, they became central to Forgotten Realms lore with the integration of Abeir-Toril worlds, leading to prominent roles in novels and adventures. In 5th edition web content and serial tie-ins, dragonborn protagonists drive stories of cultural preservation and conflict in Tymanther. Fictional in-universe texts within D&D media include Races of the Dragon (2006), styled as a comprehensive handbook detailing dragonborn history, clans, and warrior traditions from an in-world perspective.Music
"Dragonborn" (theme)
"Dragonborn" is the instrumental main theme composed by Jeremy Soule for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, released in 2011. This orchestral piece runs for 3:55 and prominently features a choir of thirty members performing in the fictional Dragon-tongue language, alongside strings, horns, and percussion to evoke a sense of epic heroism and the rugged Nordic landscapes of the game's setting.[27][28][29] In the game, "Dragonborn" serves as the primary theme for the title screen and main menu, encapsulating the player's embodiment of the Dovahkiin, the prophesied hero destined to confront ancient dragon threats in the Elder Scrolls lore. The track incorporates dynamic layering during gameplay, where additional instrumental elements build intensity to heighten dramatic moments. Musically, it is set in B minor at 67 beats per minute, characterized by soaring melodies that suggest the flight of dragons and the weight of ancient prophecies, enhanced by subtle synthetic undertones for an otherworldly atmosphere.[30][31][32] The composition was included on the official Skyrim soundtrack album, released in 2011 by Bethesda Softworks, which achieved significant commercial success through digital platforms. It earned a nomination for Best Original Music at the 2012 BAFTA Games Awards, recognizing Soule's contributions to video game scoring. The theme has been performed live in various concerts, including by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra in 2023.[33][34] "Dragonborn" has become an iconic piece in gaming music history, frequently covered by artists such as cellist Tina Guo in her 2017 rendition that blends acoustic and electric elements. Its enduring popularity extends to fan creations, including orchestral remixes and integrations into memes that capture the theme's epic resonance.[35]"The Dragonborn Comes"
"The Dragonborn Comes" is a folk-style bard song featured in the video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, composed by Jeremy Soule with lyrics by Emil Pagliarulo.[36][37][38] The song consists of four verses in a poetic, strophic form that narrates the legend of the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero destined to combat ancient evils.[39] Its lyrics, delivered in English within the game, evoke a sense of heroic prophecy, with a recurring chorus emphasizing the Dragonborn's sworn duty:Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is swornFull verses build on this theme, describing the hero's power derived from ancient Nord arts and the defeat of threats like Alduin's horde.[40] Fan adaptations have translated and performed the lyrics in Dovahzul, the dragon language of the game's lore, enhancing its mythical resonance.[41] In the game, "The Dragonborn Comes" serves as one of the neutral songs performed by bards in taverns across Skyrim, such as Sven in Riverwood or Inge Six Fingers at the Winking Skeever in Solitude.[42] Players can request the song from these NPCs for a small gold fee, immersing them in the province's cultural atmosphere and tying directly to the main quest's prophecy of the Last Dragonborn, the player character.[43] It plays during ambient tavern scenes, fostering a sense of community and lore without advancing specific quests, though hiring bards for performances can provide morale boosts in player homes via mods or housecarl interactions in the base game.[42] Musically, the arrangement adopts an intimate, storytelling folk style with acoustic lute accompaniment, subtle flute melodies, and solo vocals to mimic medieval bardic traditions.[43] The structure follows an AAB AB ABB pattern, allowing for repetitive, sing-along verses that encourage player engagement.[39] The song gained widespread popularity through covers and adaptations, most notably Malukah's 2011 acoustic YouTube rendition combining it with the main theme, which amassed over 27 million views.[44] In 2021, Rachel Hardy released a vocal cover emphasizing its emotional depth.[45] Orchestral versions include a 2016 live performance by the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra featuring vocalist Sabina Zweiacker, exceeding 30 million YouTube views and highlighting its adaptability to symphonic formats.[46] These renditions appear in fan animations, mods replacing tavern music, and official soundtrack expansions, amplifying the song's reach beyond the game.[47] As a representation of Tamriel's Nordic oral traditions, "The Dragonborn Comes" underscores Skyrim's immersive world-building through performative folklore.[43] Its integration into the game's audio design contributed to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's recognition, including a BAFTA nomination for original music and acclaim for overall immersive sound.[48]
To keep evil forever at bay!
And the fiercest foes and the hardest hearts
All will bow to the Dragonborn!
And the steepest slopes and the wildest seas
All will bow to the Dragonborn