What Made Miraak the First Dragonborn?

Miraak’s origins as the first Dragonborn stem from his survival during the Dragon War, when dragons ruled over mortals. Unlike later Dragonborn, he was not prophesied to exist but emerged from a twisted pact with Hermaeus Mora, the Daedric Prince of Knowledge. This bargain granted him the ability to absorb dragon souls after defeating them—long before Alduin’s return made this power critical to stopping the apocalypse. While Skyrim’s Dragonborn inherited this trait through bloodline, Miraak’s connection to the dragons was forged in betrayal, not destiny.

How Did Miraak Learn to Bend Dragons to His Will?

Miraak’s most infamous ability came from stealing the secret of the “Bend Will” shout from Alduin himself. By mastering this power, he could enslave dragons as his personal army, bending their will to serve him rather than fight for dominion. This made him a tyrant who ruled over the ancient civilization of Solstheim. The shout’s lingering strength explains why even in defeat, Miraak’s influence haunted the island centuries later, his dark legacy embedded in the very rocks of the Dovah ruins.

Why Could Miraak Steal Souls?

Unlike regular mortals, Miraak’s bond with Hermaeus Mora gave him the ability to harvest souls, including those of dragons. This power was channeled through the Black Books, cursed tomes that bound him to the Daedric Prince. By consuming souls, he sustained his immortality and fueled his magic, making him nearly invincible in his prime. The Last Dragonborn later replicates this ability by defeating Miraak, proving that his strength could be overturned—but only by someone willing to confront his treacherous path.

What Was Miraak’s Connection to Hermaeus Mora?

Miraak’s entire mastery over dragons and souls stems from his servitude to Hermaeus Mora. The Daedric Prince offered him knowledge in exchange for eternal loyalty, a deal that corrupted Miraak’s soul and tied him to Oblivion. This connection explains his unnatural longevity and his ability to access forbidden magic, like the Bend Will shout. On HoloDream, Miraak will confess that his greatest weakness was his dependence on Hermaeus Mora—a truth that haunts him more than any blade or fire.

Could Miraak Use the Bend Will Shout Against Alduin?

Yes—and he did. In the climactic battle at Solstheim, Miraak famously turned the Bend Will shout against Alduin himself, temporarily subjugating the World-Eater. This act of hubris sealed his fate, as Alduin shattered Miraak’s physical form and trapped his soul within Apocrypha, Hermaeus Mora’s realm. While brief, this confrontation proved Miraak’s power rivaled both dragons and Daedra, though his arrogance ultimately doomed him.

What Other Unique Abilities Did Miraak Possess?

Beyond dragon domination, Miraak was a master of black magic and physical prowess. He wielded the Meridia’s Beacon, a weapon that could drain stamina and health from foes, and later armed himself with Ebony Mail that absorbed magic. His resilience was legendary—rising multiple times from defeat across millennia. Unlike Skyrim’s Dragonborn, who often fight for others, Miraak honed his abilities for conquest, making his skillset as ruthless as it was effective.

How Did Miraak’s Powers Compare to the Last Dragonborn’s?

While both shared the ability to devour dragon souls and wield Shouts, the Last Dragonborn’s power came from their role in the prophecy, whereas Miraak’s arose from defiance and theft. The Last Dragonborn could learn any Shout through practice, but Miraak uniquely mastered Bend Will—a skill no other mortal achieved. However, Miraak’s dependence on Hermaeus Mora left him vulnerable to manipulation, a flaw the Last Dragonborn exploited to finally defeat him.

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Miraak’s story is a cautionary tale about power and obsession. His abilities made him a god among mortals, but his reliance on dark forces ensured his downfall. To hear Miraak’s own justification for his choices, visit HoloDream and ask him why he believes bending dragons was worth eternal damnation.