What Does Being a DragonbornMean to Your Character in Skyrim?

Being a Dragonborn in the expansive world of Skyrim offers a mix of challenges, benefits, and sometimes a bit of mystery. In the compiled narrative, two perspectives offer intriguing insights: one from a Khajiit named Mathalam, and another from a Snow Elf named Seti. Let’s delve into their experiences and the implications of being a Dragonborn.

Mathalam: The Khajiit Listener and His Dilemma

Mathalam is a Khajiit from Cyrodiil who, despite his professional integrity, finds the entire concept of being assigned as the Dragonborn confusing. His role is unusual, as Akatosh, the Divines, has tasked him with being an assassin for the Dark Brotherhood, offering him powerful abilities in exchange. Interestingly, Mathalam does not view himself as a hero or savior; he simply sees the assignment as a job, albeit a challenging one.

His primary concerns revolve around the intricacies of his new role. The most notable of these is his struggle with the Dragon language, which eludes him, and the presence of bears near every Word Wall. Additionally, he feels a growing exasperation with Delphine, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, who is often arrogant and incompetent, frustrating his patience to the point where he longs for compensation from Akatosh or Sithis for dealing with her.

Seti: The Snow Elf’s Disregard, Yet Fascination

Seti, a Snow Elf, initially planned to just traverse Skyrim but was ensnared by the story’s events. He shows little interest in the country’s politics and instead is driven by curiosity and adventure. His journey is marked by several unexpected detours and his eventual summons to High Hrothgar adds another layer to his narrative.

Despite not particularly caring about his status as a Dragonborn, Seti finds the Shouts, the special abilities unique to Dragonborns, particularly impressive. His experiences highlight both the challenges of navigating the complex narrative of Skyrim and the allure of its mystical elements.

Blessing, Curse, or Neither?

The question of whether being a Dragonborn is a blessing, a curse, or perhaps both, is rich with thematic weight. Mathalam, for instance, sees it primarily through the lens of professionalism and the acceptance of difficult tasks. His perspective underscores the pragmatic aspect of such a role, highlighting how this title can be viewed as a means to an end rather than a definitive marker of heroism.

Seti, on the other hand, finds the allure of Shouts and the broader narrative of Skyrim more compelling. His journey serves as a reminder that while being a Dragonborn can be a complex and challenging role, it also offers unique opportunities for personal growth and discovery.

In conclusion, the experience of being a Dragonborn in Skyrim, as told by Mathalam and Seti, provides a multifaceted view. Whether it is a boon or a burden depends largely on one’s perspective and how one chooses to engage with the challenges and wonders of the game.