The Origin of the Dragonborn: Miraak vs Saint Alessia

Hello, fellow enthusiasts of Elder Scrolls lore! Today, we dive into a fascinating part of the The Elder Scrolls world—yawgvul the Dragonborn. Specifically, we'll explore whether Miraak was ever mentioned in the lore before Dragonborn, and if not, who was the first recorded Dragonborn according to the lore. Strap in, we're in for a detailed exploration!

The Term Dragonborn Before Dragonborn Expansion

The term 'dragonborn' within the Elder Scrolls lore, as we know it today, has a much more recent origin compared to other elements like the Prophesies of Akatosh. Before the expansion Dragonborn, the term was solely and formally applied to members of the Imperial Family. It was a title exalted by empires in the continent of Tamriel, suggesting a lineage or destiny tied to dragons and dragon powers. This conception of the term primarily encompassed the bloodline of the reigning emperors, granting them exclusive access to certain teachings and powers associated with dragons.

Miraak: The Notorious Dragonborn of Dragonborn

Moving to the central figure of our discussion, we have Miraak, the infamous Dragonborn introduced in The Elder Scrolls V: Dragonborn. Miraak is a Dragonborn in the modern sense—she is a mortal who embraced and inherited Drakeblood, the power to harness dragon magic. However, Miraak was never mentioned or alluded to in previous lore. While the concept of Dragonborn has deep roots in the history of Skyrim, Miraak is a character specifically created for the Dragonborn expansion, making her a pivotal figure in the expansion itself.

Saint Alessia: The First True Dragonborn According to Lore

So, if Miraak was not mentioned before Dragonborn, who did initiate the lineage? The answer takes us to the earliest recorded history of the continent of Tamriel. Saint Alessia, a legendary figure known for her role in the founding of the First Empire of the Emperors, is often cited as the first dragonborn. According to the lore, Saint Alessia made a pact with the Numidium, the Pantheon of the Nine Divines, and asked to make a contract with the Divines themselves. She made an offering to Akatosh, the Dragon God, which resulted in her pact with Akatosh to keep the dragonfires lit.

The importance of this act cannot be understated. Saint Alessia's pact essentially granted the Dragonfire (a powerful form of dragon magic) to her and her descendants, establishing a lineage that would eventually lead to the Dragonborn as we understand them today. Although Saint Alessia herself does not carry the title 'dragonborn' in the early lore, her actions laid the foundation for this concept, making her the grandfather of the dragonborn.

It's also worth noting that this pact is a turning point in the Elder Scrolls lore. It set the stage for the eventual rise of the Dragonborn, which would come to be a significant role in the future of Tamriel.

Conclusion: Dragonborn in the Broader Picture

In conclusion, while Miraak is a pivotal character in the lore of the Dragonborn expansion, she was not mentioned in the lore prior to that. Her character is integral to the narrative and provides a new perspective on the concept of Dragonborn. Meanwhile, Saint Alessia, the first figure to make a pact with Akatosh, holds the honor of being the true initiator of the lineage that would later be known as the Dragonborn.

The term 'dragonborn' has evolved over time, and its modern usage owes a great deal to the legacy of Saint Alessia and her original pact. If you're a fan of the Elder Scrolls lore, it's important to understand these roots that shape the modern understanding of these powerful figures.

Further Reading and References

Miraak - The Elder Scrolls Wiki GameFAQs - The Elder Scrolls V: Dragonborn Official Discussion Saint Alessia - The Elder Scrolls Wiki

Stay tuned for more explorations into the legends and lore of Tamriel!