Miraak EXPLAINED! - The First Dragonborn & Hermaeus Mora - Elder Scrolls Lore

Miraak, the first Dragonborn, is a central figure in the Elder Scrolls lore. He was a Dragon Priest who sought power beyond that granted by his dragon masters, ruling over the island of Solstheim from a temple built in his honor. Miraak's ambition led him to Hermaeus Mora, the Daedric Prince of knowledge, in a quest to learn the secrets of the Dragonborn. His Dragonborn status is a subject of debate, with theories suggesting either divine intervention from Akatosh or manipulation by Hermaeus Mora. Miraak's betrayal of the dragons and his pursuit of power led to his downfall, as he was defeated by the faithful priest, Valek, and banished to Apocrypha. However, his influence lived on, affecting the realm of Apocrypha and shaping his followers into a cult. His ultimate fate is sealed when he is betrayed by Hermaeus Mora, who uses Miraak's soul to return to his own plane, highlighting the Daedric Prince's true manipulative nature.

Takeaways

• 🐉 Miraak was the first Dragonborn, possessing immense power and the ability to control the minds of people.
• 📜 Miraak's name means 'allegiance guide', which reflects his role in swaying the allegiances of dragons and priests.
• 🏰 Miraak ruled over the island of Solstheim from a temple built in his honor, seeking greater knowledge and power.
• 🧐 Miraak's ambition led him to serve Hermaeus Mora, the Daedric Prince of knowledge, in exchange for power.
• 🤔 There are two theories about Miraak's Dragonborn status: divine intervention by Akatosh or assistance from Hermaeus Mora.
• 🦴 Miraak's temple was surrounded by the remains of dragons, whose essence he absorbed to increase his power.
• 🔥 Despite his power, Miraak refused to join the fight against Alduin, viewing mortals as beneath him.
• 🛡 Miraak was nearly defeated by a faithful priest, but was saved by Hermaeus Mora and transported to Apocrypha.
• 🔮 As a servant of Hermaeus Mora, Miraak was influenced by Apocrypha, which is reflected in his mask, robes, and weapons.
• 🧲 Miraak used his influence to control the people of Solstheim and the All-Maker Stones, even from Apocrypha.
• ⚔️ The Last Dragonborn was seen as a threat to Miraak's plans, leading to a confrontation between the first and last Dragonborn atop Apocrypha.

Q & A

Who is Miraak and what is his significance in the Elder Scrolls lore?

Miraak is the first Dragonborn and a central figure in the Dragonborn DLC of the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. He was a Dragon Priest who ruled over the island of Solstheim and sought to gain power and knowledge beyond that granted by his dragon overlords. Miraak's story is significant as it explores themes of power, betrayal, and the pursuit of knowledge, making him a complex and intriguing character within the Elder Scrolls universe.

What does the term 'Dragonborn' imply and how does it relate to Miraak?

The term 'Dragonborn' refers to individuals with the soul of a dragon, which can be bestowed upon certain individuals by Akatosh, one of the gods of the Elder Scrolls pantheon. Miraak is considered the first Dragonborn, and his Dragonborn status could have been a gift from Akatosh or acquired through his service to Hermaeus Mora, a Daedric Prince of knowledge. His status as Dragonborn allowed him to wield immense power and challenge the dominance of dragons.

How did Miraak's pursuit of power lead to his betrayal of the dragons?

Miraak's ambition and arrogance led him to seek greater power and knowledge beyond what was granted by his dragon overlords. He turned to Hermaeus Mora, a Daedric Prince, for this power, becoming the prince's champion. This betrayal involved not only Miraak's personal quest for power but also leading other once-devoted priests to rebel against the dragons, which resulted in a conflict known as the Dragon War.

What is the role of Hermaeus Mora in Miraak's story?

Hermaeus Mora is a Daedric Prince of knowledge who Miraak pledged his service to in exchange for power. As Miraak's patron, Hermaeus Mora provided him with the knowledge to bend the power of dragons to his will. The prince's influence is seen in Miraak's transformation into a powerful Dragonborn and his eventual imprisonment in Apocrypha, Hermaeus Mora's realm.

How did Miraak's actions affect the people of Solstheim and the Dragon Priests?

Miraak's rule over Solstheim and his quest for power led to the construction of a temple in his honor and the gathering of a devoted following. His actions also influenced the Dragon Priests, with some, like Savirien-Chorak, becoming his most devoted servants. These acolyte priests served Miraak even in undeath, showing the extent of his influence and the depth of their loyalty.

What is the significance of Miraak's Dragon Priest mask and its resemblance to Hermaeus Mora's realm?

Miraak's Dragon Priest mask is unique, bearing a resemblance to the tentacles and Lovecraftian motifs associated with Hermaeus Mora and his realm, Apocrypha. This could symbolize Miraak's transformation and allegiance to Hermaeus Mora, setting him apart from other Dragon Priests who remained loyal to the dragons. The mask's appearance suggests that Miraak has been affected by his time in Apocrypha, yet he used this influence to further his own goals.

How did Miraak's influence continue to affect Solstheim even while he was imprisoned in Apocrypha?

Despite his imprisonment, Miraak's arcane influence seeped into the minds of the people of Solstheim, particularly the inhabitants of Sovngarde. This influence led them to rebuild his temple and allowed him to control the six All-Maker Stones on the island. Miraak's influence also grew a following that worshipped him, similar to the dragon cults of old.

What was Miraak's plan regarding the last Dragonborn and how did it unfold?

Miraak viewed the emergence of the last Dragonborn as a threat to his plans for return and power. He sent cultists to assassinate the last Dragonborn but failed. Instead, this alerted the Dragonborn to Miraak's machinations. Eventually, the last Dragonborn, with the guidance of Hermaeus Mora, confronted and battled Miraak in Apocrypha, leading to Miraak's downfall.

What does Miraak's downfall signify in the context of the Elder Scrolls lore?

Miraak's downfall signifies the consequences of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of power at any cost. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of serving Daedric Princes and the ultimate futility of seeking power for its own sake, as it often leads to betrayal and defeat.

How does the story of Miraak reflect on the theme of knowledge and power in the Elder Scrolls universe?

Miraak's story reflects the theme that the pursuit of knowledge and power can lead to both great achievements and terrible consequences. His quest for power led him to betray his dragon overlords and gain immense abilities, but it also led to his imprisonment and eventual defeat. It highlights the complex relationship between knowledge, power, and the moral choices made by those who seek them.

What is the role of the All-Maker Stones in Miraak's plan to escape Apocrypha?

The All-Maker Stones, when free of corruption, can amplify the natural magic of the land. Miraak intended to use these stones to amplify his power and free himself from Apocrypha. His influence over the stones and the people of Solstheim was a key part of his plan to return to power and dominate Tamriel once more.

How does the character of Miraak compare to other Dragonborns in the Elder Scrolls series?

Miraak stands out among other Dragonborns due to his status as the first and his unique path. Unlike other Dragonborns who often fight against tyranny and injustice, Miraak's motivations are primarily personal and power-driven. His story provides a different perspective on what it means to be Dragonborn and the choices that come with such power.

Outlines

00:00

🐉 The Rise and Betrayal of Miraak, the First Dragonborn

This paragraph introduces Miraak, a powerful dragon priest who seeks to overthrow the dragons and rule over Tamriel. Miraak was anointed by the dragons to command mortal armies, but he betrayed them and declared himself a god. He ruled over the island of Solstheim from a grand temple and sought to gain even greater power by pledging himself to the Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora. Miraak became the first Dragonborn, either through a blessing from Akatosh or with the help of Hermaeus Mora. His Dragonborn powers allowed him to absorb the souls of slain dragons, making him even more formidable. However, his ambition and arrogance led to his downfall, as he was eventually defeated by the Dragonborn and trapped in the realm of Apocrypha.

05:01

🧙 Miraak's Devoted Followers and the Dragon Priests' Staff

Despite his betrayal, Miraak attracted a following of ambitious priests who served him loyally, even in undeath. These priests, known as the acolyte priests, were influenced by both Miraak and Hermaeus Mora. Miraak's dragon priest mask is unique and resembles the tentacles and motifs of Hermaeus Mora's realm, Apocrypha. This suggests that Miraak was affected by his time in Apocrypha and his service to the Daedric Prince. Miraak also possesses a dragon priest staff that has been transformed into a tentacle-encased weapon, further symbolizing his connection to Hermaeus Mora. His robes and sword also bear the influence of Apocrypha.

10:01

🔥 Miraak's Downfall and the Last Dragonborn's Quest

Miraak viewed the emergence of the last Dragonborn as a threat to his plans for domination. He sent cultists to kill the last Dragonborn, but they failed and instead alerted the hero to Miraak's machinations. The last Dragonborn, guided by Hermaeus Mora, sought to stop Miraak's influence on Solstheim and free the island from his control. The two Dragonborns eventually clashed atop Apocrypha, where Miraak tried to break free from Hermaeus Mora's grasp. However, he was betrayed by the Daedric Prince, who struck him down and used his powerful soul to return to Tamriel. Miraak's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking too much power and knowledge, and becoming a pawn of the Daedra.

Keywords

💡Miraak

Miraak, meaning 'allegiance guide', is the name of the first Dragonborn in the Elder Scrolls lore. He was a dragon priest who ruled over the island of Solstheim and sought to gain more power and knowledge. His ambition led him to rebel against his dragon overlords and serve Hermaeus Mora, the Daedric Prince of knowledge. This character is central to the video's narrative, illustrating the pursuit of power and the consequences of such ambitions.

💡Dragonborn

In the Elder Scrolls universe, a Dragonborn is an individual with the soul of a dragon, capable of using powerful shouts and absorbing the souls of slain dragons. The term is significant in the video as it explains the origin of the first Dragonborn, Miraak, and his role in the lore. The Dragonborn abilities can be bestowed by Akatosh or obtained through other means, such as Miraak's service to Hermaeus Mora.

💡Hermaeus Mora

Hermaeus Mora is a Daedric Prince associated with knowledge and secrets in the Elder Scrolls series. In the video, Miraak seeks out Hermaeus Mora to gain more power and becomes his champion. This relationship is pivotal as it leads to Miraak's transformation into the first Dragonborn and his eventual conflict with other Dragonborns.

💡Elder Scrolls Lore

Elder Scrolls Lore refers to the extensive background story and mythology that forms the basis of the Elder Scrolls video game series. The video delves into specific aspects of this lore, focusing on Miraak and the concept of Dragonborn, enriching the viewer's understanding of the game's universe.

💡Dragon Priests

Dragon Priests are religious leaders in the ancient Dragon Cult of the Elder Scrolls series, who were granted the power of kings by the dragons to rule over mortal races. Miraak was one such priest who later deviated from his masters' plans, becoming a pivotal figure in the lore.

💡Soul Time

Soul Time is the setting in the Elder Scrolls series where Miraak ruled from his temple. It is a region in Solstheim that serves as a strategic point for Miraak's rule and his eventual conflict with other Dragonborns.

💡Dovakiin

Dovahkiin, or Dragonborn in the language of the Nords in the Elder Scrolls series, is a title given to individuals with the soul of a dragon. The video's main theme revolves around Miraak, the first Dovahkiin, and his quest for power that sets the stage for future Dragonborns.

💡Akatosh

Akatosh, also known as the Dragon God, is a central deity in the Elder Scrolls series and is associated with time, law, and order. The video discusses the role of Akatosh in bestowing the Dragonborn with their powers and his potential involvement in Miraak's rise.

💡Apocrypha

Apocrypha is a realm in the Elder Scrolls series, associated with Hermaeus Mora, where knowledge and secrets are kept. Miraak was transported to Apocrypha by the Daedric Prince after his defeat, where he spent millennia seeking to escape and regain his power.

💡Dragon War

The Dragon War is a significant historical event in the Elder Scrolls lore where dragons and Dragonborns fought against each other. Miraak's actions led to a conflict with other dragons, and his refusal to join the fight against Alduin, another dragon, is a notable aspect of his character.

💡Last Dragonborn

The Last Dragonborn refers to the final individual with the soul of a dragon in the Elder Scrolls series, who is prophesied to defeat Alduin, the World-Eater. The video contrasts Miraak, the first Dragonborn, with the Last Dragonborn, highlighting their different paths and the role of Hermaeus Mora in their destinies.

Highlights

Miraak, the first Dragonborn, sought to control the minds of the people of Tamriel and build a temple for his return.

During the Maratha era, dragons ruled Tamriel and anointed Dragon Priests to command mortal armies.

Miraak, originally a Dragon Priest, deviated from his dragon masters' plans and sought his own power.

Miraak's name means 'allegiance guide', which may reflect his ability to sway allegiances.

Miraak ruled over the island of Solstheim from a temple constructed in his honor.

He sought knowledge and power from Hermaeus Mora, a Daedric Prince of knowledge.

The origin of Miraak's Dragonborn abilities is unknown, but it could be a gift from Akatosh or Hermaeus Mora.

Miraak was seen as a powerful warrior to conquer Alduin, but he chose his own path.

Dragons retaliated against Miraak's betrayal by sending a priest named Valour to challenge him.

Miraak was transported to Apocrypha by Hermaeus Mora and became the ruler of the Daedric Prince's realm.

Miraak's Dragon Priest mask and attire resemble the motifs of Hermaeus Mora's realm.

His influence seeped into Solstheim, causing the people to rebuild his temple and worship him.

The last Dragonborn's emergence was seen as a threat to Miraak's plans, leading to a conflict between them.

Miraak's ultimate goal was to free himself from Apocrypha and become master of his own fate.

The last Dragonborn, guided by Hermaeus Mora, acquired a powerful shout to confront Miraak.

Miraak was betrayed by Hermaeus Mora during their final confrontation in Apocrypha.

Miraak's pursuit of power, even at the cost of serving Daedra, led to his downfall.