Western Watchtower, 21st of Last Seed; the day or Appreciation, devoted to Mara, took on a whole new meaning. As the sun set over the mountains, a deafening call set forth: that of a dragon. Striking and destroying the tower, a lone soldier made his way back to the city, warning the Jarl of the impending destruction. Immediately sending out guards, they were met by only a corpse picked clean of important bones, scales, and even flesh.

"[Someone] had killed a dragon… Harbingers of the end times, by himself. Not only this, [they] had also picked the body clean, all in the course of ten minutes… Amazing."

-Irileth

Housecarl to Jarl Balgruuf

The Breton was seen soon after, entering the city. No one suspected that he had slayed the beast they people had heard of, and he made no actions to signify that he did. Instead, he made his way up the steps of Dragonsreach, eager to accept another task for the Jarl. It was then the land roared with such ferocity not heard since prior to the reign of Tiber Septim- a vast, unrelenting force that stretched across Skyrim, and even Tamriel, calling upon the Breton to answer their call. Jarl Balgruuf made sure that the Breton not miss it, and soon directed the lad to High Hrothgar, the castle of the Greybeards.

Known across Skyrim, the Greybeards are the master of the thu'um, the ability to harness the voice of a dragon into a shout of unimaginable magnitude. A summons to High Hrothgar had not been heard since the second era, in which Tiber Septim, or Ysmir, the Dragon of the North, was able to withstand their voices and therefore overtake the First Aldmeri Dominion. This certainly meant interesting things for the Breton, and the summons was met with an almost immediate presence.

"The [Breton] was very determined. He stopped in Ivarstead for a short time to gather supplies needed to climb the seven thousand steps, and then was off. He did return once thereafter, but only to visit the Greybeards, never anything else."

-Lynly Star-Sung

Singing Barmaid in the Vilemyr Inn

Though exactly what happened in High Hrothgar is still is mystery to this day, it is known that the Breton was given the title of the Dragonborn. He was given instruction is various shouts that gave him improved abilities of speed, influence of weather, and even the ability to breath flames. It wasn't soon after that his abilities were tested, with the task of retrieving a horn from dangerous ruins.

The newly downed mage turned to the Blades, a nearly extinct organization dedicated to the Dragonborn, for help on the question of Dragons. The two still recorded in histories are by the names of Esbern and Delphine, who helped uncover the truth about Alduin, the eater of worlds, who planned to destroy the plane of Nirn. It was during the quest to uncover the mystery, that the Dragonborn was properly introduced to the Thalmor, in both their embassy and the Riften ratway tunnels.

"It wasn't as if he was just sight-seeing! The Dragonborn made relations with various factions [and nations], whether or not they were positive or negative was a whole other matter. For instance, he made his presence clear with the Companions, the Thieves' Guild, the College of Winterhold… he was a friend."

-Delphine

Blade Member

While it's true that the Dragonborn made friends with various independent organizations, he attempted to remain neutral within the Civil War conflict. Both sides attempted to bring him over, as an ally, or at least publically. Ulfric Stormcloak chronicled his relation with the hero through Helgen, and by the fact that he must be a true Nord, as no stranger would just help the people by defeating Alduin. The Legion did the same, claiming that his service to various Holds proved his intentions of Imperialism through and through, defeat the fact he helped Stormcloak supporters as well.

"He was a missionary, of sorts. Regardless of his religious or political affiliation, he decided that it was his duty to support the people of Skyrim, whatever the need."

-Faendal

Citizen of Whiterun Hold

Perhaps the only group the Breton did not get along with was the Thalmor, who he constantly attempted to thwart. Some may say that this was due to his connection to the Blades, them being persecuted themselves, whereas other scholar's claim that he was avenged his ancestors, them being slaves to the Aldmer. Whatever the reason, the Dragonborn continued to act upon good deeds, while continuing his quest to defeat Alduin.

On the 22nd of the Frostfall, 4E 201, the Dragonborn made his way into the treacherous Dwermer ruins of Aftlan, to seek out an item of great importance: the Elder Scroll. Returning back to High Hrothgar, the Greybeards allowed him presence to the Throat of the World, where their leader, Paarthurnax, resides.

"Paarthurnax is a criminal… worse- a dragon. He helped Alduin on his conquest when dragons ruled over Skyrim. Though some claim that he made up for his mistake, I tend to believe that justice never rests."

-Esbern

Blade Member

Paarthurnax taught the Dragonborn much, though none was more important than the ancient shout: Dragonrend. Using the power of anger and rebellion, the Breton hero was able to bring dragons to the ground, a strategy that was used to defeat Alduin ages ago.

After learning the shout, the Dragonborn made his way back to Whiterun, and requested the Jarl to help him in his quest. What was proposed was dangerous, to the citizens of Whiterun and the Dragonborn himself. Though, after arranging temporary peace between the Empire and the Rebels, Balgruuf eventually agreed to allow the capture of a dragon within the city.