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Elder Scrolls

Paarthurnax (Dragon Language: PAaRTHUrNAX), sometimes referred to as the Old One,[3] is an ancient dragon who resides in Skyrim. He serves as the leader of the Greybeards,[4] noted as surpassing all the others in his mastery of the Way of the Voice.[5]

By game[]

Background[]

Merethic Era[]

While few details are known regarding Paarthurnax as a supporter of the Dragon Cult during the Dragon War, the Dragonguard considered him a legendary lieutenant of Alduin,[2] and during the Fourth Era, the Blades accused Paarthurnax of committing many atrocities.[4][6] At some point during the war, Paarthurnax, along with a few other dragons, switched sides and taught the rebels the Voice.[7] Their leaders Gormlaith Golden-Hilt, Hakon One-Eye, and Felldir the Old were all taught personally by Paarthurnax, who was the first dragon to defect to the rebels, becoming the first Tongues.[8] It is said that Kyne called upon Paarthurnax, as Paarthurnax pitied Man, to teach them the Voice.[9]

Late during the Dragon War, the leaders of the rebellion used an Elder Scroll to cast Alduin adrift into time atop the Throat of the World. Paarthurnax was not present during the fight but felt when Alduin was defeated, like the other dragons.[8] Paarthurnax knew that Alduin would one day return, and as such, he chose to live atop the Throat of the World for thousands of years, waiting for Alduin to emerge again.[10]

Second Era[]

During the 373th year of the Second Era, the Dragonguard noted that Paarthurnax was already under the protection of the Greybeards of High Hrothgar, refusing to act until they had an opportunity to strike against him.[2]

Fourth Era[]

The Dragon Crisis[]

During the Dragon Crisis of 4E 201, the Last Dragonborn met with Paarthurnax on several occasions, the first to do so in over a hundred years.[8] Paarthurnax provided the Dragonborn with the information regarding the Elder Scroll, suggesting they use it on the place where time was broken to go back in time to learn the Shout "Dragonrend."[11][12]

After the Dragonborn used the Elder Scroll and learned the Dragonrend Shout, Alduin appeared atop the Throat of the World, challenging them. Before the fight broke out, he offered Paarthurnax one last chance to join his side, stating that his power had waxed whereas the power of Paarthurnax had waned. Paarthurnax refused to ever serve Alduin again.[13] Alduin was eventually defeated at the Throat of the World by the Last Dragonborn and Paarthurnax, fleeing the field to fly to Sovngarde,[14] where he would devour the souls of the dead.[15] After capturing Odahviing, the Last Dragonborn traveled to Skuldafn and then Sovngarde[16] to face Alduin and defeat him.[17]

The End of the Dragon Crisis[]

With Alduin defeated, Paarthurnax mourned the death of Alduin despite believing he had abandoned the right path in the arrogance of his power. He shared the belief of the Last Dragonborn that Alduin needed to be destroyed. With the death of Alduin, Paarthurnax was rejuvenated and set out to attempt to convert the remaining dragons to the Way of the Voice.[18] Odahviing, another dragon serving the Last Dragonborn, questioned whether Paarthurnax's quest could succeed, believing few would want to exchange the rule of Alduin for what he considered the tyrannical Way of the Voice.[3]

Death[]

During the Dragon Crisis, Delphine and Esbern, two of the few remaining surviving Blades, find out about Paarthurnax. They both accuse Paarthurnax of atrocities during the Dragon War, but do not elaborate further. They refuse to offer the Last Dragonborn their services until Paarthurnax is slain.[4][6]

When approached regarding the charges, Paarthurnax himself tells the Last Dragonborn that he understands why the Blades do not trust him due to his inborn nature. He asks the Dragonborn whether it is better to be born good, or overcome your evil nature through great effort.[19] If Paarthurnax is slain, master Arngeir of the Greybeards speaks in displeasure, considering it a breaking of their trust and a loss of ancient wisdom.[20]

Appearances[]

References[]

  1. Events of "Paarthurnax"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Atlas of Dragons
  3. 3.0 3.1 Dialogue with Odahviing during "Epilogue"
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Dialogue with Esbern during "Paarthurnax"
  5. Dialogue with Arngeir during "The Throat of the World"
  6. 6.0 6.1 Dialogue with Delphine during "Paarthurnax"
  7. The Dragon War
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Dialogue with Paarthurnax during "Elder Knowledge"
  9. Emblem IV atop the Throat of the World
  10. Dialogue with Paarthurnax during "The Throat of the World"
  11. Events of "The Throat of the World"
  12. Events of "Elder Knowledge"
  13. Conversation between Paarthurnax and Alduin during "The Fallen"
  14. Events of "The Fallen"
  15. Dialogue with Arngeir during "The Fallen"
  16. Events of "The World-Eater's Eyrie"
  17. Events of "Sovngarde"
  18. Dialogue with Paarthurnax during "Epilogue"
  19. Dialogue with Paarthurnax during "Paarthurnax"
  20. Dialogue with Arngeir during "Paarthurnax"
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