When setting out into the wide world of Skyrim, it is imperative to have one eye watching the world above you. Dragons roam the air and aren’t something to be ignored by the Dragonborn. After all, they are as linked to the Dovahkiin as it is to them.
There are a great many dragons roaming through the air above the land and even in some caves and magical places. They come in a variety of classes. Among the many dragons, one can encounter those that have their names known and are considered some of the strongest. They are awe-inspiring and fierce. It is no wonder the races that inhabit Skyrim fear these mighty beasts.
Some dragons that are named can be any type of dragon and therefore have no set appearances. Instead, their appearance will be based on the player level and how they are scaled when encountered. So, some dragpns may not like how they appear in the images.
14 Paarthurnax
Despite which fraction you side with when it comes to Paarthurnax’s fate, he isn’t particularly strong as far as fighting goes. In fact, his health is capped at the lowest tier for dragons, and he has no specialties that would set him apart. His class/race of dragon is never specified. It is stated he is almost as old as Alduin, the first dragon, and Paarthurnax was once his lieutenant.
Despite this, and the fact that maybe years of meditation have caused his health and power to dwindle, Paarthurnax is no longer one of the strongest dragons in the land. Still, he’s a great conversationalist should you head to the Throat of the World to meet with him.
13 Viinturuth
Like many dragons, Viinturuth’s strength is determined by your own. To encounter Viinturuth, head to Eastmarch near the Pale to the West of Windhelm. Along the road is a small stop called Anga’s Mill which Viinturuth used to fly over in the First Era before his death.
When Viinturuth is brought back to his burial mound by Alduin, the dragon can use either Flame or Frost breath, so be prepared for both.
12 Sahloknir
There is no random encounter for this winged foe. Sahloknir is a normal type of dragon that will be determined by the level you are when you head out to face him. During the main quest line, Dovahkiin will be sent to see what is going on at the burial mound in Kynesgrove.
This is a location within Eastmarch to the Southeast of Windhelm. Sahloknir is a recently resurrected dragon that Alduin brings back and that you must end once more. He can be any class and will wield Frost and Flame, respectively. Don’t take a Blade in the Dark while facing off against this foe.
11 Vuljotnaak
Vuljotnaak can be seen being summoned back to Skyrim by Alduin at his burial mound. This occurs at the Great Henge Burial Mound Southwest of the Sleeping Tree Camp of Giants in Whiterun and Northeast of the Sunderstone Gorge.
However, in order to see the resurrection, the quest for Diplomatic Immunity must have at least been started. If missed, players can find him circling above Broken Fang Cave and Fort Sungard in the Southwestern corner of Whiterun as one approaches Falkreath.
10 Nahaglilv
Don’t set out on the quest Elder Knowledge if you wish to be present when this dragon is resurrected by Alduin. Instead, head to the burial mound located just outside the town of Rorikstead.
The burial mound is located to the West of Rorikstead atop a small cliff-like hill. Once brought back by Alduin, Nahglilv stays relatively close to his burial mound. He can occasionally be seen in nearby areas but is most commonly found circling above the town itself.
9 Mirmulnir
Another dragon who will be scaled to the player accordingly is Mirmulnir. He will also be the first dragon you can truly test your mettle against in combat. Missing Mirmulnir is hard if players stick to the storyline, as he is the dragon attacking Whiterun early in the main questline.
He sets the Western Watchtower crumbling in Whiterun. Mirmulnir is also one of the few dragons that were never slain by the Blades and isn’t known to be resurrected by Alduin.
8 Relonikiv & Kruziikrel
Most named dragons are fought somewhere in Skyrim overall. However, Relonikiv and Kruziikrel are an exception to this. They can be faced in the land of Apocrypha during the Dragonborn quest line that takes you to the island of Solstheim. They scale based on the player level, like most dragons. Unlike most named dragons, they can be ridden in the right circumstance.
During the fight with Miraak in At the Summit of Apocrypha, there lies a unique chance of riding both of these dragons. The third dragon involved, named Sahrotaar, must be felled first. Once this happens, players can shout tame either dragon to ride. If done with proper timing, they can both be ridden and will fight with the player’s Dragonborn against Miraak. A tricky challenge for those seeking to test new things in their latest playthrough.
7 Odahviing
Named dragons aren’t as common outside quest lines, and Odahviing is a prime example. Once the right hand of Alduin himself, Odahviing can become a strong ally for the Dovahkiin as they go through the main quest. He will be encountered in Dragonsreach and captured. After a conversation, Odahviing agrees to help the Dragonborn get to the temple of Skuldafn, where Alduin is holed up. After everything is said and done, he will become loyal to the player and can be summoned outdoors to help fight.
6 Durnehviir
Not just mortals fall to the alluring power of Necromancy. Dragons can become enamored with the idea of having the power to summon legions of the undead to do their bidding as well. Such aspirations lead to Durnehviir becoming trapped by the Ideal Masters in the Soul Cairn. Through interacting with him, players can gain the ability to summon Durnehviir and fulfill his request to fly through the skies of Tameriel once more despite being tied to the Soul Cairn.
5 Krosulhah
Few dragons will give dire warnings that one should head, but Krosulhah is an exception to this rule. He will appear before the player outside the Dwemer holds called Nchardak upon ending the Path of Knowledge quest. His warning is that of another Dragonborn called Miraak returning to power.
Then, when this great Frost Dragon dies, there is a chance that his soul will be stolen by the ancient Dovahkiin. This can happen from time to time until Miraak is vanquished.
4 Vuthuryol
It doesn’t matter what level you are when you enter Blackreach because Vuthuryol is an Ancient Dragon set in stone at level 50. He had two different flame-based attacks and came in with the max health that most dragons cap at. He cannot be tamed by any shout but is summoned for a fight.
Players must shout at an orb in the middle of Blackreach in order to make this foe appear — He can only be brought out once. Vuthuryol is not particularly difficult to face off against in comparison with similarly leveled dragons. He is hard to reach, though, and an ill-prepared fighter can be quickly overrun by this ancient enemy.
3 Naaslaarum & Voslaarum
Twins or paired dragons are not a common sight in Skyrim. In fact, only two pairs are shown throughout the entire game, with the other pair being Relonikiv and Kruziikrel in Apocrypha. However, the pair that exists with the Forgotten Vale is stronger. Naaslaarum and Voslaarum have a higher health threshold than their cousins trapped in the book world.
They also have the ability to Drain Vitality, which makes them even heavier hitters. This set of Revered Dragons is a tough match for any ill-prepared Dragonborn walking up to their lake home.
2 Alduin
Despite being the firstborn of all dragons, Alduin is not the strongest. He comes in close with his scaling to match the player all the way up to level 100, but he has a set health cap. You can also have a great deal of help from several sources when fighting him.
Overall, Alduin is very strong and has higher resistance than other dragons. He can also bring his fallen brethren back from their graves.
1 Sahrotaar
Alduin may be the firstborn that can bring others back from their graves, but Sahrotaar is still a stronger little sibling. The Dovahkiin will face off against this powerful dragon when they go toe-to-toe with the first Dragonborn for the island nation of Solsteim. He fights alongside Miraak until he turns to the player and dies at the hands of his original master.
Despite him going out in such a way, he is still the strongest dragon in the game. Sahrotaar has the greatest health of any dragon, and that, combined with a powerful hit, makes this Serpentine Dragon the strongest to face off against.
