Ah, the Dragon Priests. If you’ve played Skyrim for any length of time, you’ve probably had an unfortunate run-in with one of these floaty nightmares (we’ve all been there). Maybe you were just minding your own business, looting an ancient Nordic tomb, when suddenly a skeletal sorcerer in a menacing mask decided you were trespassing. Cue the desperate button-mashing as you scrambled to chug health potions while shouting expletives at your screen.

But who were these undead butt-heads before they started their new career as crypt-dwelling nightmares? And why are they still haunting Skyrim like particularly aggressive landlords? Let’s dig in.

The Rise of the Dragon Priests: When Being a Tyrant was the Norm

Back in the Merethic Era, Skyrim was a very different place. The dragons ruled over mortals like they were nothing more than noisy pets, and the Dragon Priests? They were the ones holding the leash. Acting as intermediaries between the dragon overlords and their unfortunate subjects, these high-ranking figures were given god-like authority. Their word was law, their power unquestioned, and their fashion sense… well, let’s just say they really liked intimidating masks.

Under their rule, the Dragon Cult flourished, demanding absolute obedience. Those who opposed the dragons were swiftly crushed, while the faithful were promised rewards in the afterlife. (Spoiler: those rewards turned out to be eternal servitude as Draugr, so not exactly a great deal.)

However, as is often the case with regimes built on fear and oppression, the Dragon Cult eventually met its end. The people of Skyrim, likely sick of being bossed around by megalomaniacs in fancy masks, rebelled. With the help of the legendary Dragonborn, they overthrew their scaled overlords, sending many dragons to their fiery doom. The Dragon Priests, rather than accepting defeat, mostly went full necromancer mode—choosing undeath over irrelevance.

Why Are They Still Here? The Undead Retirement Plan

You’d think that after their empire crumbled, the Dragon Priests would have moved on. But no. Thanks to some ancient rituals, powerful magic, and sheer stubbornness, many of them lingered on as undead liches, entombed in their respective temples until some unsuspecting adventurer (cough you cough) came knocking.

Now, as undead entities, Dragon Priests are ridiculously powerful. They float menacingly, throw spells like they’re handing out party favours, and can summon spectral minions at will. Worse still, some of them have loyal Draugr armies just waiting to dogpile anyone foolish enough to disturb their rest.

The Dragon Masks: Because Power Needs Accessories

If there’s one thing Dragon Priests are known for besides their ability to ruin your day, it’s their masks. Each named Dragon Priest in Skyrim has their own unique mask, imbued with powerful enchantments. These masks, ranging from the frost-boosting Morokei to the soul-draining Nahkriin, make them even deadlier in combat. Naturally, players are encouraged to collect them all, a task that requires battling some of the game’s toughest foes.

Of course, if you do manage to gather them all, you unlock access to the mysterious wooden mask, which teleports you to a hidden shrine where the ultimate Dragon Priest mask, Konahrik, awaits. Because nothing says ‘ultimate power’ like a mask that occasionally heals you and spews fire when you’re about to die.

Skyrim’s Named Dragon Priests: Who’s the Worst?

There are several named Dragon Priests scattered across Skyrim, each with their own specialties. Some highlights include:

• Miraak – Skyrim’s original Dragonborn, turned self-serving, tentacle-loving Hermaeus Mora worshipper. He’s basically a boss fight that just keeps getting back up.
• Krosis – Likes perching on mountains and sniping unsuspecting players with ice spikes. A nightmare at early levels.
• Rahgot – Hangs out in Forelhost with a literal army of fanatics, just waiting for a worthy fight.
• Nahkriin – Guards the portal to Sovngarde, ensuring that your trip to the afterlife isn’t too easy.
• Otar the Mad – A former good guy turned undead menace. Still rocking his shock resistance, though.

Each of these Dragon Priests presents a serious challenge, and their masks are among the most sought-after artifacts in the game.

Dragon Priests Outside of Skyrim: The Wider Picture

While Skyrim has the most famous examples, Dragon Priests weren’t exclusive to the province. The ancient Nords spread their influence across Tamriel, and evidence of their presence can be found in The Elder Scrolls Online, particularly in areas like Wrothgar and even parts of Solstheim. Their connection to the dragons, and their persistence in undeath, hints that they may not be entirely gone. After all, if there’s one thing we’ve learned about The Elder Scrolls, it’s that history has a nasty habit of coming back in unexpected ways.

Should We Be Worried?

Despite being ancient history (quite literally), the Dragon Priests remain some of Skyrim’s most terrifying foes. Their power, their connection to the dragons, and their unwavering ability to make adventurers regret opening a coffin make them unforgettable enemies. And who knows? If dragons ever rise again in Tamriel, maybe these masked horrors won’t be far behind.

So, next time you see an ancient tomb with a suspiciously large sarcophagus at the end… maybe just walk away. Or at least save first. Trust me.