Esbern

The last scholar of the Blades who kept dragon lore alive in hiding.

Esbern is a non-player character (NPC) in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. He is one of the few surviving members of the Blades, an ancient order of dragon hunters. Esbern is a scholar who possesses deep knowledge of dragon lore, including the ancient prophecy of Alduin's return. He is found hiding in Riften, where Thalmor agents are also trying to capture him when the Dragonborn rescues him.

Quick Facts

First appears: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Status: Alive (as of the events in Skyrim)

Lore & Background

He memorized the entirety of the prophecy concerning Alduin the World-Eater and the locations of ancient dragon lairs, waiting for the return of the Dragonborn. He deciphers that the ancient Nords used a special shout that forces a dragon to land and experience mortality, leaving Alduin and any dragon weaker, unable to fly and vulnerable.

Reader's Guide

Esbern serves as the primary mentor for dragon lore during Skyrim's main questline. He leads the Dragonborn to an ancient Blade temple and a massive engraving depicting Alduin's earlier defeat.