How do Dragons get their names?

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T. Rakinson

A Brute among Beasts
Thread Question(What do you think?): How do you think Dragons get their names? See theories below.

Iv'e been experimenting on the language of Dragons- Dovahzul. It got me wondering as to how Dragons are named. There are only so many words that we know in Dovahzul, and many are already used in Shouts and Dragon [priest] names. There are many repeats, of course; take Vulthuryol (the dragon found in Blackreach). VUL-THUR-YOL translates to Dark-Overlord-Fire. VUL is also used in the name VUL-JOTT-NAAK (Dark-Maw-Eat), THUR appears in the name PAA-THUR-NAX (Ambition-Overlord-Cruelty). Even YOL is a word of power for the Fire Breath shout.

But how do Dragons get their names? Are they born with these names, and live their lives based upon these words? But if that was the case, would Dragons still be considered to be of free-will (which they seemingly are)? DUR-NEH-VIIR roughly translates to 'Cursed with Undeath' (Curse-Never-Dying is true to the translation). From the start, did the Soul Cairn dragon have no choice in the matter? Was it his decision from the start to become an Undead servant of Oblivion?

Or are their names product of their actions? As you know, there are many Dragons to be encountered who will go unnamed. An explanation (aside from Bethesda not having to give every random Dragon a name) could be that they have yet to prove themselves worthy of a unique title?

Here's a personal theory of mine; remember who Fathered the dragons? Yep, Akatosh, the God of Time. Perhaps he knows the fate of each Dov, and names them accordingly. This links in with the first idea, because perhaps dragons would do anything [blindly] if they thought it to be a part of their creators divine plan.
 

Kohlar the Unkilled

Time for some ale
Some of the oldest and most powerful dragons are not named in game, such as all the elder, revered, and legendary dragons that are encountered. They must have names though.

With Durnehviir and Odahviing, the Dragonborn is made aware of the name before hand. When witnessing a resurrection by Alduin, I believe the dragon's name is spoken in the process, once again making the Dragonborn aware of it. Doesn't the first dragon encountered, (western watchtower), speak the dragon tongue when it first appears? I don't remember... but that's my theory; dragon names show up whenever the Dragonborn is made aware of the name.

As to how they are named, Akatosh seems as likely a theory as any. An alternate could be that they're like gang names, given or earned depending on deeds and situations.
 

T. Rakinson

A Brute among Beasts
With Durnehviir and Odahviing, the Dragonborn is made aware of the name before hand. When witnessing a resurrection by Alduin, I believe the dragon's name is spoken in the process, once again making the Dragonborn aware of it. Doesn't the first dragon encountered, (western watchtower), speak the dragon tongue when it first appears? I don't remember... but that's my theory; dragon names show up whenever the Dragonborn is made aware of the name.

As to how they are named, Akatosh seems as likely a theory as any. An alternate could be that they're like gang names, given or earned depending on deeds and situations.

But you aren't around to see every resurrection. Mainly the Dragons beyond Alduin's [reach] such as Vulthuryol and the Forgoteen Vale duo (for whom we dont even recieve a translation of their names). Presumably they follow the long-running TES theme of knowing a characters name before they introduce themselves (or are mentioned by others).

Regarding the tougher dragons; is that not more to do with breed or [ethnicity to certain regions]? For example, Serpentine Dragons are native to Solstheim, and they lack scales (as a result of enviromental factors perhaps). They look different, but is that why? Or is it just to distinguish themselves from 'lesser' dragons- they are strong, but are they memorable?
 

Sah

Well-Known Member
some one in Bethesda Studios:)..is locked in a room:confused:..inflicted to all sorts of mind torture:eek:...when he brakes:vomit:..starts screaming wired plops:blackdragon:..that's how they get Dragon Names:D
 

Mr Forz

I'm helping. Mostly.
Here's a personal theory of mine; remember who Fathered the dragons? Yep, Akatosh, the God of Time. Perhaps he knows the fate of each Dov, and names them accordingly.

If it's the case, which would make sense for Durnehviir, you'd want to get rid of Paarthurnax as quickly as possible then.
 

DrunkenMage

Intoxicated Arch-Mage
I would suspect the names are titles, the dragons fought each other for territory and respect. Probably like how you are given the Dovah name and title of Qahnaarin.
 
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T. Rakinson

A Brute among Beasts
As opposed to the tens (if not hundreds) of thousands found in real languages? Besides, many of the translated words are too long for names.
But its nice to see people so dedicated to the lore that they are becoming fluent. :) I struggled with modern German. Too much verb movement...
 

Vicente Valtiere

Darkness rises when Silence dies.
Their names are Words of Power. One syllable each, 3 words. Durnehviir is "Curse Never Dying", Vuljotnaak is "Dark Maw Eat"....
 

T. Rakinson

A Brute among Beasts
In a sense that their names can be used to call for them at long distances, yes. Notably the decision to meet you; much less aid you if called, seems to be completely their decision. Odahviing only helps you once he recognises your power. Dragons have been shown to have the same Words of Power though. Hmm... D'you know how each word wall offers a tale on the word? Maybe one of the above posters were right; maybe there is a story behind their names...
 

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