Character from The Elder Scrolls by Bethesda Game Studios
Ancient dragon whose name means 'Winged Snow Hunter.' Captured by the Dragonborn at Dragonsreach and subsequently pledged his service, carrying the Dragonborn to Skuldafn.
Odahviing is an ancient dragon whose name translates to 'Winged Snow Hunter' in the dragon language. Once loyal to Alduin, he was among the dragons resurrected during the Dragon Crisis to serve the World-Eater's return. However, Odahviing possessed something rare among dragons: pragmatism tempered by a warrior's respect for superior strength. The Dragonborn captured Odahviing using the ancient dragon trap built into Dragonsreach — the great hall of Whiterun, which was literally designed for this purpose by the ancient Nords. Rather than fighting to the death, Odahviing recognized the Dragonborn's power and, with Alduin's authority shaken by his earlier defeats, chose to serve the stronger master. Odahviing's defection is crucial to the main quest — he is the one who carries the Dragonborn to Skuldafn, Alduin's temple and the portal to Sovngarde, which is unreachable by any other means. After Alduin's defeat, Odahviing can be summoned as an ally, swooping down from the skies to aid the Dragonborn in battle. He represents the possibility that not all dragons need to be enemies — that some can recognize the Dragonborn's authority as legitimate.
A large red-scaled dragon with powerful wings spanning wide enough to cast shadows over entire courtyards. His scales are deep crimson fading to darker hues along his spine, with battle scars from ages of conflict. His eyes burn with ancient intelligence, and his voice carries the rumbling authority of dragonkind. He is smaller than Alduin but still an awe-inspiring sight.
Also known as: Odahviing, Winged Snow Hunter