The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim has had a long history of talented creators in the community, and one among them made a traditional oil painting of the Dragonborn, the game's iconic hero. Before Skyrim launched eleven years ago, Bethesda's brief but powerful marketing campaign for the new Elder Scrolls title put special emphasis on the Dragonborn from the get-go. This was not the Nerevarine, or the Hero of Kvatch, no – Bethesda wanted to make sure the player character not only played a pivotal role in the story, but also a pivotal role in the game's promotional content.
Unlike with Oblivion and Morrowind, players knew who they were going to be heading into Skyrim: the destined hero of Nordic legend who could wield the power of the dragons against them. This departure from the subtler approach of earlier entries paid off for Bethesda, and the game's own prologue reflected the change by immediately introducing players to the overarching threat of Alduin and his dragons. Like the Nords themselves, Skyrim was bold and confident in its storytelling, if a bit lacking depth at times.
These decisions ultimately gave the Dragonborn an iconic look that players latch onto, and Entar0178 chose to paint the default protagonist of Skyrim with traditional oil on a canvas. The helm, the fur armor, and the steel sword: all the classical elements tied to the Dragonborn's promotional image are depicted here. Perhaps the most curious detail about the piece can be found in its composition, as the Dragonborn and his shield make up a heart in the middle of the painting.
Entar0178 has done plenty of art for several Elder Scrolls games, with his main focus being Skyrim and The Elder Scrolls Online. Beyond Tamriel, he has also painted landscapes and characters from Lord of the Rings, Mass Effect, and Star Wars – all as a traditional oil paintings on a canvas.
Though Skyrim's longevity in the public spotlight beggars belief, with Starfield on the horizon, there has been a steady shift in focus among Elder Scrolls fans. Despite The Elder Scrolls 6 being announced several years too early, excitement for the sequel is starting to pick up again. No release date is known, no estimate can be given, and even its setting is a topic mired in rumor – but Elder Scrolls players know it's coming. Whoever the hero character of the next Elder Scrolls game ends up being, there will no doubt be plenty of fan art drawn before the game is released.
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - Anniversary Edition is out now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.