Guides / The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
Western Watchtower
The Western Watchtower is the site of Whiterun's defensive stand during the main quest "Dragon Rising." Players investigate the ruined outpost with Irileth and Whiterun guards before facing Mirmulnir, the first dragon encountered in the main storyline. Defeating the beast initiates the player's first dragon soul absorption and permanently unlocks the Thu'um mechanic.
- Region
- Whiterun Hold
- Getting there
- west of Whiterun, follow the main road leading west across the plains
- Connects to
- Whiterun
- Related quests
- Dragon Rising
- Services and people
- Irileth · Whiterun Guard
- Enemy types
- Dragon (Mirmulnir)
Achievements here
Items
0/2
Key fights
Enemies: Mirmulnir
Threats: Fire Breath shout (heavy sustained fire damage), bite attacks, tail whip, and wing buffets
Weaknesses and resistances: Susceptible to Frost damage, Poison, and Stagger; completely vulnerable while grounded
Tactics: Take cover inside or behind the stone Western Watchtower structure to break line-of-sight during aerial strafing runs; shoot Mirmulnir with bows or magic from the broken tower spiral or ground doorways; once Mirmulnir lands (or drops below half health), let Irileth and the Whiterun guards draw melee aggro while flanking the dragon's flanks to avoid breath cones and tail sweeps
Rewards: First Dragon Soul absorbed, unlocks the full Unrelenting Force shout ("Ro"), Dragon Bones, Dragon Scales, leveled gold, and progression to summon the Greybeards (Way of the Voice)
Enemies
The first dragon fought in the main quest, utilizing fire-based breath shouts.
Tips
- Use the stone arches and the intact interior of the watchtower as cover to block Mirmulnir's fire breath attacks.
- Allow Irileth and the Whiterun guards to draw Mirmulnir's attention so you can safely land ranged attacks or strike from behind.
- Dragon bones and scales are very heavy, so ensure you have sufficient carrying capacity before looting Mirmulnir.
Not listed for this area: secrets, shops and people.
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