Serana
A cursed princess who chose her own path through the eternal night.
Serana is a pivotal character and companion introduced in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's 'Dawnguard' expansion. As one of the last pure-blooded Vampire Lords, she serves as both a reluctant ally and a tragic figure whose existence bridges the gap between the ancient Volkihar dynasty and the modern era. Her journey centers on her family's dark legacy, specifically her mother Valerica and father Harkon, while navigating a world that fears what she is.
Initially found sealed within an ancient tomb for over a millennium, Serana emerges into a Skyrim torn by civil war and a prophecy threatening to blot out the sun. Her role evolves from a mysterious guide through forgotten dungeons to a central figure in the fate of the vampire race, offering players a unique perspective on the moral complexities of vampirism and the burden of immortality.
- Role
- Vampire Lord / Companion
- Affiliation
- Dawnguard (optional), Volkihar Clan (by birth)
- First Appears
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dawnguard
- Status
- Alive (Immortal)
- Origin
- Volkihar Castle, Skyrim
Lore & Background
Serana was born into the Volkihar clan during the First Era, an era of mythic proportions long before the events of Skyrim. Her father, Harkon, sought to fulfill a prophecy known as the Tyranny of the Sun, which would allow vampires to walk freely in daylight by using the Elder Scroll to block out the sun forever. To prevent this apocalypse, Serana's mother, Valerica, convinced her daughter to undergo a ritual that sealed her soul and body within a sarcophagus inside Dimhollow Crypt, effectively freezing time for her while Valerica fled with the Elder Scroll.
For over two thousand years, Serana remained in stasis, unaware of the changing world outside. When she was finally awakened by the Dragonborn, she discovered that her family had fractured and her father's plan was nearing completion. Unlike many vampires who revel in their condition or succumb to madness, Serana retains a sharp wit, deep humanity, and a profound weariness with her eternal life. Her existence is a testament to the tragedy of immortality; she has outlived friends, lovers, and entire civilizations, yet remains trapped by the blood that courses through her veins.
In Their Own Story
The air in Dimhollow Crypt hung heavy, thick with the taste of ancient dust and dried blood that had settled over two millennia. With a groan of grinding stone that echoed like a thunderclap in the suffocating silence, Serana pushed open the lid of her sarcophagus. She blinked against the dim, filtered light piercing through cracks in the ceiling, her pale eyes struggling to adjust to a world that had spun on without her for an eternity.
"It's been... a while," she murmured, her voice raspy from centuries of disuse. She stepped onto the cold stone floor, her gaze locking onto the Dragonborn waiting in the gloom. "My father won't be pleased to see me awake. He always claimed I was too soft for this business." A faint, melancholy smile touched her lips as she brushed a century's worth of cobwebs from her shoulder. "But then again, he's never been one for family reunions that don't end in bloodshed. Shall we? The sun is still up, and I'd prefer to keep it that way."
Reader's Guide
Serana serves as the narrative anchor and primary companion throughout the Dawnguard questline, offering a rare blend of formidable combat utility and profound character depth. As an ancient Vampire Lord, she brings unique mechanics to the battlefield: she can cast powerful Destruction spells like Vampiric Drain, resurrect fallen foes to fight alongside her, and transform into a terrifying Vampire Lord form at will. Unlike standard followers who follow simple commands, Serana engages in dynamic banter, offering critical insights into vampire lore and reacting realistically to the player's choices regarding vampirism. Her presence transforms the questline from a simple fetch mission into an intimate exploration of family trauma, forcing players to navigate her complex history with Harkon and Valerica while deciding whether to cure her curse or embrace the night together.
Did You Know?
- Serana is voiced by Laura Bailey, who also voices characters like Rayne in BloodRayne and Supergirl in various DC animated projects.
- She is the only companion in Skyrim capable of turning the player into a Vampire Lord if the Dawnguard questline is completed on the vampire side.
- Serana's personality changes slightly depending on whether she remains a vampire or is cured, with her dialogue becoming more hopeful and less cynical after the cure.
- Her mother, Valerica, was one of the few vampires capable of using the Elder Scroll without being driven mad by its visions.