In the vast, mysterious world of Skyrim, few moments are as unforgettable as when the Dragonborn tames Sahrotaar using the Bend Will shout. This powerful event takes place during the Dragonborn DLC and symbolizes the protagonist’s increasing mastery over dragonkind. Sahrotaar is not just any dragon he serves Miraak, the first Dragonborn, and gaining control over him is a pivotal moment in the story. Understanding how to use Bend Will to tame Sahrotaar is essential for progressing in the main questline and ultimately defeating Miraak. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to unlock, equip, and successfully use Bend Will on Sahrotaar in a way that maximizes immersion and impact.
Unlocking the Bend Will Shout
Acquiring the Words of Power
The Bend Will shout is unique to the Dragonborn DLC and requires all three words of power to reach its full potential. Each word amplifies the effect and is necessary for taming Sahrotaar:
- First Word GOL (Earth): This is learned during the The Fate of the Skaal quest.
- Second Word HA (Mind): You obtain this as you progress through The Gardener of Men.
- Third Word DOV (Dragon): Unlocked in the At the Summit of Apocrypha quest, shortly before facing Sahrotaar.
It is critical that all three words are unlocked and that you have absorbed the required dragon souls to activate them. Without the full shout, the spell will not be strong enough to tame Sahrotaar.
Activating Bend Will
To use Bend Will effectively, access the Magic menu and navigate to the Shouts tab. Scroll down until you find Bend Will and ensure that all three words are activated. Equip the shout, and ensure you have enough cooldown reduction gear or shout enhancements if available to help you reuse shouts quickly if needed.
Encountering Sahrotaar
The Summit of Apocrypha
During the final stages of the Dragonborn DLC’s main storyline, players will journey through the black, swirling realm of Apocrypha. The final chapter, At the Summit of Apocrypha, culminates in a dramatic confrontation with Miraak. Before reaching him, however, the player is met by Sahrotaar, who will swoop down and challenge the Dragonborn.
Sahrotaar’s arrival is not just for spectacle. He is the key to reaching Miraak, and taming him is not optional. Many players make the mistake of trying to kill Sahrotaar in battle, but this will only result in him reappearing repeatedly until you use the shout correctly.
The Right Moment to Shout
When Sahrotaar appears, you must resist the temptation to immediately engage in combat. Instead, wait for him to land. Once he touches down and growls his threatening words, immediately use the fully charged Bend Will shout on him. Timing is important don’t shout too early or while he’s airborne, as it may fail to register.
How to Use Bend Will on Sahrotaar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wait for Sahrotaar to land and complete his dialogue.
- Stand at a reasonable distance so the shout hits him directly.
- Hold down the shout button to use all three words:GOL-HA-DOV.
- Observe the effect: Sahrotaar will be surrounded by a blue aura, and his eyes will glow.
- He will then acknowledge your power and allow you to mount him.
If done correctly, Sahrotaar will become docile and invite you to ride him. If you accidentally use only one or two words of the shout, it will not work. Make sure the shout is fully charged.
What to Do If It Fails
There are several reasons why Bend Will might fail:
- You only unlocked one or two words.
- You did not spend a dragon soul to unlock the words.
- You shouted too early or missed your target.
- Another shout is still on cooldown.
To resolve the issue, return to your Shout menu, confirm that all three words are glowing, and make sure you are targeting Sahrotaar directly. Reloading a recent save can help if he does not respond appropriately.
Riding Sahrotaar
Taking Flight in Apocrypha
Once tamed, Sahrotaar becomes a temporary mount. Riding him is necessary to reach Miraak, who awaits at the center of Apocrypha. The controls for dragon-riding are different from standard mounts and may take some getting used to. Sahrotaar flies automatically, but you can issue basic commands:
- Attack: Direct Sahrotaar to breathe fire or frost at enemies below.
- Land: Use the land command when reaching the designated platform near Miraak.
Flying on Sahrotaar offers a cinematic view of Apocrypha’s twisted landscape and helps set the stage for the final confrontation.
Why Taming Sahrotaar Matters
Plot Progression
Controlling Sahrotaar is essential for reaching Miraak’s final location. Without taming him, the player cannot advance the main questline. Moreover, this moment showcases the Dragonborn’s growth and their ability to turn Miraak’s servant into an ally, however briefly.
Symbolic Power
Bend Will is a shout that literally changes the will of others. Using it on a dragon who serves your greatest enemy and turning him into your mount represents the ultimate shift in dominance and power. It is a pivotal moment narratively and mechanically.
Post-Taming Sahrotaar
Can You Ride Him Again?
Unfortunately, Sahrotaar is only rideable during this specific quest. Once the player defeats Miraak, Sahrotaar disappears and cannot be summoned again. This makes the experience a one-time event, but one that leaves a lasting impression on most players.
Other Uses of Bend Will
Though you cannot reuse Sahrotaar, Bend Will remains useful. With the full shout unlocked, players can:
- Tame and ride any dragon they encounter in the wild.
- Command animals and people temporarily.
- Control constructs within Apocrypha to solve puzzles or open paths.
The shout becomes a versatile tool, not just a plot device.
Using Bend Will to tame Sahrotaar is one of Skyrim’s most powerful and memorable moments. It blends story progression with gameplay innovation, offering players the chance to assert their role as the true Dragonborn. By unlocking all three words of the shout and using them at the right moment, you command the loyalty of a dragon and soar into battle against your greatest foe. Whether you’re chasing immersion, completing the questline, or simply enjoying the spectacle, this event remains a highlight in the Dragonborn DLC.