Durnehviir Durnehviir ( Dovahzul : ) is an undead Dragon residing in the Soul Cairn , where he guards Valerica under orders from the Ideal Masters . Background . Some time ago , presumably in the early Merethic Era , Durnehviir lived amongst his kin in the skies above Tamriel . While his brethren used more traditional forms of combat , Durnehviir pursued an interest in necromancy that eventually led him to the Ideal Masters . His wish was to raise armies of undead for his own ends , so he made a pact with the Ideal Masters to gain access to their realm ' s undead . The pact specified that Durnehviir was to serve as the keeper of the Soul Cairn , and guard Valerica until her eventual death - terms to which Durnehviir , being an immortal dragon , agreed . But the Ideal Masters had deceived Durnehviir , as Valerica was a vampire , and thus also immortal . As a result , Durnehviir was doomed to guard the Soul Cairn for eternity . Appearance . Durnehviir is unique in appearance , and does not appear to be of any breed of Dragon previously encountered . His body bears a resemblance to the Frost Dragon , with massive protruding spikes from the back of his neck and extending down to his tail . Four horns sprout from his head . As an undead Dragon , Durnehviir ' s flesh is greatly decayed and his wings look extremely weathered . He is grey - green in complexion , and his scales are constantly dripping and oozing . Flies can be seen around his body , and yellowish drool can be seen constantly dripping from his mouth . When he is defeated by the Dragonborn , his body burns with a unique , purplish fire , though his Dragon Soul is not absorbed . Interactions . Beyond Death . Before receiving the Elder Scroll from Serana ' s mother Valerica , the Dragonborn is attacked by Durnehviir on the way into the Boneyard . During the battle , his unique Dragon Shout can summon several Bonemen to his aid . After he is defeated , his body burns and he disappears ; Valerica warns that he is unable to truly die and may reappear . After exiting the Boneyard , Durnehviir is found waiting outside . He tells the Dragonborn that they were a worthy adversary and calls them " " Qahnaarin , " " or " Vanquisher " in Dragon Language . If the Dragonborn has not yet killed their first dragon in the main questline , Durnehviir will say that it was his instinct to call the hero " Dovah " and that time will possibly clear it out for both of them . If the Dragonborn has finished the main quest line , he will speak about how he heard of the Dragonborn slaying Alduin , the World - Eater . He then explains how he was fooled by the Ideal Masters into becoming trapped in the Soul Cairn for eternity . Summon Durnehviir . He also explains that he wishes to fly through the skies of Tamriel once again , but that his ties to the Soul Cairn prevent him from leaving for long periods of time . He thus teaches the Dragonborn the Summon Durnehviir shout to summon him . The first three times he is summoned , he will teach the words for his Dragon Shout , Soul Tear . As with all shouts , they must be unlocked with acquired dragon soul s . 3rd summon . After this , whenever summoned , Durnehviir can aid the Dragonborn in battle . Durnehviir is the only Dragon able to use a unique shout that lets him summon Bonemen , Mistmen , and Wrathmen . The name of the Shout is Soul Cairn Summon , and the words of power are DIIL QOTH ZAAM " ( Undead , Tomb , Slave ) " .