Draugr ( Skyrim ) Draugr are undead Nordic warriors of Skyrim . It is believed that draugr once served the Dragon Priests ; some even know several Words of Power . Draugr are among the most common foes in Skyrim ' s many crypts and catacombs . They retain the ability to wield weapons such as swords , axes , and bows , and higher ranked draugr can even use Dragon Shouts . Most draugr use ancient Nordic weapons , although the high ranked variants can use ebony weapons . Some draugr only appear as corpses , usually containing a few pieces of gold . Draugr are weak to fire as well as silver weapons . Draugr loot includes a chance of bone meal , jewelry , gems , soul gems , ingot s or potions . Their armor can be crafted at the Skyforge in Whiterun after completing The Companions quest " Glory of the Dead , " or found in these locations . Amongst the Draugr . " Amongst the Draugr " , by Bernadette Bantien , a mage from the College of Winterhold , reports her studies on the subject . It has taken her seven months to learn how to be able to approach the draugr without being regarded as a threat , although she could not learn to understand their language . Bernadette stated that she had " . . . always wondered why the ancient priests of the dragon cult insisted that their followers be buried with them , " until noticing everyday a different set of draugr would awaken and prostrate themselves before the priest ' s sarcophagus , after which they would meticulously clean the area . Their dedication after death also seemed to explain why they so ferociously defend their chambers . After further observation , she reports that when the group of draugr came to pay homage to their fallen leaders , a distinct flow of life - force could be noted between the priest and the followers . The second eternal life of the dragon cult was only promised to those who ascended to priesthood , while the lesser functionaries contributed their life force to sustaining them for eternity . Directly quoting the book : Variants . Draugr come in a number of variants . The specific type that is encountered is typically level - dependent ; however , lower leveled Draugr can still be encountered at higher levels . All Draugr are immune to poison and have a 50 % resistance to Frost . Niche Draugr . There are three types of draugr lying or standing in burial niches . The first kind look like skeletons and never have loot , nor do they ever awaken . The second kind , which look fleshier than the first kind , but wear no armor , are loot containers . The third kind are sleeping draugr who look like the second kind , but their body model includes armor and these will awaken and attack the Dragonborn if they sense their presence . If the Dragonborn is sufficiently stealthy , a way to distinguish between the second two types is to mouse over the draugr . If the search text comes up , they are loot containers and if not , they are currently susceptible to a sneak attack . Combat . In battle , higher level draugr make extensive use of the Unrelenting Force shout . Although the ability can throw off a sword swing or an aimed arrow , it typically doesn ' t knock the Dragonborn off balance . Draugr can be found using the Detect Dead spell or Aura Whisper , while using a power attack on , or casting a Frenzy spell at a closed coffin containing a draugr can cause it to emerge without harming the Dragonborn . If the Dragonborn has a high enough Sneak skill , it is possible to crouch walk towards a sleeping Draugr and successfully kill them with one hit . Draugr are some of the very few humanoid enemies who are unaffected by decapitation . The three shouts Draugr use , Unrelenting Force , Frost Breath and Disarm , can be blocked by any ward spell , Spellbreaker or absorbed using spell absorption . Dialogue . The following are phrases that are uttered by the Draugr :