When players first encounter Serana in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, her distinct appearance and cryptic dialogue immediately raise questions about her origins. What race is Serana, and what does her lineage mean for her role in the Dawnguard storyline? Understanding her true nature is essential to appreciating the complex narrative woven into the expansion, as she is far more than a simple companion.
The Primary Lineage: A Daughter of the Volkihar Clan
Serana is unequivocally a vampire, specifically a member of the ancient and prestigious Volkihar clan. She is the daughter of Lord Harkon, the leader of the clan, and his wife, Valerica. This heritage is not merely cosmetic; it defines her core existence, abilities, and the central conflict she faces throughout the " Dawnguard" questline. Her vampiric nature grants her unique powers and vulnerabilities that shape every interaction.
Distinguishing Vampire Sub-races
While all members of the Volkihar clan are vampires, Serana belongs to a specific sub-race known as the "Pureblood" vampires. Purebloods are distinct from other vampire types, such as those created by a Sanguinare Vampiris infection, because they are born into their condition rather than being transformed later in life. This birthright grants them greater control over their powers and a more potent connection to the magical aspects of vampirism, setting them apart from their infected counterparts.
The Significance of Her Mixed Heritage
The intrigue surrounding Serana's race deepens with the revelation of her mother, Valerica. Unlike Lord Harkon, Valerica is not a pure vampire but rather a "Half-Vampire." This unique status means she is a former human who was transformed but successfully retained her soul and conscience, avoiding the typical draugr-like insanity that often accompanies the condition. This mixed lineage is a key plot point, as Valerica's humanity provides a potential path for Serana to resist the darker urges of her blood and seek a different future.
Lord Harkon represents the pure, primal aspect of vampirism, embracing the beastial nature of his race.
Valerica embodies the struggle between the monster and the person, retaining her soul and memories.
Serana exists in the space between these two poles, inheriting power from her father and compassion from her mother.
Gameplay and Racial Bonuses
From a gameplay perspective, understanding that Serana is a vampire is crucial for players who wish to recruit her as a follower. Her racial abilities make her a formidable ally in combat, reflecting her Volkihar heritage. She possesses powerful Destruction magic, enhanced stealth, and a natural resistance to frost damage, all of which stem from her undead physiology. Managing her vampiric needs, such as feeding on sleeping NPCs, becomes a part of the player's interaction with her.
The Quest for a Cure: Challenging Destiny
One of the most compelling aspects of Serana's character is her struggle with her race. While she is a powerful vampire, she yearns for a cure to her condition, a desire inherited from her mother's human side. The central quest of the Dawnguard expansion revolves around finding the Auriel's Bow, an artifact capable of killing a god, which is required to cure her of her vampirism. This personal journey highlights the tension between her birthright and her own aspirations for a mortal life.
