The dwarven culture ofDragon Ageis one of its most fascinating branches of lore. Fromthe Deep Roadsto Thaigs and the caste system, the fantasy race is one with a rich history. A big part of their history is in their Paragons, known to be the best of them who have accomplished something major.
Paragons are dwarves elected by the Assembly for their great deeds. No matter their caste, they are raised up to nobles and have a house named after them. It is the greatest honor a traditional dwarf can have, though most are made Paragons after death. There is a long list of Paragons, and they give an interesting look intodwarven history.
RELATED:Dragon Age: Every Demon Type, Explained
Warrior Paragons
There are a good number of warrior Paragons. One of the most famous is Aeducan, who lead armies in Orzammar against theFirst Blight darkspawn. This was an especially big deal, as the dwarven empire at the time was nearly destroyed. According to scholars, Aeducan was voted to be a Paragon unanimously because Assembly members immediately killed the one who voted against it.
Another warrior Paragon is Astyth the Grey, the first female Paragon of the Warrior caste. In the Divine Age, Astyth sacrificed her own life to save the King of Orzammar from an assassin. This not only got her the title of Paragon, but the Silent Sisters, anall-female order of warriors, were founded in her honor. Before her death, dwarven tradition did not allow women to be soldiers. She wanted this changed and was ignored, so she cut out her tongue in protest. She also won the Grand Proving with just her bare hands. Due to this, the Silent Sisters also cut out their tongues and fight with just their hands.
In the Ancient Age, Egon Wintersbreath was named a Paragon for being one of the greatest dwarven warriors of his time.He fought darkspawnin defense of the Hormak Kingdom, but the army lost and the kingdom fell. The King at the time ordered that all be sealed to protect Orzammar and Egon left for the surface because he “rather die under an alien sky than be buried in the Stone that betrayed them.”
RELATED:Red Dead and Dragon Age Have One Small Thing in Common
Smith Paragons
Besides warriors, dwarven culture also values its smiths. InDragon Age: Origins, a couple of Paragon smiths are met such as Branka and Caridin. Branka became a Paragon in the Dragon Age for inventing smokeless coal. Caridin is a smith that ascended to Paragon for creating the Anvil of the Void, a device dwarves could use to create golems. However, Caridin disappeared not long after he become Paragon and took the Anvil of the Void with him. There were dwarves who were made Paragons for improving the golem designs as well, such as Paragon Hirol.
InDragon Age Legends, there is also a smith Paragon by the name Beirus. He also disappeared into the Deep Roads, and it was discovered that he found a way to make golems using darkspawn instead of other dwarves.Codex entrieshave also revealed a Paragon named Fairel, who built Kal Repartha in the Hissing Wastes and was a talented runesmith.
Paragon Kings
Paragon Bemot was a commoner who became a king and Paragon simultaneously. He ruled Orzammar and established that the warrior caste is in service to the king during times of war. He ruled during the Fourth Blight. Another Paragon king is Garal Orseck, who lived in ancient times and was named Paragon by Endrin Stonehammer. There is debate among scholars whether Stonehammer or Orseck decided to make Orzammar the dwarven capital. Endrin Stonehammer also served as a King and was named a Paragon on his deathbed.
There is also Garen Orrick, a king, and Paragon that ruled in the Exalted Age. He believed his son, Tethras, killed his sister, so he banished him to the Deep Roads. However, it was later revealed that Carta murdered her. Stricken with guilt, he changed the family name to Tethras. This is in relation toVarric Tethras, though the house was eventually banished to the surface for fixing Proving matches.
A casteless dwarfbecame both Paragon and king as well. He was Gherlen the Blood-Risen and went to the surface for time to make a name and then came back to Orzammar. He overthrew the king and replaced him.
Other Paragons
Outside of warriors, smiths, and kings, there are still many Paragons that range from inventors to authors. In terms of artists, Ebryan became a Paragon for writing popular children’s books in the Exalted Age. He wroteSongs That Only Nugs Can Hearand How the Deepstalker Came to Be. There is also Paragon Ortan, who composed theSeven Brothers and the Ortanic Symphony,which is known as a grand epic. There is also a funny easter egg of Paragon Suess, who lived in the Glory Age and was known for his rhyming skills.
Among Paragons are also builders, like Hekkat, who founded the system to build the massive structures Thaigs are known for. One Paragon even got his title by discovering that nugs are edible. Of course, a big mention is conditional.If theDragon Age: OriginsWarden is of dwarven origin, then they become a Paragon for their part in ending the Fifth Blight.
There is evidence of Paragons long forgotten as well. For example, there is evidence of a child Paragon that is memorialized at Caridin’s Cross, but it wasvandalized by darkspawn. Along with the child, there is a Paragon named Erahel who is evidenced to have died at Caridin’s Cross. There is also Heidrun the Deep, a Paragon entombed in Heidrun Thaig, whose deeds are a mystery.Dragon Agehas a lot of named Paragons whose deeds are unknown, such as Hrildan, Ilona, Ivo, Latena, Volleny, and Lynchcar. They are mentioned as Paragons either due to having statues, having mentions by NPCs, or in codices.
Dragon Age: Dreadwolfis in development.
MORE:Dragon Age: Dreadwolf’s Title Suggests One Major Departure From Past Games
