10 Works of Skyrim Fanfiction You Have to Check Out

Who doesn’t love fanfiction? A chance to explore and experience all your favorite fictional worlds and stories with no limitations on what can happen? It’s simply the best! Especially for a game like Skyrim, in a world that’s filled with so much lore, legend, and adventure. But with so many fics available to consume on the internet, how can anyone figure out how to navigate through them? Luckily for you, we at Nerds & Scoundrels have got you covered. Check out the top ten Skyrim fanfiction stories every fan should check out!

Our Top 10 Skyrim Fanfiction Stories

Below are our top ten fanfiction stories of Skyrim, in no particular order. 

10. “Dragon from Ash” by Mortigaunt (Fanfiction.net)

“I may be Dunmer, but I am the Dragonborn, and I will defend your people whether they like it or not.”

This twenty-three chapter fic expands on the story of Skyrim, incorporating lore, content, and apocrypha from earlier games in The Elder Scrolls franchise, making this the perfect fic for longtime and dedicated fans of the series. The fic also elaborates on different choices and paths in the games, exploring the different consequences for the player’s different actions. Note that this fic does contain mature topics, such as sexual themes, violence, and examinations of lore. 

9. “Rising From the Ashes” by vanillathunder215 (Archive of Our Own)

“But he was done. All that he had here was destroyed. As gro-Bulfim had said, everyone felt it, everyone knew, but it was left unsaid.”

This forty-six chapter fic draws upon story from Skyrim as well as Morrowind and other lore in The Elder Scrolls franchise to tell a tale of The Nerevarine, who ends up in Skryim in his “self-imposed exile.” He finds himself swept up in an adventure involving dragons, wizards, guards, elves, and a kid who ends up being the Dragonborn, and eventually finds himself back in Morrowind. Using everything he’s learned on his journey, the Nerevarine, decides to fight for Morrowind’s freedom. Note that this fic contains graphic depictions of violence. 

8. “A Better Song” by archergwen (Fanfiction.net)

“When the night is dark, cold, and full of terrors one reaches for a song to keep warm.”

This one-fic may be short, but it’s definitely not one to miss out on. The fic features a Redguard Dragonborn, a failed Stormcloak rebellion, and three unlikely allies to spin a tale of a Stormcloak requesting the Dragonborn to turn his death into a better song. Will he oblige? Well you will just have to read it to find out. 

7. “Corruption of Blood” by BrunetteAuthorette99 (Fanfiction.net)

“Imagine the whole of Skyrim doing that, and you’ll have our reaction to the new prince […] After so many years of misery, this land deserves some happiness-”

This forty-one chapter fic loosely follows the Dawnguard questline and tells a story of adventure and suspense. Follow Ronan Sorleigh, a young man who’s recently ventured into Skyrim for a guild job and finds himself caught up in a wild conspiracy. After joining forces with the beautiful and mysterious vampire Serana, he races to stop an insidious plot, as well as a dark legacy that only he can conquer. 

6. “Dragons” by Annonimous4862 (Fanfiction.net)

“He wished he’d stop there. But he didn’t. He went through other places – barren wastelands, seas of lava, vast forests… and just when he thought he couldn’t take it anymore, it stopped, and he was… here.”

This nineteen chapter fic tells the humorous and enticing story of a male dragonborn who ends up in the world of the inheritance cycle. Filled with plenty of action and adventure, this fic is not to be missed. Unfortunately, it is unfinished, and has not been updated since 2013 (meaning it likely will never be), but what is available of the story so far is incredible. 

5. “Zero Summing” by Poliamida (Fanfiction.net)

“Trying to sit up, she frantically searched for her wand, she wouldn’t be able to cast a single spell for her dear life but at least Louise could try to scare them.” 

This forty-five chapter fic tells the story of Louise, a young noble mage who sends herself to Skyrim after multiple and embarrassing failures. She soon takes on the role of a Dragonborn and embarks on an epic journey. Told in two parts – with the first half following Louise journeying through Skyrim and the second half when she returns to her homeland – this adventure is one not to be missed out on. 

4. “Foe-Tongue: A Historical Fiction” by BetterBeMeta (Archive of Our Own)

“Wyrenna supposed it was kind for the Gods to leave her alone to grieve. Still, that counter-voice suggested that company would help. It sounded like Ilyas-Tei. She missed the Argonian now more than ever.”

If a canon-divergent fic is what you’re looking for, then this sixty-four chapter fic should definitely be on your list. This beautifully written fic tells the tale of a Nord and an Altmer and is heavy on the lore of the game. Be warned that this fic does contain graphic depictions of violence, as well as one major character death. 

3. “Of Kings, Draugr, and Dragons” by DoctorEagle (Fanfiction.net)

“Are you ready for another adventure?”

Crossover fics may not be everyone’s thing, but if you’re gonna check out one, this Game of Thrones x Elder Scroll fic should definitely be the one. This forty-two chapter fic features the Dragonborn, Mjoll, and an assassin from the Dark Brotherhood as they venture to Westeros. Soon they encounter a large army of ice dragur as well as new dragon life in the land. Will they beat the clock to stop the dragur and find the dragons? You’ll have to read to find out.  

2. “Land of My Fathers” by Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Fanfiction.net)

“Already dreams of winning honour and glory in battle are fading and I believe my days may be numbered.”

If a long, epic story is what you’re craving, then you have to check out this next fic. This ninety-nine chapter fic tells the story of Uthred, a farmer who dreams of being a hero-warrior, attaining glory and honor, and eventually joining his father in Sovngarde. However, fate has a different plan for him, as he finds himself traveling to Skyrim towards a destiny he could have never imagined. Filled with action, adventure, and even romance, this fic is sure to have something for everyone.

1. “Living Skyrim” by That Guy Right There (Fanfiction.net)

“You’re in Skyrim? […] And I guess they changed you and him out of your civilian clothes for some reason.”

Finally, a good ‘ol meta fic that every Skyrim player can relate to. This seven-chapter fic tells the story of a gamer who has spent over 900 hours of his life playing Skyrim the game who suddenly wakes up and finds himself in Skyrim the world. Will his hours of dedicated playing actually come to use when he’s faced with real dangers? Read this fic to find out!  

Nerds and Scoundrels

And that concludes our Skyrim fanfiction Top 10. Did we leave anything out? If so, don’t forget to let us know in the comments! Hungry for more fanfiction? See our rundown of the best Blacklist fanfiction!