thuum

Thuum, also known as Thu’um, is the Dragon Language-based system of magical shouting featured prominently in The Elder Scrolls series, most notably in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The term roughly translates to “word-power” and designates the spoken power of the Dragon Tongue, by which a user channels ancient voices to unleash magical effects.

A shout consists of one to three words. Each word expands the effect, and the power of the shout scales with the number of words known. Words are learned from ancient Word Walls scattered across Tamriel and by absorbing the souls of dragons. Only those who speak the Dragon Language fluently—often the Dragonborn who has learned to harness the Dragon Blood—can perform the thu’um effectively. The shouts vary from offensive and defensive to utility and travel, and some shouts are stronger when more words are spoken in sequence.

In-universe, the Thu’um is an ancient tradition among dragons and their mortal followers, preserved by the Greybeards and embedded in dragon lore and Nord myth. The Dragonborn—a mortal with Dragon Blood who can absorb dragon souls—can unlock new words and gradually master the Thu’um, granting access to a broad repertoire of shouts.

In modern narratives within the games, the Thu’um is a central gameplay and lore element. Skyrim, in particular, treats it as a core combat and exploration mechanic, inviting players to discover Word Walls, collect dragon souls, and learn shouts such as the Unrelenting Force, known in Dragon Language as Fus Ro Dah.