Summary
This article contains spoilers for the Dragon Age series.
The Qunari are a race of tall, horned people whose main society is located on an island off the coast of Northern Thedas called Par Vollen. The Qunari have always been a major part ofDragon Age, with the introduction of Sten as a party member inDragon Age Origins, the Qunari as a major plot point inDragon Age 2, and Iron Bull as a party member inDragon Age: Inquisition. Despite their presence in all three games, the origins of the Qunari are unknown.Dragon Age: Inquisitiongave some hints as to the true origins of the Qunari, and it appears thatDragon Age: The Veilguardmay follow through with the answer.
Varric’s line in the trailer, spoken over Taash’s introduction, has a surface meaning that she’s passionate and intense, but within the broader context ofDragon Age, it has a different meaning.Dragon Age: The Veilguardalso introduces Ghilan’nain, the Evanuris closely associated with a popular fan theory about the creation of the Qunari.
The Link Between Qunari and Dragons in Dragon Age
Dragon Age Has Teased Qunari Origins Before
After killing a dragon inDragon Age: Inquisition, Iron Bull and the Inquisitor drink together at the bar, where Iron Bull shares a theory the Ben-Hassrath have developed about the origins of the Qunari as a race. The Ben-Hassrath theorized that the Qunari had dragon mixed in their blood many generations ago, thanks to the Tamassrans eugenics program. Iron Bull cites his evidence as the general rush of excitement he and other Qunari feel when they encounter and kill dragons, along with the presence of their horns.
If the Inquisitor becomes a Reaver, which involves drinking dragon blood, Iron Bull comments that they “smell good.” When pressed, he goes on to explain that he’s “always had a thing for dragons. Most Qunari do. Maybe there’s something tying us to them, deep in the blood.”
If Kieran has the soul of the Old God, he provides further insight into this theory if the Inquisitor is a Qunari. When speaking to him, Kieran comments, “I noticed your blood. It doesn’t belong to your people.” Corypheus’ comments in the battle during Doom Upon All The World take this theory a step further. If the Inquisitor is a Qunari, Corypheus comments, “What do they call you, a Qunari? Your blood is engorged with decay, your race is not a race, it is a mistake.” While Corypheus’ comment doesn’t connect Qunari and dragons, it does show that he’s unfamiliar with them and didn’t encounter them when he lived as a mortalbefore the First Blight.
Proving the Theory in Dragon Age: The Veilguard
The Qunari May Have Dark Origins
WithDragon Age: Inquisition’s emphasis on Qunari bloodand their possible connection to dragons, theDragon Age: The Veilguardtrailer’s introduction for Taash becomes more of a hint than a simple throwaway line. Varric’s comment is, “We’ll need someone with fire in their blood.” This line is spoken as Taash is shown fighting a high dragon. With the previous hints dropped inDragon Age: Inquisition, and the high dragon on-screen with Taash, it may be possible thatDragon Age: The Veilguardcould finally solve the mystery of the origins of the Qunari, and how they’re linked to dragons.
One popular fan theory is that Ghilan’nain, the elven goddess of the halla, created the Qunari by combining elves with dragons. As Horror of Hormak explained, Ghilan’nain was a mad scientist who experimented with living people and animals by combining them into new monsters and other creations. WithGhilan’nain’s return inDragon Age: The Veilguard, there’s a chance that this theory will be proven correct.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
WHERE TO PLAY
Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Now, a pair of corrupt ancient gods have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world.Thedas needs someone they can count on. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. But you may’t do this alone – the odds are stacked against you. Lead a team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape, and together you will become The Veilguard.
