Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-76.178.159.131-20141121082816/@comment-13446185-20141122025647

Miraak is a Dragonborn, and like the Dovahkiin, can absorb knowledge on a Thu'um without any teachings. This knowledge can be given voluntarily, as we see with the Greybeards, or taken by force, as we see when you absorb a Dragon soul.