Dragonborn (Lore)

"[...] But... there is one they fear. In their tongue... he is 'Dovahkiin' - Dragonborn!"

- Esbern

A Dragonborn is someone who has been born with the soul and blood of a dragon but has the body of a mortal.

Previous Games
In the Elder Scrolls universe, the term Dragonborn has been used to refer to the heirs of Emperor Tiber Septim, founder of the Septim Dynasty of Tamriel. Most of these 'heirs to the joined blood' have been of the Imperial race and derive their legitimacy from the covenant between Saint Alessia and Akatosh. Dragonborn can be of any race, as the abilities and title are given by the Nine Divines to favored subjects.

The Nerevarine, the main character from Morrowind, was also referred to as "Dragon-born" in the Lost Prophecy. The issues have since been cleared up, with Game Developer Todd Howard revealing that the "Dragonborn" of Skyrim will be different to those in previous games (Pre-Oblivion).

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Dragonborn (or Dovahkiin, in the Dragon Language), is the player's character in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. At the start of the game the Dragonborn is a prisoner, captured while attempting to cross the border into Skyrim. While being transported to the settlement of Helgen, the player discovers that one of their fellow prisoners is Ulfrich Stormcloak, leader of the rebelion. Apparently to make a point, Imperial General Tullius sentences all the prisoners to death.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's trailers and concept art depict the Dragonborn as a Male Nord with brown hair and a short beard, wearing an Iron Helmet, Studded Cuirass, Iron Gauntlets and Iron Boots. In one gameplay trailer the Dragonborn uses a Steel Sword and Banded Iron Shield, but in another he is dual-wielding a Steel Sword and Steel Dagger. However, as per usual with Elder Scrolls games, race, gender, and equipment are left to the player's decisions.