Odahviing (Skyrim)

Odahviing was the right-hand Dragon to Alduin until his change of loyalties.

Capture and interrogation
In order to find the final location of Alduin the Dragonborn must capture and interrogate Odahviing. While captured, Odahviing bargains with the Dragonborn for his freedom. For his release, he trades the Dragonborn his loyalty and safe passage to a dungeon called Skuldafn high in the eastern mountains, reachable only by flight.

Summoning
Once freed, Odahviing becomes a friendly Dragon that helps the Dragonborn. He can be summoned by using the Call Dragon shout which is learned during the Main Quest The Fallen. He may only be summoned outdoors.

Behavior

 * When Odahviing is called, he will not harm followers nor will they harm him. This includes any Legion or Stormcloak members assisted. Odahviing, however, becomes hostile toward Shadowmere.
 * If Odahviing takes too much damage in battle he will land and stop fighting.
 * He prefers to battle from the sky and is still affected by area of effect spells, such as Lightning Cloak or Fireball.
 * He will fight with you until all hostiles are gone.

Behind the scenes

 * His name means "Winged Snow Hunter".
 * Odahviing can be seen flying around the top of the Throat of the World once the Call Dragon shout has been obtained.
 * He is the only mountable dragon. Since it happens only in a cutscene, there is no actual control over him.
 * He is the last person to speak with the Dragonborn when they return from Sovngarde.
 * After his capture Farengar Secret-Fire will come to examine him, wanting to perform tests and gather samples. He moves around to Odahviing's hindquarters, then Odahviing will shout in pain and let off a stream of fire. Farengar will then flee afterwards.
 * Odahviing is voiced by Canadian actor Charles Dennis.
 * His name is almost an anagram for Dovahkiin.

Bugs

 * He has the option to be talked to after Alduin is defeated when summoned, yet no dialogue can occur.
 * Fix: Exit then reenter to talk to him.
 * Using the Dragonrend shout on him will cause him to land on the mountain, after it wears off he will fly up and begin circling the mountain again.
 * Odahviing will sometimes, though rarely, do the backwards flying glitch, and he may ascend into the clouds, making you wait for the shout to come down.
 * If attacked while he is trapped in Dragonsreach, no damage will be done to him and he will do nothing. Upon release, he will become hostile.