 When exploring the game world , the player may encounter wildlife . Many creatures in the wilderness are immediately hostile towards the player . However , game animals such as elk and deer will simply run away . Skyrim is the first entry in The Elder Scrolls to include Dragons in the game 's wilderness . Like other creatures , Dragons are generated randomly in the world and will engage in combat with NPCs , creatures and the player . Some Dragons may attack cities and towns when in their proximity . The player character can absorb the souls of Dragons in order to use powerful spells called " Dragon Shouts " , or " Thu 'um " . Each Shout contains three words in the language spoken by Dragons , and the strength of the Shout will vary depending on how many words have been spoken . The words to Shouts can be learned by visiting " Word Walls " in dungeons or around the continent . The words to each shout are unlocked for use by spending the absorbed souls of slain Dragons . A regeneration period limits the player 's use of Shouts in gameplay . 
