A view of Dragonspine, showcasing its snowy mountains.
An enormous mountain that holds the remains of the venomous dragon, Durin, who fell here after his battle with Dvalin. Few adventurers dare attempt to conquer this unforgiving environment marked by deep snow, sheer cold, poisonous blood, and monsters. But such things will not dissuade the star-faring Traveler from journeying here… — *1.2 Trailer Description*
So, why's this area so important?
Glad you asked, Traveler! In short, the release of Dragonspine was FODDER GALORE for lore enthusiasts everywhere! The lore discovered behind Dragonspine helped shape much of the theories on Celestia, Irminsul and the Leylines, the Prayers, and more. And don't even get us started on the alchemist on Dragonspine, Albedo...
<aside> 💡 There is no better way to describe Dragonspine than as a graveyard of a bygone time. On this mountain, lies the ruins of a once-ancient mountain city—Sal Vindagnyr— and of the dragon Durin. Located just south of the city of Mondstadt, Dragonspine is infamous to normal folk and adventurers alike for its danger and mystery. Despite all this, many are keen to discover its' secrets...
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Dragonspine was released in version 1.2 with the World quest "In the Mountains", two new artifact sets (Blizzard Strayer and Heart of the Depths), three craftable weapons, and "The Chalk Prince and the Dragon" event.
<aside> 1️⃣ In the Mountains The Frostbearing Tree and the Skyfrost Nail
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<aside> 2️⃣ Sal Vindagnyr The city and its inhabitants
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<aside> 3️⃣ Mondstadt's Involvement Durin and the Eberhart Search Party
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<aside> 4️⃣ Further Reading Recommended fan theories, artifact sets, in-game books
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Your journey into Dragonspine begins after speaking with Iris in the Dragonspine Adventurer Camp. She explains that there seems to be "bizzarely hard ice" blocking the paths into the mountains. You discover this can be thawed using Scarlet Quartz and unlock the Frostbearing Tree, which sends a frozen shard (of the Skyfrost Nail) flying to the peak of Vindagnyr.
The Frostbearing tree.
The Frostbearing Tree is an ancient tree that tends to this snowy mountain. The ancient tree that should have slumbered forever under the ice and snow has sprouted scarlet sprouts anew.
Offer Crimson Agates scattered all over Dragonspine to this tree, and you may obtain rich rewards in return... — Map Description
<aside> 🦋 A fully leveled tree sprouts butterflies! In Chinese culture these symbolize death, moving on from death, and immortality.
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When the Skyfrost Nail descended on the mountain, it broke apart the tree and shattered into fragments. Years later, when the corrupted Durin's blood seeped into the valley and its ley lines, and later still, when "someone" had broken its icy shackles, the tree began to sprout once more. Similarly to the mechanics of the Statue of the Seven, the Tree is fed Crimson Agates as opposed to Anemoculi or Geoculi. These are crystals formed by the combination of coalesced energy in Dragonspine—serving as "nutrition" for the tree as it yearns to grow.
Though it is not explicitly stated, it is heavily implied that the Frostbearing Tree is made of Irminsul, which is "a silver-white tree with roots stretching down into the earth". — Prototype Crescent