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Who Faces the Axe in Helgen? Unpacking the Executions at Skyrim’s Start

At the very beginning of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players are thrust into a chaotic scene: an Imperial execution in the town of Helgen. The characters lined up for execution are Lokir of Rorikstead, a horse thief; Ralof, a Stormcloak soldier; Ulfric Stormcloak, the leader of the Stormcloak rebellion; and you, the player character. The execution is interrupted by the dragon Alduin, saving them from the executioners axe, but the threat of the execution still looms heavy as the game’s inciting incident.

Unraveling the Fates at Helgen: A Detailed Look

The opening scene of Skyrim is a masterclass in setting the stage for a sprawling adventure. The execution at Helgen serves as a crucial narrative device, introducing key characters, establishing the central conflict, and immediately immersing players in the game’s world. But who exactly is facing execution, and why?

The Condemned: A Motley Crew

The execution lineup in Helgen isn’t a homogenous group. It’s a mix of individuals caught up in the escalating civil war and unfortunate circumstances:

Lokir of Rorikstead: A minor character, Lokir is a horse thief attempting to flee across the border. He symbolizes the petty crimes and desperation prevalent in a war-torn land. He protests his innocence, claiming he’s not a rebel, but his pleas fall on deaf ears. Lokir is the first to be executed, setting a grim tone for the rest of the scene.
Ralof: A Stormcloak soldier, Ralof is a dedicated follower of Ulfric Stormcloak. He represents the common Nord caught up in the rebellion, fighting for what he believes is his people’s freedom. He is also the first person to greet the player.
Ulfric Stormcloak: The leader of the Stormcloak rebellion, Ulfric is the main reason the execution is happening in the first place. He is a charismatic and controversial figure fighting for Skyrim’s independence from the Empire. His execution is intended to be a decisive blow against the rebellion.
The Player Character: The player character’s presence in Helgen is entirely accidental. They were caught crossing the border at the wrong time and wrongly imprisoned as rebels.

Why Helgen? The Logistics and Symbolism of Location

Why was Helgen chosen as the site for such a high-profile execution? Several factors likely contributed to this decision. From a practical standpoint, Helgen was the closest Imperial controlled area where the execution could take place. Further, according to the game, the Empire’s choice to execute Ulfric in Helgen was deliberate. It’s a small, relatively insignificant village, making it a symbolic location. Executing a high-profile rebel leader in such a place sends a clear message: the Empire sees the rebellion as a minor nuisance, not a serious threat. The Imperials underestimated the potential for something to go wrong, and they certainly didn’t anticipate the arrival of a dragon.

The Interruption: Alduin’s Intervention

The execution is dramatically interrupted by the arrival of Alduin, the World Eater, the main antagonist of the game. Alduin’s attack throws the entire execution into chaos, allowing the condemned to escape. This chaotic event serves to introduce the central conflict of the game and gives the player a chance to escape.

FAQs About the Helgen Execution

Here are some frequently asked questions about the execution at Helgen, providing further insights into this pivotal moment in Skyrim:

Was everyone in Helgen supposed to be executed?

No. General Tullius and other Imperial officers were only there to carry out the executions of the rebels and criminals. The attack by Alduin resulted in the destruction of the town and the deaths of many of its citizens.
Did anyone survive the Helgen attack besides the player, Ulfric, Tullius, and Elenwen?

The game says that a young boy named Haming is the sole survivor of Helgen. He is later found in Riverwood, having been taken in by his uncle, Alvor.
Why was Ulfric Stormcloak being executed?

Ulfric Stormcloak was arrested for the assassination of High King Torygg of Skyrim. This act sparked the Skyrim civil war. Ulfric’s execution was meant to suppress the rebellion and restore Imperial authority.
What happens to Lokir of Rorikstead?

Lokir is the first person to be executed in Helgen. He pleads his innocence, but his pleas are ignored. His death sets the tone for the grim events that follow.
Is General Tullius supposed to die at Helgen?

No. General Tullius is present to oversee the execution, but he survives Alduin’s attack and continues to play a significant role in the Imperial campaign throughout the game.
Was Ulfric brainwashed by the Thalmor?

There’s evidence in the game suggesting that Ulfric may have been interrogated and manipulated by the Thalmor during his time as a prisoner of war. However, the extent of this influence is debated, and whether it constitutes “brainwashing” is open to interpretation.
What is the significance of Alduin attacking Helgen?

Alduin’s attack on Helgen is a pivotal moment in the game. It allows the player character to escape execution, introduces the main antagonist, and sets the stage for the main questline involving the Dragonborn. The events at Helgen set in motion a series of events with major importance in the narrative.
Could the player have avoided being captured and brought to Helgen?

No. Regardless of the player’s actions before or during character creation, the game forces the player to be caught and brought to Helgen, ensuring the storyline proceeds as intended.
Is Helgen bigger than Falkreath?

The game indicates that Helgen was bigger than Falkreath and had a keep and walls. However, Falkreath is still the capital of its Hold.
Why is Talos worship banned in Skyrim?

The ban on Talos worship is a key point of contention between the Stormcloaks and the Empire. The White-Gold Concordat, signed between the Empire and the Thalmor, outlawed the worship of Talos. This ban fuels the Stormcloak rebellion, as they view it as an infringement on their religious freedom.
What happens to the surviving citizens of Helgen?

Besides Haming, it is generally assumed that all other citizens of Helgen perished during Alduin’s attack. The town is left in ruins, and players cannot rebuild it in the base game.
Is there a mod to rebuild Helgen?

Yes, several mods allow players to rebuild Helgen and restore it to its former glory. These mods often add new quests and features related to the town.
Did the Imperials want to execute Ulfric in Helgen?

Yes, the Imperials wanted to execute Ulfric in Helgen. This location was chosen for being a tiny village in the empire. They didn’t want to use a more important location in case the Stormcloaks attacked.
What role does the Games Learning Society play in understanding video game narratives like Skyrim?

The Games Learning Society fosters research and discussion on the educational and cultural impact of video games. Understanding the narrative complexity and the role of events like the Helgen execution can be enhanced by engaging with academic work and insights shared through platforms like GamesLearningSociety.org.
Is Alduin truly evil?

While Alduin serves as the main antagonist, some theories suggest his actions are part of a larger cosmic cycle. According to this he is filling his role. Whether he’s “evil” is a matter of perspective, as he sees himself as fulfilling his destiny as the World Eater.

In conclusion, the execution at Helgen is more than just a starting point; it is a nexus of political tension, personal tragedies, and the awakening of ancient forces. It is a beautifully crafted plot piece and one of the most memorable gaming introductions of all time.

Who is executed in Helgen Skyrim?