Does Jarl Ulfric Become High King?
The question of whether Ulfric Stormcloak becomes High King of Skyrim is surprisingly nuanced, and the answer depends entirely on the player’s choices within The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Short answer: he can become High King, but only if the player actively supports the Stormcloak Rebellion and secures a Stormcloak victory in the Civil War questline. If the Imperial Legion prevails, Ulfric will not achieve his ambition.
The Path to Kingship: Stormcloak Victory
For Ulfric to ascend to the throne, the player must throw their weight behind the Stormcloaks, participating in battles and completing quests to liberate holds from Imperial control. The pivotal moment arrives when the Imperial capital, Solitude, falls. With the Empire defeated in Skyrim, Ulfric, as the leader of the rebellion, is positioned to claim the title.
However, it’s not a simple coronation. Tradition dictates that a Moot, a gathering of Jarls, must convene to formally select the new High King. The game, however, doesn’t depict this happening explicitly. While the game doesn’t show the Moot taking place, the general assumption and narrative implication are that Ulfric, backed by the victorious Stormcloak forces and popular support in key regions, would be the de facto, if not officially ratified, High King. Elisif, if she has been spared, would be allowed to keep her seat at the Blue Palace and allowed to reign over Haafingar.
The key takeaway is that Ulfric’s ascension is conditional, dependent on the player’s active role in the Stormcloak victory and the subsequent political landscape. It’s a demonstration of the game’s ability to allow player agency to shape the very leadership and culture of Skyrim itself.
What Happens if the Imperials Win?
If the player chooses to support the Imperial Legion, or if the Stormcloaks are defeated through other in-game events, Ulfric is killed, and his ambitions are thwarted. In this scenario, a new High King is chosen, and Elisif the Fair remains on the Throne in Solitude as the Jarl of Haafingar.
Implications of Ulfric’s Reign: The Bigger Picture
Ulfric’s ascent to the High Kingship would have profound consequences for Skyrim and potentially the wider world of Tamriel. Here are a few possible outcomes:
- Independence for Skyrim: With the Empire weakened, Ulfric would likely declare Skyrim’s full independence, severing ties with the struggling Empire.
- Nord Supremacy: Ulfric’s victory could lead to an emphasis on Nord traditions and culture, potentially marginalizing other races within Skyrim. This doesn’t necessarily mean forced removal, but rather a shift in power dynamics.
- Thalmor Influence: Though Ulfric’s actions appear to be a direct opposition to the Empire, the Thalmor may exploit a fractured Tamriel to further their own agenda, using Ulfric’s reign as a catalyst for chaos. While Ulfric may not be in direct collusion with the Thalmor, his actions inadvertently serve their goals.
Ultimately, whether you see Ulfric as a hero or a villain, a liberator or a power-hungry demagogue, is a matter of personal interpretation. His potential kingship represents a significant turning point in Skyrim’s history, shaped by the choices you make as the Dragonborn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ulfric Stormcloak and the High Kingship
1. Is Ulfric Stormcloak the rightful heir to the throne?
No. Ulfric has no direct hereditary claim to the High Kingship. In the absence of a direct heir, the Jarls of Skyrim convene a Moot to elect a new High King from among themselves. Ulfric’s claim rests on his status as a Jarl and his perceived strength to lead Skyrim.
2. What is the Markarth Incident and how did it affect Ulfric’s popularity?
The Markarth Incident refers to Ulfric’s suppression of the Forsworn Rebellion in the Reach. While the Empire initially condoned his actions, they later reversed their position due to Thalmor pressure, forcing Ulfric to end religious freedom in Skyrim to receive their help. This perceived betrayal by the Empire significantly bolstered Ulfric’s support among Nords who felt their traditions were being undermined.
3. Does Ulfric make a deal with the Thalmor?
While there is a Thalmor Dossier on Ulfric Stormcloak, its contents are open to interpretation. It suggests that Ulfric was once an asset, or even a tool, for the Thalmor. However, he has since become an uncooperative asset, and the Thalmor want him to win the war. There is no direct evidence to prove he’s working with the Thalmor now.
4. Who becomes High King if the Imperials win the Civil War?
If the Imperials win, the Moot will convene to choose a new High King or Queen. Elisif the Fair, the Jarl of Solitude and widow of the previous High King, Torygg, is a strong contender, but the final decision rests with the Jarls.
5. Is Ulfric Stormcloak a hero or a villain?
Whether Ulfric is a hero or villain is a matter of perspective and open to interpretation. Some view him as a Nord patriot fighting for Skyrim’s independence, while others see him as a power-hungry rebel who destabilized the region and played into the Thalmor’s hands. This makes him more of an anti-hero for those who stand against the Empire.
6. How does the player’s choice affect the outcome of the Civil War?
The player’s decision to join either the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloak Rebellion directly impacts the war’s outcome. By completing quests and participating in battles for their chosen side, the player actively influences which faction emerges victorious and which leader will come to power.
7. What are the consequences of a Stormcloak victory in Skyrim?
A Stormcloak victory could lead to Skyrim’s secession from the Empire, the promotion of Nord traditions and culture, and potentially, further instability within Tamriel, as the Empire would be further weakened. The Thalmor could exploit this instability to their advantage.
8. What happens to the Thalmor if the Stormcloaks win the Civil War?
A Stormcloak victory will not completely eliminate the Thalmor presence in Skyrim. While their overt operations, like imprisoning Stormcloak soldiers, will cease, they will still be present in the region, working covertly to undermine Skyrim’s stability. They will likely be hostile toward the Dragonborn, and their presence will continue to be a threat.
9. Who replaces Ulfric as Jarl of Windhelm if he becomes High King, or if he dies?
If Ulfric becomes High King, or if he dies during the war, he can be replaced by Brunwulf Free-Winter.
10. What is the Moot and how does it choose the High King?
The Moot is a traditional gathering of the Jarls of Skyrim, convened to elect a new High King or Queen in the absence of a direct heir. The Jarls deliberate and vote, considering factors such as the candidate’s strength, leadership, and suitability to rule.
11. Can the player become High King of Skyrim?
No, the player character cannot become the High King of Skyrim. While you can significantly influence the outcome of the Civil War and the selection of the High King, the Dragonborn is not eligible to claim the title themselves.
12. What happens to Elisif the Fair if the Stormcloaks win?
If the Stormcloaks win, Elisif the Fair’s fate is not explicitly shown in the game. However, it is implied she could remain as the Jarl of Solitude, potentially under the authority of Ulfric as High King.
13. Is Ulfric’s rebellion justified?
The justification of Ulfric’s rebellion is a central theme of the game. Some argue that the Empire has become weak and subservient to the Thalmor, infringing on Skyrim’s traditions and freedoms. Others believe that Ulfric’s actions are fueled by personal ambition and have destabilized the region, ultimately harming Skyrim.
14. Does Ulfric know that the player is Dragonborn?
Yes, Ulfric is aware of the player’s Dragonborn status. He witnesses the Dragonborn absorbing dragon souls, a clear sign of their unique abilities.
15. How does Ulfric’s background as a Greybeard affect his decisions?
Ulfric’s training with the Greybeards at High Hrothgar gave him mastery over the Thu’um, the Voice, which he uses as a weapon. It also instilled in him a sense of Nord tradition and cultural pride, influencing his desire to restore Skyrim’s former glory. His departure from the Greybeards also symbolizes a rejection of their pacifistic philosophy, setting him on a path of conflict and rebellion.
Learning about how games encourage player agency and shape narratives helps us understand their power. You can discover more about the educational and social impact of gaming at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization explores the diverse and transformative potential of games, from education to civic engagement, demonstrating how games can be a force for learning and positive change.