How Are Khajiit Treated in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into Racial Prejudice

In the harsh, unforgiving landscape of Skyrim, the Khajiit, the feline-like people from Elsweyr, face a reality marred by prejudice, distrust, and systemic discrimination. While their culture boasts rich traditions, fascinating physiology, and unique skills, they are broadly subjected to negative stereotypes and marginalized within Nordic society. This treatment ranges from subtle suspicion to overt hostility, impacting their daily lives and limiting their opportunities. Let’s explore the multifaceted layers of this complex issue.

A Race on the Fringes: Exclusion and Suspicion

The most visible sign of this prejudice is the ban on Khajiit caravans entering the major cities of Skyrim. Unlike other races who can freely move within city walls, the Khajiit are forced to remain outside, establishing temporary camps that act as marketplaces for travelers and locals brave enough to venture out. This segregation immediately marks them as “other,” reinforcing the perception that they are untrustworthy and unwelcome.

This exclusion stems from a combination of factors, deeply rooted in historical conflicts and cultural misunderstandings:

• Historical baggage: The volatile relationship between Elsweyr and Skyrim, including past border disputes and skirmishes, fuels long-standing animosity. Nords harbor historical resentments toward the Khajiit, associating them with past conflicts and perceived betrayals.

• Stereotypes and crime: Khajiit are often stereotyped as thieves, drug addicts (due to the prevalence of moon sugar and skooma in their culture), and assassins. While some Khajiit may engage in criminal activities (as individuals within any race might), this becomes unfairly generalized to the entire population. Their natural agility, stealth abilities, and skills in lockpicking further contribute to these negative stereotypes.

• Racial prejudice: Skyrim is a Nord-dominated land, and a certain level of xenophobia exists toward non-Nordic races. While not all Nords are prejudiced, a significant portion harbor biases against those who are different, and the Khajiit, with their distinctly non-human appearance and unfamiliar customs, become easy targets.

This prejudice manifests in various ways:

• Verbal abuse and insults: Khajiit traveling through Skyrim often face derogatory comments and slurs. Guards and citizens alike may express open hostility, reinforcing their outsider status.

• Unequal treatment: Khajiit may encounter discrimination when seeking employment or housing. Opportunities are often limited due to prejudice, forcing them into marginal livelihoods.

• Unfair accusations: Khajiit are often unfairly targeted in criminal investigations, reflecting the prevailing suspicion and distrust. They may be arrested or detained based on flimsy evidence or mere association with criminal activity.

While acts of kindness and acceptance from individual Nords do exist within the game, the overall atmosphere is one of marginalization and prejudice. This makes the Khajiit’s existence in Skyrim a challenging one, defined by their struggle to overcome negative stereotypes and find acceptance in a land that often views them with suspicion and disdain. This theme of societal prejudice can be further explored through various educational games and resources. The Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, offers insightful perspectives on how games can be used to understand social dynamics.

Overcoming Adversity: Resilience and Adaptation

Despite the pervasive prejudice they face, the Khajiit of Skyrim demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability. Their traveling caravans provide vital services to remote communities, offering goods and services that would otherwise be inaccessible. They maintain their cultural traditions and sense of community, fostering a strong identity in the face of adversity.

Moreover, individual Khajiit demonstrate a wide range of personalities and skills, challenging the narrow stereotypes imposed upon them. Some become skilled warriors, powerful mages, or influential merchants, proving their capabilities and earning the respect of those who are willing to look beyond prejudice.

Khajiit Treatment in Skyrim: FAQs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the complex issues surrounding the Khajiit and their place in Skyrim:

1. Why are Khajiit banned from entering cities in Skyrim?

The ban is primarily due to the prevailing stereotypes associating Khajiit with thievery, skooma dealing, and general untrustworthiness. Historical conflicts between Elsweyr and Skyrim also contribute to this prejudice.

2. Are all Nords racist towards Khajiit?

No, not all Nords are racist. However, a significant portion of the population holds prejudiced views based on stereotypes and historical animosity. Individual Nords may show kindness and acceptance towards Khajiit.

3. What benefits do Khajiit have in Skyrim despite the prejudice?

Khajiit possess several natural advantages, including a claw attack that enhances unarmed combat, bonuses to stealth, and the ability to see in the dark. Their skills in archery, lockpicking, and pickpocketing can also be advantageous.

4. Can you marry a Khajiit in Skyrim?

Unfortunately, no. In the base game, there are no Khajiit characters available for marriage.

5. Can you adopt a Khajiit child in Skyrim?

Not in the vanilla game. You would need to install a mod that adds Khajiit children for adoption.

6. Do all Khajiit speak in the third person?

Not all Khajiit speak in the third person. While it’s a common cultural trait, some Khajiit, especially those who have spent significant time outside of Elsweyr, may use first-person pronouns.

7. Why do Khajiit have different appearances?

The appearance of a Khajiit is determined by the phases of the two moons, Masser and Secunda, at the time of their birth. This results in a wide variety of breeds, ranging from the almost-human Ohmes to the tiger-like Cathay.

8. What do Khajiit worship?

The Khajiit primarily worship the moons, Jone and Jode, and revere Azurah (Azura) as the Mother of all Khajiit. They also recognize a pantheon of other deities, often with unique interpretations compared to other races.

9. Can Khajiit become werewolves or vampires?

Yes, Khajiit can become both werewolves and vampires, just like most other races in Skyrim.

10. Are Khajiit naturally inclined to be thieves?

No. While Khajiit have natural skills that lend themselves to stealth and thievery, this is a stereotype. Individual Khajiit pursue various paths in life, just like any other race.

11. What is skooma, and why is it associated with Khajiit?

Skooma is a highly addictive drug derived from moon sugar, a substance central to Khajiit culture. While moon sugar has ceremonial uses, skooma is often associated with addiction and criminal activity, unfairly linking it to the Khajiit as a whole.

12. Are Khajiit slaves in Skyrim?

While slavery is not legal in Skyrim, historical accounts suggest that Khajiit were enslaved in Morrowind by the Dark Elves. This historical context contributes to the negative perceptions some hold about Khajiit.

13. Can a Khajiit be a warrior?

Yes, a Khajiit can be a warrior. While they may not have starting skills in armor, their natural agility, claw attack, and bonuses to archery can make them formidable fighters.

14. Is there a female Khajiit companion in Skyrim?

Yes, there are Khajiit companions available, and many mods add more. The most notable in the base game is Kharjo, a male.

15. Are Khajiit intelligent?

Yes. They are intelligent, quick, and agile. The stereotype of them being simple-minded is inaccurate and prejudiced.

Conclusion: A Call for Understanding

The treatment of the Khajiit in Skyrim serves as a powerful reminder of the damaging effects of prejudice and discrimination. While the game is set in a fictional world, it reflects real-world issues of racial bias and the importance of challenging stereotypes. By understanding the challenges faced by the Khajiit, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of prejudice and the importance of empathy and understanding.