How Does the Skyrim Civil War End? A Definitive Guide
The Skyrim Civil War culminates in one of two definitive outcomes, each dictated by the player’s choice to side with either the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks. Regardless of the chosen faction, the war concludes with the complete subjugation of the opposing side. This entails capturing all major hold capitals held by the enemy, culminating in a final assault on either Windhelm (if siding with the Imperials) or Solitude (if siding with the Stormcloaks). There is no ambiguous ending, draw, or compromise; one side achieves total victory, shaping the political landscape of Skyrim.
The Imperial Victory: Holding the Empire Together
If the Dragonborn pledges allegiance to the Imperial Legion, the civil war unfolds as a campaign to systematically wrest control of Skyrim’s holds from the Stormcloaks. Key battles include the capture of Whiterun, Riften, Windhelm, and other strategically important cities. The ultimate objective is the siege of Windhelm, the heart of the Stormcloak rebellion.
The Siege of Windhelm
The Siege of Windhelm is the final, decisive battle. Leading the Imperial forces under General Tullius, the Dragonborn storms the city walls, battling through waves of Stormcloak soldiers. The climax involves confronting Ulfric Stormcloak himself within the Palace of the Kings.
The Fate of Ulfric Stormcloak
Upon defeating Ulfric, a brief conversation ensues where the Imperial forces capture Ulfric. Ulfric, in the company of his right-hand man Galmar Stone-Fist, accepts their fate and is executed by General Tullius. This act effectively ends the Stormcloak rebellion, leaving the Imperial Legion in complete control of Skyrim. A new Jarl, loyal to the Empire, will be instated in Windhelm.
Tullius’s Regret and the Future of Skyrim
Even in victory, General Tullius expresses concerns over the potential consequences of Ulfric’s death. He worries about creating a martyr, recognizing that Ulfric’s ideals might resonate even more powerfully in death, potentially fueling future resistance. The Imperials must now work to rebuild trust and maintain order in a province deeply divided by war.
The Stormcloak Victory: An Independent Skyrim
Choosing to fight alongside the Stormcloaks reverses the narrative. The Dragonborn participates in a series of battles to liberate Skyrim from Imperial control. The key targets are Whiterun, Riften, Solitude, and other holds loyal to the Empire. The war culminates in the Siege of Solitude.
The Siege of Solitude
The Siege of Solitude marks the final confrontation. The Dragonborn, fighting alongside Ulfric Stormcloak and Galmar Stone-Fist, leads the assault on the heavily fortified city. The battle is fierce, with Imperial soldiers fiercely defending their positions.
The Death of General Tullius
The climax of the Stormcloak campaign involves confronting General Tullius within Castle Dour. Tullius, a seasoned military leader, puts up a strong fight, but ultimately falls to the Stormcloak forces. With Tullius dead, the Imperial Legion is effectively routed from Skyrim.
Ulfric as High King and the Looming Threat
Following the victory, Ulfric Stormcloak claims the title of High King of Skyrim, declaring the province’s independence from the Empire. This victory, however, comes with significant consequences. The Aldmeri Dominion views this secession as an opportunity to further weaken the Empire and may launch a new war to reclaim Skyrim. The future of an independent Skyrim is uncertain, fraught with peril and the constant threat of Thalmor aggression. Moreover, Ulfric’s leadership may be challenged internally, as other Nord leaders vie for power and influence. Learn more about how gaming intersects with learning at Games Learning Society, a community that fosters research and understanding in the field.
Season Unending and Temporary Truce
It’s crucial to note that the main quest line (“Dragonborn”) can introduce a temporary halt to the Civil War through the “Season Unending” quest. During this quest, the Graybeards facilitate a peace conference at High Hrothgar, bringing Ulfric and Tullius to the negotiating table. This allows the Dragonborn to temporarily broker a truce to focus on the dragon threat, but it’s just a temporary reprieve, and after defeating Alduin, you must still continue the civil war questline and pick a side. This doesn’t change the ultimate outcome of the Civil War but it can be a strategy for those who want to complete the main quest without immediate conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who wins the Skyrim Civil War in canon?
There is no official “canon” ending to the Skyrim Civil War. The outcome is entirely dependent on the player’s choice, meaning both an Imperial victory and a Stormcloak victory are equally valid possibilities within the game’s universe. This is one of the strengths of role-playing games – shaping your own version of events.
2. What are the long-term consequences of a Stormcloak victory?
A Stormcloak victory leads to an independent Skyrim, but it also leaves the province vulnerable to the Aldmeri Dominion. The weakened Empire is less capable of defending against future Thalmor aggression, and Skyrim itself may become a primary target. Internal power struggles within Skyrim are also likely.
3. What are the long-term consequences of an Imperial victory?
An Imperial victory maintains the Empire’s control over Skyrim, providing stability (at least initially) and a united front against the Aldmeri Dominion. However, it also means continued suppression of Nord cultural traditions and resentment among those who support independence. Ulfric’s ideas may continue to inspire dissent.
4. Can I switch sides during the Civil War?
Yes, you can betray the Stormcloaks by finding the Jagged Crown and giving it to General Tullius instead of Ulfric. However, this is the only way to switch factions once you’ve joined one.
5. Does the Civil War affect my ability to become Thane?
Yes. If the Jarl of a hold changes due to the Civil War, you will lose your title as Thane in that hold. You will need to earn the new Jarl’s favor to regain the title.
6. Who becomes Jarl of Riften if the Imperials win?
If you side with the Imperial Legion and capture the Rift, Maven Black-Briar will replace Laila Law-Giver as Jarl of Riften.
7. Who becomes Jarl of Riften if the Stormcloaks win?
If you side with the Stormcloaks and capture the Rift, Laila Law-Giver continues as Jarl of Riften.
8. Does the Civil War ever truly “end” in Skyrim?
While the main Civil War questline concludes with one side’s victory, the underlying tensions and ideological conflicts may persist. The game world doesn’t drastically change, and the possibility of future uprisings or conflicts remains a subtle undercurrent.
9. Is there a “good” or “bad” side in the Civil War?
There is no clear-cut “good” or “bad” side. Both the Imperials and the Stormcloaks have valid arguments and flaws. The choice depends on the player’s character and their values. The Imperials represent order and stability, but at the cost of cultural autonomy. The Stormcloaks champion freedom and tradition, but their nationalism can be seen as xenophobic.
10. What happens to Ulfric Stormcloak after an Imperial victory?
Ulfric Stormcloak is executed by General Tullius after the Battle of Windhelm. His death marks the end of the Stormcloak rebellion.
11. What happens to General Tullius after a Stormcloak victory?
General Tullius is killed during the siege of Solitude. His death signifies the end of Imperial control in Skyrim.
12. How does the Aldmeri Dominion factor into the Civil War?
The Aldmeri Dominion benefits from the Civil War, regardless of which side wins. A prolonged conflict weakens both the Empire and Skyrim, making them easier targets for future Thalmor expansion. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores the dynamics of complex narratives and strategic decision-making, aspects deeply relevant to understanding Skyrim’s Civil War.
13. Does the Civil War affect the main questline?
The Civil War can intersect with the main questline during the “Season Unending” quest. This allows for a temporary truce to deal with the dragon threat, but ultimately, the player must still choose a side in the Civil War.
14. Is it possible to avoid the Civil War entirely?
It is not possible to completely avoid the Civil War. Even if you delay joining a side, you will eventually be drawn into the conflict as you progress through the main questline or explore the world.
15. Does the outcome of the Civil War affect Skyrim’s ending?
The outcome of the Civil War does not affect the main questline’s ending, specifically the defeat of Alduin. However, it significantly impacts the political landscape of Skyrim and the overall feel of the game world after the main quest is completed. The aftermath reflects the consequences of your choices, shaping the future of the province.