Is Hadvar Imperial or Stormcloak? A Deep Dive into Skyrim’s Opening Choice
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Hadvar is unequivocally an Imperial soldier. He is a member of the Imperial Legion, the military force of the Empire in the world of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This is explicitly clear from the game’s opening sequence at Helgen, where he is part of the Imperial execution party. His dialogue, uniform, and the overall context of his actions all point towards his loyalty to the Empire and its cause. While the game presents a choice to follow either him or Ralof (a Stormcloak), Hadvar’s allegiances never waver from the Imperial side. Choosing to go with Hadvar does not change his fundamental identity as an Imperial soldier, nor does it imply he is a neutral party caught between the conflict.
Hadvar’s Role and Background
Hadvar’s character is introduced as a relatable and somewhat sympathetic figure, despite his affiliation with the executioners. He is portrayed as a common soldier following orders, which may lead some players to question his true feelings or motives within the Skyrim civil war. However, his background provides a clear explanation of his loyalties. He is the nephew of Alvor and Sigrid, prominent citizens of Riverwood, and he maintains a close connection with his family despite his military service. This family connection also serves a game mechanic: choosing to follow Hadvar will give the player an early relationship boost with Alvor, granting access to more of his smithing inventory.
The Civil War and Hadvar’s Stance
The Skyrim Civil War is the central conflict around which the game is based. It pits the Imperial Legion against the Stormcloak Rebellion, a faction of Nords seeking independence for Skyrim. Hadvar’s position within this conflict is firmly on the side of the Empire. Though the narrative of the game allows you to join either faction regardless of which side you begin the game with, Hadvar will always remain an Imperial soldier. You can join the Stormcloaks even after escaping with him, which highlights the game’s flexibility in letting you define your own allegiances, even if they contradict your initial choice at the very start.
Beyond the Escape from Helgen
Hadvar’s involvement does not end at the initial escape from Helgen. If you are aligned with the Imperials he will appear later in the questline as well. Throughout the Imperial questline you will encounter Hadvar. This is in contrast to Ralof, whom you only ever see in the Imperial Civil War campaign if he’s killed in the escape sequence. If the player initially chooses to follow Hadvar, and does not later join the Stormcloaks, he will provide a supporting role. This continued presence further emphasizes his role as a dedicated member of the Imperial forces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you join the Stormcloaks after escaping with Hadvar?
Yes, absolutely. The choice you make at the beginning of the game, following either Hadvar or Ralof, does not lock you into a specific faction for the rest of the playthrough. You can join the Stormcloaks even after escaping Helgen with Hadvar, giving you complete freedom to choose your path.
2. Does choosing Hadvar affect gameplay significantly?
Choosing Hadvar or Ralof in the beginning mainly affects the initial questing and which family you will encounter in Riverwood. Following Hadvar gives you a slightly better initial relationship with the Riverwood smith, Alvor, and early access to his items. In the long run though, these differences are minimal and both choices quickly converge into a shared experience.
3. What happens if you save Ralof but join the Imperials?
If you follow Ralof initially to escape Helgen and later join the Imperial Legion, Ralof will simply remain in Riverwood. He won’t be involved in your subsequent battles or storylines and you will have no more interaction with him during your Imperial campaign. Hadvar will still show up to fight alongside the player, albeit not with prior familiarity as a result of you initially going with Ralof.
4. What does Hadvar think of Ralof?
While it is not explicit, Hadvar’s line “You damn traitor!” suggests he views Ralof’s decision to join the Stormcloaks as a betrayal of their common Nord heritage and to the Empire. However, this reaction stems from the heated circumstances at Helgen and it is implied that both characters were not intimately familiar prior to their encounter.
5. Is there a benefit to choosing Hadvar over Ralof?
The primary benefit of choosing Hadvar is the initial positive relationship boost with Alvor and potential access to some early-game smithing items. However, these are negligible in the long-term, making both options equal and inconsequential to the overall story.
6. Does Hadvar go to Solitude?
Yes, it’s implied that Hadvar returns to Solitude to regroup with General Tullius sometime after escaping Helgen. It’s also stated in the provided document that between the escape from Helgen and returning to Solitude, Hadvar is promoted.
7. Does Ralof ever go to Solitude?
No, Ralof will never be in Solitude. Ralof is dedicated to the Stormcloak cause and is not loyal to the Empire, thus he would have no reason to go to Solitude as it is the Imperial stronghold in Skyrim.
8. Is it possible to meet Ralof if you go with Hadvar?
No, if you choose to go with Hadvar you will not see Ralof again until you encounter him as a hostile Stormcloak soldier. However, if you join the Stormcloaks later in the game, you may encounter him in the Stormcloak camp.
9. Can you escape Helgen alone?
Yes, it is possible to escape Helgen without following either Hadvar or Ralof. You will exit the cave alone, but the game will still proceed as intended, giving you the next quest “Before the Storm”.
10. Is either the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks morally correct?
Neither the Imperial Legion nor the Stormcloaks are completely morally correct. Both sides have their own flaws and strengths, making it a complex and nuanced conflict. The game does not present a clear “good” or “bad” side, leaving it up to the player to decide who to side with based on their own beliefs.
11. Can you betray the Stormcloaks?
Yes, you can betray the Stormcloaks. During the quest to retrieve the Jagged Crown, you have the option to hand it over to the Imperial Legion instead of returning it to Ulfric Stormcloak.
12. Does siding with the Stormcloaks affect your relationship with Lydia?
No, your relationship with Lydia is not affected by your choice to side with either the Stormcloaks or the Imperials. She will still remain loyal and return to your home.
13. Will the Thalmor leave if the Stormcloaks win?
No, the Thalmor will not leave Skyrim even if the Stormcloaks win. The Aldmeri Dominion will continue to maintain their interest in Skyrim, albeit with a different power structure in place.
14. Is Ulfric Stormcloak a good leader?
The game presents a complex image of Ulfric Stormcloak. While seen as a hero by many Nords, he is also viewed as a power-hungry and manipulative leader by some. His motivations and actions are open to interpretation, making him neither a clear villain nor a perfect hero.
15. What happens if you kill the Emperor but join the Legion?
Your decision to kill the Emperor does not impact your ability to join the Legion. The game allows you to proceed with either faction’s questline, regardless of prior choices. Your choices in Skyrim do not usually have ramifications for other quests, making choices purely narrative-driven.