Is The Dark Brotherhood a Necessary Evil?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of whether the Dark Brotherhood is a necessary evil is a complex one, deeply intertwined with the moral fabric of the Elder Scrolls universe, particularly in Skyrim. Ultimately, the answer leans towards no, they are not a necessary evil. While they may occasionally eliminate individuals who are truly vile, their existence primarily serves as a self-perpetuating cycle of violence, driven by greed and power, not justice or any higher purpose. They are a disruptive force that uses fear and terror as a commodity. Their services are primarily for the rich and powerful, making them more of a tool for injustice than a mechanism for necessary intervention.
Examining the Morality of Assassination
The Dark Brotherhood operates on the fundamental principle of assassination for profit. This alone places them in a morally dubious position. While some might argue that their targets are sometimes deserving of death – corrupt officials, sadistic criminals – the Brotherhood rarely (if ever) operates with any true moral compass. Their motivation is purely financial, meaning they are just as likely to accept a contract on an innocent person if the price is right. This lack of discernment negates any potential argument for them being a force of “necessary” evil, instead painting them as simply evil, full stop.
Furthermore, the means by which they operate are inherently cruel and deceptive. They employ rituals, torture, and psychological manipulation, creating an atmosphere of terror and instability. This is not the behavior of an organization seeking to right wrongs; it is the behavior of a cult devoted to death and chaos. Their devotion to the Night Mother and the Void further emphasizes their focus on darkness and depravity, rather than any semblance of moral good.
The Alternative: Justice Systems
The Elder Scrolls universe, despite its flaws, possesses established systems of justice. While these systems may not be perfect, they represent a far more ethical and controlled method of dealing with criminals. Laws are in place, courts are established, and guards are present to enforce the rulings. The existence of the Dark Brotherhood undermines these systems, offering an alternative that is quick, efficient, and ultimately, unjust.
When an individual turns to the Dark Brotherhood instead of the legal system, they are essentially circumventing justice, often for personal gain or revenge. This not only undermines the authority of the law but also contributes to a society where violence and murder are normalized solutions to problems. A healthy society needs effective justice, and the Dark Brotherhood actively weakens any possibility of reaching such a state.
The Impact on Society
The presence of the Dark Brotherhood casts a long shadow over the societies they operate in. Fear and paranoia become widespread as individuals worry about becoming targets. This fear can paralyze communities, hindering economic growth, social interaction, and overall well-being. The Brotherhood’s existence fosters an environment of distrust and insecurity, where anyone could be an assassin in disguise.
Moreover, the Dark Brotherhood’s activities attract other criminal elements. Their influence creates a fertile ground for corruption, extortion, and other forms of illicit activity. By operating outside the law, they set a dangerous precedent that encourages others to disregard legal and ethical boundaries. This creates a ripple effect, further destabilizing society and making it more vulnerable to exploitation.
Player Agency and Moral Choice
In Skyrim, players are given the choice to join the Dark Brotherhood. This decision presents a compelling moral dilemma, forcing players to confront their own values and beliefs. While some may be drawn to the allure of power and wealth, others may be repulsed by the Brotherhood’s depravity.
This choice highlights the importance of player agency in video games. It allows players to explore different perspectives, experiment with moral boundaries, and ultimately, define their own sense of right and wrong. GamesLearningSociety.org explores this intersection of gaming and morality, examining how games can serve as powerful tools for ethical exploration and self-discovery. It’s through thoughtful choices that players can truly engage with the complexities of the fictional worlds they inhabit.
Choosing to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, while potentially more challenging, represents a commitment to justice and order. It is a rejection of the organization’s nihilistic philosophy and a reaffirmation of the importance of ethical conduct. This path allows players to embody the role of a true hero, actively working to rid the world of a dangerous and destructive force.
In conclusion, while the Dark Brotherhood may present itself as a necessary tool for eliminating certain threats, its inherent immorality and destabilizing influence far outweigh any perceived benefits. They are a force of chaos and destruction, driven by greed and a thirst for power. Ultimately, the choice to support or oppose them reflects a fundamental decision about the kind of world one wishes to live in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is joining the Dark Brotherhood evil?
Yes, joining the Dark Brotherhood inherently involves participating in acts of murder and morally reprehensible behavior. The organization’s core purpose revolves around assassination for profit, making its members complicit in evil deeds. It is impossible to distance yourself from the organization’s actions.
2. Are the Dark Brotherhood bad guys?
Absolutely. The Dark Brotherhood are unequivocally the “bad guys.” They are a group of assassins who kill for money, with no regard for justice or morality. Their actions contribute to fear and instability in society, making them a clear threat to innocent lives.
3. Does joining the Dark Brotherhood affect anything?
Joining the Dark Brotherhood significantly impacts your character’s moral standing and the way you interact with the game world. While guards may not immediately recognize you as a member, your actions within the Brotherhood will shape your reputation and influence your relationships with other characters. Quests will also have ramifications, good or bad.
4. Is it better to join the Dark Brotherhood or destroy it?
From a purely moral standpoint, destroying the Dark Brotherhood is the “better” choice. Joining them immerses you in a world of violence and corruption, while destroying them allows you to embody the role of a hero and rid the world of a dangerous organization. In terms of gameplay, both choices give a unique experience.
5. What are the downsides to joining the Dark Brotherhood?
The main downside is the constant need to perform morally questionable acts. You’ll be required to kill innocent people, betray trust, and engage in other reprehensible behaviors that can clash with a “good” character playthrough. One might find their morals changing.
6. Can you join the Dark Brotherhood as a good character?
Roleplaying a truly “good” character while simultaneously joining the Dark Brotherhood is extremely difficult. The organization’s activities are fundamentally incompatible with a moral compass. To do so requires significant mental gymnastics.
7. Who betrays you in the Dark Brotherhood?
Astrid, the leader of the Skyrim Dark Brotherhood, ultimately betrays you. Her actions stem from a desire for power and control within the organization, leading to a conflict that forces you to confront her and her machinations.
8. Is the Night Mother evil?
The Night Mother is widely regarded as an evil figure, particularly by those outside the Dark Brotherhood. She is a symbol of death and darkness, associated with ritualistic practices and a thirst for blood. Her reputation is generally negative.
9. Can the Dark Brotherhood be saved?
While you can complete the Dark Brotherhood questline, you cannot truly “save” the organization in a moral sense. You can preserve its existence, but not redeem its inherent evil. Some members can’t be saved.
10. Why is the Dark Brotherhood trying to assassinate me?
If the Dark Brotherhood initiates are attacking you randomly, it is usually due to a bug related to unpaid bounties. Paying off your bounties in various holds should resolve the issue. If not, further troubleshooting is required.
11. Is there any benefit to killing Astrid?
Killing Astrid allows you to begin the questline to destroy the Dark Brotherhood. You also acquire her unique equipment. However, this choice prevents you from completing the Dark Brotherhood questline.
12. Can you avoid killing the Brotherhood of Steel?
This question is specific to the Fallout series, not Skyrim. In Fallout: New Vegas, you can avoid destroying the Brotherhood of Steel by allying them with the NCR or telling Yes Man to ignore them.
13. What race is Astrid in Skyrim?
Astrid is a Nord.
14. Can we save Astrid?
Astrid dies as a part of the Dark Brotherhood storyline. She cannot be saved, as her death is essential to the plot’s progression. You cannot avoid this.
15. Is the Thieves Guild any better than the Dark Brotherhood?
While the Thieves Guild is also morally gray, it is arguably less evil than the Dark Brotherhood. The Thieves Guild focuses on stealing and deception, while the Dark Brotherhood engages in murder. Both operate outside the law. More insights into learning through gaming experiences can be found at Games Learning Society.