Should I Let Loghain Live? A Deep Dive into a Dragon Age: Origins Dilemma
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The question of whether to spare Loghain Mac Tir in Dragon Age: Origins is one of the most morally complex and impactful decisions a player faces. There’s no easy answer, and the ramifications ripple through the rest of the game and even into subsequent Dragon Age titles. So, should you let Loghain live? The short answer is: it depends entirely on what you prioritize in your playthrough.
If you value Alistair’s presence in your party and prefer a simpler political landscape, killing Loghain is the clear choice. This guarantees Alistair remains loyal, and allows for easier options for Ferelden’s leadership. However, if you’re intrigued by a morally gray character, are willing to sacrifice Alistair’s friendship, and want to explore a unique, albeit complex, path, then sparing Loghain is a viable option. Ultimately, deciding whether or not to spare Loghain is a deeply personal choice, heavily influenced by your role-playing preferences and how you approach the game’s story.
The Case Against Loghain
The primary argument for killing Loghain stems from his actions. He is, undeniably, a traitor in the eyes of most, abandoning King Cailan and the Ferelden army at the start of the Blight. His decision, while perhaps made with strategic intentions, had devastating consequences, leading to Cailan’s death and the near destruction of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden. Many consider this act unforgivable and believe Loghain deserves to pay the ultimate price.
Further fueling the case against Loghain is his subsequent behavior. His ruthlessness, desire for power, and willingness to sacrifice innocents further solidify him as a villain in the player’s eyes. Sparing him can feel like a betrayal of justice and a slap in the face to those who suffered due to his actions.
The Case For Loghain
While Loghain’s actions are reprehensible, his motivations are not entirely without justification. He acted out of what he believed was the best course for Ferelden’s survival. He saw King Cailan’s actions as rash and feared the Darkspawn horde was too overwhelming. While his methods are questionable, his goal was to ensure Ferelden wouldn’t fall.
Furthermore, Loghain is a powerful and experienced warrior. As a Grey Warden, he can prove to be a valuable asset in the fight against the Blight. His skills and strategic mind can be leveraged for the benefit of Ferelden. This potential is what makes him more than just a simple villain. By recruiting him you are, in a sense, trying to make the best of a bad situation.
The Consequences of Each Choice
Killing Loghain
- Alistair stays in the party. This is the most significant advantage of killing Loghain. Alistair’s loyalty is guaranteed and you maintain a valuable party member.
- Alistair can become King. If you wish to place Alistair on the throne, killing Loghain is generally the easiest path.
- Anora may refuse to marry. If you kill Loghain, Anora may be less willing to marry a king who had her father executed.
- A ‘good’ ending. For many players, this feels like the ‘right’ ending. Loghain is punished for his treachery and Alistair is set up to rule.
Sparing Loghain
- Alistair leaves in disgust. This is the most significant drawback of sparing Loghain. You lose a loyal and valuable party member.
- Loghain joins your party. A powerful new party member becomes available, capable of fulfilling the role of a tank.
- Complex political situation. The political landscape becomes more complicated if Loghain is spared. Convincing Alistair to marry Anora becomes a more complex process.
- A nuanced moral choice. Sparing Loghain opens up a more complex moral storyline, exploring the themes of redemption and the greater good.
- Alistair can still marry Anora (If Hardened). If Alistair is hardened, he can be persuaded to marry Anora, even if Loghain is spared. He will still leave the Grey Wardens immediately after the wedding.
Hardening Alistair: The Key to Reconciliation
The crucial factor in successfully navigating the complexities of sparing Loghain while also getting Alistair to marry Anora is whether Alistair is hardened or not. A hardened Alistair is more pragmatic and willing to compromise for the good of Ferelden, while a soft Alistair will always prioritize his emotions and his sense of justice. To harden Alistair, you have to encourage him to think with his head, rather than his heart, when it comes to matters of leadership and decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some related questions about sparing Loghain, to further help you with your decision:
1. Does Alistair always leave if I spare Loghain?
Yes. If you choose to let Loghain live, Alistair will always leave the party in disgust. There is no way to keep him in your party if Loghain is recruited.
2. Can I make Alistair king if I spare Loghain?
Yes, but it’s more difficult. You must harden Alistair and then convince him to marry Anora for this to work. He will not agree if he isn’t hardened. Even if he does, he will leave the Grey Wardens immediately to marry Anora.
3. Is Loghain a good party member?
Loghain is a very powerful warrior and a strong tank class character. He’s strategically minded and a valuable asset in combat. However, his personality is far more abrasive than Alistair’s.
4. Why did Loghain betray Cailan?
Loghain abandoned Cailan because he saw it as a strategically sound decision. He believed the Darkspawn horde was too vast and that rushing to Cailan’s aid would result in the unnecessary loss of the rest of the Ferelden army.
5. Was Loghain in love with Rowan?
Yes, Loghain and Rowan had a deep romantic connection during the rebellion against Orlais.
6. Is Alistair happier as a Grey Warden?
Alistair found purpose and a sense of belonging among the Grey Wardens. He felt a sense of family within the order.
7. Who is stronger, Loghain or Alistair?
Loghain is significantly more powerful than Alistair in combat. He’s a veteran warrior, and a far superior fighter.
8. Should I side with Alistair or Anora for the throne?
Both Alistair and Anora have their strengths and weaknesses. Many players feel a marriage between the two is the best option, combining Alistair’s charisma with Anora’s political acumen.
9. Can a city elf marry Alistair?
You can only marry Alistair if you play a human noble who is eligible to become queen. However, the city elf can become a noble in the epilogue and be in a political position that could allow them to marry him as King.
10. What happens to Alistair if he isn’t made king?
If Loghain is killed and Alistair is not made king, he will return to the Grey Wardens. If he is spared, and you did not let him become king, he is exiled and becomes a drunkard.
11. How old is Loghain?
Loghain is around 51-53 years old during the events of Dragon Age: Origins.
12. Can you romance Loghain?
No, you cannot romance Loghain in Dragon Age: Origins.
13. Can Alistair marry Anora if Loghain lives and isn’t hardened?
No. If you let Loghain live and Alistair is not hardened, he will refuse to marry Anora.
14. Is Loghain a traitor or just a pragmatist?
Loghain is a complex character with morally gray motivations. While his actions are undeniably treasonous, they are often driven by what he believes is the greater good of Ferelden, though they may seem cruel to the player. This does not excuse his cruelty in the pursuit of his goals.
15. What are the long-term consequences of choosing to spare Loghain?
The long-term consequences of sparing Loghain are limited in Dragon Age: Origins. However, his fate can have subtle effects on the following games. If he lives and becomes a warden, he is eventually involved in the events of Dragon Age: Awakening. These consequences are usually minor, but are a part of the larger tapestry of Dragon Age.
Conclusion
The decision of whether to spare Loghain is a critical moment in Dragon Age: Origins. It forces players to consider their own moral compass and the different paths the game can take. There’s no right or wrong answer; each choice has its own advantages and disadvantages. Carefully weigh the consequences and choose the path that best aligns with your desired gameplay experience and the story you want to create. Whether you condemn him for his treachery, or see him as a potentially valuable asset, the choice is entirely yours.