Which Side is Good: Empire or Stormcloaks in Skyrim?
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The question of whether the Empire or the Stormcloaks are the “good guys” in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one that has sparked countless debates among players. There isn’t a simple, clear-cut answer, as both factions are deeply flawed and their motivations are complex. Ultimately, neither side is truly “good,” and the morality of the conflict largely rests on your individual interpretation of the game’s lore, your personal values, and how you envision the future of Skyrim. To provide a comprehensive answer, it’s crucial to analyze each faction’s goals, methods, and the consequences of their actions.
The Empire: A Pragmatic but Flawed Power
The Imperial Legion represents the established authority, the remnants of a once-mighty empire now weakened by war and political maneuvering. Their primary goal is to maintain order and stability within Tamriel, including the province of Skyrim. The Empire’s arguments for control are grounded in:
Maintaining Unity
- Preventing Fragmentation: The Empire argues that a unified Tamriel is stronger and better equipped to face external threats, particularly the Aldmeri Dominion. The Stormcloak rebellion, in their eyes, weakens this unity and makes the continent vulnerable.
- The Greater Good: They believe that their rule, despite its flaws, is ultimately for the benefit of all, including the people of Skyrim. The Empire views itself as a necessary force for maintaining peace and preventing further conflict.
Pragmatic Considerations
- Religious Compromise: The Empire banned Talos worship as part of a treaty with the Aldmeri Dominion, a concession they felt was necessary to prevent another devastating war. This is a deeply controversial move, particularly amongst Nords, and is the main catalyst for the rebellion.
- Strategic Defense: The Empire possesses greater military resources and experience than the Stormcloaks, positioning them better to defend against the Aldmeri Dominion should war reignite.
However, the Empire is not without its flaws.
The Empire’s Darker Side
- Oppression and Control: While they aim for peace, the Empire’s rule is often perceived as oppressive, dictatorial, and insensitive to local cultures, particularly Nordic traditions and beliefs.
- Compromise with Evil: The Empire’s treaty with the Aldmeri Dominion and their willingness to suppress Talos worship are seen by many as betrayals of the fundamental freedoms of their subjects. They’re perceived as cowardly and willing to sell out their own people.
- Bureaucratic Inefficiency: The Imperial government is often portrayed as being cumbersome, slow to act, and more concerned with political games than with the needs of its people.
The Stormcloaks: Patriots or Rebels?
The Stormcloaks, led by the charismatic but controversial Ulfric Stormcloak, are a rebellion fighting for the independence of Skyrim. Their motivation lies in the following:
Seeking Freedom and Independence
- Nordic Pride: They believe that Skyrim should be ruled by Nords for Nords and that their cultural and religious heritage should be protected. The Empire’s ban on Talos worship is a key point of contention.
- Autonomy: They view the Empire as a foreign power imposing its will on Skyrim and wish to break free from its rule, reclaiming their right to self-governance.
Justified Rebellion
- Oppression of Religion: The ban on Talos worship is seen as a direct attack on the Nord’s religious and cultural identity. This has fueled the fires of discontent and united many behind the cause.
- Resentment of Imperial Rule: The Stormcloaks feel that the Empire has failed to protect Skyrim, that it cares more about appeasing the Aldmeri Dominion than the needs of the Nord people.
Yet, the Stormcloaks also have a darker, problematic side.
The Stormcloak’s Flaws
- Nationalism and Racism: The Stormcloaks’ movement is often accompanied by a strong sense of nationalism, leading to discrimination and prejudice against non-Nords living in Skyrim, particularly Elves and Argonians.
- Ulfric’s Leadership: Ulfric is presented as an ambitious and manipulative leader, whose motives are as much about securing his own power as they are about the freedom of Skyrim. There’s evidence suggesting that the Thalmor manipulated him, further complicating his position.
- Internal Instability: The Stormcloak rebellion is less organized and equipped than the Empire, which can lead to infighting and chaos, even with victory. Their victory also destabilizes Skyrim, leaving it vulnerable.
Conclusion: No True “Good Guys”
Ultimately, there are no clear-cut “good guys” in the conflict between the Empire and the Stormcloaks. The decision of who to support depends on the player’s priorities: stability versus freedom, unity versus self-determination, or pragmatism versus idealism.
The Empire offers a unified front against external threats, but at the cost of cultural autonomy and religious freedom. The Stormcloaks, on the other hand, fight for independence but are often marred by prejudice, internal instability, and the questionable motives of their leader, Ulfric Stormcloak.
The game deliberately avoids providing a straightforward answer, inviting the player to wrestle with complex political and moral issues. Your choice reflects your values, making Skyrim’s civil war a nuanced, compelling, and unforgettable part of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which faction is stronger militarily?
The Imperial Legion is generally considered to be stronger militarily due to its superior training, resources, and experience in large-scale warfare. The Stormcloaks, while fiercely independent, often rely on less disciplined and organized militias.
2. Can you switch sides during the Civil War?
Yes, you can switch sides, but only once, during the quest to retrieve the Jagged Crown. Instead of delivering it to your current faction leader, you can take it to the leader of the opposing faction to betray your original allegiance. This is the only point in the game that allows you to change sides.
3. Does choosing a side affect the main questline?
No, the Civil War questline and the main dragonborn storyline run separately. Choosing either the Empire or the Stormcloaks will not alter the central plot of battling Alduin, and the main questline will progress regardless of your civil war choices.
4. What happens if the Stormcloaks win the war?
If the Stormcloaks win, Ulfric Stormcloak becomes High King of Skyrim, and Skyrim declares its independence from the Empire. Some jarls are replaced, and the province experiences political upheaval, with uncertain consequences for the future.
5. What happens if the Empire wins the war?
If the Empire wins, Skyrim remains a province under Imperial control. General Tullius oversees the reconstruction, and new, loyalist jarls are appointed in several holds. The long-term peace remains fragile, however, given the underlying tensions.
6. Does joining a side affect who you can interact with in cities?
Joining a side mainly affects interactions within camps and military installations. Imperial and Stormcloak camps become hostile to those who oppose their faction, but the major cities generally remain neutral. Merchants and regular NPCs are largely unaffected.
7. Can you become Thane of Windhelm if you side with the Empire?
No, you cannot become Thane of Windhelm and acquire Hjerim if you side with the Empire. These rewards are tied to a Stormcloak victory. If the Imperials win, Windhelm will be under Imperial control and Ulfric will be removed.
8. Is Ulfric Stormcloak truly evil?
Ulfric Stormcloak is portrayed as an ambiguous figure. He is a skilled leader fighting for Skyrim’s independence, but he is also ambitious, manipulative, and possibly influenced by the Thalmor. Whether he is truly evil is left to the player’s interpretation.
9. Is General Tullius a good leader?
General Tullius is a capable military leader but is often seen as unsympathetic to Nordic traditions. He is dedicated to the Empire’s cause, and while not inherently evil, he comes across as insensitive and authoritarian, particularly toward the Nord culture of Skyrim.
10. Does your chosen race matter when picking a side?
Your chosen race does not affect the overall storyline. While Nords have an affinity with the Stormcloaks, you can choose any side regardless of your race, and no faction is explicitly better for any particular race.
11. Are the Stormcloaks left or right politically?
The game doesn’t translate to real-world political ideologies directly. The Stormcloaks’ focus on nationalism, tradition, and self-rule is likened by many to right-wing movements, while the Empire’s emphasis on global unity and pragmatic diplomacy may be interpreted as left-wing to some. These interpretations are subjective.
12. Can you achieve a lasting peace in Skyrim?
No, the truce you make during the main questline is temporary and specifically to combat the Dragon threat. The game’s resolution does not allow for a true and permanent peaceful ending for the civil war, only the victory of one side or the other.
13. What impact does the civil war have on the game world?
The Civil War questline significantly impacts the political landscape of Skyrim. It affects who is in control of the holds, which jarls are in power, and the disposition of various camps and fortresses across the province.
14. Does joining the Stormcloaks impact your relationship with Lydia?
No. Lydia is your housecarl and will remain loyal regardless of your chosen side in the civil war. She is a follower for the whole game unless she is killed.
15. Can Ulfric be killed and how is he replaced?
Yes, if you side with the Imperials, Ulfric will eventually be killed in the final battle. However, the player is given the choice to kill him or allow Tullius to do so. After Ulfric’s death, Brunwulf Free-Winter replaces him in Windhelm, however this is only after the Imperials take the city.