Who is the Evil Faction in Skyrim? A Deep Dive
Figuring out who the “evil” faction is in Skyrim isn’t as simple as pointing a finger. Several groups vie for the title, each with their own morally questionable actions and motivations. However, if one faction stands out as objectively malevolent, it’s the Thalmor.
The Thalmor, the ruling power of the Aldmeri Dominion, aren’t just interested in political power or territorial gain. Their ultimate goal is the undoing of reality itself, starting with the eradication of Talos worship, a deity revered by many humans in Skyrim. This objective, coupled with their ruthlessness and the insidious ways they exert control, firmly positions them as the game’s primary antagonists. While groups like the Volkihar vampires and Alduin pose immediate threats to Skyrim, the Thalmor’s long-term vision is arguably the most dangerous and far-reaching.
Evaluating the Contenders for Evil
While the Thalmor take the crown, let’s examine other factions vying for the “evil” title and why they might be considered less so, or at least, more nuanced.
The Volkihar Clan
The Volkihar Clan, led by Lord Harkon, presents a clear and present danger. Their plan to blot out the sun and enslave humanity as vampires is undeniably evil. However, their scope is limited. They’re primarily concerned with their own power and survival, and their ambitions, while grand, are ultimately localized to Skyrim and its immediate surroundings. This is a monstrous but ultimately geographically-limited threat.
Alduin
Alduin, the World-Eater, is driven by instinct and his dragon nature to consume the world. This makes him more of a force of nature than an actively evil entity. He’s destructive, yes, but lacks the complex motivations and calculated cruelty that define true villainy. Alduin’s threat is universal, and the need to stop him provides an overarching narrative to the game.
The Forsworn
The Forsworn are a complicated case. Driven from their ancestral lands and subjected to oppression, their actions, while often brutal, are born of desperation and a desire for self-determination. Their tactics can certainly be viewed as evil, but their motivations are rooted in historical injustices, painting them as tragic figures rather than purely malevolent ones. Their actions are evil, but their reasoning is complex, blurring the lines of morality.
The Dark Brotherhood
The Dark Brotherhood, as a guild of assassins, is certainly morally ambiguous. They murder for profit, and their contracts often involve innocent victims. However, their actions are driven by economic necessity and a twisted sense of honor, not by a desire to reshape the world or impose their will on others. The player even has the option to destroy the Dark Brotherhood, showcasing that they aren’t essential to the story.
The Stormcloaks
The Stormcloaks are often seen as good or evil, depending on the player’s perspective. They are fighting for the independence of Skyrim and the right to worship Talos, which can be seen as heroic. However, their methods are often brutal, and their cause can be viewed as fueled by racism and xenophobia. Some might argue their nationalistic fervor veers towards a certain evil as well, causing social divides.
The Imperial Legion
The Imperial Legion are not necessarily evil, but they are complicit in the Thalmor’s agenda. They are bound by a treaty that outlaws the worship of Talos, and they are willing to enforce this law, even if it means oppressing the people of Skyrim. However, they are also trying to maintain order and prevent Skyrim from falling into chaos.
Why the Thalmor Stand Out
What sets the Thalmor apart is their combination of ideological extremism, strategic ruthlessness, and long-term vision. They aren’t just trying to conquer territory or amass wealth; they’re trying to rewrite reality itself. Their oppression of Talos worshippers is not just a matter of religious intolerance; it’s a calculated step towards unraveling the fabric of the world. This is evident in their treatment of the population.
Their methods are equally insidious. They use propaganda, manipulation, and even assassination to achieve their goals. They infiltrate governments, sow discord among the populace, and exploit existing tensions to further their agenda.
Ultimately, while many factions in Skyrim engage in morally questionable behavior, the Thalmor’s long-term goals and insidious methods mark them as the most truly evil faction in the game. They represent a threat not just to Skyrim, but to the entire world of Nirn. Analyzing the strategic elements in play, as well as the decision-making processes for these parties, requires an understanding of game mechanics, which are examined in depth by organizations like the Games Learning Society. You can find more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the Thalmor the same as the Aldmeri Dominion?
Yes, the Thalmor are the ruling political party within the Aldmeri Dominion. They essentially are the Dominion.
2. Why do the Thalmor hate Talos?
The Thalmor believe Talos, a human who ascended to godhood, is a false god. More fundamentally, they hate Talos because his apotheosis proves that humans can achieve divinity, a concept that threatens their worldview and racial superiority.
3. What is the Thalmor’s ultimate goal?
According to some theories, the Thalmor aim to unmake reality and return the world to its pre-creation state. Eradicating Talos worship is seen as a key step in this process.
4. Can you join the Thalmor in Skyrim?
No, the game does not offer the option to join the Thalmor. You can, however, interact with them and influence their actions to a limited extent.
5. Are all Altmer members of the Thalmor?
No, not all Altmer (High Elves) are members of the Thalmor. Many Altmer oppose the Thalmor’s ideology and methods.
6. How powerful are the Thalmor in Skyrim?
The Thalmor wield significant power in Skyrim, even though they are not the ruling government. They maintain a strong presence through their embassy and agents, and they exert considerable influence over the Empire and local governments.
7. Are the Thalmor more evil than Alduin?
While Alduin is a world-ending threat, the Thalmor’s calculated cruelty and insidious methods make them arguably more evil. Alduin acts on instinct, while the Thalmor act on a conscious desire to reshape reality in their image.
8. What is the White-Gold Concordat?
The White-Gold Concordat is the treaty signed between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion, ending the Great War. It included concessions that weakened the Empire, including the banning of Talos worship.
9. What are the consequences of supporting the Empire against the Stormcloaks?
Supporting the Empire leads to a Thalmor victory in Skyrim. However, it also maintains a semblance of order and prevents Skyrim from descending into chaos.
10. Are there any Thalmor who defect or oppose the Thalmor?
Yes, there are individuals within the Thalmor who question or oppose the Thalmor’s ideology and actions. Some may even defect to the player’s side.
11. How does the Dark Brotherhood fit into the power dynamics of Skyrim?
The Dark Brotherhood operates outside the main power structures, providing assassination services to anyone willing to pay. They can be a valuable ally or a dangerous enemy, depending on the player’s choices.
12. Is Ulfric Stormcloak a good or bad guy?
Ulfric Stormcloak’s morality is debatable. He fights for Skyrim’s independence, but his methods are often brutal, and he can be viewed as a xenophobe.
13. Can you destroy the Thalmor in Skyrim?
While you can’t completely eliminate the Thalmor from the game, you can weaken their influence and disrupt their plans through various quests and actions.
14. What is the connection between the Thalmor and the dragons?
The connection between the Thalmor and the dragons is not directly stated in the game. However, some theories suggest that the Thalmor may have played a role in the dragons’ return to Skyrim.
15. What makes Skyrim such a popular game, even years after its release?
Skyrim’s popularity stems from its vast open world, rich lore, engaging quests, and the freedom it gives players to create their own stories. The moral ambiguity of its factions and characters also contributes to its enduring appeal.