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Who Are the Good Guys in Skyrim?

Determining the “good guys” in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim isn’t as simple as wearing a white hat. Morality is nuanced, and allegiances are often blurred. However, generally speaking, the groups most aligned with protecting the people of Skyrim and upholding some semblance of order would be considered the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks. The “good” of each lies in their goals: the Legion seeks to maintain a united Empire and stability throughout Tamriel, while the Stormcloaks fight for Skyrim’s independence and the freedom to worship Talos. Your perception of which goal is “good” often dictates your allegiance and view of the other faction. It is crucial to remember that even within these groups, individual members can act in ways that contradict the overall aims, clouding the issue further.

The Complexities of Morality in Skyrim

Skyrim, as a setting, revels in its moral ambiguity. There’s no single, universally accepted “right” answer to many of the game’s conflicts. Each faction, each group, and even each individual character has their own motivations, their own justifications for their actions. What one person considers just, another might deem tyrannical. Understanding this inherent complexity is crucial to understanding who might be perceived as “good.”

Examining the Imperial Legion

The Imperial Legion represents the authority of the Empire of Tamriel, a once vast and powerful force now weakened by internal strife and the rise of the Aldmeri Dominion (the Thalmor). The Legion’s presence in Skyrim is meant to uphold the law and maintain order, protecting the populace from bandits, wild creatures, and the chaos of a civil war.

Pros: They advocate for unity and stability, preventing Skyrim from fracturing and potentially falling prey to external threats. They represent a more cosmopolitan and tolerant society (at least on the surface).
Cons: They enforce the White-Gold Concordat, a treaty that outlaws the worship of Talos, a revered hero-god in Skyrim, deeply offending many Nords. They can be seen as an occupying force, suppressing the Nord’s cultural identity and religious freedom. Their leaders are not always paragons of virtue and can be driven by political ambition.

Deciphering the Stormcloak Rebellion

The Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, are a rebellion fighting for Skyrim’s independence from the Empire. They believe that the Empire has become too weak and too beholden to the Thalmor, compromising Skyrim’s cultural identity and religious freedom.

Pros: They champion the freedom of worship for Talos and fight for the right of the Nords to govern themselves. They appeal to the patriotic spirit of the Nords and offer a vision of a strong, independent Skyrim.
Cons: They can be seen as xenophobic and intolerant towards non-Nords, particularly Dunmer and Argonians. Ulfric Stormcloak’s actions, particularly the Markarth Incident, raise questions about his leadership and his true motivations. Their rebellion weakens the Empire, potentially leaving Tamriel vulnerable to the Thalmor.

Beyond the Civil War: Other Potential “Good Guys”

While the civil war dominates much of Skyrim’s narrative, other groups and individuals work towards the betterment of the province:

The Companions: This venerable guild of warriors offers protection and assistance to the people of Skyrim, fighting monsters and upholding the values of honor and courage.
The College of Winterhold: While sometimes seen as aloof, the College provides a center of learning and magical expertise, contributing to the knowledge and understanding of the world.
The Vigilants of Stendarr: These zealous warriors dedicate themselves to eradicating Daedra and other evil entities, protecting the innocent from supernatural threats.
Individual Jarls: Several Jarls across Skyrim, regardless of their allegiance in the civil war, may strive to rule justly and care for their people.
The Dragonborn: The player character, as the Dragonborn, can choose to act as a force for good, helping those in need, vanquishing evil, and protecting Skyrim from various threats. Their morality is entirely dependent on the player’s choices.

Ultimately, the “good guys” in Skyrim are those who prioritize the well-being of others and strive to make the province a better place, regardless of their factional affiliation. Often, it boils down to individual actions and intentions rather than blanket labeling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the complexities of morality and allegiances in Skyrim:

Is the Empire inherently evil because they outlaw Talos worship? No, the Empire’s decision to outlaw Talos worship was a pragmatic one, forced upon them by the White-Gold Concordat with the Thalmor. They see it as a necessary sacrifice to maintain peace and prevent further bloodshed. Individual Imperials may disagree with the ban.
Are the Stormcloaks racist? The Stormcloaks are often accused of racism due to their focus on Nord identity and perceived mistreatment of non-Nords in Windhelm. While there’s evidence of prejudice within their ranks, it’s not necessarily a universal trait. Some Stormcloaks are tolerant and welcoming, while others harbor strong biases.
Is Ulfric Stormcloak a puppet of the Thalmor? The Thalmor dossier on Ulfric reveals that they see him as a valuable, albeit unwitting, asset in destabilizing the Empire. However, there’s no concrete evidence that Ulfric is knowingly working with or taking orders from the Thalmor.
Is joining the Dark Brotherhood inherently evil? Yes, the Dark Brotherhood is an organization of assassins who murder for profit. Joining them requires embracing a morally reprehensible lifestyle. While the game allows for roleplaying and justifying your actions, the core activity is inherently evil.
Are the Thieves Guild members inherently bad people? The Thieves Guild operates outside the law, engaging in theft and extortion. However, they often avoid violence and have a code of honor. While their actions are illegal and often morally questionable, some players may see them as Robin Hood-esque figures.
Is there a truly “good” faction I can join? There isn’t a single faction that embodies perfect goodness. Each group has its flaws and compromises. The best approach is to consider your own moral compass and choose the faction that aligns most closely with your values.
Does the Dragonborn’s choice in the civil war truly matter? Yes, the Dragonborn’s choice significantly impacts the political landscape of Skyrim, determining which faction controls various holds and influencing the balance of power in the province.
What happens if I don’t choose a side in the civil war? While technically possible to delay, the main quest eventually forces the Dragonborn to choose a side. It’s integral to the narrative, even though you can postpone it.
Are the Vigilants of Stendarr always trustworthy? The Vigilants of Stendarr are generally considered to be a force for good, but they can be fanatical and prejudiced against anyone suspected of dealing with Daedra, even if they’re innocent.
Is there a way to achieve peace between the Empire and the Stormcloaks without choosing a side? During the main questline, there is a temporary truce negotiated, allowing for discussion of a future solution. However, ultimately you still have to pick a side to finish the civil war storyline.
What are the long-term consequences of choosing the Empire or the Stormcloaks? The consequences are primarily reflected in the political map of Skyrim and the dialogue of NPCs. There is no massive change to the world, but your choice will be mentioned and acknowledged.
Are the Forsworn inherently evil? The Forsworn are a complex group. They are fighting for their ancestral lands, but their methods are often brutal and indiscriminate. While their motivations might be understandable, their actions are often morally questionable.
Can I change my allegiance after joining a faction? No, once you commit to the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks, you cannot switch sides.
Is it possible to be a “good” vampire or werewolf? While you are still afflicted with a curse that feeds on life, roleplaying as a “good” vampire or werewolf is possible by focusing on using your powers to protect others and minimize harm.
What is the best way to determine who the “good guys” are in Skyrim? The best way is to play the game, immerse yourself in the world, and make choices based on your own moral compass. Skyrim encourages critical thinking and doesn’t offer easy answers, allowing you to define what “good” means to you.

Who is the good guys in Skyrim?