Astrid’s Betrayal: Unraveling the Dark Brotherhood’s Downfall
Astrid’s betrayal of the Dark Brotherhood in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a complex event driven by a combination of jealousy, ambition, and fear of losing control. Essentially, Astrid saw the Dragonborn’s rise within the ranks as a direct threat to her leadership and her established order within the Falkreath Sanctuary. Fearing that the other members would ultimately choose the Dragonborn, as the prophesied Listener of the Night Mother, over her, Astrid plotted to eliminate the Dragonborn, seize the payment for the contract, and solidify her position as the unquestioned leader. Her actions stemmed from a desire to maintain power and control, even if it meant going against the very tenets of the Dark Brotherhood.
The Roots of Astrid’s Treachery
Astrid’s leadership style was characterized by a pragmatic, often ruthless approach. She deviated from the traditional principles of the Dark Brotherhood, prioritizing efficiency and profit over the established hierarchy and reverence for the Night Mother and Sithis. This deviation created a fragile foundation for her leadership, making her particularly vulnerable to perceived threats.
The arrival of the Dragonborn, a powerful and influential figure, further exacerbated Astrid’s insecurities. As the Dragonborn excelled in their assigned contracts and demonstrated a natural affinity for the art of assassination, they quickly garnered the attention and respect of the other members. Astrid recognized the potential for the Dragonborn to usurp her authority, leading her to believe that preemptive action was necessary.
Power Dynamics Within the Sanctuary
The power dynamics within the Falkreath Sanctuary were already strained prior to the Dragonborn’s arrival. Astrid’s unconventional leadership style had created divisions among the members, with some questioning her methods and longing for a return to the Brotherhood’s traditional values.
The Dragonborn’s presence amplified these existing tensions, as their actions and abilities directly challenged Astrid’s authority. As the Listener, the Dragonborn held a unique connection to the Night Mother, a position that Astrid could never attain. This difference in status, coupled with the Dragonborn’s growing influence, fueled Astrid’s resentment and ultimately led to her decision to betray them.
The Plan and its Execution
Astrid’s plan involved orchestrating a situation where the Dragonborn would be eliminated, allowing her to seize the remaining payment from the contract. She used her connections to manipulate events, setting the stage for a confrontation that would ultimately result in the Dragonborn’s demise.
However, Astrid’s plan backfired when the Dragonborn survived the ambush and exposed her treachery. The ensuing conflict resulted in the destruction of the Falkreath Sanctuary and the deaths of many members of the Dark Brotherhood. In the end, Astrid, realizing the gravity of her actions, chose to take her own life, becoming the subject of a new contract and allowing the Dragonborn to restore the Brotherhood to its former glory.
The Consequences of Betrayal
Astrid’s betrayal had far-reaching consequences for the Dark Brotherhood. Her actions not only led to the destruction of the Falkreath Sanctuary but also shattered the trust and loyalty among the remaining members.
The Dragonborn’s subsequent efforts to rebuild the Brotherhood were met with both resistance and support, as some members struggled to reconcile Astrid’s actions with their own beliefs and values. Ultimately, the Dark Brotherhood emerged from this period of turmoil as a stronger and more unified organization, but the scars of Astrid’s betrayal remained as a constant reminder of the dangers of ambition and the importance of loyalty.
FAQs: Understanding Astrid and the Dark Brotherhood
1. What are the benefits of joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Joining the Dark Brotherhood offers a unique and engaging storyline filled with intrigue, assassination contracts, and morally ambiguous choices. Players gain access to exclusive equipment, locations, and abilities, including the powerful Shadowmere horse and the Blade of Woe.
2. Is it possible to destroy the Dark Brotherhood instead of joining?
Yes, players can choose to destroy the Dark Brotherhood by killing Astrid in the Abandoned Shack. This initiates a new questline where the player hunts down and eliminates the remaining members of the organization.
3. What happens if I kill Astrid before joining the Dark Brotherhood?
Killing Astrid before joining the Dark Brotherhood prevents the player from accessing the Brotherhood’s questline. Instead, it triggers the “Destroy the Dark Brotherhood!” quest, allowing the player to eradicate the organization.
4. What is the significance of the Night Mother?
The Night Mother is a revered figure within the Dark Brotherhood, considered the spiritual guide and patron deity of assassins. She is believed to communicate with the Listener, who then relays her will to the other members.
5. What is the role of the Listener in the Dark Brotherhood?
The Listener is a special member of the Dark Brotherhood who possesses the ability to communicate directly with the Night Mother. They interpret her will and relay it to the Speaker, who then assigns contracts to the other members.
6. What makes Astrid a unique character in Skyrim?
Astrid is a complex and morally ambiguous character who challenges the traditional values of the Dark Brotherhood. Her pragmatic leadership style and ruthless efficiency set her apart from other members of the organization.
7. Can I marry any members of the Dark Brotherhood?
Yes, you can marry certain members of the Dark Brotherhood, such as Muiri. However, some characters may only become eligible for marriage after completing specific quests or making certain choices within the Dark Brotherhood storyline.
8. What are some of the morally challenging quests in the Dark Brotherhood storyline?
The Dark Brotherhood storyline presents players with several morally challenging quests, including the assassination of innocents, the manipulation of political figures, and the betrayal of allies.
9. What is the overall impact of the Dark Brotherhood storyline on Skyrim’s world?
The Dark Brotherhood storyline adds a layer of darkness and intrigue to Skyrim’s world, exploring themes of morality, power, and the consequences of violence. It offers players a unique opportunity to experience the game from the perspective of an assassin.
10. How does the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim compare to the Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion?
The Dark Brotherhood in Oblivion is often praised for its engaging and creative quests, while the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim is lauded for its well-developed characters and exploration of morally complex themes. Both storylines offer unique experiences for players.
11. Is it possible to save Astrid’s life?
No, it is not possible to save Astrid’s life. Towards the end of the Dark Brotherhood questline, Astrid orchestrates her own demise by sending a contract to the Night Mother, designating herself as the target.
12. What happens to Babette if you destroy the Dark Brotherhood?
If you destroy the Dark Brotherhood, Babette will not be present at the sanctuary, or even be present as a member of the Dark Brotherhood.
13. Who is the ideal target in “With Friends Like These…”?
While all three captives have likely wronged someone, Astrid prefers that you kill Vasha, the Khajiit, given that he describes himself as a murderer, rapist, and thief.
14. What are some things to avoid doing in Skyrim?
Avoid spreading your skills too thin, stealing from chickens, attempting to murder essential NPCs, picking up every item, selling enchanted items, fighting with guards, and storing items in places you don’t own.
15. What can the study of games teach us?
The study of games is very beneficial. As explained by the Games Learning Society, digital games are complex socio-technical systems, and examining them helps us understand the world and ourselves better. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.