Why Isn’t the Dragonborn Emperor?
The burning question on the minds of many Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim players after saving the world from Alduin, mastering shouts, and becoming a legend in their own right: Why isn’t the Dragonborn Emperor? The short answer is, game mechanics combined with lore implications. While the game allows the Dragonborn to become a Thane, head of various guilds (Thieves, Dark Brotherhood, College of Winterhold, Companions), and even own property throughout Skyrim, the role of Emperor is deliberately walled off. This is due to several interconnected reasons related to gameplay, narrative scope, and the established history of the Elder Scrolls universe. The Dragonborn’s destiny lies elsewhere, focused on a personal journey rather than the tedious management of an empire. The game prioritizes the freedom of player choice and the open-world experience, rather than shoehorning them into a specific, linear political role.
The Dragonborn’s Divergent Path
The Emperor in the Elder Scrolls universe is a vital role, with the Dragonborn Emperors of the Septim Dynasty having a profound influence on history. The Emperor is also supposed to be Dragonborn. So shouldn’t the Last Dragonborn step up? The key here is the timeline. The game Skyrim takes place during a tumultuous period. The Emperor Titus Mede II is still alive and rules from Cyrodiil. The political landscape of Skyrim itself is fractured by the Civil War between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks. The game mechanics do permit the Dragonborn to choose to support either faction.
The Dragonborn’s primary purpose within the narrative is to fulfill the prophecy of defeating Alduin. That quest takes precedence over any political ambitions. Even if the Dragonborn were to decisively win the Civil War for either side, becoming Emperor isn’t an immediate consequence. They might become High King/Queen of Skyrim, but this is prevented by the same limitation that prevents them from becoming emperor: game mechanics. The core design philosophy of Skyrim is centered around player agency and the ability to forge a unique story. Forcing the Dragonborn into the role of Emperor would drastically limit this freedom, dictating their actions and confining them to Cyrodiil, effectively ending their adventure in Skyrim.
Scope of the Game
Skyrim is designed to be a localized experience focused on the province of Skyrim. While the Civil War has implications for the wider Empire, the game never truly expands beyond Skyrim’s borders. Integrating a questline that involves usurping the Imperial throne would require a significant expansion of the game’s scope, including new locations, characters, and quests within Cyrodiil. This would detract from the core experience of exploring Skyrim and its unique lore. Furthermore, such a major political shift would fundamentally alter the balance of power in Tamriel, requiring significant changes to the game world and its lore.
Legacy
Finally, the Dragonborn’s legacy is meant to be more legendary than political. They are remembered as the savior of Skyrim, the vanquisher of Alduin, and a master of the Thu’um. Their achievements are personalized, heroic acts rather than the bureaucratic and political maneuvering required of an Emperor. The game intends for the player to create their own legend, independent of the pre-defined role of Emperor.
FAQs: Understanding the Dragonborn and the Empire
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Dragonborn’s role and relationship to the Empire:
- Could the Dragonborn be Imperial? Absolutely. The Dragonborn’s race is entirely up to the player. There have been Imperial Dragonborns in the past, such as Tiber Septim, so it’s entirely lore-friendly. The power isn’t tied to any specific race.
- Does being Dragonborn give the Dragonborn a right to the throne? No. The only ones who ever had “Divine Right” were the Septims. The Dragonborn is blessed by Akatosh to have the soul of a dragon at birth.
- Why isn’t the Dragonborn immortal? Nothing in the game makes the Dragonborn immortal. The Nerevarine isn’t immortal either, just unaging. Any sufficiently powerful being could kill them.
- Could the Last Dragonborn be a Septim? It’s unlikely the Dragonborn is a direct descendant of the Septims. There’s some evidence they are the reincarnation of Tiber Septim.
- Who is the most powerful Dragonborn? According to most fans, the Last Dragonborn is the most powerful, followed by Miraak, Tiber Septim, Martin Septim, Wulfharth, Mankar Camoran, and Reman Cyrodiil.
- What race is the Last Dragonborn canonically? The game purposely leaves it open. The cover art suggests a Nord, but the player can choose any race.
- Why didn’t the Dragonborn absorb Alduin? The Dovahkiin cannot absorb a god’s power. It’s also possible Akatosh (or another Divine) interfered to preserve the Dragonborn’s identity.
- Why can’t Dragonborn fly? In Skyrim, the Dragonborn can not fly innately. Other editions and RPG systems allow flying with enough experience. This is a game design choice.
- What race is Miraak? Miraak is a Nord who served the dragons in ancient times.
- Why don’t Dragonborn have tails? Dragonborn are humanoids with draconic traits, not tiny dragons shaped like humans. This is a design choice to reinforce their humanoid nature.
- What is the most lore-friendly race in Skyrim? Bretons are a strong choice. Their racial power, Dragonskin, subtly links them to being Dragonborn.
- Can the Dragonborn be a Jarl? No. The Dragonborn can become a Thane but cannot officially ascend to the position of Jarl in Skyrim.
- Can the Dragonborn become a god? If the Dragonborn is a Shezzarine, he is possibly closer to godhood, but he’d likely have to undertake the Walking Ways.
- What is the lifespan of a Dragonborn? Young Dragonborn grow quickly, reaching adulthood by 15 and living to be around 80.
- Are Dragonborn stronger than dragons? The Last Dragonborn and Miraak are considerably more powerful than average dragons.
The Dragonborn’s path is one of individual heroism and personal legend, not necessarily political dominion. The Emperor is one potential path that the game does not focus on.
Engaging with games and understanding their underlying mechanics and narratives is a fascinating field of study. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be used for learning and education. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.