Who canonically wins the Skyrim Civil War? This question has been a topic of debate among fans of the popular video game, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. With multiple endings and a rich narrative, determining the definitive victor is not as straightforward as one might think.
The Skyrim Civil War, which begins with the assassination of the Emperor and the subsequent power vacuum, sees the kingdom torn between the Stormcloaks, led by the charismatic Dragonborn, and the Imperial Legion, commanded by the ruthless Jarl Balgruuf the Elder. Both factions have their own reasons for wanting to claim the throne, and their struggle for power shapes the game’s narrative. However, the true winner of the civil war is not immediately apparent upon completion of the game.
In the standard ending, the Dragonborn chooses to return to the Thieves’ Guild and continue their life as a thief, leaving the throne empty. While this outcome may seem like a defeat for both the Stormcloaks and the Imperial Legion, it can be argued that this lack of a clear winner is a testament to the complexity of the conflict. The game allows players to shape the outcome based on their decisions and actions, which can lead to various interpretations of the civil war’s resolution.
One possible interpretation is that the Stormcloaks, with the Dragonborn at their side, are the de facto winners. After all, they managed to oust the Emperor and establish a new government, albeit temporarily. However, this victory is short-lived, as the Dragonborn leaves the political scene, and the throne remains empty. This outcome can be seen as a victory for the Stormcloaks in terms of achieving their immediate goal, but it is not a long-term solution to the kingdom’s problems.
On the other hand, the Imperial Legion, led by Jarl Balgruuf, can be seen as the eventual winners. Although they were initially defeated by the Stormcloaks, the game’s ending implies that the Empire will continue to exist and seek revenge. The fact that the Dragonborn leaves the political scene leaves the door open for the Imperial Legion to reclaim power. In this sense, the civil war can be seen as a temporary setback for the Stormcloaks, with the Empire poised to regain its former glory.
Ultimately, the question of who canonically wins the Skyrim Civil War is a matter of personal interpretation. The game’s open-ended nature allows for multiple endings and outcomes, which can be seen as victories for different factions. Some players may argue that the Stormcloaks win by establishing a new government, while others may believe that the Empire will ultimately triumph. In the end, the true winner of the Skyrim Civil War is up to the player’s imagination and choices.
