Could the Dragonborn be High King?

Could the Dragonborn be High King of Skyrim?

In the world of Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series, one question has long been debated among players: can the Dragonborn, protagonist of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, become the High King of the land? The answer, somewhat surprisingly, is yes – although it’s not as straightforward as some might hope.

Direct Answer: Through the use of console commands, players can edit the Dragonborn’s name to include "High King" of Skyrim, effectively elevating their character to the highest tier of power in the game. However, for sake of realism, this is not a feasible method within the game’s lore.

Within the world of Skyrim, the High King (or Queen) is the highest authority in the land, with all other leaders and Jarls falling under their command. The position was once held by the Septims, whose dynasty has been all but forgotten by the time of the Dragonborn’s arrival.

The Problem:
There are several reasons why becoming High King through normal gameplay or even using console commands becomes a daunting task. Firstly, Skyrim is a realm divided, with multiple factions vying for power and different interests. The Stormcloaks, the Empire, and even the Thalmor all claim a stake in the land, making alliances and wars a constant struggle. This fragmentation of power makes it difficult for any one individual – including the Dragonborn – to unite Skyrim under a single rule.

Secondly, becoming High King requires a level of popularity and recognition among the people of Skyrim, which is no easy feat. Building a reputation and gaining the trust of the general population would require significant politicking, military conquests, or a combination of both. This too would be a tall order for the average player character.

Lore Considerations:
Another complicating factor is the lore surrounding Skyrim’s history. The Septim dynasty, once the ruling house of the Empire, has been all but forgotten. The current ruler, either the Stormcloaks’ Ulfric or the Emperor Tiber Septim’s chosen representative, is not the next in line for the throne in the classical sense. This muddies the waters of succession, making it difficult to determine who would – or could – become the rightful High King.

Ingame Consequences:
If the Dragonborn were to become High King without proper narrative justification, it could significantly alter the game’s story and mechanics. Other characters’ motivations and actions may change, and the balance of power in the world could shift dramatically. From a storytelling perspective, this could break immersion and create inconsistencies with the game’s narrative.

While the Dragonborn can take on the title of High King in limited capacity, the reality is that without a strong narrative justification, it cannot be done within the game’s original context. The game mechanics and lore do not support or facilitate the Dragonborn’s path to the High King’s throne.

In conclusion, while the console commands do provide a way to play as the High King, it is ultimately a creative workaround rather than a genuine extension of the game’s story. The complexities and intricacies of Skyrim’s world ensure that becoming High King of Skyrim through normal gameplay or under the game’s original rules is a fantasy that, for now, remains precisely that.

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