What Happens when Alduin Dies? An In-Depth Analysis of the Consequences
Throughout the epic game of Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, countless players have battled against Alduin, the World-Dragon, to save their world from destruction. Since Alduin is the fate-bound mortal enemy of mankind, defeating him is undoubtedly a monumental achievement. Still, the question remains – what exactly happens when you finally slay the revered dragon?
The Loss of Immortality
Despite being an incredibly powerful creation, Alduin’s untimely demise marks his loss of immortality and invincibility. Before his demise, Alduin was destined to consume an entire province, and indeed, he had already breached the gates of the First Era’s capital,Windhelm. By killing him, the prophecy is shattered, and his unending reign terrorizing the world is vanquished.
Exploring the Consequences in the Main Quest
According to the main quest arc, after defeating Alduin, you are left confused and unsure about the moral implications of your actions, as you realize that everything has changed. Henceforth, the protagonist is known as the Defier of Fate, rejecting the role of the reluctant hero.
Lifelong Foes Become Friendlier
In the newly rewritten prophecy, the previous enemies you had vanquished throughout your journey and those you had antagonized become less hostile towards your character. Some key figures like the Dark Brotherhood, Thalmor, Forsworn, and Skyrim’s rulers will greet you with a more forgiving attitude.
Dragonbone and Souls
The slaying of Alduin raises an interesting question about those who would have otherwise turned into dragons. They are free to choose anew, whether they will join as companions, become mercenaries for the Companions Order, or continue their predestined path as Wyrmlores. A few might even opt not to pursue the path dictated by their birthright due to your actions.
• Harvesting a Dragon’s Soul: Ordinarily, absorbing or killing a dragon’s dragon soul grants the player immortality and immense power through the Shout of Kyne. However, unique circumstances with Alduin arise, and his soul ultimately becomes absorbed by the realm of Souls, the afterlife chosen by the gods themselves.
The End to the World-Eater Dragon’s Plans
By rendering Alduin mortal, mankind is given a second opportunity to reclaim their world; the threat of the imminent destruction, once so closely tied to the prophecy fulfilled, now dissipates completely. The World remains safe, and the potential for catastrophic events, heralded by the dragon prophecy, ceases to affect the inhabitants of Skyrim as if the world now had a new lease.
The Conjunction of the Spheres Now a Distant Memory?
This event, pivotal in shaping the destiny and the history of the Land of Skyrim, becomes void of meaning, as, Alduin falls from his pedestal, having failed in his missionto destroy the world for the 500thousandth time. One can almost imagine the dragons of Skyrim, confused after their ‘leader’sfall. The prophecy being shattered will likely lead future generations to re-evaluate their world and its secrets.
The End
The journey of the warrior of the Dragonborn marks the culmination of an extensive, tumultuous adventure: defeating the enemy of humanity, the supposed fate of the world that had become a self-created reality. With new paths open, a revitalized future unfolds, the once-bound fate now cast aside like a worn blanket. In the world-renowned epic of Skyrim, Alduin’s demise resonates with the profound knowledge that our actions can shape the world we live in, and the legacies that will forever connect us.