Justice or Redemption: The Question of Paarthurnax in Skyrim (Paarthurnax)

SPOILER WARNING: The following reveals the identity of the Greybeard's elusive leader Paarthurnax and the events taking place after Sovngarde.

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Game: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Quest: Paarthurnax

Location: Sky Haven Temple, The Reach (trigger)

Summary: During Act III of the Main Quest, the Dragonborn reveals a shocking truth to Blades Esbern and Delphine: The leader of the Greybeards is Paarthurnax, brother of Alduin World-Eater. Angered by this revelation, Delphine demands the Dragonborn must kill Paarthurnax to honour their oath as dragonslayer and protect the land, to which Greybeard elder Arngeir vehemently objects. Torn between loyalties, the Dragonborn must choose between justice for war or a path to peace, and ask how the distant past plays into relevance with the present.

More information: Paarthurnax | The Elder Scrolls Wiki | Fandom

Bleak Falls Barrow, where the unsuspecting Dragonborn begins their adventure.

Photo credit: FetchQuester 

A Past of Bloodshed and Regret

Like his brethren, Paarthurnax (also known as "The Old One") harkens from the Merethic Era when the dominance of dragons was absolute and only an elite group of priests - the Dragon Cult - had access to the powers delegated them. Their insatiable thirst for violence led to an uprising among the humans against the faction; helmed by the harbinger of the apocalypse Alduin World-Eater and his brother/lieutenant Paarthurnax, the dragons wrought a scourge of destruction across the land. Thus began the Dragon War.

Through Kyne's intervention and a disdain for Alduin's hubris, Paarthurnax rebelled against his brother and rallied the dov to save humankind through the teaching of the Thu'um (voice), creating the first Tongues. Empowered by this ability, the humans were able to overthrow their oppressors; the time of the dragon was over and Paarthurnax withdrew from the world to devote his life to meditation as the (previously) unknown Leader of the Greybeards, teaching the peaceful principles of Jurgen Windcaller.

Sparing Paarthurnax

The Greybeards, whose calling is intimately connected with gaining enlightenment through practicing "The Way of the Voice", could not be more at odds with the mantra of the Blades (though sagely Esbern exudes a contemplative nature). The Dragonborn must establish what the task of Paarthurnax's execution entails and how this will affect their relationship with High Hrothgar, which has proved useful as a place of study and neutral ground for peace negotiations.

The relationship between humans, mer, and dragons et al is tenuous and complicated. The Dragonborn acknowledges that maintaining a peaceful balance between dov and mortal requires a deft guidance which Paarthurnax can use to curb the violent nature of his follow dov as they return to Skyrim and stake their claim; he is a powerful presence who through his own endeavour has learned to temper his inborn traits.

"What is better? To be born good or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?" he questions the Dragonborn during one of their heart-to-hearts. That he admits he is tempted to succumb to his nature everyday does not suggest weakness, but strength: The resolve that one can, no matter their past, become good. Paarthurnax conscientiously chooses the compassionate path time and time again.

Does this absolve Paarthurnax of his crimes? No, but Arngeir reminds the Dragonborn that all dragon served under Alduin's dictatorial rule, and it was Paarthurnax's intervention which became the salvation of humans and other races. This heralded the beginning of an evolution of morality on Paarthurnax's part, a self-awareness cultivated through thousands of years of reflection. That he believes the idea of "good" is a worthy purpose in itself counters his "evil" nature, particularly because of what it costs him: His brother, his way of life, and arguably the "honour" of the dov's way of life prior to the era of the Dragonborn. The Warrior-Mother figure Kyne's choosing of Paarthurnax to turn the tide in the Dragon War wasn't just a strategic choice but also a symbolic one: Just as humanity has been elevated through the technique of dragon tongue, so too would the dov learn to respect and accept humans as worthy.

If the Greybeards, who condemn warfare and seek a monastic life, have chosen Paarthurnax as leader then a sense of redemption must be assumed - to openly defy this leadership through an act of killing would be seen as vengeance, not justice. Arngeir is quick to note the barbaric and short-sighted nature of the Blades, reinforcing the Greybeards' ethos of peace. The act of sparing Paarthurnax represents a shift in power dynamic and most importantly, the opportunity for a peaceful future. What would his death attain other than a renewed cycle of bloodshed?

If the Dragonborn seeks wisdom through the Way of the Voice to provide hope and salvation for Skyrim or use it as a ruse to acquire absolute power (and thus forsake the Way) then it benefits both "good" and "evil" motives to secure Paarthurnax's allyship (though he would protest atrocities such as those committed by Miraak). The Dragonborn must also question the unrelenting resolve of the Blades who refuse to accept that a different era is upon Skyrim, instead choosing to preserve the ashes of the past at all costs (despite their own troubled history of falling from favour after failing to protect the Empire). Should the dragons retaliate and avenge Paarthurnax's death, the Blades may have inadvertently destroyed all promise of a sustainable future between Tamriel's races. 

Alduin's Wall, Sky Haven Temple. Photo credit: FetchQuester

Executing Paarthurnax

It is tempting to assume that perhaps Paarthurnax did not realise the wrongs he committed, much in the same way that humans in the modern world engage in heinous acts that we will condemn on a mass scale in a few generations' time (eating meat, exploiting the environment, etc.) Historicists often argue that we cannot hold people from past generations to the same moral and ethical standards of today, but that does not excuse the crimes nor heal the generational trauma which is further exacerbated by deliberate systemic failure. In the case of the Dragon Cult, men and monster alike knew exactly what they were doing - that it was done with zealous conviction does not make it acceptable, and that it bears scars across the land despite the long proximity of time is telling of its haunting remnants. It is worth noting that the Blades do not demand the Dragonborn kill all dragons (particularly allies such as Odahviing), but question the trust of a dragon who betrayed his own kin after being complicit with his crimes.

Paarthurnax's actions may demonstrate a temperance that is worthy of an ally, but to rein in all dov and deny them the free will to succumb to - or overcome - their nature is unsustainable and antithetical to Paarthurnax's own journey of self-discovery. The core beliefs Paarthurnax holds so preciously must be reached by one's own experience vs. a collective "cull" of aggression. 

Having served Tamriel thrice over, Paarthurnax's own purpose has come full circle. Reluctant to engage in the troubles of mortals now that Tamriel is saved, all that remains is the tremulous line between his inner restraint and the innate desire to return to his warlike nature, bearing great risk to Skyrim. Bound by oath to the Blades, it is the Dragonborn's duty to bring an end to Paarthurnax: The Dragon and Paarthurnax: The Legacy. This is not such a tragic end for Paarthurnax, who, though expressing remorse at this choice, understands the reasoning behind it and is granted what dragons revere most: A challenge that will lead to victory or a glorious death.

Rather than diminish into nothingness, Paarthurnax's power is transferred into the Dragonborn. No fellowship of martyrdom will be taken up by the dov who recognize the Dragonborn's unquestionable claim of dominance. Paarthurnax has answered for the crimes he committed, allowing for tangible closure and a healing process to begin; the dragon presence is significantly weakened and the Blades are re-enforced as protectors of Tamriel. This would be the ultimate victory for the Dragonborn, becoming avenger - as well as saviour - of Skyrim. 

Spoilers affecting choice:

The outcomes of both choices are predictable: The Blades refuse to further collaborate if Paarthurnax remains living, while Arngeir denounces the Dragonborn for their murder of the elder dragon. These consequences play directly into the role the Dragonborn will define for themselves. As the first to emerge in Tamriel for time immemorial, they must decide how to wield their power: Temper it, showing restraint, wisdom, and insight, or unleash it and claim authority over the dov and restore the legacy of Dragonborn and Blades alike. Other than from a role-playing perspective there is no overt in-game benefit for either choice.

The Book of the Dragonborn. Photo credit: FetchQuester

Cheating the quest (and potential problems):

Players can exploit the use of mods or console commands to bypass the requirement to kill Paarthurnax and remain on good terms with the Blades and Greybeards. Critics may argue this is antithetical to the overall narrative and unbelievable in the game world. But from a role-playing perspective it is possible; as Paarthurnax has remained in "hiding" for so long and the Blades are unlikely to return to High Hrothgar, the Dragonborn can assure the Blades that Paarthurnax has been "dealt with" and they may never know. On the other hand, as the Blades faction continues to grow and both Delphine and Esbern now have access to further knowledge, this situation could arise again in the future and lead to a betrayal of trust.

- Lucy A.

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Sources: 

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Bethesda Game Studios/Bethesda Softworks); fandom.com