What happens if you don't KILL Parturnax in Skyrim? The Ending is Correct In a recent YouTube video, the content creator dives into a fascinating discussion surrounding one of the most pivotal decisions in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim—whether to kill Parturnax or not. For those who may not be familiar, Parturnax is a unique dragon situated at the Throat of the World, serving as a mentor to the Greybeards and embodying the potential for redemption.
Key Takeaways from the Video
Parturnax's Significance:
Parturnax is not just any dragon; he's a key figure who helps humans by teaching them the Thu'um (dragon shouts) and plays a significant role in the defeat of Alduin, the World-Eater. His character challenges the traditional view of dragons as solely antagonistic forces.
The Player's Dilemma:
Throughout the game, the Blades (an ancient order dedicated to hunting dragons) insist on Parturnax's death due to his past allegiances. However, players are faced with a moral quandary: Does one kill a being who has chosen a path of peace and mentorship, or adhere to the outdated views of the Blades?
Consequences of Killing vs. Sparing:
Choosing to kill Parturnax can lead to a sense of betrayal felt not only by the Greybeards, who have placed their faith in him but also introduces a darker narrative twist. The video underscores the notion that this act contradicts the very principles the Blades are supposed to uphold.
Conversely, sparing Parturnax allows for a different resolution to the story, wherein the player engages in meaningful dialogue with a creature who has chosen the path of wisdom, enriching the player's narrative experience.
Unique Dialogue Options:
The video reveals a lesser-known dialogue option that occurs if players opt not to kill Parturnax. This dialogue reveals the history of Parturnax's contributions to human victories against dragons, further emphasizing his role as a redeemable character.
Ending Scenarios:
If spared, the player experiences a heartfelt goodbye from Parturnax, who expresses remorse for Alduin's choices while also indicating that he will guide other dragons toward peace. This choice highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the potential for change.
Conclusion
This video serves as an insightful exploration of player choices in Skyrim, showcasing how a seemingly simple decision can lead to vastly different story outcomes. The narrative intricacies surrounding Parturnax challenge players to reflect on themes of morality, justice, and the complexities of good versus evil. Engagement with this content raises questions about our choices in video games and their broader implications. What did you choose when faced with the decision about Parturnax? Did you feel the weight of that choice throughout your Skyrim adventure? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more discussions on ethical decisions in games or to explore similar narratives in RPGs, check out other threads in the Water Cooler section!