Let’s be honest – did you ever really understand the war between the Stormcloaks and the Imperials?
The climate in Skyrim is harsh – and in 4E 201, the land of the Nords is a powder keg. The civil war between the Empire of Tamriel and the Stormcloaks, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, divides cities and people alike. What began as a political disagreement has become a bitter struggle over faith and power.
How It All Began
The open war begins with the death of High King Torygg. Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm, challenged him to a duel and killed him – using his Thu’um, the Voice of the Dragons, a power mastered by a rare few Nords (and the Dragonborn). Some call it an honorable duel, others call it murder.
But the tension had been building long before Torygg's death. During the Great War against the Aldmeri Dominion, Ulfric was held as a prisoner by the Thalmor – and returned to Skyrim a changed man. After the war, the Empire began enforcing the terms of the peace treaty, including the ban on Talos worship, the most sacred deity of the Nords. For Ulfric, this was the final betrayal – the bond between Nord and Empire was broken.
Signed in 4E 175, the peace treaty between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion ended the Great War – but at a heavy cost. Talos worship was banned, the Thalmor were granted diplomatic immunity, and their Justiciars were allowed to operate in Skyrim. For many Nords, it was a betrayal of their gods and their heritage.
The Stormcloaks: For Skyrim, for Talos
Ulfric Stormcloak and his followers – the Stormcloaks – are fighting for an independent Skyrim, free from the influence of the Empire and the Thalmor. To them, Talos worship is at the heart of Nordic identity. Their base is Windhelm, and their goal is clear: Ulfric on the throne, the Empire out of their homeland – no matter the cost.
The movement draws support from those who feel abandoned by the Empire: common Nords, veterans of the Great War, and Jarls who want to rule their Skyrim without foreign interference. They see themselves as the "true sons and daughters of Skyrim" – and regard Ulfric as their rightful leader.
A defining moment in Ulfric’s rise was the so-called Markarth Incident. While the Empire was fighting the Great War against the Dominion, the Forsworn – descendants of the native Reachmen – took the opportunity to reclaim their ancestral homeland. Markarth had once been Dwemer, then Nordic, then settled by the Reachfolk – until Tiber Septim drove them out. With the Empire absent, they seized the city once more.
The Forsworn are descendants of the original inhabitants of the Reach. They see themselves as the rightful heirs to the land and reject Nordic occupation. After being driven out by Ulfric, they retreated into the mountains and have since waged a guerrilla war against both Imperial and Nordic forces. Their ferocity and hatred of all outsiders make them a feared enemy.
After the war, Ulfric struck a deal with the local Jarl: if he and his militia retook the Reach for the Empire, Talos worship would be permitted again in the region. Ulfric succeeded – but the Thalmor later forced the Empire to reverse the agreement and arrest Ulfric. For many Nords, this was the final proof that the Empire had no spine left. From that betrayal, the Stormcloak rebellion was born.
The Imperials: Order at Any Cost
The Imperial Legion, led by General Tullius, has a different goal: to preserve the unity of the Empire, maintain peace, and restore order – even if that means making difficult compromises. To them, the civil war is a threat to all of Tamriel. A fractured Skyrim would be easy prey for the resurging Aldmeri Dominion.
Officially, the elves of the Aldmeri Dominion remain neutral – but their own reports reveal a devious strategy: they want the civil war to drag on as long as possible, weakening both sides. A Stormcloak victory would be dangerous, but so would a stronger Empire. Their true goal: influence through the erosion of order.
Many Imperials privately resent the White-Gold Concordat, but for them, preserving the Empire takes precedence. Even Talos worshippers within the Legion – like Legate Rikke – keep their faith quiet, unwilling to risk upsetting an already fragile balance.
Divided Lands, Split Loyalties
Skyrim is divided into eight holds – four aligned with the Stormcloaks, four with the Empire. Whiterun, located at the heart of the province, remained neutral for a long time, until Jarl Balgruuf ultimately sided with the Empire to protect his city. The result: one of the war’s fiercest battles – the Siege of Whiterun. Other Jarls, like Laila Law-Giver of Riften, support the rebellion out of conviction – or opportunism. Still others remain wary, trusting neither Ulfric nor Tullius. In short, this war is as much political as it is military.
Whether Ulfric is a freedom fighter or a power-hungry usurper remains a question that divides Skyrim – and its players.