Is Skyrim's main theme Pride is ones downfall?

Post » Tue Apr 02, 2013 1:07 pm

I've seen a good deal of New Vegas players "bash" Skyrim for not having a "central" theme, but doesn't dragonborn have a main theme? The theme of pride, and how it eventually leads to one downfall.

Spoiler

Arguably, the crowning example of this theme is Miraak, who is the most prideful character in the game, thinking he's seemingly above everyone, Daedra, you, and even the dragons. He acknowledge's your strength, but always claim's he's above you. His Hubris eventually leads to his downfall, being felled by the dragons, and Hermaus Mora . Another good example is Skorn, whom by seeing threw his pride and the skaal's pride, save's Solsthiem (At the cost of his own life, but the point still stands. There's many other examples of pride being one's downfall, mainly in the Thirsk quest, the Rikieling chief being prideful of his own power, and tries to kill you. Again in the Thirsk questline, the Nordic chief's pride, causing her to try and get you to lie, which can lead to her death by your blade. There's plenty more examples also found in DB. This theme of pride is prevalent in the Vanilla as well, Delphine and Esberns pride causing them to feel blind hate towards Paarntuax and Alduin's pride steaming from being "Firstborn of Akatosh.
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Taylor Bakos
 
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Post » Tue Apr 02, 2013 8:17 am

Look at Alduin as well. Or that first dragon you kill. They are surprised that they were defeated.

So yes I do think Pride being ones downfall is a central theme for Skyrim.
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clelia vega
 
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Post » Tue Apr 02, 2013 12:08 pm

Don't listen to them. New Vegas is way too overrated and not nearly as good as Skyrim. I haven't completed Skyrim yet, but so far it seems to be fine and I'm sure there is a central theme.
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SamanthaLove
 
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Post » Tue Apr 02, 2013 7:21 am

Definitely. Pride leading to one's downfall is one of them, along with 'Power Corrupts' and a few others.
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R.I.p MOmmy
 
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Post » Tue Apr 02, 2013 8:29 pm

See it like this - Dragonborn represents Paarthurnaax - able to overcome their inborn instincts of will to power and conquest through great training and meditation.

Miraak represents Alduin - they both turn away from their destinies out of power hunger, arrogance, and pride. And look where that got them.
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Timara White
 
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Post » Tue Apr 02, 2013 1:18 pm

It is a theme, though is only subtly covered. I suppose that's to be expected when it comes to TES.

Pride is the worst of all virtues.
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Daramis McGee
 
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