Is Ulfric Really That Bad?

Post » Thu Aug 23, 2012 5:11 am

Originally, I liked Ulfric, then I hated him, but now I think I might still like him. People seem to think Ulfric is a no-good piece of trash who is power-hungry and greedy. While I can understand why people would think that, I don't see the logic in it.

The Greybeards Trained Him - I'm not sure if this is significant or not, but Ulfric was chosen and trained by the Greybeards to the Thu'um. Let me repeat: Ulfric was chosen and trained by the Greybeards to the Thu'um That has to mean something. To be chosen and trained by the Greybeards has to show some kind of significance, right? He was going to be a freakin' Greybeard! I know Ulfric denied using the Way of the Voice properly, but come on, they had to see something in him.

Ulfric Fought for the Empire - Ulfric left the Greybeards to join the Imperial Legion and help fight in the Great War. He left his training with the Greybeards to fight, cause he wanted to and he chose to. I think that says something. He may have been captured, and he may have become a Thalmor asset, but he still fought for the Empire.

Ulfric Reclaimed the Reach for his People - Ulfric personally shouted the Forsworn from Markarth. He retook the land for his fellow Nords. He was fighting for his country and retook the lost land. If nothing else, it shows he is a brave man willing to fight for Skyrim. And yes, I know the Reach may belong to the Forsworn.

Ulfric Took in Dunmer Refugees - When the Dunmer fled Morrowind cause of the Argonians, they fled west, most notably Windhelm. Ulfric allowed them to stay, and allowed them property, and allowed any refugees who came. Sure, he restricted them to the Gray Quarter, but at least he did take them in, and at least he did not kick them out of Skyrim. Morrowind faced a disaster, Ulfric took refugees while the Argonians invaded - I'd say it's right for the Argonians to live at the harbors. And don't make arguments about him being racist - almost all Nords are pretty much racist and you know it.

Ulfric Values Nordic Lives - Ulfric orders his men to stand down when he is captured by General Tullius. He is willing to be captured and executed before watching his men die before him. This is evident because he gave up rather easily, whereas he could have fought back with his blade and his Thu'um. Ulfric also has second-thoughts before marching onto Whiterun.

Ulfric Challenged Toryyg to a Traditional Nordic Duel - Ulfric challenged Toryyg to a duel. He then defeated him. Roggvir allowed him to escape. And now Ulfric is branded a murderer and Roggvir was beheaded for opening a gate. Ulfric challenged Toryyg in the old Nordic way, nothing about it was a murder. I understand Toryyg agreed with Ulfric's feelings and thoughts, and that he may have 'allied' with Ulfric if he was asked, but Ulfric claims he did what he did to prove a point: Toryyg was to weak to defend Skyrim. That's evident. It's also evident Ulfric values old traditions, even mentioned by Balgruuf himself.

Ulfric Fights for the Nords - Ulfric fights for his Nords, their beliefs and their land. They want to worship whoever they want, specifically Talos. He fights so Skyrim will be free from Empire rule, who allowed the banning of Talos in the first place and let thousands of Nords die in vain. The Empire should give Skyrim their independence and ally with them so together they can fight the Dominion, instead of waste lives and resources trying to keep this unstable region in the Empire.

Ulfric Vows to fight the Dominion - If Ulfric wins the Civil War, he does not imply he will fight the Empire, but the Dominion. So this basically says he does not hate the Empire, he just wanted them out of Skyrim, and once that's dealt with he wants to defeat the Thalmor.


Now just know that I prefer the Empire. I like them and for what they stand for, and I'll always fight for them... but I don't disagree with the Stormcloaks and Ulfric.
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Jessica Stokes
 
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Post » Thu Aug 23, 2012 7:56 am

Ulfric was never meant to be the "bad" guy. He and Tullius are just two sides of the same coin, which, er, has three sides.
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Louise Dennis
 
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Post » Thu Aug 23, 2012 1:30 am

Ulfric was never meant to be the "bad" guy. He and Tullius are just two sides of the same coin, which, er, has three sides.

I know it but a lot of people would disagree.
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He got the
 
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Post » Thu Aug 23, 2012 7:12 am

I think Ulfric is an amazingly well-written character.

In the end, he wants desperately to be the hero of an epic but that destiny isn't his.
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Vincent Joe
 
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Post » Thu Aug 23, 2012 6:04 am

Yes, he is.
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Katie Pollard
 
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Post » Thu Aug 23, 2012 9:17 am

People seem to think Ulfric is a no-good piece of trash who is power-hungry and greedy.

By "people" do you mean NPCs or players? I don't see how players could think that Ulfric is "bad," how could someone possibly see it as that black and white? NPCs on the other hand have this opinion and other NPCs think he is a saint.
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Oscar Vazquez
 
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Post » Thu Aug 23, 2012 8:48 am

Ulfric Took in Dunmer Refugees - When the Dunmer fled Morrowind cause of the Argonians, they fled west, most notably Windhelm. Ulfric allowed them to stay, and allowed them property, and allowed any refugees who came. Sure, he restricted them to the Gray Quarter, but at least he did take them in, and at least he did not kick them out of Skyrim. Morrowind faced a disaster, Ulfric took refugees while the Argonians invaded - I'd say it's right for the Argonians to live at the harbors. And don't make arguments about him being racist - almost all Nords are pretty much racist and you know it.


Just a heads up, this occured at least 150 years before Ulfric became jarl so he had nothing to do with the refugees arriving in the grey quarter. He didn't kick them out when they told him they wouldn't support his cause though so I guess that's something.


In the end, he wants desperately to be the hero of an epic but that destiny isn't his.
I agree with this statement, and is something he starts to realize more and more as he learns of your status as dragonborn.
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Jhenna lee Lizama
 
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Post » Thu Aug 23, 2012 10:48 am

Ulfric is Wulfharth.

Both fought the Imperials to save their religion.
Both wielded the Thu'um.
Both are bitter that they are not the chosen one.
Both have a hatred for the Elves (Tribunal and the Thalmor).
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Deon Knight
 
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Post » Thu Aug 23, 2012 5:51 am

Ulfric is Wulfharth.

Both fought the Imperials to save their religion.
Both wielded the Thu'um.
Both are bitter that they are not the chosen one.
Both have a hatred for the Elves (Tribunal and the Thalmor).

Plus he can also be killed by the other two (can't think of a word to describe them) 'players'.
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Dan Wright
 
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Post » Wed Aug 22, 2012 11:55 pm

I once thought Ulfrich was the bad guy, but truth is he may have done some things that caused deaths, but he is really an honorable man. He is willing to die for his cause and isnt a coward and he doesnt like his fellow nords to die for him. He is traditional, maybe too much, but still. I understand that he has hate for the elves after all he fought against them so no wonder he holds a grudge against them.
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carla
 
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