Does the Chosen One Trope Help Skyrim or Harm It?

Skyrim's Dragonborn is a textbook example of the Chosen One. But how well does the game utilize this classic trope? Does the story and writing gel with its open-world game design?

In this video essay, we’ll take a deep dive into the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and break down how its narrative design cooks with the trope’s key ingredients: from the Dovahkiin's unique abilities to the prophecy of Alduin the World-Eater. We'll take note of its satisfying flourishes, and critique the moments where it feels more like the Chosen One ain’t so chosen.

0:00 Intro
1:28 What is the Chosen One Trope? A Brief Refresh
2:45 Chosen One Elements in Skyrim's Main Quest
11:03 How Skyrim Embraces the Trope
12:17 Paarthurnax Makes a Choice (and the Blades Don't Care)
19:06 Alduin the World-Eater: Misunderstood Villain?
23:25 Miraak Defies His Dragonborn Fate
28:32 The Predicament With Player Choice in Skyrim
31:10 An Angry Nirnroot Rant
33:27 Previous Chosen Ones & Why Bethesda Loves Them
36:25 Conclusion & Outro

If you like this vid, check out my last one for an overview on the trope and its history in video games:    • Why Are Video Games Obsessed with the Chos...  

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