The Shocking Truth Behind Skyrim's Enigmatic Thalmor Mage, Runil

Highlights

The moral landscape in the Elder Scrolls franchise is a nuanced one, effectively showcasing the absence of clear-cut moral absolutes. This complexity is aptly demonstrated through the contrasting actions and behaviors of various characters in the game, such as the oppressive Nords and the benevolent High Elves.

In Skyrim, the primary conflicts revolve around the urgent need to thwart the destructive dragon Alduin and the intricate moral quagmire of the civil war. Within this convolution, the character Runil assumes a significant role in unraveling the various ethical complexities tied to the latter aspect.

Residing in Falkreath, Runil is an Altmer priest who carries a shadowy history that has surfaced through overlooked game data. Previously serving as a Thalmor battlemage, he bore the burden of executing innocent worshippers of Talos. However, in his present state, Runil strives to attain redemption by paying tribute to fallen soldiers who valiantly fought.

Skyrim and the previous games of The Elder Scrolls franchise have taught players that moral absolutes do not exist. Despite the oppression from the Thalmor, some Nords in Windhelm are cruel to their Dark Elf neighbors. Conversely, not all High Elves share supremacist ideals, as seen with helpful individuals like Calcelmo. Redemption is also a common theme, exemplified by the Arkay priest Runil.

The main conflicts in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim involve the imminent return of the destructive dragon Alduin and the civil war arising from the ban on Talos worship. Dealing with Alduin is a clear goal, where the Dragonborn must side with humanity to prevent the apocalypse. However, picking a side in the Civil War is more complex, as both factions have engaged in morally questionable actions. Runil's story sheds light on these issues.

The High Elf Priest Runil May Be Hiding a Dark Past

Falkreath, located in Skyrim, is a visually stunning town with its vibrant greenery untouched by snow. Despite its picturesque appearance, there is much more to Falkreath than meets the eye. The town is home to a vast cemetery, which serves as the final resting place for numerous warriors who lost their lives on Falkreath's battlegrounds. This is mainly due to the town frequently being a focal point of numerous wars throughout different eras. The guardian of this cemetery is an Altmer priest named Runil, who has reached the twilight of his long lifespan.

As Runil nears the end of his life, he heavily relies on his assistant Kust to maintain the cleanliness and presentation of the cemetery's grounds. Upon examining Runil's journal, players will discover that he has dreamt of the Dragonborn's arrival, coinciding with the resurgence of dragons. Additionally, Runil expresses his evasion of the Thalmor, a militaristic regime that has expanded its influence into Skyrim. This suggests that Runil relocated to the province some time ago and has adopted a low-profile existence to avoid detection by this authoritarian group.

The Clear Link Between Runil and the Thalmor Lies in Skyrim’s Game Data

Data miners have discovered an unused quest called "Runil's Dark Past," which revolves around the concerns of Runil's friends about his emotional well-being. In order to address these concerns, the Dragonborn is sent to inquire about Runil's recent troubles. Initially hesitant, Runil eventually confides in the player, expressing fears about their potential judgment upon learning about his past. With the Dragonborn's persistent urging, Runil reveals that he was once a formidable wizard and battlemage for the Thalmor during the Great War in Skyrim and other regions. He confesses to mercilessly destroying villages inhabited by worshippers of Talos, sparing no one in his path, regardless of age or gender.

Upon completing his recollection, Runil admits to his apprehension about his friends discovering the truth about his dark past. This concern stems from the fact that the majority of the empire's forces and civilian casualties were Nords, the same ethnicity as the inhabitants of Falkreath. The Dragonborn is then faced with a choice: either provide reassurance to Runil that his secret will remain safe or divulge his story to his friends.

The empire engaged in a war with the Thalmor in order to safeguard its citizens' freedom to worship their deity. However, they eventually yielded and prohibited Talos worship in Skyrim as a means to achieve peace, albeit at the cost of a rebellion-turned-civil war a few decades later. Runil, burdened by his part in this outcome, has dedicated the rest of his life as a groundskeeper to pay tribute to the fallen Nordic soldiers. Whether this transformation is a genuine rebirth resulting from his devotion to the divine entity Arkay, or merely a way to absolve himself of guilt, remains open to the interpretation of players.

"The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim" is currently available on various platforms including the Nintendo Switch, PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.