What Happens If I Kill Paarthurnax

Okay, Dragonborn friend, let's talk about Paarthurnax. You know, the big, chill dragon up on the Throat of the World who teaches you how to shout without accidentally incinerating your breakfast? Yeah, that guy. You're standing there, sword in hand, thinking, "Hmm, should I... shouldn't I?" Let's unpack what happens if you decide to go all dragon-slaying on him.

First off, let's acknowledge the elephant-sized-dragon in the room. Paarthurnax used to be a bad egg. He was Alduin's right-hand dragon. He did some naughty things in the past, no doubt. Think of it like this: imagine your grandpa used to be a pickpocket in his youth, but now he knits you sweaters and tells corny jokes. Would you hold his past against him forever? That's the kind of moral quandary Skyrim throws at you.

The Blades Want Him Gone

So, you’ve got these guys, the Blades. Super serious, obsessed with dragons, and they basically want you to be their personal dragon-slaying machine. They’re all, "Oh, you’re the Dragonborn? Great! Now go kill that reformed dragon who's been helping you." Bit demanding, right? It's like your overly enthusiastic personal trainer yelling at you to run another mile after you've already collapsed on the treadmill.

If you do kill Paarthurnax, the Blades will be ecstatic. They'll shower you with praise, give you some quests to kill more dragons (because apparently, you haven't killed enough already), and essentially give you the thumbs-up for being a good little dragon-slaying minion. You get access to the Blades' quests and blessings.

But at What Cost?

Here's where it gets tricky. The Greybeards? They won't be too happy. They see Paarthurnax as their mentor, their wise old guru up on the mountain. Killing him is like telling your yoga instructor you’re going to start attending CrossFit instead. They might not kick you out completely, but the atmosphere will be…frosty. You will lose access to any further aid or teachings from the Greybeards.

Gameplay Consequences

Beyond the story stuff, let’s talk practicality. From a gameplay perspective, killing Paarthurnax basically locks you out of any further Word Wall locations that he would reveal to you. It's like deleting your GPS before a road trip. Sure, you could find your way around, but it'll be a lot harder.

Essentially, you're trading future Shouts for the approval of the Blades. Is that trade worth it? That’s for you to decide, Dragonborn!

The Moral Compass of Skyrim

The Paarthurnax dilemma is one of the best things about Skyrim. It’s not just about hacking and slashing your way through dungeons (though that’s fun too!). It’s about making tough choices with real consequences. Do you prioritize revenge for past wrongs, or do you value redemption and the potential for good in everyone, even a dragon?

Think of it like this: someone you know did something terrible years ago. They've genuinely changed, apologized, and are actively trying to make amends. Do you keep punishing them forever, or do you give them a second chance? It’s a question we all face in real life, and Skyrim lets you wrestle with it in a fantastical setting.

What Do You Believe In?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. Skyrim is your playground, and you get to decide what kind of Dragonborn you want to be. Do you want to be the ruthless dragon slayer, blindly following the orders of the Blades? Or do you want to be the compassionate hero, willing to forgive and embrace the potential for good, even in the most unlikely of creatures?

There's no right or wrong answer. It’s about what you believe is the right thing to do. And hey, if you regret your decision later, there's always the console command... (But we didn't tell you that!).

So, take a deep breath, Dragonborn. Consider your options. And then, make your choice. Skyrim awaits!