LE3 .A278 2014

2014

Whetter, Kevin

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

English

English & Theatre Studies

This thesis provides an examination of the Norse and Anglo-Saxon literary and historical cultural connections that heavily influence gameplay in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. These influences ultimately encourage player participation in epic-heroic traditions reminiscent of those found in Northern European heroic poetry and demonstrate how game developers can utilize literary and historical sources to create an entertaining and engaging game space. The thesis is divided into three chapters which each interpret a different aspect of Skyrim gameplay in the context of their literary and historical antecedents. The first chapter looks at the connection between Anglo-Saxon mead halls and those found in Skyrim, particularly the socio-political role it plays both in literature and gameplay. The second chapter discusses the concept of the afterlife in Norse and Nordic culture, illustrating the similarities between the two religions and how their ideals ultimately impact player behavior throughout major quest lines. The third chapter focuses on dragons within Skyrim and their connection to the northern heroic image, ultimately demonstrating the important role they play both in Anglo-Saxon and Norse literature as well as Skyrim.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:370