In The Elder Scrolls, there are many groups and organizations found within the series. These organizations, or guilds, as they are often referred to, have always been a part of the series’ lore and history; with some going back to even as far as the Merethic Era. Most, like the Fighters Guild or Companions, are well-known and respected. Others, like the Thieves Guild, are regarded with notoriety, shame, and disfavor. However, out of all these guilds and many others, there are none so known, disfavored, or as feared as the Dark Brotherhood.

The Dark Brotherhood has been a part of The Elder Scrolls’ lore for millennia, with a history reaching back as far as the Second Era. Known as a guild – or rather a group – of zealous killers, the Brotherhood has attracted no small number of psychopaths and morally debased individuals to their ranks, and in turn, have gained no small amount of infamy. Indeed, whether from the far reaches of northern Skyrim to the southern swamps of Black Marsh, the eastern lands of Morrowind to the western deserts of Hammerfell, or even as far as the Summerset Isles. Every land, region, and race has heard of the Dark Brotherhood, and are well aware of their reputation and what they are. This is a group that is known all throughout Tamriel, one that has made for itself a legacy of blood that all within its borders fear, or rather feared.

The Dark Brotherhood Was Almost Destroyed

Falling on Hard Times

The Dark Brotherhood suffered a plethora of events during the events of the Third and Fourth Era. The Great War in particular, nearly destroyed the organization, with only a handful of sanctuaries left throughout Tamriel. By the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Brotherhood was just a shadow of its former self, lacking all the fear, power, and influence they once held over Tamriel and its people.

The Dark Brotherhood suffered no shortage of troubles during the Third and Fourth Era
By the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Brotherhood was a shadow of their former self
The Brotherhood was only barely able to survive

Though they are still regarded as fearsome killers, the Dark Brotherhood’s reputation as a whole plummeted. They were no longer the organization known for killing an emperor, but one whose fate deemed to slip back into near obscurity. That isn’t to say they were completely forgotten, nor completely without power and influence. They were still able to do their bloody work, and there were still those who called upon the Brotherhood for their “services”.

In Skyrim particularly, there was one branch of the Brotherhood that still survived, able to make for themselves a decent, albeit meager living for themselves and their work. Indeed, the Brotherhood in Skyrim was able to survive thanks to the actions of one person. However, it was also because of that same person that the Brotherhood were not able to reach their potential, or the heights of what their organization once was. That person’s name is Astrid.

Astrid Used the Dark Brotherhood for Her Own Power and Ambitions

A Killer, But a Nonbeliever

Image via Bethesda

Astrid was the leader of the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary found within Skyrim. Because of her, the Brotherhood, or at least her chapter, was able to survive despite all the events that led to the organization’s downfall. Thanks to her efforts, they were left standing, and even able to continue their work throughout the country. But make no mistake: Astrid did not do this for the Brotherhood itself, not entirely.

Astrid was the leader of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim
Her actions ensured the Brotherhood’s survival but also hindered their growth
She cared more about her own power and influence than that of the Brotherhood’s

Astrid was not a true believer of the Brotherhood. She did not believe in its religion, its tenants, its creed, or even the Night Mother. To her, the Brotherhood was nothing more than a group of hired killers, and ones she used for her own ends. Whatever power, influence, or rewards came their way were thanks to her actions – that’s not to be argued. But it was more for her personal benefit, and perhaps those around her, than for the organization itself.

She kept the Dark Brotherhood from reaching their true potential, from reaching the sort of infamy and terror they once held over an entire continent. And this was all done for keeping influence – a trifling amount of influence at that – over a single country for her own ends. If left to her hands, the Brotherhood would’ve eventually faded into nothing and become forgotten. But fate had intervened, and with it, her true colors were revealed.​​​​​​​

Astrid Betrayed the Dark Brotherhood and What It Stood For

A Killer, a Nonbeliever, and a Traitor

Image via Bethesda

Astrid believed that her rule over the Brotherhood was more important than the Brotherhood itself and that it could not survive without her influence. This is apparent throughout the game with her remarks about the Dark Brotherhood and its Five Tenets, as she thought of herself as more important than the organization’s founding beliefs and a true leader. Despite her intentions, or perhaps because of them, Astrid was an authoritarian, and one who sought to hold her power by any means necessary.

This is evidenced throughout Skyrim’s Dark Brotherhood storyline, as players see firsthand the depths she will go to for the preservation of her power. When the Dragonborn was revealed as the Brotherhood’s Listener who, by their rules, would make them the actual leader of the Dark Brotherhood, she felt threatened instead of relieved and undermined their position.

Astrid was obsessed with keeping her power and influence over the Brotherhood
She took many actions to keep leadership over the Brotherhood, including betraying the Dragonborn
Astrid did more harm to the organization than good

She ordered the execution of Cicero who, despite lashing out at the other members, was a true believer of the Dark Brotherhood, and one that was favored by the Night Mother. And when given a contract that would not only change the fate of the Brotherhood but return them to the status they once held centuries ago, she throws it away and sells out the Dragonborn. All of this was done not to preserve the Brotherhood, or even ensure its safety, but to ensure her own hold over the organization.

This would prove to be Astrid’s ultimate downfall, as she and the rest of the Brotherhood were betrayed. Their people were cut down by the sword, their sanctuary burned to ashes and dust, and all that remained of them were a precious few of their number. Astrid herself was fatally burnt, and it’s only upon seeing the survival of the Dragonborn and Night Mother that she then finally sees the errors of her actions and repents before her death. But by then, it was too little too late.

It is only thanks to the Dragonborn that the Brotherhood was able to survive; not just survive, but thrive. It was thanks to them that the contract was completed, a new sanctuary was found, and their ranks were replenished. It was thanks to them that the Brotherhood did not die out, and were able to regain the infamous reputation of their predecessors. The Dragonborn saved the Dark Brotherhood, while Astrid nearly condemned it.