Board Thread:General Discussion/@comment-38.104.205.54-20140220203151/@comment-3524435-20140221053227

It depends on your perspective. You can easily argue that he's a dishonorable murderer or a noble hero. I'd say he's a bit of both.

But how would killing Elisif help? It would be a bad political move.

Ulfric would have had her killed, don't doubt it. He didn't do so because he wanted her support. By admitting that he was the "true High King," she legitimized his claim to the throne. It doesn't matter that she was under duress. Besides, Ulfric has control of the city. Jarl Elisif is essentially a prisoner, and a very useful puppet.

Plus, think about his image if he killed her. Murdering the legitimate heir to the throne? Butchering the widow of the late High King? Slaughtering a woman who's barely more than a girl? Ulfric would be perceived by many people as a monster. But if Torygg's widow surrendered her claim to the throne for Ulfric, it makes him look like a worthy (and merciful) leader.