Board Thread:Off Topic/@comment-14011542-20131009214425/@comment-28667390-20160621204921

SwordClash117 wrote: The canonical "backstory" is actually is as follows and no, I'm not making this up, if you payed enough attention to the beginning part, you'll hear this:

The Imperials were planning an ambush to capture Ulfric Stormcloak, the leader of the rebellion, and you happened to be crossing the border into Skyrim right into the ambush along with Lokir of Rorikstead, the horse thief. The Imperials suspected you of supporting the Stormcloaks and arrested you. The Thalmor presumably had something to do with the ambush as Elenwen is seen talking to Tullius. After some time in the carriage, you and the others are about to be executed when Aduin "just happened" to attack Helgen presumably looking for the Dragonborn as proven when he yells "dovahkiin" when attacking as he most likely sensed your presense.

In other words, you were at the wrong place at the wrong time, saved by your destined enemy by accident. Yeah, that's the story, but the thread meant why the player was traveling to Skyrim and who were they beforehand.