In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, players frequently encounter moral dilemmas that shape Eivor's narrative journey across ninth-century England. One of the earliest significant decisions occurs during the game's prologue in Norway, specifically revolving around England resources. After defeating Kjotve the Cruel, players must decide whether to leave vital cargo behind for King Harald or take it with them to establish their new settlement.
The Core Dilemma of the Choice
This decision centers on the division of spoils seized from Kjotve's fortress, which are desperately needed for the voyage westward. Eivor can argue that the clan rightfully won these supplies through blood and combat. Conversely, taking the treasure goes directly against the wishes of Sigurd's father, King Styrbjorn, who wishes to keep peace with King Harald.
Choosing to take the cargo provides an immediate boost to your clan's initial treasury as you prepare to start anew. However, doing so triggers immediate disapproval from your adoptive family and alters early dialogues regarding your loyalty. Navigating these early social dynamics requires a careful understanding of traditional Norse customs and familial expectations.
What Happens If You Burn It
Opting to leave the resources behind is presented as the more honorable path in the eyes of the clan's leadership. By leaving the spoils for King Harald, Eivor shows immense respect for local political shifts and avoids aggravating an already tense transition of power. This selfless choice ensures your departure from Norway happens under peaceful terms and leaves a favorable lasting impression.
While this might seem like a financial setback, the narrative rewards are quickly felt when interacting with Sigurd. He will deeply appreciate your adherence to his father's diplomatic approach, establishing a foundation of trust that influences later story chapters. The decision demonstrates that you value honor and long-term political stability over immediate wealth.
What Happens If You Keep It
Choosing to keep the wealth for your own settlement places immediate progress over diplomatic courtesies. This selection allows Eivor to secure a larger cache of silver and crafting supplies right from the start of the English campaign. These early resources can give your clan a substantial logistical advantage when building your first structures.
The major downside to this aggressive choice is the immediate strain it places on your relationship with Sigurd and his father. King Styrbjorn will openly criticize your greed, viewing the act as a direct insult to King Harald's new authority. Sigurd will ultimately allow you to keep the spoils, but the decision counts as a strike against his long-term trust in Eivor.
Long Term Impact on the Campaign
Fortunately, the structural impact of this choice diminishes once your longship arrives on the shores of England. The extra silver provided by keeping the treasure is quickly matched by standard looting and raiding activities in the early game regions. Therefore, your choice should primarily be guided by how you want to roleplay Eivor's personal morality.
Maintaining a strong brotherhood with Sigurd is a major objective for many players aiming for the best possible conclusion to the story. Since this resource decision serves as one of several major relational milestones, leaving the cargo behind helps secure his loyalty. Balancing immediate material gains against permanent narrative consequences is a recurring theme throughout the entire Viking saga.
