The province ofSkyrimhas seen the rise and fall of many kingdoms throughout its history, yet the Nords remain supreme. Following the reign ofSkyrim’sElves andthe Dragon Cult, Ysgramor established Nordic rule over the province. Since then, the land has seen numerous rulers each holding great power and influence over the land. Of these great leaders, the most significant are the great Jarls ofSkyrim.
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Jarls each rule over one ofSkyrim’snine holdsand their people. They dictate the laws of their region, provide for their citizens, and impact the affairs of the provinceas a whole. While the Jarls themselves are recognizable to players they often know little of their past. These seemingly simple rulers and their history prove to be far more interesting than players believe.
18Korir
Korir is the embittered yet stoic Jarl of Winterhold. He is a staunch Stormcloak supporter, and should the Imperials gain control of Winterhold he will forfeit his throne. While Korir is pessimistic towards Winterhold’s state he works tirelessly to restore it to its former glory. However, Korir hardly has the support needed to influence significant change.
Despite being a Jarl, Korir and his hold are insignificant in the eyes ofSkyrim’srulers. Since the beginning of his rule, Korir has endured much disdain from other Jarls. Even though he did not reign during the time of the Great Collapse, Korir’s authority is negligible. Consequently, Korir holds much hate for theCollege of Winterholdbelieving he shall outlive its legacy.
17Kraldar
Kraldaris a Winterholdnoble and the possible successor to the throne. He is an Imperial supporter, and should they take Winterhold he will become Jarl. Unlike his predecessor, Kraldar does not despise the College and even defends their claim of innocence. However, Kraldar shares Korir’s wishes to bring Winterhold back to its former glory upon acquiring the throne.
Regardless of Kraldar’s succession, Winterhold remains an uneventful and pitiful city. The only notable changes are the dynamics between Winterhold and the College. Kraldar believes that cooperation between the two is vital in orchestrating the cities restoration. His optimism and frequent visits with the Arch-Mage seem to imply progress yet Winterhold’s denizens see no change.
16Balgruuf The Greater
Balgruuf the Greater is the conflicted ruler ofSkyrim’sheart, Whiterun. He remains neutral throughout the war only siding with the Imperials upon Ulfric Stormcloak’s siege. However, Balgruuf only did so to adequately defend Whiterun’s people. This reflects his loyalty to his people despite his history with each warring faction.
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Before becoming Jarl, Balgruuf was a soldier in the Legion alongside his housecarl Irileth. Moreover, Balgruuf has been at odds with Ulfric Stormcloak for many years preceding the war. Nonetheless, neither of these factors influenced his decision in the end. Even though Balgruuf remains loyal to Whiterun, upon the Stormcloak’s victory his throne is taken by a loyalist.
15Vignar Gray-Mane
Vignar Gray-Mane isa former Companionand the potential ruler of Whiterun. He is a faithful Stormcloak supporter and if they conquer Whiterun he will occupy the throne. While old and feeble Vignar remains an immense influence in Whiterun’s affairs. He holds very strong hate towards the Imperials fueled by long his history with the Legion and everlasting feud with Battle-Borns.
Long ago Vignar served in the Legion as a commander for thirty years. He fought in the Great War and felt betrayed by the Empire’s surrender to the Aldmeri Dominion. This led the Gray-Manes to develop bitter feelings towards Imperials and their supporters such as the Battle-Borns. Both elements factor into Vignar’s devoted following of Ulfric Stormcloak and his ideals.
14Laila Law-Giver
Laila Law-Giver is the questionableruler of Riften. She is a stalwart supporter of the Stormcloaks and upon Imperial rule of Riften, she surrenders her throne. While having the best intentions in mind, Laila succumbs to her own ignorance and superstitions. She once was a gracious ruler, yet Riften’s inherent corruption undermines her authority.
Instead, Maven Black-Briar and the Thieves Guild hold control of the city’s affairs, even Laila’s perceptions. She believes that Riften is free of crime under her rule despite its condition. Even so, Laila continues dealing with issues throughout Riften such as the illegal Skooma trade causing many to question the extent of her influence over the city.
13Maven Black-Briar
Maven Black-Briar is the matriarch of her clan and a potential successor to Riften’s throne. Her connections to the Empire make her a suitable Jarl should the Imperials take the city. Maven holds great influence in Riften due to her ties with both the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood. In fact, the Black-Briars hold far more control in Riften and evenSkyrimthan most Jarls.
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Maven openly confirms this idea revealing that nothing happens in Riften without her say. She has connections to numerous individuals and organizations that mindlessly bend to her will. All that oppose Maven suffer even her own family - most notably Sibbi Black-Briar - is susceptible to her intolerable wrath.
12Igmund
Igmund is the proud Jarl of theDwemer city Markarth. Despite his distrust of the Thalmor, Igmund adamantly supports the Imperials leading to his replacement upon the Stormcloak’s conquest of Markarth. Igmund understands the dangers of the Aldmeri Dominion, yet he truly believes that the Stormcloaks defeat will benefitSkyrim.Both Igmund and his father - Jarl Hrolfdir - were pivotal figures during the beginning of the Civil War.
Igmund’s father enlisted Ulfric Stormcloak and his militia to clear Forsworn from Markarth in turn for religious freedom. However, the Thalmor discovered their plans and ordered their capture. Jarl Hrolfdir reluctantly agreed unintentionally drivingSkyriminto a Civil War. Igmund followed in his father’s footsteps placing Ulfric and his army’s capture above all else.
11Thongvor Silver-Blood
Thongvor Silver-Blood is a prominent member of his clan and possibly the Jarl of Markarth. He is a strong supporter of the Stormcloaks and upon their control of Markarth, he becomes Jarl. Thongvor is a true Nord that holds his beliefs and honor above all else. He openly expresses his disdain for the Empire and even Jarl Igmund for their weakness.
Thongvor believes that Igmund is a puppet to the Imperials and by proxy a slave to the Aldmeri Dominion. This belief stems from his undying appreciation for Ulfric Stormcloak and his Nordic militia. Thongvor heavily implies that Markarth would beunder Forsworn controlif Ulfric and his devout followers never came.
10Skald The Elder
Skald the Elder is the haughty Jarl of Dawnstar. Being a fierce Stormcloak supporter should the Imperials gain control of Dawnstar, Skald’s position as Jarl is forfeit. While Skald’s support of the Stormcloaks is admirable many citizens express a distaste for his beliefs. His unyielding favor of the Stormcloaks ironically leads many to prefer Imperial victory.
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During his 35 years of service as Jarl, Skald has built a reputation of being overzealous and unreasonably controlling. Many of his people see him as childish and unpleasant further influencing their stance towards the Empire. Moreover, the citizens of Dawnstar vie for the Legionnaire Brina Merilis to rule over Dawnstar.
9Brina Merilis
Brina Merilis is a retired Legionnaire and the people’s choice for Jarl of Dawnstar. She is loyal to the Imperials and will become Jarl should they control Dawnstar. Brina alongside her ally Horik Haftstand is constantly at odds with Jarl Skald. They persistently argue about the Civil War never agreeing on what is best for Dawnstar and all ofSkyrim.
Brina served during the Great War with Horik, and she understands the dangers thatSkyrimis facing. She supports the Empire believing that they alone can protect Dawnstar fromAlduin and his brethren. Brina’s rationality in conjunction with Skald’s insanity influences Dawnstar’s people to support the Imperials.
