The province of Skyrim has seen the rise and fall of many kingdoms throughout its history, yet the Nords remain supreme. Following the reign of Skyrim's Elves and the 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 of Skyrim.
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Jarls each rule over one of Skyrim's nine holds and 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.
18 Korir
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 of Skyrim's rulers. 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 the College of Winterhold believing he shall outlive its legacy.
17 Kraldar
Kraldar is a Winterhold noble 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.
16 Balgruuf The Greater
Balgruuf the Greater is the conflicted ruler of Skyrim's heart, 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.
15 Vignar Gray-Mane
Vignar Gray-Mane is a former Companion and 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.
14 Laila Law-Giver
Laila Law-Giver is the questionable ruler 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.
13 Maven 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 even Skyrim than 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.
12 Igmund
Igmund is the proud Jarl of the Dwemer 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 benefit Skyrim. 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 driving Skyrim into a Civil War. Igmund followed in his father's footsteps placing Ulfric and his army's capture above all else.
11 Thongvor 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 be under Forsworn control if Ulfric and his devout followers never came.
10 Skald 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.
9 Brina 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 of Skyrim.
Brina served during the Great War with Horik, and she understands the dangers that Skyrim is facing. She supports the Empire believing that they alone can protect Dawnstar from Alduin and his brethren. Brina's rationality in conjunction with Skald's insanity influences Dawnstar's people to support the Imperials.
8 Idgrod Ravencrone
Idgrod Ravencrone is the mystical Jarl of Morthal. Although Idgrod never states her allegiances should the Stormcloaks gain control of Morthal her reign will end. Even though Idgrod serves Morthal graciously her unconventional methods are unfit during such a precarious time. Rather than relying on pertinent information, Idgrod bases decisions on her divine visions.
According to Idgrod, the divines granted her the gift to foresee the future. Her presumed ability of foresight makes her very lax and passive in governing Morthal. Since Idgrod believes to know everything that is to come she does not worry about the war or even dragons. This passive demeanor is why many of Morthal's residents loathe her rule.
7 Sorli The Builder
Sorli the Builder is the head of Stonehills and the potential Jarl of Morthal. Much like Idgrod, Sorli holds no allegiance, yet she will become Jarl should the Stormcloaks gain control of Morthal. She oversees Rockwallow Mine ensuring that the workers are diligent and that ore is shipping without fail. However, Sorli's admirable leadership over the mine does not transpire when becoming Jarl.
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Upon taking Morthal's throne it becomes apparent that Sorli is using her position to gain more power. Rather than focusing on her city's affairs Sorli searches for ways to further her influence. The people of Morthal express significant contempt for their new Jarl claiming that they would be better off without her.
6 Torygg
Before his death, Torygg was the High King of Skyrim and the Jarl of Solitude. He was a young ruler that held little experience in the affairs of Skyrim. Even so, Torygg was open and attentive to new ideas that would seek to better Skyrim. Therefore, the mighty and outspoken Nord Ulfric Stormcloak garnered much of the High King's interest.
During the Moot, Ulfric used the forums to voice his opinion on the matter of Skyrim's independence. While many others cast it aside the newly elected High King Torygg took interest in his bold aspirations. So, when Ulfric came to Solitude Torygg welcomed him with open arms unknowing of his intent. On 4E 201, Ulfric murdered Torygg and ushered in the Skyrim Civil War.
5 Elisif The Fair
Elisif the Fair is the widowed Jarl of Solitude. She succeeded her husband Torygg as Jarl of Solitude and seeks to become High Queen as well. Elisif supports the Imperials and despises Ulfric Stormcloak for unjustly murdering High King Torygg. While this makes her a prime candidate for High Queen of Skyrim, many still question her ability to rule.
Elisif has little experience in ruling and depends greatly on the Imperials for support, especially General Tullius. She hardly has any skill in running a city much less an entire province. Even if Elisif were to become High Queen she would likely act as a puppet for the Empire. So, while she is the people's choice there are far better options in the end.
4 Siddgeir
Siddgeir is the pampered Jarl of Falkreath. He holds no allegiance but he frequently belittles the Stormcloaks. If the rebels should take Falkreath he will lose the throne. Siddgeir does not take his duties seriously and often spends his time spoiling himself. While he indulges himself his steward Nenya and housecarl Helvard attend to his tasks.
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Siddgeir's bratty attitude is the result of years of pampering according to his uncle – and former Jarl – Dengeir. Even his succession to Falkreath's throne was without any challenge or difficulty. So much so that Siddgeir may have possibly coordinated his uncle's removal with the Empire. He is not against making unsavory deals making it a real possibility.
3 Dengeir Of Stuhn
Dengeir of Stuhn is the former Jarl of Falkreath that may return to his throne. He is a proud Stormcloak supporter, and should they take Falkreath he will rule once again. This supports the theory behind Jarl Siddgeir's succession to Falkreath's throne. Even though Dengeir's subordinates claim that he fell ill, evidence suggests otherwise.
Jarl Siddgeir is not a stranger to unlawful deals and holds strong ties to the Empire. He alongside the Imperials may have orchestrated Dengeir to step down under the guise of being too sick to rule. This explains Dengeir's contradicting stories of stepping down and why he is more capable to retake the position of Jarl.
2 Ulfric Stormcloak
Ulfric Stormcloak is the leader of the rebellion and Jarl of Windhelm. Should the Imperials siege Windhelm, his throne will be forfeit. Ulfric is by far the most divisive Jarl in Skyrim as he seeks out independence and freedom with little care for its effects. While his goals are admirable history shows that he may be far too reckless and improvident to rule.
Ulfric studied under the Greybeards and participated in the Great War before his rebellion. He was adept in the Way of the Voice and a formidable warrior. Using these skills Ulfric murdered the High King in a duel rather than discussing the matter of Skyrim's freedom, an idea Torygg was open to. He is a controversial leader, yet many align themselves with him for his stoic nature and alluring ideals.
1 Brunwulf Free-Winter
Brunwulf Free-Winter is a veteran from the Great War and a potential successor to Windhelm's throne. While he does not directly support the Imperials, he expresses hate for the Stormcloak's bigoted ways. Should the Imperials take Windhelm Brunwulf will take Ulfric's place as jarl. His open-mindedness and history in the war make him a suitable ruler.
Despite being a renowned war hero, Brunwulf himself is ashamed of his past. He believes that each side's members died needlessly and without glory. This outlook separates Brunwulf from his fellow Nords and is what inspires him to be accepting. He defends the non-Nords of Windhelm unconditionally acting as their voice among the Nords.
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