In the land of Skyrim, the most prominent political figures are the Jarls, governing nobles who each rule over one of the nine Holds. Their main duties are to see to their people’s needs, protect their land from threats, and if they’ve chosen a side, to support the efforts of Skyrim’s Civil War conflict.
Some Jarls are strong, effective leaders, who seek to their people’s concerns first and try to improve the lives of those under their rule. Others, meanwhile, are weak-willed, dull-witted, or downright corrupt. Here’s a ranking of Skyrim’s most powerful leaders, ranked from worst to best.
17 Siddgeir (Falkreath)
Siddgeir claims he took over his position because his uncle, the previous Jarl, was unfit to rule. However, some believe he received his role due to ties with the Empire.
Both inept and corrupt, Siddgeir enjoys his position for the wealth and power, while delegating most of the work to his steward. He also colludes with local bandits, turning a blind eye to their plundering if they cut him in on their profits.
16 Maven Black-Briar (The Rift)
The primary source of Riften’s corruption, Maven takes over leadership of the city if the Empire takes the Rift—though, as she remarks, she’s always been in charge.
The Black-Briar matriarch is shrewd and business-savvy, and these qualities make her a terrible fit for this position. Maven has only her own interests in mind, using her position to advance her family and her business rather than to protect the people of the Rift.
15 Laila Law-Giver (The Rift)
While Laila genuinely seems to care about her city and its people, she’s hopelessly oblivious to the corruption in Riften. Maven Black-Briar, a ruthless and powerful businesswoman, serves as Laila’s most trusted adviser and uses her as a pawn.
Despite her years of experience, Laila is laughably naive and superstitious, blindly trusting corrupt advisers. She puts up a strong front, blissfully unaware that she’s nothing more than Maven’s puppet.
14 Igmund (The Reach)
Igmund lets the Silver-Bloods have free reign over his city, and appears ignorant that the Forsworn rebellion has taken root in Markarth itself. He doesn’t take threats seriously—or if he does, he shrugs his shoulders and claims nothing can be done.
Unlike Laila, Igmund seems aware that he holds no real power within his city; however, he’s also unwilling to stand up to the Silver-Bloods or anyone else to protect the Reach.
13 Skald the Elder (The Pale)
A devout worshipper of Talos, Skald regards Ulfric Stormcloak with similar reverence. His devotion to the Stormcloak cause becomes almost fanatical at times. He sends the best of his guard to fight in Ulfric’s army, leaving his people’s defenses weakened; he threatens the execution of former Legion soldiers in his city.
Skald has powerful convictions, but his priorities are often misplaced, to the detriment of his people and his Hold.
12 Thongvor Silver-Blood (The Reach)
If the Stormcloaks take the Reach, the Silver-Blood family’s control of Markarth is made official when Thongvor takes his position. As Jarl, he puts more effort into protecting the city than his predecessor, taking threats more seriously.
However, he remains preoccupied with the Civil War while dragons and Forsworn slaughter the Reach’s residents. He also appears oblivious that his brother Thonar has cut a deal with Forsworn leaders.
11 Dengeir of Stuhn (Falkreath)
Despite others’ claims that he was too weak to rule, Dengeir takes up his former role if the Stormcloaks liberate Falkreath. Both before and after regaining his title, Dengeir is incredibly paranoid, certain that everyone around him is an Imperial spy.
Paranoia aside, Dengeir tries not to lose sight of a Jarl’s responsibility: looking after his people. He vows to do a better job than his nephew, and protect all of Falkreath Hold.
10 Korir (Winterhold)
Tiny, crumbling Winterhold is typically regarded as inconsequential. Yet, Korir refuses to abandon his citizens, avowing to stand tall and protect them no matter what.
Unfortunately, Korir’s promise to stand by his people does not extend to any who practice magic. He encourages hatred of wizards, elves, and the College of Winterhold, blaming them for the Great Collapse. Korir is close-minded and bitter, propagating the same attitudes in his citizens.
9 Kraldar (Winterhold)
Korir’s Empire-approved replacement, Kraldar holds a more open worldview than his predecessor. He hopes to rebuild Winterhold’s relationship with the College, which he believes will help his city prosper and help bring peace.
His flexible viewpoint is a welcome change, considering the tensions that surround him. However, he does appear bored with Winterhold, and doesn’t really take an active role in fixing the problems in his city.
8 Sorli the Builder (Hjaalmarch)
Sorli replaces Idgrod Ravencrone if the Stormcloaks take Hjaalmarch during the Civil War. A miner from Stonehills, she’s not afraid of hard work. She often walks around Morthal, preferring to be on her feet than sitting on her throne.
Sorli mentions her ambitions to eventually rule a larger hold like the Rift. She’s a decent leader, having experience and aptitude from her time as a mine overseer, but she’s not particularly remarkable.
7 Elisif the Fair (Haafingar)
Of Skyrim’s Jarls, Elisif is the newest to her position, having taken over her late husband Torygg’s role. The player can clearly see her inexperience, as she relies heavily on the wisdom of her court.
Despite her naiveté, Elisif hopes to rise to her position and fill her husband’s shoes as an effective leader. She understands she has a lot to learn, and willingly takes advice from those with more experience.
6 Ulfric Stormcloak (Eastmarch)
There’s no doubt in Ulfric’s ability to inspire others. Many look to him as a leader, rallying behind his cause in the Civil War. Ulfric believes Skyrim belongs to the Nords, and his racial prejudices are clear from the treatment of Dunmer and Argonians in Windhelm.
Despite his strong ideals, Ulfric’s primary goals are centered on his own ambitions. He is less concerned with keeping his people safe—especially if those people are not Nords.
5 Brunwulf Free-Winter (Eastmarch)
Brunwulf takes over Ulfric’s position after the Stormcloaks lose the war. He admits that he struggles with his goals, but hopes to try and rebuild Windhelm into a strong, welcoming city—for Nords, elves, and Argonians alike.
Brunwulf’s ideals are noble, but they lead him to make promises he isn’t sure how to keep. He’s inexperienced with politics; however, he does have clear goals and compassion for all under his rule.
4 Brina Merilis (The Pale)
A former Legion soldier, Brina takes over for Skald the Elder if the Empire takes the Pale. She proves to be more realistic and cautious than her predecessor, ensuring that the city’s resources are dedicated to defense against dragon attacks.
The people of Dawnstar look to Brina as a leader more than they do Skald, and for good reason. She’s down-to-earth and practical, a protector of her people.
3 Vignar Grey-Mane (Whiterun)
Taking over the city if the Stormcloaks liberate Whiterun, Vignar holds strong to his “true Nord” ideals. He pledges to reinstate Talos worship, hoping to build a temple to Talos in the city.
Vignar’s priorities after the Battle for Whiterun include stocking up on supplies and healing from damage. Unlike many Stormcloak Jarls, Vignar isn’t preoccupied with war. He understands that his people face other concerns, and wants to ensure they are met.
2 Idgrod Ravencrone (Hjaalmarch)
Open-minded and wise, Idgrod stands firmly by her city. She is quick to act when her people are threatened, but less quick to make snap judgements of people who are different or strange.
Though aligned with the Empire, Idgrod’s main concerns are for her Hold. Some distrust her court mage or her supposed mystic abilities; however, Idgrod’s desire to seek wisdom from all sources sets her apart from other Jarls, who can be narrow-minded.
1 Balgruuf the Greater (Whiterun)
Staunchly loyal to his people and his Hold, Balgruuf works tirelessly to ensure his people are comfortable and safe, despite high wartime prices and dragon threats. More than anything, he desires to keep out of the bloody conflict that plagues Skyrim.
The Jarl of Whiterun doesn’t hide his hatred for the Thalmor or his worship of Talos. He stays true to his Nord beliefs while remaining open-minded, and always puts his people first.
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