#balgruuf the greater

[umbracirrus]

Okay, so, I have recently been thinking about axes and their importance in Nord culture in Skyrim, in part because I have something planned in a fanfiction that involves giving an axe and have been doing a little bit of research into it, and I have gone down a bit of a rabbit hole so please bear with me on this mini essay in which I have pulled together my thoughts/observations about axes in Skyrim and my two favourite Jarls, Balgruuf and Ulfric.

So, as anyone who has done the Civil War quests in Skyrim would know, there is a pivotal point in which the balance of power in Skyrim shifts either towards the Empire or the Stormcloaks based purely upon the player's alignment - when Whiterun either aligns with the Imperials or is taken by force by the Stormcloaks. Of course, there is one particular event which happens immediately before the battle begins, and that is the delivery of an axe.

However, at this point I would just like to bring up something which will become relevant later no matter what your alignment - at the point of the axe being sent, you have been named a Thane of Whiterun. Balgruuf won't hear anything to do with the Civil War when a dragon is attacking the Western Watchtower, so becoming both Dragonborn and a Thane is a prerequisite to the Civil War.

If you align with the Empire, it is Balgruuf who decides to send an axe. If you ask why, he gives the explanation that "if he returns it to you it means we have business to settle. If he keeps it, then we are at peace.", and if you ask whether you should say anything, he says that Ulfric knows what it means (also important for later!). The other dialogue option which isn't just 'sure, okay, I'll do that' also says that it is tradition, and that Ulfric honours traditions.

Obviously, Ulfric doesn't accept it and you return to Balgruuf with the news that he will be attacking Whiterun and suddenly, the city is under siege. When you win, Balgruuf personally thanks you for what you have done after his victory speech.

Now, on the other side of things, if you side with the Stormcloaks, it is Ulfric who gives you the axe to take to Balgruuf, but his explanation is much more... succinct. "If he keeps it, I will bide my time. If he returns it to you, it means war."

And as with the other side, because the game would be pretty boring is Balgruuf was to go "sure, I accept Ulfric's axe", he rejects the axe and that in turn means that you return to Ulfric with his axe, and he expresses his disappointment that Balgruuf had done so.

The two Jarls wanted the other on their side, but their views were fundamentally different they couldn't accept. 😭Sending their axes was just a formality, a way of saying 'this is it, we have to fight now'.

So what I am basically getting at, the civil war quest establishes that giving an axe is a way of determining allies and enemies, depending on whether it is accepted or rejected.

Coming back to what I mentioned earlier, in order to do the civil war quest and to talk to Balgruuf in order to either give him Ulfric's axe or to give his axe to Ulfric, you have to have become the Dragonborn and are a Thane of Whiterun. When you become a Thane in Skyrim, you end up receiving a weapon as a reward, typically named 'Blade of *insert hold name here*'. Except in two places.

Whiterun, and Eastmarch. In those places, you get either the Axe of Whiterun or the Axe of Eastmarch.

If I remember correctly, the blade weapons are randomly generated so have the potential to be axes, but these two are specifically named to be and are axes.

What else is in common with Whiterun and Eastmarch?

Their Jarls (Balgruuf and Ulfric) are the only two people in Skyrim who actively partake in and have knowledge of the tradition of the sending of axes.

When you become a Thane of these two holds, you are not just becoming a Thane, you are becoming a trusted ally of the Jarl, somebody who they can rely upon. Even more so with Ulfric, because you can only become a Thane of Eastmarch with Ulfric as Jarl if you are Stormcloak aligned.

Speaking of being Stormcloak aligned, how about a diversion back to the Civil War, specifically when the battle for Whiterun has reached its penultimate stages, Balgruuf has been defeated and has surrendered control of Whiterun. After an argument with Vignar (and I'll get into him later because he makes my blood boil), Balgruuf turns to you and says a line which absolutely breaks my heart - "And you. A Stormcloak? I'd thought better of you." 😭

Balgruuf thought you his ally, he had given you his axe, and you have just gone and stabbed him in the back (figuratively, and quite possibly literally depending on character build). As I said, it breaks my heart when he says that line.

Basically, what I am getting at, is that the depth of such a simple tradition in Skyrim is immense and I wish that there were more things like it (beyond the duel to the death for the throne thing, looking at you Ulfric) or saw it used more in the game. And that Balgruuf and Ulfric are by far the best Jarls in terms of character development and just how much their homeland and traditions mean to them. And I wish that there was a way to keep Balgruuf as Jarl even if you are Stormcloak aligned because fuck Vignar, and you know what? Fuck Maven Black-Briar too, she sucks. Laila is pretty incompetent as Jarl but at least she isn't Maven and that's a rant for another time. But not having Maven as Jarl is main reason I join the Stormcloaks more often than not. Balgruuf is usually the main reason that I join the Imperials on playthroughs.

Now... Vignar Gray-Mane. When you make him Jarl of Whiterun and he names you Thane, he gives you the Blade of Whiterun, not the Axe of Whiterun (yeah, I know I said that I think the blade weapons can be randomly generated as axes, and no doubt it was given to stop you from having multiple axes of Whiterun, but I just don't like Vignar soooo....). That's mean. Especially after we protected the city and helped him become Jarl too. There's another layer of insult there if you've rescued Thorald, his nephew, from the Thalmor. At least Brunwulf Free-Winter gives you the Axe of Eastmarch when he is Jarl if you defeat Ulfric for the Imperials and complete that shitshow of a quest 'Blood on the Ice'. Brunwulf is a bro, not Vignar. Hmph.

#Skyrim #elder scrolls v #the elder scrolls #skyrim civil war #tes v #tes v skyrim #jarl balgruuf #balgruuf the greater #jarl ulfric stormcloak #ulfric stormcloak #save me from this hell that is gushing over Balgruuf PLEASE #i wish I could marry him in-game and ahhhhhhh #I have been thinking about this ALL DAY at work after looking through the game scripts last night #and then realising that I got an axe from Balgruuf in a current playthrough #then checking the uesp page about weapons you get for being a thane and just going :O

[nerevar-quote-and-star]

Balgruuf the Greater, after there's an attempt on his life orchestrated by his kids: Wow, that sucked. Time to not think about that ever.

#balgruuf the greater #jarl balgruuf #the whispering door #nelkir #dagny #frothar #dragonsreach #whiterun #brat(s) of whiterun #nerevar queue and star #incorrect quotes #incorrect elder scrolls #incorrect skyrim quotes #tes #the elder scrolls #skyrim #the elder scrolls v: skyrim #source: tumblr

[omegatheimmortaldragonborn]

Imagine if Balgruuf was sat next to the Dragonborn during season unending, how fucking chaotic that'd be 😭

Sat there giggling like fucking kids taking the piss out of Ulfric, Elenwen, and Tullius bickering under their breaths

Legate and Galmar side-eyeing them constantly

The witty come backs they'd conjure up too omgg

Why didn't we get this 😭😭🙏🙏🙏

#skyrim #balgruuf the greater #incorrect elder scrolls #incorrect skyrim quotes #the elder scrolls #season unending #ulfric stormcloak #general tullius #elenwen #legate rikke #galmar stone fist

[pelinalblancserpent]

#shurik and balgruuf are friends to me #shurik #jarl balgruuf #balgruuf the greater #tes #skyrim #my art #LOL

[mirielsart]

Young Balgruuf and Irileth :)

#jarl balgruuf #balgruuf the greater #irileth #skyrim #the elder scrolls #tes fanart #mirielsart #whiterun

[marukokris]

Third drawing for TES pin up challenge (created by @nerevar-quote-and-star )! This time I drew everyone's favorite jarl Balgruuf the Greater for prompt "Morning glory" :D . And thankfully the scanner was a little bit nicer this time, and didn't mess up the colors so much.

I'm also adding the lineart version here because I really like that version too.

#tes pinup challenge 2023 #jarl balgruuf #balgruuf the greater #skyrim #my art #drawing #traditional art

[matri4rch]

Snippet: The Ice-Blooded Queen of Skyrim

OC: Mingyue Caerhan

For WIP Wednesday, heheheh I just love Ulfric

Jarl Balgruuf shook his head in disapproval, the mere idea of letting his most trusted and closest soldier, a girl he had grown to love like his own daughter, go on yet another journey halfway across the province involving the Divine or the ongoing Civil War was utterly horrifying to him. He'd almost lost it when she flew off as a scrawny teen to fight Alduin, and he'd be damned if he'd let her go off to get involved in the war so soon after her return.

"I am not asking for your approval..." Mingyue mumbled, her shoulders sinking inwards as Balgruuf's steely gaze bore into her. "I-Im going through with this."

"You are too young, Snowdrop." The Jarl sighed, brows furrowed in a mix of concern and exasperation. They've had this conversation countless times before, yet the girl still insisted on diving into trouble. "Too young, and too important."

"You did not say anything when I joined the companions..."

"That was very different, I could have my men look after you." The Jarl leaned forward in his throne. "I've regretted ever letting you out of the castle after what happened in Helgen..." He shook his head. "Are gowns and shoes not enough for you? Jewels and luxury not enough to keep you away from- from danger?!"

Mingyue sunk further into herself. "I defeated the world-eater... I promise I'll be careful."

"I know you are a capable girl, snowdrop. But you have to understand, Ulfric and that imperial general are more dangerous than the dragons. They are scheming, merciless. They would not hesitate to hold you in their claws and use you." He sighed. "You are a bright and beautiful elf, the Imperials would sell you to the Thalmor, and Ulfric... Merciful Mara... I cannot begin to think what he would do to you..." Another sigh escaped his lips as he looked down at the svelted elf kneeled before him. Oh she was so fragile, so lithe in her expression, but she was her own person. She was the dragonborn, and as much as he wished to keep her safe he understood it was in her nature. "But you are right... You are an adult woman now."

Mingyue's face softened, and a small smirk appeared on her lips.

"But please, Dragonborn, promise me something."

He closed his eyes, then ran a hand over his platinum beard.

"Promise me you will stay far away from the Stormcloaks. Far away from Ulfric."

#idk if ill post the full chapter bc yes #jarl balgruuf #balgruuf the greater #oc: mingyue caerhan #skyrim #skyrim fanfiction #elder scrolls skyrim #the elder scrolls #tes v skyrim #skyrim oc #ldb #skyrim ldb #the last dragonborn #last dragonborn #whiterun #tes v #tes v oc #elder scrolls oc #elder scrolls fanfiction

[helgiafterdark]

"petty victory" you tried to have me killed three separate times.

#if elenwen doesnt send ppl to kill you you aint doing it right #and she doesnt even know i killed ancano and estormo #but we arent gonna mention them #x #season unending #high hrothgar #general tullius #elenwen #jarl balgruuf #balgruuf the greater #jarl balgruuf the greater #esbern #skyrim screencaps #skyrim screenshots #skyrim #tesv #skyrim scenery

[surelyyourejesting]

had a dream a while back that there was a nonbinary mage living at dragonsreach in whiterun. while I was doing my regular prancing around the castle, Proventus asked Balgruuf what he'd do if people don't support them and Balgruuf said "ill make them fall to their knees." and I've accepted it as canon actually. hes an ally. todd howard placed that directly inside of my skull it was a premonition dream.

#elder scrolls skyrim #tesv skyrim #skyrim #skyrim elder scrolls #the elder scrolls 5 #elder scrolls #elder scrolls v #balgruuf the greater #jarl balgruuf #tesv #tes v skyrim #whiterun #tes

[isamajor]

"They are not yet tired of war. Far from it. Do you know the ancient Nord word for war? "Season unending"... so it has proved."

#skyrim #elenwen #General Tullius #elisif the fair #legate rikke #delphine skyrim #arngeir #ulfric stormcloak #galmar stone fist #esbern #balgruuf the greater

[spooky-donut-ghost-house]

Hrongar may be Balgruuf's older brother but he had no interest in being Jarl of Whiterun

He wanted to explore the world and so he turned to mercenary work

He never would've expected taking a job from Maven Black-Briar would end with him in her bed

Nine months later Hrongar retired from being a mercenary and protects his brother who is now Jarl of Whiterun

He found out he was a father from his old friend Christophe Bartlet from his mercenary days

Christophe had stolen the baby from Maven after a "disagreement"

Hrongar knew the baby was his when he looked into her eyes

Hrongar named the girl Lydia

Christophe had a plan to kill Maven and wanted to ask Hrongar for help but Hrongar refused he knew it was foolish to attempt to kill the most powerful woman in Skyrim and now that he knows he's a father he doesn't wanna put his life on the line he doesn't want Lydia to grow up without a father

Christophe waited two weeks and then sent Maven a letter of apology to her hoping to lure her out

Maven however had no intention of giving Christophe a second chance and sent Maul in her place

Later that night the city guard found Christophe's body mangled beyond recognition and when Hrongar heard the news he already knew who was responsible for his old friend's death

#skyrim #skyrim hrongar #skyrim lydia #skyrim maul #christophe bartlet #jarl balgruuf #jarl balgruuf the greater #balgruuf the greater #maven black briar #maven black-briar #tesblr #whiterun #riften #skyrim headcanon #were hrongar and christophe gay for each other? #many moons ago yes

[umbracirrus]

I still love the fact that Balgruuf likes to sneak out of Dragonsreach without telling Irileth for drinks and to talk to people. It adds a lovely bit of depth to his character in that he wants to interact with his people in an environment which isn't his palace or with an expectation for formalities, but it's a shame that you can't actually see him do that in-game even if Irileth tells him off for it!

I wish I knew how to make mods, because I absolutely would add that little bit in, and make it so that if you go to the Bannered Mare at night there is a chance that you can see him and talk to him there.

#to keep my mind distracted I am thinking VERY INTENSELY about Balgruuf #also known as the jarl of my heart uh i mean whiterun #skyrim #balgruuf the greater

[nerevar-quote-and-star]

Okay but wait, if Balgruuf is Balgruuf the Greater, where's Balgruuf the Lesser?

#random thoughts #mod post #jarl balgruuf #balgruuf the greater #the elder scrolls #tes #skyrim

[omegatheimmortaldragonborn]

Some of my favourite characters in skyrim, and why 👹

Balgruuf The Greater: i think this speaks for itself tbh, my favourite Jarl

Balimund: I don't actually know, kinda just looked at him and said "yes, he's the one." Or at least one of them anyway lmfao

Brynjolf: cocky thief with a *small amount* of issues, need i say more?

Captain Aldis: Self Explanatory. he's pretty, good personality, wants books, and lots of muscle? Yes please

Captain Gjalund Salt-Sage: idk he just smiled at my character once and it did things LMFAOOO

Captain Lonely-Gale: Father? Sorry, Father? Sorry-

Falk Firebeard: Steward whos probably a borderline alcoholic? Possibly involved in scandals? Pretty? Yes please

Glover Mallory: no.1 Smith, thief gone good, first I've found to sell Daedric stuff, what more can you want?

Halbarn Iron-Fur: personality is on point, easily lovable, one of my favourite smiths along side Glover

Idolaf Battle-Born: Dilf with an attitude, fuck yeah

Igmund: As with Balimund, I'm not even sure

Korir: if Siddgeir and Balgruuf had a child, he's them. Personality wise anyway, bit of a wanker tho

Kraldar: idk he's just there and he's sweet

Roggi Knot-Beard: Our favourite alcoholic, lovable character, ray of sunshine.

Rune: He's baby. Todd let me help him find out who his parents are i beg

Torbjorn Shatter-Shield: Dilf, I feel so bad tho oh my god, I killed Nilsine in Muiri's quest... never again. I don't need the bonus.

Ulfric Stormcloak: I can fix him

#balgruuf the greater #skyrim #idolaf battle-born #captain lonely-gale #jarl balgruuf #the elder scrolls #balimund #brynjolf #captain lonely gale #captain aldis #Gjalund Salt-Sage #Captain Gjalund #falk firebeard #Glover Mallory #Halbarn Iron-Fur #he's underrated #Igmund #korir #kraldar #Roggi Knot-Beard #Rune #ulfric stormcloak

[lockewrites]

Glassy Eyes and Ice

@knightdawn​​ sent: “Royal, Ice, and Glassy Eyes” for @nirnwrote​

F!Dragonborn & Balgruuf || SFW || 1615 words AO3

Rhea and Balgruuf find themselves seeking solitude after a council meeting.

All those who held the power of Skyrim were gathered around the large table in the Blue Palace; the jarls of every hold with their housecarls at the ready behind them, Tullius who was as stone-faced as ever, and Rhea, whose attendance was expected at any meeting such as this, despite lack of political experience or interest. Elisif always insisted; ‘ You saved this land from what many believed to be mere legend. Don’t you want to ensure that effort doesn’t go to waste?’ the young Jarl told Rhea often. Rhea’s housecarl, Lydia, who had been with the Dragonborn since the near-beginning, took her own place alongside the others, though her role had shifted to emotional protection, rather than physical at that point.

Rhea sat with her elbows on the table, her chin resting on the back of her clasped fingers. Her eyes watched the dancing flame of one of the large candles in front of her; absent-mindedly guiding its movements and color with her magic. The jarls were in deep discussions over the future of Skyrim, now that the civil war had come to a bloody end. She listened on and off; Rhea already had her mind made on what should happen next: drive out the Thalmor. But such a discussion was impossible with Elenwen, the dedicated Thalmor dignitary–or whatever her official title was, always in attendance.

There was talk, yet again, of summoning the Moot to give the facade of a united country, but of course, they couldn’t agree on who to support as the High Royal. The Moot itself was a facade; the decision was to be made before the summons, despite what the common folk of Skyrim believed. Some favored Elisif, she was the queen consort and had a closer seat to the position than anyone; others argued it would widen the gap between the Empire and the Stormcloaks who survived, and the goal was unity.

With a long sigh, Rhea blew out the flame she’d been toying with.

“Do you need anything, my Thane?” Lydia muttered in her ear.

Rhea shook her head. It wasn’t an offer, it was a reminder: behave. Perhaps she should’ve suggested Lydia for High Queen; it would’ve been an entertaining throwaway line.

A servant was quick to refill her glass, despite her waving her housecarl off. She silently thanked him with a forced smile and greedily drank. If nothing else, these gatherings had the best alcohol.

She caught Balgruuf’s gaze as she placed her glass back down. The bruises beneath his eyes grew darker with each meeting, aging him considerably in these few short months. It saddened her. The jarl gave her a small smile, and she dropped her eyes to the still-smoking candle, realizing she’d been staring.

The meeting continued on, and Rhea had long since stopped listening. She was no politician, no tactful being; she was just an unlucky divine-touched woman who wanted nothing more than to find her place in the world, and it certainly wasn’t at this table. But maybe it was at the bottom of her glass.

“It is getting rather late,” Elisif announced, standing at the head of the table. “We should adjourn for the night. We can continue these discussions tomorrow after we’ve all had some much-needed and deserved rest.”

The rest of the jarls and Rhea stood, bowing slightly to one another before following their appointed servants to their guestrooms.

Rhea followed her own with Lydia close behind. The walls twisted just slightly, the many drinks she’d had now settling beyond her stomach. They reached their rooms–Lydia’s was right next to Rhea’s–and bid the servant a “goodnight.”

Rhea had fallen into her bed, forgoing the option of food and opting for sleep instead. It was a comfortable bed with soft blankets and pillows, and with the fire now a mere smolder, the room was at a relaxing warmth, but she still found herself tossing and turning. Her mind unable to quiet itself, she gave up and crawled out of her bed. Wrapping herself in a thin robe, she snuck out of her room and wandered the halls until finding the balcony.

Winter had staked its claim in Solitude; her breath rose in thick clouds around her, the cold burning her lungs with each inhale. It was a nice distraction from the throbbing in her temples; the alcohol had staked its own claim in every shadow of her skull.

Even over the pounding in her head, she heard the door behind her open and careful footsteps press into the snow.

Rhea rolled her eyes. “I’m not someone you should sneak up on,” she said without turning around.

A chuckle preceded the reply. “I would never so blatantly throw my life away,” Balgruuf said.

She spun around, immediately regretting the jerked movement and pressing a palm into her temple.

“Jarl Balgruuf,” she groaned, the tone directed at her pain rather than him. “Sorry, I thought you were… well… I don’t know who I thought it was.”

“May I join you?”

With her other hand, she waved it forward and said, “Of course.” Rhea turned back toward the balcony railing, resting her palms on the ice-covered stone. “You’ll have to forgive me. I’m afraid I’ve reached my capacity for tact,” she added.

“I’m sure we can forgo the niceties,” he said, giving her a smile. “You’ve had me keep a dragon in my home–I think we’re well past formalities. And I’ve had more than enough from these damned councils.”

Rhea chuckled, sharp and dry. “Tell me about it.”

“Are you cold?” he asked

She smiled. “No, but thank you.”

Balgruuf settled beside her, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked out to the city. “Why do you always attend?” he asked. “You’re not subtle in your disdain.”

“Elisif,” she replied. “She might not seem like much of a warrior, but that woman can wield words like a weapon.”

“She’s certainly coming into her own,” he said as he nodded. “Torygg’s death and the war have hardened her. She’ll make a fine High Queen.”

Rhea quirked a brow. “You think she’ll wind up on the throne?”

“The others may bicker, and would do so endlessly if allowed,” he began, “but they’ll have to come to accept she’s the only viable choice.”

She turned, resting her lower back against the frozen rail and watching the jarl. “Why do you say that?”

“Who else would we choose?” Balgruuf asked, glancing at Rhea. “Idgrod is wise, even beyond her late years, but she’s far too eccentric to be widely accepted. Igmund is too deep in his own stone to see the needs of Skyrim as a whole. Siddgeir is… need I even bother with him? Brina does well as a jarl but would be too militaristic if given further power. Maven sees and hears only the clink of coin. Kraldar is blind to the stars in his own eyes. And Brunwulf has far too much unrest in Windhelm to consider much beyond those walls.”

Rhea listened as Balgruuf rattled on; with each complaint he released, the lines etched in his face seemed to soften. She allowed him to speak without interruption and found herself taking in his words, unlike while in the council room.

When he finished, he turned to her, his cheeks red with cold and frustration.

“Sorry,” he said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “It seems I had a looser hold of my tongue than I thought.”

With a laugh, she replied, “Seems you’ve been holding that in for a while.”

He sighed and let out an affirming hum.

“What about you?” she asked.

“What about me?”

“Why couldn’t you take the position?” It was a genuine question; Balgruuf was one of the few jarls she believed had his head on right.

He let out a laugh, holding up his hands. “I would be honored, of course, and would accept if that was the will of the Moot.”

“But…?”

“But I have a responsibility to Whiterun,” he explained. “The hold, the city, the people. I serve Skyrim best by serving Whiterun first.”

He looked over the city with glassy eyes, the light of the lantern swaying in a random gust of wind across the tired lines in his skin, his dirty blond hair flitting across shoulders that looked strong enough to carry the whole of the province. Short of a crown, he already looked the part of High King.

Rhea huffed a short laugh through her nose and shook her head.

“What?”

“Nothing,” she replied. “The gods just have funny timing.”

His brow rose but he didn’t question it. “Apologies,” he said instead. “I came out here to clear my head. I never thought to ask you what brought you out here before I rambled on.”

She shrugged. “Couldn’t sleep. Or maybe I’m procrastinating on letting tomorrow come.” Rhea curled her lip. “Another day of the same words spewed and no progress.” She crossed her arms over her chest as another gust of wind sent chills across her skin. “I didn’t give much thought about what I’d do after dealing with Alduin, but I never foresaw… whatever you want to call this whole fiasco.”

Balgruuf chuckled as he shuffled with something next to her. “Perhaps one day we’ll see peace again.”

Something heavy and warm rested across her shoulders. She looked over, seeing and feeling Balgruuf’s hands placing his coat on her. Her cheeks darkened.

“Uh, thanks,” she said. Her fingers wrapped around the fur-lined edge and pulled closed over her front.

His hands lingered a moment before sliding down off her shoulder blades. “I should go before Irileth learns I escaped my room. I hope sleep finds you, Rheanon.”

#skyrim #tes #the elder scrolls #balgruuf #balgruuf the greater #jarl balgruuf #last dragonborn #ldb #rheanon #alxxiis actually wrote something #fic: sky above chaos within

[libartz]

He's so done

#skyrim screenshots #jarl balgruuf #balgruuf the greater