Hold Capital: Whiterun

Related Quests

Main Quest: Before the Storm

Main Quest: Bleak Falls Barrow

Main Quest: Dragon Rising

Main Quest: The Way of the Voice

Main Quest: The Fallen

Main Quest: Season Unending

Main Quest: The World-Eater’s Eyrie

Civil War Quest: Message to Whiterun

Civil War Quest: Battle for Whiterun

Civil War Quest: Defense of Whiterun

The Companions Quest: Take Up Arms

The Companions Quest: Proving Honor

The Companions Quest: The Silver Hand

The Companions Quest: Blood’s Honor

The Companions Quest: Purity of Revenge

The Companions Quest: Glory of the Dead

The Companions Radiant Quest: Animal Extermination (I)

The Companions Radiant Quest: Animal Extermination (II)

The Companions Radiant Quest: Hired Muscle

The Companions Radiant Quest: Trouble in Skyrim

The Companions Radiant Quest: Family Heirloom

The Companions Radiant Quest: Escaped Criminal

The Companions Radiant Quest: Rescue Mission

The Companions Radiant Quest: Striking the Heart

The Companions Radiant Quest: Stealing Plans

The Companions Radiant Quest: Retrieval

The Companions Radiant Quest: Totems of Hircine

The Companions Radiant Quest: Purity

The Companions Radiant Quest: Dragon Seekers

Daedric Quest: The Whispering Door

Daedric Quest: A Night to Remember

Side Quest: In My Time of Need

Side Quest: Missing in Action

Temple Quest: The Blessings of Nature

Dark Brotherhood Quest: Breaching Security

Dark Brotherhood Quest: Hail Sithis!

Dark Brotherhood Quest: The Feeble Fortune*

Dark Brotherhood Quest: Side Contract: Anoriath

Thieves Guild Quest: Dampened Spirits

Thieves Guild Radiant Quest: No Stone Unturned (x3)

Thieves Guild City Influence Quest: Imitation Amnesty

Miscellaneous Objective: Innkeeper Rumors (the Bannered Mare)

Miscellaneous Objective: Bullying Braith* (Lars Battle-Born)

Miscellaneous Objective: Argonian Ale Extraction* (Breniun)

Miscellaneous Objective: Greatsword for a Great Man* (Adrianne Avenicci)

Miscellaneous Objective: Andurs’ Arkay Amulet* (Anders)

Miscellaneous Objective: Salt for Arcadia* (Arcadia)

Favor (Activity): Chopping Wood* (Hulda)

Favor (Activity): The Gift of Charity* (Brenuin)

Favor: A Good Talking To* (Carlotta Valentia)

Favor: Sparring Partners* (Uthgerd)

Favor: Rare Item Hunt* (Ysolda)

Favor: Item Retrieval (Bandit Camp)* (Amren)

Crafting Tutorial: Blacksmithing* (Adrianne Avenicci)

Crafting Tutorial: Alchemy* (Arcadia)

Crafting Tutorial: Enchanting* (Farengar Secret-Fire)

Thane Quest: Thane of Whiterun Hold*

Habitation: Hold Capital (Major)

Crafting

Alchemy Labs (2)

Arcane Enchanter

Blacksmith Forge

Grindstones (2)

Skyforge

Smelter

Tanning Rack

Workbench

Services

Follower: Jenassa [20/47]

Follower: Uthgerd the Unbroken [21/47]

Follower: Lydia [22/47]

Follower: Aela the Huntress [23/47]

Follower: Athis [24/47]

Follower: Farkas [25/47]

Follower: Njada Stonearm [26/47]

Follower: Ria [27/47]

Follower: Torvar [28/47]

Follower: Vilkas [29/47]

House for Sale: Breezehome [3/5]

Marriage Prospect: Jenassa [26/62]

Marriage Prospect: Uthgerd the Unbroken [27/62]

Marriage Prospect: Ysolda [28/62]

Marriage Prospect: Lydia [29/62]

Marriage Prospect: Aela the Huntress [30/62]

Marriage Prospect: Athis [31/62]

Marriage Prospect: Farkas [32/62]

Marriage Prospect: Njada Stonearm [33/62]

Marriage Prospect: Ria [34/62]

Marriage Prospect: Torvar [35/62]

Marriage Prospect: Vilkas [36/62]

Trader (Apothecary): Arcadia [7/12]

Trader (Blacksmith): Adrianne Avenicci [16/33]

Trader (Blacksmith): Ulfberth War-Bear [17/33]

Trader (Blacksmith): Eorlund Gray-Mane [18/33]

Trader (Fletcher): Elrindir [2/3]

Trader (Food Vendor): Carlotta Valentia [5/9]

Trader (Food Vendor): Anoriath [6/9]

Trader (General Store Vendor): Fralia Gray-Mane [9/25]

Trader (General Store Vendor): Belethor [6/19]

Trader (Innkeeper): Hulda [8/15]

Trader (Spell Vendor): Farengar Secret-Fire [10/12]

Trainer (Alchemy: Expert): Arcadia [2/3]

Trainer (Archery: Expert): Aela the Huntress [1/3]

Trainer (Block: Expert): Njade Stonearm [2/2]

Trainer (Heavy Armor: Master): Farkas [2/3]

Trainer (One-Handed: Journeyman): Amren [2/3]

Trainer (One-Handed: Expert): Athis [3/3]

Trainer (Restoration: Master): Danica Pure-Spring [3/3]

Trainer (Smithing: Master): Eorlund Gray-Mane [2/3]

Trainer (Two-Handed: Master): Vilkas [1/2]

Special Objects

Shrine of Arkay [7/12]

Shrine of Kynareth [5/6]

Shrine of Talos [8/17]

Business Ledger

Civil War: Map of Skyrim

Collectibles

Skill Book [Alchemy]: Herbalist’s Guide to Skyrim [C2/10]

Skill Book [Archery]: The Black Arrow, v2 [B1/10]

Skill Book [Block]: Death Blow of Abernanit [C1/10]

Skill Book [Enchanting]: Enchanter’s Primer [D2/10]

Skill Book [Heavy Armor]: Hallgerd’s Tale [C1/10]

Skill Book [Illusion]: Before the Ages of Man [B1/10]

Skill Book [Restoration]: Withershins [E1/10]

Skill Book [Speech]: Biography of the Wolf Queen [D2/10]

Skill Book [Two-Handed]: Song of Hrormir [C2/10]

Unique Item: Andurs’ Amulet of Arkay [58/112]

Unique Weapon: Balgruuf’s Greatsword [39/80]

Unique Weapon: Wuuthrad [40/80]

Unique Weapon: Ebony Blade [41/80]

Unusual Gem: [11/24]

Unusual Gem: [12/24]

Unusual Gem: [13/24]

Chest

Potions aplenty

Loose Gear

Lore: City Overview

Whiterun is seen as the most “pure” Nordic city in Skyrim. In Whiterun, Nords live as they have for centuries: their lives are simple, harsh, and rooted in ancient traditions. Even the city’s fortifications—wooden and stone palisade walls and the sheer defensive advantage offered by its position on a large bluff that raises the city above the surrounding Tundra—are archaic by contemporary standards. So while Windhelm may serve as the Stormcloaks’ center of operations in the Civil War, it is the culture of Whiterun that best exemplifies what it means to be a “True Nord.”

Whiterun is located on the eastern end of its Hold, a cold and windy Tundra that fills the center of Skyrim. It was constructed around the Companions’ hall of Jorrvaskr, which, centuries ago, was the sole structure on the mountain. Now, Whiterun is a large city, albeit one that retains the feel of a smaller Nord village.

When approaching Whiterun, the towering fortress of Dragonsreach dominates the view. Its history can be traced back to the First Era, when King Olaf One-Eye subdued the great dragon Numinex in a legendary duel of Thu’ums atop Mount Anthor, and brought him back to the fledgling town as a captive. It was then that the magnificent keep was rebuilt and renamed to serve as a cage for Numinex, whose head still adorns the Great Hall.

Important Areas of Interest

City Gates and Drawbridge

The winding stone path that leads from the outer gate to the drawbridge and to the entrance to the Main Gate is designed to keep marauders at bay. The drawbridge is open and utilized in the Civil War Quests.

Plains District

This is the first district any visitor to Whiterun enters, so named because it is the lowest of the three and therefore closest to the plains outside the city. It contains all the major merchants and the marketplace.

Main Gate and Guard Barracks (West)

Persuade, bribe, or otherwise insist that the guard lets you into Whiterun the first time you reach these gates. There is a small guard barracks just over the bridge and a couple of Alik’r Warriors (Side Quest: In My Time of Need) you can speak to. Explore the rushing canal water under the bridge or the platform on top of the guard barracks roof if you wish. Inside, there’s little but food and Nordic pottery to steal.

• Chest

The Drunken Huntsman

• Anoriath
• Elrindir
• Nazeem
• Ahlam

The Drunken Huntsman is a unique shop specializing is the needs of hunters. It sells bows, arrows, clothing, suits of armor, and anything else that may be useful to those who stalk Skyrim’s game. But the establishment is also set up as a small bar, and customers can buy a small selection of alcoholic drinks, including a specially made Wood Elven wine. The shop is run by the Wood Elf brothers Anoriath and Elrindir. Jenassa the Hireling is to be found here, too. There’s also a Skill Book behind the counter. Check the back bedroom on the ground floor near the central cooking spit for a chest and strongbox. Upstairs is a single bedroom with an empty chest.

• Follower: Jenassa [20/47]
• Marriage Prospect: Jenassa [26/62]
• Trader (Fletcher): Elrindir [2/3]
• Weapons, Apparel, Food
• Skill Book [Archery]: The Black Arrow, v2 [B1/10]
• Business Ledger
• Strongbox (Apprentice)
• Chest

Severio Pelagia’s House Severio Pelagia

Nestled above the market is the residence of Severio Pelagia, who owns the Pelagia Farm just outside Whiterun’s walls. Aside from a cooking pot and some delicious long taffy treat, there’s very little worth stealing in this single-floor dwelling, which has a small bedroom and office on either side of the main dining area and fire pit.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”

Marketplace

• Carlotta Valentia
• Brenuin
• Fralia Gray-Mane

The Whiterun Marketplace rivals the Bannered Mare as the most popular congregation spot in Whiterun. It is open during the day and closed at night. When the marketplace is open, stalls sells various items, including fresh fruits and vegetables. The stalls are run by Carlotta Valentia (fruits and vegetables), Fralia Gray-Mane (trinkets and jewelry), and Anoriah (fresh meat).

• Trader (Food Vendor): Carlotta Valentia [5/9]
• Food
• Trader (Food Vendor): Anoriath [6/9]
• Food
• Trader (General Store Vendor): Fralia Gray-Mane [6/19]
• Apparel, Misc.

The Bannered Mare

• Hulda
• Saadia
• Mikael
• Uthgerd the Unbroken
• Sinmir

The Bannered Mare is Whiterun’s most popular gathering place, a tavern and inn that offers cold mead, fresh food, and a warm and welcoming fire. Its sign is that of a majestic horse carrying a banner. Hulda, the publican, is fond of telling the story of the horse, which belonged to a Nord king who died in battle; the king may have died, but his favorite filly carried his banner still, inspiring the leader’s warriors to victory. The building has a central tavern area and a side kitchen with a business ledger and strongbox near the roasting spit. To the rear of the main bar area is a small bedroom and office where shady deals may be done. There are two sets of steps to separate bedroom areas.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Follower: Uthgerd the Unbroken [21/47]
• Marriage Prospect: Uthgerd the Unbroken [27/62]
• Trader (Innkeeper): Hulda [8/15]
• Room for the Night, Food
• Innkeeper Rumors
• Skill Book [Heavy Armor]: Hallgerd’s Tale [C1/10]
• Business Ledger
• Strongbox (Apprentice)
• Chest (2)

Guard Barracks (East)

This set of barracks bridges the gap between the Plains District and Dragonsreach. It is also where you exit after being jailed (or escaping from jail). The trapdoor in the side alcove leads to Dragonsreach Dungeon.

• Display case (Novice)
• Chest
• Loose gear

Arcadia’s Cauldron

Arcadia

Arcadia’s Cauldron is Whiterun’s apothecary. It sells potions and potion ingredients of all kinds and is probably the most respected of the city’s non-Nord-owned businesses. Aside from the goods she sells, she is an excellent trainer. Check the office at the back of the store for a Skill Book and the locked door (Adept) next to the lab; this leads to the area under the stairs and a chest. Upstairs is a landing balcony overlooking the shop and a cooking pot.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Crafting: Alchemy Lab
• Trader (Apothecary): Arcadia [7/12]
• Potions, Food, Ingredients, Books
• Trainer (Arcadia: Expert): Alchemy [2/3]
• Skill Book [Alchemy]: Herbalist’s Guide to Skyrim [C2/10]
• Chest
• Potions aplenty

Ysolda’s House

Ysolda

The young maid Ysolda lives in this house, making handcrafted goods that she hopes to sell. She is currently selling her goods to the Khajiit caravans, raising money to buy a shop of her own. Her dwelling is modest, locked, and has no loot to speak of, although there’s a bowl of impressive potatoes.

• Shadowmark: “Empty”
• Marriage Prospect: Ysolda [28/62]

Belethor’s General Goods

Belethor

The Breton owner Belethor will buy and sell just about anything, and he’s got a fair collection of items that could best be categorized as junk. From tomatoes to troll skulls, there’s something here to steal, and a Skill Book on one of the shelves. In the back is a kitchen, and upstairs is a balcony, bed, and ledger with a strongbox.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Trader (General Store Vendor): Belethor [7/19]
• Apparel, Potions, Food, Books, Misc.
• Skill Book [Speech]: Biography of the Wolf Queen [D2/10]
• Business Ledger
• Strongbox (Apprentice)

Olava the Feeble’s House

Olava the Feeble

Besides being a seer, Olava is also something of a hermit. She rarely leaves her house, and her residence is usually locked. Inside, there’s a small table with a Petty Soul Gem and a setup for a reading, but otherwise the place is devoid of valuables.

• Chest

[HF.05] Breezehome

Related Quests

• Hearthfire Task: Adoption
• Thane Task: Thane of Whiterun

Crafting

• Alchemy Lab
• Arcane Enchanter
• Cooking Pot

Miscellaneous

• Area is locked
• Chest
• Loose gear
• Potions aplenty

This dwelling is currently empty. Should you become the Thane of Whiterun (by completing Main Quest: Dragon Rising), you can purchase this abode from Jarl Balgruuf the Greater’s Steward, Proventus Avenicci. Consult the Thane Quests for more information. Should you wish to purchase the children’s bedroom, it replaces the Alchemy Laboratory.

• Follower: Lydia (Housecarl) [22/47]
• House for Sale [3/5]
• Marriage Prospect: Lydia [29/62]

Purchase Price: 5,000 gold

Jarl: Jarl Balgruuf the Greater or Jarl Vignar the Revered

Steward: Proventus Avenicci or Brill

Available Decorations

• Alchemy Laboratory (500 gold)
• Bedroom (300 gold)
• Children’s Bedroom (250 gold)
• Dining room (250 gold)
• Loft (200 gold)

Total cost: 6,500 gold

Warmaiden’s

• Adrianne Avenicci
• Ulfberth War-Bear

This is the house and shop of Adrianne Avenicci and features a number of smithing locations, which is handy to use if you’ve purchased the adjacent Breezehome or you’ve entered the city. Inside, speak to Ulfberth War-Bear (or Adrianne, who also sells items) if you’re interested in buying anything. Behind the counter is a door to a small kitchen and side exit. Upstairs is a landing overlooking the shop.

• Crafting: Blacksmith Forge, Grindstone, Smelter, Tanning Rack, Workbench
• Trader (Blacksmith): Adrianne Avenicci [16/33]
• Weapons, Apparel, Misc
• Trader (Blacksmith): Ulfberth War-Bear [17/33]
• Weapons, Apparel, Misc
• Unique Weapon: Balgruuf’s Greatsword [39/80]
• Loose gear

Wind District

The Wind District is where most of Whiterun’s residential buildings (including the mead hall Jorrvaskr) are located and was named because of the strong mountain winds that gust through the area.

Gildergreen Tree and Temple of Kynareth

• Danica Pure-Spring
• Acolyte Jenssen
• Maurice Jondrelle
• Lucia

The Temple of Kynareth is a tall wooden building with a central praying chamber. The sick and weary gather here, and Acolyte Jenssen and Danica Pure-Spring cast their healing spells. To the sides are an office stocked with books (one of them being a Skill Book found on a shelf) and a chest and a waiting area with an empty strongbox. The temple is receiving a steady flow of pilgrims, but these have started to wane as the ancient Gildergreen Tree in the main exterior gathering place and thoroughfare has begun to die.

• Trainer (Danica Pure-Spring: Master): Restoration [3/3]
• Skill Book [Restoration]: Withershins [E1/10]
• Shrine of Kynareth [5/6]
• Strongbox (empty)
• Chest
• Potions

Heimskr’s House and Shrine of Talos

Heimskr

Heimskr’s home is devoid of important or valuable possessions; it has been turned into a gathering place for illegal worship.

• Shrine of Talos [8/17]

Jorrvaskr

Harbinger: Kodlak Whitemane

The Circle: Aela the Huntress; Farkas, brother of Vilkas; Vilkas, brother of Farkas; Skjor, the scarred

Member: Athis, Njada Stonearm, Ria, Torvar, Vignar the Revered

Housekeeper: Tilma the Haggard

Blacksmith: Eorlund Gray-Mane

Jorrvaskr is the ancient and honored mead hall that has served as headquarters of the mercenary company the Companions for untold generations. According to local legend, Jorrvaskr is actually the oldest building in all of Whiterun and once existed by itself on the mountain, with the other buildings the town being built up around it over the centuries. Jorrvaskr is a place of honor and courage, and to walk into the hall is to proclaim, “I am a warrior and will die as I lived—in glorious battle!” The mead hall is also the place where you may join the Companions as a Shield-Brother or Sister. The exterior of the building features two front doors and a rear outside dining and training area.

Inside, the main floor is dominated by the mead hall and fire pit. A Skill Book rests on a low shelf here. At one end of the hall is a sparring area, and around the sides are various shelves stocked with books and food. The door at the north end leads to a bedroom with another chest. The stairs at the sound end lead down to the living quarters. Displayed on the wall here are the pieces of Wuuthrad, a powerful weapon wielded by their founder, Ysgramor. Check Kodlak Whitemane’s bedroom chambers to find an Unusual Gem that pertains to Side Quest: No Stone Unturned.

• Follower: Aela the Huntress [23/47]
• Follower: Athis [24/47]
• Follower: Farkas [25/47]
• Follower: Njada Stonearm [26/47]
• Follower: Ria [27/47]
• Follower: Torvar [28/47]
• Follower: Vilkas [29/47]
• Marriage Prospect: Aela the Huntress [30/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Athis [31/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Farkas [32/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Njada Stonearm [33/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Ria [34/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Torvar [35/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Vilkas [36/62]
• Trainer (Archery: Expert): Aela the Huntress [1/3]
• Trainer (Block: Expert): Njade Stonearm [2/2]
• Trainer (Heavy Armor: Master): Farkas [2/3]
• Trainer (One-Handed: Expert): Athis [3/3]
• Trainer (Two-Handed: Master): Vilkas [1/2]
• Skill Book [Heavy Armor]: Hallgerd’s Tale [C1/10]
• Unusual Gem: [11/24]
• Chest (2)
• Potions
• Loose gear

Living Quarters

The main corridor leading north begins with a dormitory where the new recruits sleep. At the far end are four bedrooms of the Circle members. Check for the Skill Book inside the display case. There’s also a small bar in one of the bedrooms! At the far end of the corridor is Kodlak’s private chambers, which has some rare items to steal:

• Skill Book [Archery]: The Marksmanship Lesson
• Skill Book [Two-Handed]: Song Of Hrormir [C2/10]
• Unusual Gem: [11/24]
• Chest (3)

Skyforge and the Underforge

The Skyforge is the great forge used by Eorlund Gray-Mane to craft his masterful weapons, shields, and armor. It got its name due to the fact that it’s a large, ancient forge, located outside on a mountain, close to the sky. The forge is large, and unlike most forges is rather ornate. It is in the shape on an eagle, with wings spreading out from each side. Eorlund is happy to trade his wares with you, but will only train you after you join the Companions.

• Crafting: Skyforge, Grindstone
• Trader (Blacksmith): Eorlund Gray-Mane [18/33]
• Weapons, Apparel, and Misc
• Trainer (Smithing: Master): Eorlund Gray-Mane [2/3]
• Skill Book [Smithing]: The Armorer’s Challenge
• Unique Weapon: Wuuthrad [40/80]

Underneath the Skyforge is a hidden area known as the Underforge, where those welcomed into the Circle of the Companions observe a special blood ritual. This is only accessible during the Companions quest line. You can return here to deliver or utilize Totems.

House Gray-Mane

• Olfina the Golden
• Avulstein Gray-Mane

House Gray-Mane is the residence of Eorlund Gray-Mane and his children. It is a large, solid house, built by Eorlund over 35 years earlier. Recently, due to their differing stances on the Civil War, Clan Gray-Mane has bad relations with Clan Battle-Born, with whom they had always been friendly before the conflict started. Jon Battle-Born and Olfina the Golden are said to be in love, but the families certainly do not approve of such activities. Outside the house is a small paddock with a cow. Inside the house is a central fire pit and dining area, with a small entrance alcove and Avulstein’s bedroom. Upstairs is a landing and two bedrooms with some books and valuables (usually necklaces) lying around.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Chest (4)

Uthgerd’s House

This is the house belonging to the violent Nord warmaiden that challenges you to fisticuffs in the Bannered Mare. Her home is locked, but once inside, is full of Nord pottery, a chest, and a small book collection in a nook under the stairs. Upstairs is an empty chest and a full display case.

• Chest
• Loose gear

Amren’s House

• Amren
• Braith

Amren’s House is attached to Uthgerd’s. Amren is usually walking around the Wind District. His wife, Saffir, and daughter Braith may be inside the dwelling. There’s very little worth stealing here.

• Shadowmark: “Danger”
• Trainer (One-Handed: Journeyman): Amren [2/3]

Carlotta Valentia’s House

Mila Valentia

Carlotta Valentia lives in this house with her young daughter Mila. Find a couple of potions in one of the upstairs bedrooms, along with a Skill Book that’s tucked between the bed and end table.

• Shadowmark: “Loot”
• Skill Book [Enchanting]: Enchanter’s Primer [D2/10]

House of Clan Battle-Born

• Olfrid Battle-Born
• Bergritte Battle-Born
• Idolaf Battle-Born
• Jon Battle-Born
• Alfhild Battle-Born
• Lars Battle-Born

This large house holds three generations of the equally large Clan Battle-Born. This warrior family—owners of the Battle-Born Farm outside Whiterun—has lived in the city for centuries; their ties to Skyrim and the ancient Nord ways cannot be disputed. The Clan has come out vocally in support of the pro-Imperial forces in the ongoing Civil War. Recently, due to their differing stances on the Civil War, Clan Battle-Born has bad relations with Clan Gray-Mane, with whom they had always been friendly before the conflict started.

The rear door is usually unlocked, while the front door isn’t (Novice). Inside, the ground floor is one large chamber with a cooking spit and dining table dominating the area. To the northwest is Olfrid’s bedroom, which has some valuables on display (including a Skill Book) and a locked door (Adept) leading to a small office with books and an Imperial Missive, useful during Side Quest: Missing in Action. On the opposite side is a small bedroom with books to check, stairs up to the balcony, and two more bedrooms.

• Shadowmark: “Protected”
• Imperial Missive
• Skill Book [Two-Handed]: Battle of Sancre Tor
• Potions

Hall of the Dead

Andurs

The Whiterun Hall of the Dead is a single-story, high-ceilinged wooden structure and serves as Whiterun’s mausoleum. The main floor has the sleeping quarters for Andurs (with a large collection of books and small collection of skulls) and a shrine to Arkay where the people of Whiterun can come and worship. Check one of the wall crypts to find an Unusual Gem lying near the foot of a skeleton—this pertains to Side Quest: No Stone Unturned.

• Unique Item: Andurs’ Amulet of Arkay [58/112]
• Unusual Gem: [12/24]
• Shrine of Arkay [7/12]
• Chest

Whiterun Catacombs

These catacombs contain generations of Whiterun’s dead, including the bodies of some of Skyrim’s most honored departed—and not quite departed. There is also graveyard outside.

• Skill Book [Block]: Death Blow of Abernanit [C1/10]

Cloud District

The Cloud District is the smallest of Whiterun’s three districts. It was so named because it is located atop the mountain Whiterun was built on and is therefore closer to the clouds than any other. It is dominated by the imposing form of Dragonsreach.

Dragonsreach

The following leaders of Whiterun are loyal to the Imperials at the start of the Civil War.

Jarl Balgruuf the Greater

Balgruuf believes that Skyrim should remain a part of the Empire. This has become something of a confusing situation for the people of Skyrim, many of whom are decidedly anti-Empire. Balgruuf embodies the very best of what it is to be a Nord, but at the same time he supports the Empire’s presence. This has actually caused some of these same anti-Empire residents of Whiterun to at least reconsider their thinking. After all, if Balgruuf the Greater supports the Empire, then maybe they are the key to Skyrim’s future. Balgruuf is very close to his younger brother Hrongar.

Hrongar

Hrongar is Balgruuf’s younger brother and is something of a warmonger. He believes his brother should organize Imperial forces and wipe out any Stormcloaks presence in Whiterun Hold. Hrongar divides his time among a few activities, most notably advising (and sometimes arguing with) his brother Balgruuf and practicing with his sword and axe against the town guard.

Frothar

Dagny

Nelkir

Farengar Secret-Fire (Court Wizard)

Farengar serves the Jarl because of duty, but Farengar has no interest in the Civil War and certainly has no love for the Empire. He is dedicated to the College of Winterhold and furthering the cause of magical research. So as long as he is able to maintain his laboratory and keep up his research, he really doesn’t care what the Jarl believes.

Proventus Avenicci (Steward)

Proventus essentially tells Balgruuf whatever he wants to hear and is a politician through and through. In other words, Proventus is completely inept as a Steward. The only reason he’s been able to achieve any manner of success and keep his position is because his daughter Adrianne is tactically brilliant and has been telling her father what to tell the Jarl.

Irileth (Housecarl)

Irileth is unusual for a Housecarl: She’s female, a Dark Elf, and doesn’t fit the role of muscle-bound protector. But that doesn’t make her any less effective. Irileth is actually a skilled assassin, trained in Morrowind by the Morag Tong. She met Balgruuf several years prior and the two became fast friends and adventuring companions.

Commander Caius

The following residents arrive to take control of Whiterun, should this Hold fall during the Civil War.

Jarl Vignar Gray-Mane

Vignar was once a general and commander in the Legion during the Great War. He came to Whiterun to retire and be near his brother, the renowned smith Eorlund Gray-Mane. Because of his long experience as a soldier, Vignar holds a place of honor among the Companions, and the group welcomes his council. In the course of the Civil War, Vignar shifted loyalties to his home. He is angry at the Empire for surrendering to the Dominion and feels that Skyrim would be better off on its own, as in the ancient times. When the Stormcloaks control Whiterun, they call on Vignar’s experience and wisdom to lead the city as its Jarl.

Brill (Steward)

Brill was once an adventurer who was injured by a Draugr axe a number of years ago. This brush with death left him shaken and broken. He took to drinking, spending much time and coin in the Bannered Mare. It was there he met Vignar, who he befriended. Vignar took Brill into his home, and he’s never left.

Olfina Gray-Mane (Housecarl)

When Vignar is called upon to serve as Whiterun’s Jarl, he names his niece Olfina as his Housecarl. Willful and determined, Olfina accepts the honorable duty and swears to defend her uncle’s life with her own.

Sinmir

Dragonsreach is Whiterun’s majestic keep. It was constructed in the ornate wooden style of the great Nord longhouses of old. Visually and politically, it is very much the focal point of the city. As is true of the keeps in other cities, Dragonsreach serves many important functions. There is an ornate bridge leading to the main double doors. Around to the side is an entrance to Dragonsreach Dungeon.

Dragonsreach (Interior)

Door to Whiterun

Great Hall

The great hall is the main chamber of the keep and is where the Jarl holds court on his throne beyond the long tables and central fire pit. Check the shelves to the sides for all manner of books. There are balconies on the upper floor, accessed via the War Room, from which you can peer down.

Kitchens

Two large tables and an even bigger fireplace are where the Jarl’s servants prepare the feasts of the long table.

Servant’s Bedroom and Storage (Lower)

A rough-hewed, rock-walled chamber where the servant sleeps. There is a storage room behind the door.

Door to Jarl’s Quarters

Old Wooden Door (Requires Key)

This odd door seems sealed from the other side. Consult Side Quest: The Whispering Door for more information.

Farengar’s Quarters

In this laboratory, the Court Wizard Farengar mixes concoctions and conducts research into the mysteries of the dragons’ return. His bedroom and a small library are behind his main study.

• Crafting: Alchemy Lab, Arcane Enchanter
• Trader (Spell Vendor): Farengar Secret-Fire [10/12]
• Apparel, Scrolls, Books, Misc
• Potions
• Loose gear

War Room

This is where the Jarl and his advisors discuss matters of state, pouring over the Civil War map near the book-lined shelves. When needed, an Imperial Legate also plans from this location.

• Civil War: Map of Skyrim
• Display Case (Apprentice)
• Loose gear

Door to Jarl’s Quarters

Door to Dragonsreach, Great Porch

Enter the Great Porch if you want an impressive view to the east. Legend has it that a dragon was trapped here, on this porch. Perhaps history might repeat itself? Consult the Main Quest for further information.

Dragonsreach Jarl’s Quarters

This is the private quarters of the Jarl, and entering here without invitation results in you being removed, facing a fine, or worse. However, a special gem can be found here that pertains to Side Quest: No Stone Unturned.

• Unique Weapon: Ebony Blade [41/80]
• Unusual Gem: [13/24]

Door to Dragonsreach

Inner Hall and Staircase

• Display Cases (Apprentice) (3)
• Display Case (Master)
• Loose gear

Proventus Avenicci’s Chamber

Note the display case; it usually has something valuable inside.

• Display Case (Adept)
• Chest

Servant’s Quarters

Fianna and Gerda usually rest here, in the tiny alcove bedrooms off the main food storage and wine vat area.

• Chest

Door to Dragonsreach

Childrens’ Bedroom

The Jarl’s three children, Nelkir, Dagny, and Frothar, sleep here.

• Chest (3)

Hrongar’s Bedroom

The Jarl’s brother sleeps here. The study desk has shelves with books on them.

Jarl’s Bedchamber

There are three connected chambers here: a dining area, bedroom, and book-filled study.

• Skill Book [Illusion]: Before the Ages of Man [B1/10]
• Loose gear

Door to Whiterun

Exit onto a narrow parapet balcony and overlook the entirety of Whiterun.

Dragonsreach Dungeon

Cell Block

Arn

Home to a proportion of the city’s guard and the jail. The entrance area has the chests you need to retrieve your items, either after you serve your time or if you reach in from the sewer grate behind the chests. The main cell block has cells on either side (Adept, unless a quest-related cell) and a door at the opposite end leading to Dragonsreach. The cell to the west is of particular interest, as it comes decked out with food and a variety of luxuries not normally associated with jails. This is where the more prominent miscreants are kept, usually after a drunken binge. A man named Arn is imprisoned in this location, but only after you undertake Thieves Guild City Influence Quest; Imitation Amnesty.

• Evidence Chest
• Prisoner Belongings Chest

Dungeon Catacombs

Below the cells are the Catacombs, ideally explored only after you escape from your cell, and wish to weave your way to the small hub chamber, where you can climb a ladder and stand on some barrels to reach the chests which contain your belongings. Then open the barred door [Expert] or drop down the hole to reach a ladder leading up and into [7] Guard Barracks (East), down in the Plains District.