Table of Contents

Who Replaces Jarl Skald in Skyrim?

Brina Merilis replaces Jarl Skald of Dawnstar in The Pale if the Imperial Legion wins the Civil War in Skyrim. Skald, a staunch supporter of the Stormcloak rebellion and loyal to Ulfric Stormcloak, is removed from his position, and Brina, who favors the Empire, takes his place.

Understanding the Shifting Jarls of Skyrim

The Civil War in Skyrim is a defining conflict, shaping the political landscape and leading to significant changes in leadership across the holds. Depending on the player’s allegiance – whether they support the Stormcloaks or the Imperial Legion – different Jarls will be appointed or deposed. Understanding these power dynamics is crucial for navigating the game’s narrative and experiencing its various outcomes. The fate of Jarl Skald is just one example of the sweeping changes that can occur. If deposed, she and Halfhand will take residence in the Winking Skeever. She gets out of bed at 8am and always starts the day with a one-hour breakfast with Horik.

The Role of the Civil War

The Civil War questline directly impacts the Jarls of several holds. Winning battles and capturing territories for either the Stormcloaks or the Imperials results in the installation of new Jarls aligned with the victorious faction. This dynamic creates a branching narrative where player choices have tangible consequences on the game world. Here’s a glimpse at how the civil war will impact the different Jarls.

What Happens When the Imperials Win?

If the Imperial Legion prevails, several Jarls loyal to the Stormcloaks are replaced by individuals who support the Empire. This includes:

Dawnstar (The Pale): Brina Merilis replaces Skald.
Riften (The Rift): Maven Black-Briar replaces Laila Law-Giver.
Windhelm (Eastmarch): Brunwulf Free-Winter replaces Ulfric Stormcloak.
Falkreath (Falkreath Hold): Dengeir of Stuhn replaces Siddgeir.
Winterhold (Winterhold): Kraldar replaces Korir.

What Happens When the Stormcloaks Win?

Conversely, if the Stormcloaks are victorious, Jarls aligned with the Empire are removed and replaced by those loyal to Ulfric Stormcloak.

Whiterun (Whiterun Hold): Vignar Gray-Mane replaces Balgruuf the Greater
Markarth (The Reach): Igmund is replaced by Thongvor Silver-Blood
Solitude (Haafingar): Elisif the Fair is replaced by Jarl Vignar Grey-Mane
Dawnstar (The Pale): Skald remains jarl.
Winterhold (Winterhold): Korir remains jarl.
Falkreath (Falkreath Hold): Siddgeir remains jarl.

FAQs: Jarls of Skyrim and the Civil War

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Jarls and the political dynamics of Skyrim:

Who replaces Ulfric Stormcloak after his death?

After defeating Ulfric Stormcloak in the Battle for Windhelm, Brunwulf Free-Winter is installed as the new Jarl.
Does Balgruuf the Greater ever get replaced?

Yes, Balgruuf the Greater is replaced if you side with the Stormcloaks. Vignar Gray-Mane then becomes the Jarl of Whiterun. If you side with the Empire, he continues to rule.
What happens to Maven Black-Briar during the Civil War?

If the Imperial Legion gains control of Riften, Maven Black-Briar becomes Jarl, further solidifying her power and influence in the region.
Can the Dragonborn become a Jarl in Skyrim?

No, the Dragonborn cannot officially become a Jarl in Skyrim without the use of mods. While you can become a Thane and gain influence, the Jarl position remains inaccessible.
Is it possible to kill Jarls in Skyrim?

All Jarls are essential characters and cannot be killed, except for Ulfric Stormcloak during the Battle for Windhelm.
Can you become Thane of every hold in Skyrim?

Yes, it is possible to become Thane of every hold in Skyrim, except for Eastmarch, where you can only achieve thanedom after the Civil War concludes.
Who replaces Siddgeir as Jarl of Falkreath?

Dengeir of Stuhn, Siddgeir’s uncle, replaces him as Jarl of Falkreath if the Imperial Legion takes control of the hold.
What does Rikke say after Ulfric’s death?

After the death of Ulfric Stormcloak, Rikke or other Imperial officers may say, “Talos preserve you” or “Talos be with you.”
Who is the most powerful Jarl in Skyrim?

Opinions vary, but Balgruuf the Greater of Whiterun is often considered one of the most powerful and influential Jarls in Skyrim.
What happens to Balgruuf if the Stormcloaks win the war?

If the Stormcloaks are victorious, Balgruuf is exiled, and Vignar Gray-Mane takes his place as Jarl of Whiterun.
Can I marry Jarl Siddgeir?

While not possible through normal gameplay, you can marry Jarl Siddgeir using console commands, though some dialogue options may be missing.
Who becomes Jarl of Winterhold if the Imperials win?

Kraldar becomes the Jarl of Winterhold if the Imperial Legion wins the Civil War.
What is the significance of Brina Merilis becoming Jarl?

Brina Merilis becoming Jarl signifies the Imperial Legion’s control over The Pale and ensures that Dawnstar is governed by someone loyal to the Empire.
Where does Brina Merilis live if she is deposed as Jarl? If deposed, she and Halfhand will take residence in the Winking Skeever.
What does Brunwulf Free-Winter do as Jarl? As Jarl of Windhelm, Brunwulf will be inside the Palace of the Kings after taking over from Ulfric. He’s supposed to inside. However, with this bug, he does not appear. There’s a table full of Jarls & the steward, but you can’t interact with them.

The Broader Impact on Skyrim

The shifts in Jarls are not merely cosmetic changes. They reflect the deeper political and social consequences of the Civil War. Each Jarl brings their own priorities and policies, influencing everything from trade and defense to the treatment of different races and factions.

Players can learn more about the impact of gaming on society and education through organizations such as the GamesLearningSociety.org. You can visit their website for valuable resources.

A Dynamic and Engaging Narrative

Ultimately, the question of who replaces Jarl Skald is a small piece of a much larger and more complex puzzle. The Civil War in Skyrim creates a dynamic and engaging narrative where player choices truly matter, shaping the fate of the Jarls and the holds they govern. These leadership changes are important for understanding and navigating the world of Skyrim.

Who replaces Jarl Skald?