Can You Become Thane After the Civil War in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can become a Thane after the Civil War in Skyrim, but the specifics depend on the hold and which side you supported (or didn’t) during the conflict. The war significantly impacts the political landscape of Skyrim, affecting which Jarls are in power and, consequently, the requirements for earning the title of Thane. Let’s delve into the details of each hold and explore how the Civil War influences your path to thaneship.

Understanding Thaneship in Skyrim

Before we explore each hold individually, let’s briefly review what it means to be a Thane. A Thane is essentially a noble within a hold, granted certain privileges and responsibilities by the Jarl. Becoming a Thane typically involves assisting the citizens of the hold, completing specific quests for the Jarl, and purchasing a house in the hold’s capital city. The benefits of thaneship include:

• The right to own property within the hold.
• A personal housecarl (bodyguard) assigned to protect you.
• The Jarl’s gratitude and, potentially, unique rewards.
• Being held in high esteem by the hold’s citizens.

Becoming Thane in Each Hold After the Civil War

The following outlines the requirements and conditions for becoming Thane in each hold after the Civil War concludes.

The Reach (Markarth)

Regardless of the Civil War outcome, the path to becoming Thane of the Reach remains largely consistent. You need to assist the people of Markarth and complete quests for the Jarl, usually related to Forsworn activity. Purchasing Vlindrel Hall is also required. The Jarl, Igmund, generally remains in power unless the Imperial Legion takes over, in which case Thongvor Silver-Blood may become Jarl. Either way, the Thane requirements remain similar.

Eastmarch (Windhelm)

This is where the Civil War has the most significant impact.

• Stormcloak Victory: If the Stormcloaks win, Ulfric Stormcloak remains Jarl. To become Thane, you need to have helped the citizens of Windhelm, completed the “Blood on the Ice” quest (solving the murder mystery), and purchased Hjerim, the Windhelm house.
• Imperial Victory: If the Imperials win, Ulfric is deposed, and Brunwulf Free-Winter becomes Jarl. You will need to assist citizens of Windhelm and purchase Hjerim to become Thane. However, many players report it’s nearly impossible to become Thane if you didn’t join the Imperial questline.

Falkreath Hold (Falkreath)

After the civil war, if the Stormcloaks take over Falkreath, Dengeir of Stuhn will take over as Jarl. If the Imperials take over, Siddgeir will continue being the Jarl. The main quest for becoming Thane of Falkreath is to assist 3 people in the hold and to buy land in Falkreath.

Haafingar (Solitude)

As the article notes, becoming Thane of Solitude is relatively straightforward. Elisif the Fair typically remains Jarl, regardless of the Civil War outcome. To become Thane, you need to assist the people of Solitude and purchase Proudspire Manor. The Jarl, Elisif the Fair, stays in power, making the process consistent.

Hjaalmarch (Morthal)

Similar to Solitude, the path to becoming Thane of Hjaalmarch is relatively unaffected by the Civil War. Assist the people of Morthal and purchase Hjerim, the Windhelm house. Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone usually remains in power, but if the Stormcloaks win the war, she’s replaced by Sorli the Builder.

The Pale (Dawnstar)

To become Thane of Dawnstar, you need to assist the citizens of the Pale and purchase Windstad Manor. The Jarl changes depending on which faction wins the Civil War.

• Imperial Victory: Skald the Elder remains Jarl.
• Stormcloak Victory: Brina Merilis becomes Jarl.

The Rift (Riften)

To become Thane of Riften, you need to assist the citizens of the Rift and purchase Honeyside.

• Imperial Victory: Laila Law-Giver will be replaced with Maven Black-Briar.
• Stormcloak Victory: Laila Law-Giver will remain Jarl.

Whiterun Hold (Whiterun)

• Imperial Victory: Balgruuf the Greater remains Jarl. To become Thane, you need to have assisted the citizens of Whiterun and purchased Breezehome.
• Stormcloak Victory: Vignar Gray-Mane replaces Balgruuf. To become Thane, you need to have assisted the citizens of Whiterun and purchased Breezehome.

Winterhold

After the civil war, Korir will always be the Jarl of Winterhold, whether the Stormcloaks or the Imperials take over. All you need to do to become Thane of Winterhold is buy a house in the hold, assist citizens, and help complete quests for the Jarl.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I lose my Thane title after the Civil War?

Yes, as the article mentions, you can lose your Thane status if the Jarl position changes during a Civil War battle. This is most likely to occur in holds where the Jarls are strongly aligned with one faction or the other. Whiterun is a prime example; if you sided with the Stormcloaks and Whiterun fell, you would lose your thaneship under Balgruuf.

2. How many times can I become a Thane in Skyrim?

You can become Thane of every hold in Skyrim. The only exception is Eastmarch, where becoming thane can be problematic after the civil war if you haven’t completed the imperial questline.

3. Does helping people before the Civil War count towards becoming Thane after it?

Generally, yes, helping people before the Civil War will count towards your progress in becoming Thane later. The game tracks your assistance to the hold’s citizens regardless of the war’s progress.

4. What if I side with neither the Imperials nor the Stormcloaks? Can I still become Thane?

You can become Thane even without actively participating in the Civil War, as you still can get tasks from the Jarl of each area. However, Eastmarch might be problematic. Focus on completing the other requirements, such as assisting citizens and purchasing property.

5. Can I become Jarl instead of Thane?

No, you cannot become a Jarl in Skyrim without using mods. The game does not offer a mechanic for the player character to become Jarl through normal gameplay.

6. Does marrying a Jarl give me any special advantages?

No, you cannot marry a Jarl in the base game without using mods. Even with mods, marrying a Jarl doesn’t grant any special advantages related to thaneship or governance.

7. What if the house I need to buy is unavailable due to a quest or glitch?

If a house is unavailable due to a quest, you will need to complete the associated quest to unlock the property. If it’s a glitch, try reloading an earlier save or consulting online forums for specific solutions related to that glitch.

8. Do I need to complete the main questline to become Thane?

No, you do not need to complete the main questline to become Thane in any hold. Thaneship is tied to the Civil War and local quests within each hold.

9. What’s the best way to quickly assist citizens for Thane quests?

Look for radiant quests offered by citizens. These are repeatable, randomly generated quests that often involve delivering items, clearing out dungeons, or hunting specific creatures.

10. Is there a level requirement to become Thane?

No, there is no specific level requirement to become Thane. The primary requirements are completing the necessary quests, assisting citizens, and owning property.

11. What happens if I attack someone in a hold after becoming Thane?

Being Thane does not grant immunity from the law. Committing crimes will still result in bounties and potential imprisonment. It will impact your relationship with the people of the hold.

12. Can I become Thane of a hold that I previously attacked or had a bounty in?

Yes, you can become Thane even if you previously had a bounty or committed crimes in the hold. You will need to pay off any outstanding bounties and improve your reputation with the Jarl and the citizens.

13. Do I get any unique dialogue options as Thane?

Yes, becoming Thane unlocks unique dialogue options with the Jarl and other NPCs, reflecting your elevated status within the hold.

14. Does my Thane status transfer to a new character?

No, your Thane status does not transfer to a new character. Each character must earn thaneship independently.

15. Where can I learn more about the political and social intricacies of Skyrim?

You can learn more about Skyrim’s political and social dynamics by reading in-game books, engaging in conversations with NPCs, and exploring online resources. Sites like UESP (Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages) offer comprehensive information on the game’s lore. Additionally, exploring the rich narratives offered by games provides valuable insights that can be further studied through academic lenses, as explored by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. These explorations can help connect the rich fictional worlds with real-world learning and understanding.

Understanding the impact of the Civil War on becoming Thane requires careful planning and consideration of your actions within each hold. By following this guide and addressing common questions, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the political landscape of Skyrim and claim your rightful place as a Thane.