Can You Become Thane of Winterhold in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can become Thane of Winterhold in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, but it’s arguably one of the most buggy and frustrating thanedoms to achieve. It often requires specific steps and conditions to be met, and glitches can prevent completion of the questline. This article dives deep into how to become Thane of Winterhold, what the benefits are, and provides troubleshooting tips for common problems.

Becoming Thane of Winterhold: The Process

The path to becoming Thane of Winterhold involves completing a series of tasks for the Jarl and assisting the citizens of the hold. However, unlike other holds, this process is often plagued with bugs, making it difficult to trigger the final Thane quest.

Befriending the Jarl

Initially, the Jarl of Winterhold is Korir. To gain his favor and start the process, he’ll ask you to retrieve the Helm of Winterhold.

1. Speak with Jarl Korir: Find Korir in the Jarl’s Longhouse in Winterhold. If the Imperial questline has been completed, you may need to lockpick Jarl Brunwulf Free-Winter’s house to find Korir inside.
2. Obtain the Helm of Winterhold: The Helm is located in a dungeon somewhere within Skyrim. The exact location seems to be randomized but some locations are within:
   • Yngvild
   • Draugun Burial Site
   • Redoran’s Retreat
3. Return the Helm to Korir: Once you have the Helm, return to Korir and give it to him. This is where many players encounter the first potential bug: the quest may not update.

Completing “Help the People” Quests

After returning the Helm, you need to assist the citizens of Winterhold by completing miscellaneous quests. You need to complete at least three of these quests. This is the second area where players often encounter problems, as some quests may not count towards the Thane requirement.

Here are some examples of quests you can complete, keeping in mind their reliability:

• “Fetch” quests: These usually involve retrieving an item for a citizen.
• “Deliver” quests: Delivering an item to another person on behalf of a citizen.
• “Kill” quests: Eliminating a threat (animal or bandit) for a citizen.

It’s important to talk to various NPCs in Winterhold, including those in the town and at the College of Winterhold, to find these quests. Some quests may be repeatable, such as chopping wood for the innkeeper.

Receiving the Thane Title

Once you’ve completed the required number of “Help the People” quests, return to the Jarl. He should offer you the title of Thane. If the quest doesn’t trigger, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure you’ve helped enough people: Double-check your quest log and make sure the quests have been properly marked as completed.
• Try different quests: Some quests are known to be unreliable. Try completing different miscellaneous quests in Winterhold to see if that triggers the Thane quest.
• Reload an earlier save: Sometimes, a bug can occur that prevents the quest from triggering. Reloading an earlier save and redoing the steps may help.

If all else fails, it is unfortunate to say there is nothing that can be done to change the glitch in game and becoming Thane of Winterhold may be impossible.

Benefits of Being Thane of Winterhold

Becoming Thane of Winterhold, if you can achieve it, provides several benefits:

• Housecarl: You’ll receive a personal Housecarl, a powerful follower who will accompany you on your adventures and protect your home.
• Weapon of the Hold: The Jarl will gift you a symbolic weapon representing Winterhold.
• Guard Forgiveness: Guards will forgive bounties under 2000 gold (once per hold). If Winterhold changes hands during the Civil War, you may be able to receive this pardon a second time from the new Jarl.
• Purchase of Property: While Winterhold doesn’t offer a purchasable house, the Thane title signifies your standing within the hold.

FAQs: Thane of Winterhold and Related Questions

1. Why can’t I become Thane of Winterhold?

The most common reason is a glitch preventing the “Help the People” quests from properly registering. This can be due to various factors, including the order in which quests are completed, specific quest bugs, or conflicts with other mods. Ensure you’ve completed at least three quests and try alternative quests if necessary.

2. What happens if the quest to retrieve the Helm of Winterhold doesn’t update?

This is a known bug. Try these solutions:

• Reload an earlier save: This can sometimes reset the quest and allow it to progress.
• Fast travel away and back: Sometimes, simply leaving Winterhold and returning can trigger the quest update.
• Check your inventory: Ensure the Helm of Winterhold is actually in your inventory.

3. Can I lose my Thane status in Winterhold?

Yes, you can lose your Thane status if the Jarl is replaced during the Civil War. If you side with the Stormcloaks and Winterhold falls to the Imperials, or vice versa, the new Jarl may revoke your title.

4. Can I become Thane of all holds in Skyrim?

Yes, you can become Thane of every hold in Skyrim. The only exception is Eastmarch, where you can only obtain the thanedom after the Civil War is concluded.

5. Is there a house I can buy in Winterhold?

No, there is no purchasable house in Winterhold. The only residence you can acquire is within the College of Winterhold after completing their questline.

6. What if I can’t find any “Help the People” quests in Winterhold?

Talk to every NPC in Winterhold, including those at the College of Winterhold. Some quests are less obvious and require specific dialogue triggers. Try waiting a few in-game days, as new quests may become available.

7. Does it matter if I side with the Stormcloaks or Imperials to become Thane of Winterhold?

Your choice of faction can influence the Jarl and the requirements to become Thane. If you side with the Imperials, you’ll likely be dealing with Brunwulf Free-Winter as Jarl. If you side with the Stormcloaks, you’ll be dealing with Korir.

8. Who is the best follower from the College of Winterhold?

J’zargo is a popular choice. He is a Khajiit mage from the College of Winterhold and is a memorable follower. He is skilled in many spells, particularly Destruction ones.

9. Can I marry Jarl Elisif the Fair?

Normally, you cannot marry Elisif the Fair. It requires a mod to do so, and even then, it is known to be buggy.

10. What are the best factions to join in Skyrim?

That depends on your playstyle! The Games Learning Society highlights that the appeal of factions often ties into player identity and goals. But generally considered, some popular choices include:

• The Companions: A guild of warriors offering combat-focused quests.
• The College of Winterhold: A faction focused on magic and learning.
• The Thieves’ Guild: A faction focused on stealth and thievery.
• The Dark Brotherhood: A faction focused on assassination.

11. Is the College of Winterhold evil?

The College of Winterhold is generally considered neutral. They prioritize knowledge and experimentation, even if it involves controversial practices.

12. Can the Dragonborn become a Jarl?

No, the Dragonborn cannot become a Jarl in Skyrim without using mods. While you can become a Thane, the Jarl position is not achievable through normal gameplay.

13. Which is better, Stormcloak or Imperial?

The choice between Stormcloak and Imperial depends on your character’s background and beliefs. The Imperials offer order and stability, while the Stormcloaks fight for Skyrim’s independence.

14. Does the Thane title still exist in real life?

The title of Thane is historical and no longer used in modern society.

15. What happens if I commit a crime in Winterhold after becoming Thane?

Guards will forgive bounties under 2000 gold once per hold. This means that if your bounty is less than 2000 gold, the guards will ignore it. However, this only applies once. After being forgiven, your bounty will be enforced.

Achieving Thane status in Winterhold can be a challenging endeavor due to the various glitches that can occur. However, by following the steps outlined in this guide and troubleshooting common problems, you can increase your chances of becoming a Thane of Winterhold and enjoying the benefits that come with it. Remember to explore, experiment, and immerse yourself in the world of Skyrim to truly experience all that it has to offer. Remember that gaming can be used for learning as well, as shown at GamesLearningSociety.org.