Why Didn’t Balgruuf Side with Ulfric?
Jarl Balgruuf didn’t side with Ulfric Stormcloak because he sees no better choice than to remain loyal to the Empire, primarily due to his concern about the threats posed by dragons and the defensive pact and close economic ties between the Empire and the Nords. Balgruuf’s decision is also influenced by his desire to maintain stability and protect his people, as he believes that Ulfric’s goal of a civil war and separation from the Empire would only lead to more chaos and suffering for the people of Whiterun.
Understanding the Context
To understand Balgruuf’s decision, it’s essential to consider the political climate of Skyrim at the time, with the Stormcloaks seeking independence from the Empire and the Empire trying to maintain its control over the region.
FAQs
1. Can Balgruuf Side with Ulfric?
No, Jarl Balgruuf will always choose to side with the Imperial Legion, regardless of which side the player picks.
2. What Happens to Balgruuf if You Side with the Stormcloaks?
If you side with the Stormcloaks, Balgruuf gets replaced by Vignar Grey-Mane.
3. Does Balgruuf Always Side with the Empire?
Yes, Jarl Balgruuf is one of the best Jarls in Skyrim and a true fan-favorite character, and he will always choose to side with the Imperial Legion.
4. Why is Balgruuf a Good Jarl?
Ruling over Whiterun Hold, Jarl Balgruuf is an honorable warrior who appears to run his city quite well, making him a good Jarl.
5. Can You Marry Jarl Balgruuf?
No, there’s no sign of a spouse in Balgruuf’s life, though there are indications that his youngest son Nelkir’s mother is not the same as the mother of his older siblings.
6. Will Whiterun Ever Be Repaired?
In vanilla Skyrim, no, there are no repairs, but there are mods that will repair the cities affected by the civil war.
7. Will I Lose My House in Whiterun if I Join the Stormcloaks?
No, you still keep your house regardless of which side you take, and your follower will still be with you unless they get killed.
8. Is it Better to Side with the Stormcloaks or Imperials?
It depends on your character’s background and motivations; if you want to play a character who is originally from a place aside from Skyrim, it’s better to pick the Imperials, while if you believe the Empire has no right to say what Skyrim denizens can and can’t do, especially if you are a Nord, it’s better to pick the Stormcloaks.
9. What Happens to Skyrim if the Stormcloaks Win?
A Stormcloak victory in the civil war leads to Ulfric becoming High King of Skyrim and declaring the country’s independence, leaving the Tamrielic Empire with only the Cyrodiil and High Rock territories, alongside several smaller provinces.
10. Who Are the Bad Guys in Skyrim – Imperial or Stormcloak?
Both have compelling arguments, with the Stormcloaks wanting Skyrim to be free and worship as they want, and the Imperials arguing that since the High King was murdered, this is proof Skyrim should remain under their rule.
11. Is Ulfric Stormcloak Brainwashed?
Yes, Ulfric was brainwashed in his youth by Elenwen, or otherwise “suggested” later that the Empire betrayed Skyrim.
12. Was Ulfric Stormcloak a Thalmor Agent?
From the contents of the Thalmor Dossier on Ulfric Stormcloak, it appears the Jarl of Windhelm may have once been willingly working alongside the Thalmor but abandoned allegiance rather quickly, and instead, manipulation tactics and brainwashing turned Ulfric Stormcloak into the Thalmor’s unwitting attack dog.
13. Is Ulfric Stormcloak a Hero or Villain?
Some believe Ulfric to be a hero, while others label him an opportunist, leading him to play the role of one of the main anti-heroes/villains in the game.
14. What is the Best Faction to Join in Skyrim?
The best faction to join in Skyrim depends on your character’s goals and motivations, but according to some rankings, the Dark Brotherhood is the worst, while the Stormcloaks are considered the best.
15. Do the Thalmor Leave if the Stormcloaks Win?
Losing the civil war does not end the interest of the Aldmeri Dominion in Skyrim; it just changes things up a little, with Thalmor patrols hauling Stormcloaks to prison no longer being present, but encountering the Thalmor in the field is still possible, and they will now be hostile.