Thane (Title)



Thane is a rank given by a city's Jarl after the player has completed a specific questline, and become accepted by the people of the city.

To learn how to become "Mel Gibson" of every city please go to: Becoming Thane

Characteristics
The Thane is somebody recognized by a Jarl as a person of great importance in a particular city, often a hero. The guards of the town will excuse the Dragonborn from crimes if they mention they are the Thane in a dialogue option when confronted, but the amount of times this works is limited. After being proclaimed Thane in a city, the Dragonborn can purchase houses from the Jarls' stewards.

The Dragonborn becomes Thane of Whiterun, during the early main questline. After slaying your first dragon at the Western Watchtower, the Jarl of Whiterun will confer upon you the rank of Thane. In addition, the Jarl grants the Dragonborn the services of a housecarl named of Lydia.

Real-world meaning
The Thanes (Thegns) were the minor and greater nobility of Anglo-Saxon England -- serving as leaders of the local militias, monitoring crime, and carrying out general work of their Ealdorman