Torygg

"I faced him fearlessly - my fate inescapable, yet my honor is unstained - can Ulfric say the same?"

- High King Torygg

High King Torygg was the Jarl of Solitude and High King of Skyrim until his death by the hands of Ulfric Stormcloak who Shouted him nearly to pieces. He  ruled from an unknown date until 4E 201. He was the husband of Jarl Elisif, the current Jarl of Solitude.

Ascension and reign
Before his ascension to the throne, Torygg's father, Istlod, was High King for nearly twenty-five years. Upon Istlod's death, the Moot elected Torygg High King of Skyrim; however, this was more of a ceremonial confirmation rather than an actual vote. Torygg was said by some to have a close connection with the Empire, and praised them frequently, others claim that he sympathized with the Stormcloaks and would've seceded from the Empire if Ulfric Stormcloak had merely asked. High King Torygg would reign over Skyrim until his death at the hands of Ulfric Stormcloak, in 4E 201.

Fate
In 4E 201, Torygg was killed by Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm, in a challenge over the leadership of Skyrim. According to Ulfric, he used the power of the Thu'um to Shout Torygg to the ground and then finished him with his sword in front of the entire court.

Ulfric and his supporters maintain it was a formal one-on-one duel in the "Old Nord Way", whereas many others in Skyrim, such as General Tullius, believe it was murder and that Ulfric shouted him to pieces. Whatever the case, Torygg's death sparked a long-expected Civil War and, unintentionally, the return of the dragons.

Marriage
Torygg was married to Elisif the Fair, who took up the position of Jarl of Solitude after his death. The position of High King is still in dispute and awaits the Moot's decision.

Political views
Through dialogue with his former court members and Elisif, the Dragonborn discovers he respected Ulfric Stormcloak. Sybille Stentor even states that Torygg might have stood up against the Empire if Ulfric had asked him to. After his death, he is still respected by both Imperial loyalists and Stormcloaks.

Sovngarde
Torygg makes a minor appearance in Sovngarde at the end of the main quest line. Here the Dragonborn can briefly speak to him.

Quotes

 * "When Ulfric Stormcloak, with savage Shout, sent me here, my sole regret was fair Elisif, left forlorn and weeping."
 * "I faced him fearlessly - my fate inescapable, yet my honor is unstained - can Ulfric say the same?"

Equipment

 * The unique apparel worn by Torygg is called embroidered garments. They are unobtainable via normal means. However, his steel sword is pickpocketable when he is met in Sovngarde.