Housecarl



 is a title bestowed upon the bodyguard of an important person in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Relationship to liege
A housecarl is a formidable warrior, and is usually found next to, or close by their master. If their Jarl or Thane is attacked, the housecarl will be the first to enter the battle to fight for his or her liege's life. It is socially acceptable for a Thane to marry their housecarl.

Jarls

 * Faleen, housecarl to Jarl Igmund of Markarth.Faleen.png
 * Helvard, housecarl to Jarl Siddgeir.
 * Horik Halfhand, housecarl to Brina Merilis, possible Jarl of Dawnstar, also serves as her housecarl if she is not Jarl.
 * Irileth, housecarl to Jarl Balgruuf the Greater.
 * Olfina Gray-Mane, housecarl to Jarl Vignar Gray-Mane if the Dragonborn supports the Stormcloaks during the Battle for Whiterun.
 * Undmid Snow-Shod, housecarl to Jarl Laila Law-Giver.
 * Maul, housecarl of Maven Black-Briar, possible Jarl of Riften.

Other

 * Melaran, housecarl to Erikur, Thane of Solitude.

Housecarls appointed to the Dragonborn

 * Argis the Bulwark, upon becoming Thane of Markarth. Appointed by Jarl Igmund.
 * Calder, upon becoming the Thane of Windhelm. Appointed by Ulfric Stormcloak (or Brunwulf Free-Winter, depending on Civil War quest).
 * Iona, upon becoming the Thane of Riften. Appointed by the Jarl of Riften.
 * Jordis the Sword-Maiden, upon becoming the Thane of Solitude. Appointed by the Jarl of Solitude, Elisif the Fair.
 * Lydia, upon becoming the Thane of Whiterun. Appointed by Jarl Balgruuf

Real-world meaning
In Medieval Scandinavia, the housecarls (húskarl) were personal male servants of Scandinavian Jarls and Kings, their roles encompassed many aspects, including personal advisers, military troops and servants. The word housecarl is a direct translation of the Nordic word húskarl (House man). The term was also used in Anglo-Saxon England, the Housecarls were not just bodyguards but the Elite fighters and leaders of the Earl's armies.

Bugs

 * Marrying Mjoll the Lioness, the Dragonborn does not receive a housecarl when a house is purchased from a Jarl's steward, because Aerin, Mjoll's companion, lives with her and thus her husband or wife should she marry. This happens because there would be no sleeping quarters for a housecarl because Aerin takes the only remaining bed.