- For other uses, see Jarl Balgruuf.
Balgruuf the Greater is the Nord Jarl of Whiterun Hold, residing in his great hall, Dragonsreach. He is a major character in the main quest of Skyrim.
Physical appearance[]
Jarl Balgruuf wears noble clothes, fur-lined boots, and a gold and ruby circlet for a crown. The Jarl's weapon is a unique war axe (which can only be acquired through Pickpocket) that carries his name—Balgruuf's War Axe. If the Dragonborn fights Balgruuf in "Battle for Whiterun," he will equip Steel Plate Armor, minus the helmet.
Family[]
He has a brother named Hrongar, and three children, Frothar, Dagny, and Nelkir. No one ever mentions the Jarl's spouse. Nelkir mentions how he does not have the same mother as Dagny and Frothar during the quest "The Whispering Door."
Personality[]
- "If it's the war you're referring to, I'm on the side of Whiterun."
- ―Balgruuf the Greater[src]
While eventually becoming loyal to the Empire, he puts Whiterun's interests first, many times denying the Imperial Legion permission to garrison soldiers in his city so as not to portray martial law―if he is asked what side he is on in the war, he will say that he is "on the side of Whiterun," showing a great sense of loyalty towards Whiterun. In his neutral stance, he remarks that he may well be obligated to support one or both sides; the Empire as a province, the Stormcloaks out of loyalty to Skyrim. Indeed, he will only express open hatred of the Stormcloak Rebellion after the Dragonborn chooses a side in the Civil War, slandering them if they seize Whiterun with the Stormcloak army; according to Gerdur, Balgruuf and Ulfric had been at odds for years and fears Balgruuf will side with the Empire out of spite.[1] Balgruuf's distaste for the Stormcloaks may stem from the fact that he had refused to declare for either side, but Ulfric attacked Whiterun anyway by deeming anyone who didn't support him as an enemy. He is generally more interested in dragons than the Civil War in which he is involved. Since Whiterun's provisions were terribly diminished during the Skyrim Civil War and Ulfric's uprising had doubled the costs of goods, Balgruuf ultimately sided with the Empire in order to preserve the more lucrative trade agreements with the Empire.
According to his son Nelkir, he still worships Talos and hates the Thalmor as much as Ulfric and the other Nords do, if not more. If encountered at the party at the Thalmor Embassy, he will make this view very clear and will also be more than happy to disrupt the proceedings on behalf of the Dragonborn.
Balgruuf has strong bonds with his friend and Housecarl, Irileth, whom he fought alongside with during his time in the Legion. As such, she rarely lets him out of her sight and berates him for a lack of concern for his personal safety.
According to the Official Game Guide, Balgruuf is viewed by many as the embodiment of a true Nord and his allegiance with the Empire as having actually convinced many would-be Stormcloaks that the Empire may actually be the answer to Skyrim's problems.
Interactions[]
Dragon Rising and The Way of the Voice[]
After the Dragonborn appears before the Jarl to tell him of the dragon attack on Helgen, the Dragonborn learns that another dragon, Mirmulnir, is attacking the Western Watchtower. Together with Irileth and several Whiterun Guards, the Dragonborn defeats the dragon and returns to the Jarl. Jarl Balgruuf then dubs the Dragonborn Thane of Whiterun, therefore the Dragonborn receives Lydia as their Housecarl. Balgruuf then advises that they visit the Greybeards at High Hrothgar for instruction on how to learn the Thu'um.
The Fallen[]
The Dragonborn needs to trap a dragon in Dragonsreach with the Jarl's help.
Season Unending[]
Balgruuf is present during the peace negotiations between the Imperials and the Stormcloaks.
Message to Whiterun[]
Deliver Ulfric's axe to Jarl Balgruuf or deliver Balgruuf's axe to Ulfric. (depends on whether the Dragonborn sides with the Imperials or Stormcloaks)
Battle for Whiterun[]
At first, Balgruuf will remain neutral in the Civil War. But once the Dragonborn chooses a side, Balgruuf will eventually decide to help the Imperial Legion, regardless of which side the Dragonborn chose. If the Dragonborn sided with the Legion, Balgruuf will give a speech at the end of the battle. Alternatively, siding with the Stormcloaks means the Dragonborn must fight Balgruuf, Irileth, and several of the Whiterun Guards during the assault. If Vignar Gray-Mane becomes Jarl of Whiterun, Balgruuf, along with Irileth and Proventus, travel to the Blue Palace in Solitude, seeking refuge with Imperial sympathizer Elisif the Fair.
Glory of the Dead[]
He is seen at Kodlak Whitemane's funeral if he is the Jarl of Whiterun.
Gifts[]
Once the Dragonborn is recognized as a Thane of Whiterun, they are given a housecarl named Lydia, who can serve as their follower. Additionally, he grants the Dragonborn permission to purchase Breezehome, a house in Whiterun, for 5000 . He also presents the leveled Axe of Whiterun to the Dragonborn, a status symbol of the Thanes of Whiterun. A sword, rather than an axe, may be received.
The Whispering Door[]
Balgruuf is having problems with his son Nelkir, whose personality seems to have turned dark.
Diplomatic Immunity[]
Balgruuf may be one of the guests at the party.
Dialogue[]
"May the gods watch over your battles, friend."
- Whose side are you on? "If it's the war you're referring to, I'm on the side of Whiterun. No doubt General Tullius and his friends in the Empire will tell you that I owe them my loyalty, and perhaps I do. Ulfric Stormcloak would say that I owe my allegiance to the Nord people as they fight for Skyrim's independence. Perhaps this is also true. The day might come when I am forced to draw my sword for one side or the other. But that day has not come yet."
- Why do you think Ulfric killed the High King? "No doubt he thought it was the only way to make his point. And also because he knew he could."
- How can you protect Whiterun from the dragons? "With good planning and constant vigilance. Even now, my court wizard, Farengar, continues his research into ways we might drive back these... terrors. We must also have ample reserves of water to combat the fires that will surely spread after an attack. But our greatest weapon? Courage. For if we cannot kill the beast, we must at least have the tenacity to drive it back. Until brave heroes step forward to destroy these monsters, that is the best we can do."
"Now if you don't mind, I've got a city to keep."
Show: Before the Storm |
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In Dragonsreach:
"Well. I trust you have something vitally important to tell me. Important enough to interrupt me in the middle of council? (Or "What's this about Riverwood being in danger?" or "So. You were at Helgen? You saw this dragon with your own eyes?" depending on the conversation with Irileth prior.)"
After the conversation with his council he will say the following dialogue and hand you a piece of leveled armor: "Well done. You sought me out, on your own initiative. You've done Whiterun a service, and I won't forget it. Here, take this as a small token of my esteem." |
Show: Dragon Rising |
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After Balgruuf converses with his council:
"There's no time to stand on ceremony, my friend. I need your help again. I want you to go with Irileth and help her fight this dragon. You survived Helgen, so you have more experience with dragons than anyone else here. But I haven't forgotten the service you did for me in retrieving the Dragonstone for Farengar. As a token of my esteem, I instructed Avenicci that you are now permitted to purchase property in the city. And please accept this gift from my personal armory." Returning after killing Mirmulnir: "So what happened at the watchtower? Was the dragon there?"
After a conversation between the Jarl and his council: "You've done a great deed for me and my city, Dragonborn. By my right as Jarl, I name you Thane of Whiterun. It's the greatest honor that's within my power to grant. I assign you Lydia as a personal Housecarl, and this weapon from my armory to serve as your badge of office. I'll also notify my guards of your new title. Wouldn't want them to think you're part of the common rabble, now would we? We are honored to have you as Thane of our city, Dragonborn." |
Show: The Way of the Voice |
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In Dragonsreach:
"It pleases me to see you again."
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Show: The Fallen |
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In Dragonsreach:
"May the gods watch over your battles, friend."
After signing the truce: "We're ready, Dragonborn. Just say the word."
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Show: Season Unending |
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In Dragonsreach:
Are you ready to spring the trap on the dragon? "My men will be ready when you are, Dragonborn. You have a truce to arrange first, eh?" |
Show: Message to Whiterun (Imperial) |
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In Dragonsreach:
I have an important message from General Tullius. "No doubt requesting to garrison his men in my castle. How many times must I deny him? Well? Out with it."
If interrupted during the beginning of the conversation between Balgruuf and his council: "One moment. But don't go far. I expect I'll need you." After a short discussion, if not interrupted: "You there. I have a message for you to deliver to our friend, the esteemed Jarl of Windhelm. Deliver this axe to Ulfric Stormcloak."
After returning with the Axe: Ulfric means war. "You've returned with my axe. I knew that would be his response. As soon as you left I sent word to General Tullius, who's been kind enough to lend us some of his troops and Legate Cipius here. Let Ulfric try to make it past our combined forces. I'll turn you back over to your Legion. Legate Cipius will have use for you. Gods be with us all." |
Show: Message to Whiterun (Stormcloak) |
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In Dragonsreach:
Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak asked me to deliver this axe to you. "Did he now? Ha. The man is persistent, I'll give him that. I suppose it's time I give him an answer..." If interrupted during the beginning of the conversation between Balgruuf and his council: "One moment. But don't go far. I expect I'll need you." If interrupted in the later part of the conversation: "I've made up my mind, even if my advisers are still squabbling. I'm sending you to Windhelm. You can return this axe to our friend. The esteemed Jarl of Windhelm has my answer. Make sure he gets it." After a short discussion, if not interrupted: "So, about this axe. You can return this axe to our friend; the esteemed Jarl of Windhelm has my answer. Make sure he gets it." |
Show: Battle for Whiterun (Imperial) |
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In Whiterun:
"Thank you for your role in all of this. It'd be my honor should you decide to make Whiterun your home. Speak with Proventus. He'll make the necessary arrangements." |
Show: Post-civil war dialogue |
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In Dragonsreach:
If the Stormcloaks are sided with: Where are your children? "If the gods are merciful, they've found a safe place to hide in the city. I hope Vignar doesn't find them. He'll ask a king's ransom, I'm sure." If the Legion is sided with: "May the gods watch over your battles, friend."
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Show: Diplomatic Immunity |
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In Thalmor Embassy:
"This gathering is nothing more than a boast. The Thalmor are reminding us that we're at their beck and call."
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Show: The Whispering Door |
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In Dragonsreach:
"May the gods watch over your battles, friend."
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Conversations[]
Show: Conversations |
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Proventus: "My lord. Please. You have to listen. I only counsel caution. We cannot afford to act rashly in times like these. If the news from Helgen is true... well, there's no telling what it means."
Irileth: "Farengar! Farengar, you need to come at once. A dragon's been sighted nearby. You (Referring to the Dragonborn) should come, too." Upon returning to Dragonsreach: Proventus: "Good. You're finally here. The Jarl's been waiting for you."
Balgruuf: "Proventus, what do you make of all this? If Ulfric were to attack Whiterun..." Balgruuf: "Proventus. Bring me my pen. And the good parchment."
Irileth: "Halt! In the name of the Jarl, Balgruuf the Greater." If spoken to after that in the palace, Balgruuf will defensively say, "I surrender! Give me a few hours to gather my household, and I'll depart. You have my word." If he is followed into his chambers, he will walk to a room in the Dragonsreach Jarl's Quarters with every single resident of the palace in it, who will mostly only plea, "Please! Have mercy... I beg you..."
Balgruuf: "It's all for a good cause, old chap. Ulfric Stormcloak? The rightful High King? That's bordering on treason, man! Stand up. Stand up, I say!"
Whiterun Guard: "Hear that?" Farengar: "Incredible! Uh... sir, you have no idea how long I have waited for such an opportunity! I would be most appreciative if you would permit me to perform some, ah, tests on you. Purely in the interests of the advancement of knowledge." Whiterun Guard: "Get ready to open the trap! This seems like a really bad idea to me."
Hrongar: "Have you reconsidered my idea?"
Irileth: "Balgruuf, did you slip out again last night for a drink at the Bannered Mare?"
Proventus: "My lord, our provisions are running dangerously low. Our stores of meat, wine, and grain are all but depleted."
Balgruuf: "I won't say it again, Vignar; Talos worship is forbidden. It's the Empire's law, and we're still a part of the Empire." Note: the preceding conversation never actually occurs during the game, as Balgruuf and Vignar never have the chance to speak of it.[2] |
Quotes[]
- "You have my attention."
- "Speak your mind."
- "It pleases me to see you again."
- "Now, if you don't mind, I've got a city to keep."
- "Not now." — if spoken to while conversing with Irileth during "Dragon Rising"
- "Help Irileth kill this dragon before it can attack Whiterun. There's no time to lose." — Just after dismissing Irileth during "Dragon Rising"
- "What do you want, milk drinker?" — In the Blue Palace after being exiled
- "After Whiterun is retaken, Ulfric will pay in blood for his insolence." — After being exiled
- "Next time, deal with Avenicci." — After being exiled
- "We are honored to have you as Thane of our city, Dragonborn."
- "These Thalmor might not like to admit it, but as long as the Empire has Skyrim, the Empire has strength." — During "Diplomatic Immunity"
- "I'd rather be back at Whiterun, but while I'm here I might as well get some real news from the other parts of Skyrim." — During "Diplomatic Immunity"
- "We've got troubles enough without the Thalmor and their witch-hunts." — During "Diplomatic Immunity"
- "I've got this. Do what you need to do." — During "Diplomatic Immunity"
- "If you can arrange an end to the fighting, Dragonsreach is at your disposal." – During "Season Unending"
- "We should get started." – During "Season Unending"
Trivia[]
- It is possible to pickpocket gold from him and have it respawn with a larger amount.
- Jarl Balgruuf was initially meant to be killable during the "The Whispering Door" quest. When inspecting the quest through the Creation Kit, it is revealed that all of his children were meant to fall under the influence of Mephala, eventually committing patricide. Hrongar would have replaced Balgruuf as Jarl, having many unused lines of dialogue that parallel that of Balgruuf's during the Civil War quest and main quest.
- During the Battle for Whiterun (if the Dragonborn has sided with the Stormcloaks), Balgruuf can be pickpocketed for a Necklace of Waterbreathing.
- When asked about him by Gerdur, she will reply saying that he has been at odds with Ulfric for years.
- Balgruuf was voiced by Michael Gough, who is credited with the MaleNord voice type. Vilkas and Calder are other examples of this voice.
- In the Creation Kit, it is stated that Nelkir is actually the brother of Balgruuf, shedding light to his comment about not having the same mother as Dagny and Frothar, the Jarl's other children.
Bugs[]
This section contains bugs related to Balgruuf the Greater. Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:
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- It is possible to gain a bounty in Eastmarch if, when on the Stormcloaks' side, the Dragonborn attacks him before he becomes hostile.
- Sometimes, after buying Breezehome, and the Miscellaneous quest "Talk to Jarl Balgruuf" is still active, if the player talks to him, Balgruuf will say he can buy Breezehome, even after actually buying it.
- Even after killing Ulfric Stormcloak and ending the war, he will still talk to the player as if the war is still ongoing.
Appearances[]
References[]
- ↑ Dialogue with Gerdur
- ↑ Creation Kit