Elder Scrolls
Register
Advertisement
Elder Scrolls

"A new day is dawning and the sun rises over Whiterun."
Ulfric Stormcloak[src]

The Battle for Whiterun was a battle during the Skyrim Civil War. It took place in Whiterun Hold.

Ingame[]

Background[]

Whiterun Hold had been neutral territory during the Skyrim Civil War,[1] with skirmishes on both sides[2] taking place in the Hold and Fort Greymoor switching hands between the Empire and Stormcloaks on a regular basis.[3] Jarl Balgruuf refused the Legion's right to garrison troops in Whiterun city, on the other hand he also refused to acknowledge Ulfric's claim.[4] After an unknown period of time, Ulfric started planning an attack on Whiterun.[5][4][6][1] Shortly after Balgruuf got to know of this news, he declared his allegiance to the Empire, previously wishing to stay out of the war whenever possible.[1][7]

Stormcloak[]

Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak sent his axe to Whiterun, which Balgruuf returned, meaning he did not back the Stormcloaks. Since Ulfric Stormcloak saw those who weren't with him as against him,[8][6] Balgruuf instantly ordered his steward to write a message to General Tullius, requesting Legionnaires.[9]

Imperial[]

Jarl Balgruuf, after getting a message from General Tullius in which some of Ulfric's plans were recorded, decided to send Ulfric his axe. Ulfric decided to send the axe back, which meant they would go to war,[1][8] which is the response that Balgruuf expected.[1]

The battle[]

The Legionnaires sent by General Tullius arrived just in time to fight against the Stormcloaks and catapults were stationed in the city to ward off the invasion. The Stormcloaks however, had also brought catapults with them and intended to rain large fireballs on the city. Although the siege kept the frail city walls intact, the soldiers were forced to fight in the flames. The Imperial Legion had set up water brigades to mitigate the danger of fighting in an inferno and prevent the fires from getting out of control.[10] The Imperials had blocked the first passage going into the wind district, and had set up various barricades in the city. Victory in the battle depended on if the Imperials could prevent the Stormcloaks from dropping the drawbridge, which was integral for keeping Whiterun from being overrun.[7]

Notes[]

  1. If the Imperial Legion wins the battle, Whiterun remains part of the Empire, however, if the Stormcloaks win, Vignar Gray-Mane gets appointed as Jarl.
  2. Imperial Generals and Imperial Field Legates only appear if the Stormcloaks are sided with, likewise, Legate Rikke only appears if the Empire is sided with.
  3. Stormcloak Generals and Stormcloak Field Commanders only appear if the Empire is sided with, likewise, Galmar Stone-Fist only appears if the Stormcloaks are sided with.

Trivia[]

Appearances[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Dialogue with Balgruuf the Greater
  2. Dialogue with Captain Aldis
  3. Dialogue with Agnis
  4. 4.0 4.1 Dialogue between Legate Rikke and General Tullius
  5. Dialogue of the Last Dragonborn during Message to Whiterun (Imperial)
  6. 6.0 6.1 Dialogue between Balgruuf the Greater, Proventus Avenicci and Irileth
  7. 7.0 7.1 Events of Battle for Whiterun (Imperial) and Battle for Whiterun (Stormcloaks)
  8. 8.0 8.1 Dialogue with Ulfric Stormcloak
  9. Dialogue between Balgruuf the Greater and Proventus Avenicci
  10. Dialogue between an Imperial Soldier and Legate Quentin Cipius
Advertisement