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Windhelm (Skyrim)

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Template:InfoboxSkyrimCity Windhelm is one of the major cities in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

The city sits on the northern bank of the White River and is an imposing sight, with its massive ice-covered stone walls. It also has a port, accessible via the city itself. Windhelm is located near the northern border of the hold, near Winterhold and The Pale. It is also close to the border with Morrowind, which can be found by road a relatively short walk up the mountains east of the city. The city is very cold, being in the icy north of Skyrim, however travelers heading toward The Rift or Whiterun will see the landscape turn green and lush almost immediately south of the city limits. Travelers to the city are greeted by the majestic frozen bridge leading to the main gate, but it is the old Palace of Ysgramor (now known as the Palace of the Kings), towering over all other structures in the city, that truly takes the breath away. The palace is considered to be one of the only original First Empire buildings remaining.

Geography

The city slopes slightly northward and has different levels of elevation, with the Palace located at the city’s highest point, making it even more visible and striking. The streets are packed with snow, giving the city something of a claustrophobic feel; the sky is always white or overcast, and fierce blizzards batter the city with alarming regularity. It is within these snow-strewn streets and icy alleys that Windhelm’s inhabitants live, usually with an overriding sense of tension.

History

According to the lore written in Songs of the Return books, Ysgramor stumbled upon the grave of his son, Yngol, and in grief decided to build a great city where the nearby river met the sea. It was built as a monument of the mankind. The city was built in Atmoran fashion and was made by elven captives.

Ysgramor commanded for a great bridge to be constructed. Forever striding the river so no elf might sneak through to avenge his devious cousins. As the bridge was built long, so too was the palace built high, spires reaching the sky to show dominion even over the very winds that had brought forth such grief.

It is said that huge tomb was prepared for Ysgramor in the deep hallows beneath the city. However, Ysgramor chose to be buried at sea, facing his homeland, Atmora. Ysgramor's burial place is known as Ysgramor's Tomb. Windhelm was originally the capital city of the First Empire during the reign of Ysgramor Dynasty.

During the third century of the First Era, Windhelm was sacked during the War of Succession, and again in the sixth century, by the Akaviri army of Ada'Soom Dir-Kamal.

During the Oblivion Crisis, Windhelm was the only sizable city in the otherwise determinedly rural Hold of Eastmarch, and served as a base for Imperial troops guarding the Dunmeth Pass into Morrowind.

Civil War

Palace of the Kings Insignia

The banner of Windhelm.

During the main quest of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Windhelm is governed by Ulfric Stormcloak, the leader of the Stormcloak rebellion against the Empire. Ulfric believes that his people, the Nords, should be independent, and thus wishes that Skyrim be free to rule its own destiny. If you side with the Empire in the Main Quest, then Windhelm will be the last battle of the Civil War. You will have to cross the bridge that Ysagmor's elven slaves built long ago and stand at the gate to listen to General Tullius's war speech. After that you have to kill all of the Stormcloak soldiers inside the city that are defending Ulfric Stormcloak. Next you have to enter the Palace of the Kings and strike down the Stormcloak General and Ulfric Stormcloak. Once you do this, General Tullius will hand you his sword to finish off Ulfric Stormcloak. After that Legate Rikke will say to Ulfric's corpse, "Talos be with you." Once you kill him you need to head outside and listen to General Tullius give his speech about winning the battle. If you side with the Stormcloaks, then the last battle will be at Solitude. There you will need to kill all of the Imperial soldiers and then finish off General Tullius and Legate Rikke.

Segregation

After the eruption of Red Mountain, many Dunmer fled to Windhelm. Because of heightened suspicion generated by the ongoing Civil War, the strongly nationalist Nords of Windhelm sequestered the Dunmer from the other citizens in what came to be known as the "Gray Quarter," in reference to the Dunmer skin color. Argonians are also segregated from the Nord population and are forced to live at the Argonian Assemblage at the city docks.

When Ulfric Stormcloak became Jarl after his father's death, he separated the Dunmer and Argonian immigrants from the native Nord population, and founded the militia that would become the Stormcloaks.

It is suggested, through dialogue with Viola Giordano, that the Dunmer are taxed more heavily than the Nords, and that these taxes can be raised at the Jarl's whim.

Quarters

Windhelm is composed of three quarters:

Stone Quarter

The Stone Quarter is Windhelm’s central district, the one visitors first enter when passing through the Main Gate into the city. It contains the marketplace and the most important shops and inn.

File:Stonequarter.PNG

Gray Quarter

Main article: Gray Quarter

The Gray Quarter was so named because of the large number of Dunmer that reside here. It was once named the “Snow Quarter,” but that was a long time ago. But to the elves, the name “Gray Quarter” is one of derision, cruelty, and discrimination. They believe the Nord people of Windhelm have always seen them as outsiders and hated them because of it.

File:Grayquarter.PNG

Valunstrad

Translated from the ancient Nordic, Valunstrad means “Avenue of Valor.” It is the oldest section of Windhelm and has the largest buildings in the entire city, including the ancient and majestic Palace of the Kings and the purchasable property, Hjerim.

File:Valunstrad.PNG

Points of interest

Inns

Shops

Houses

Jarl's Residence

Other

Outside the City

Purchasable property

The house in Windhelm (Hjerim) costs 12,000 gold. See main article for how to obtain.

Notable people

Quests

Gallery

Achievements

File:File:Hero of Skyrim (Achievement).png
 Hero of Skyrim
Capture Solitude or Windhelm
Points 30 Gamer points
Trophy
Silver trophy


Appearances

References
Skyrim Locations
Cities
Holds
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