Even in the vast, wild lands of Skyrim, there has to be some kind of order. In the fifth installment in Bethesda's Elder Scrolls series, that order comes in the form of Jarls. When the Dragonborn isn’t out slaying dragons, plundering caves, or running from giants, they will find their way to the cities of Skyrim.
Each of the nine major cities in Skyrim house a Jarl who rules over their respective Hold. However, the Dragonborn will quickly discover that not all Jarls are created equally. From friendly and helpful, to annoying and incompetent, the various Jarls in Skyrim can either endear themselves to you or drive you absolutely up the wall.
9 Siddgeir
Ruling over Falkreath Hold is Siddgeir, the nephew of the previous Jarl, Dengeir. While Siddgeir claims to have taken over due to his uncle’s increasing age, his uncle would tend to disagree. Dengeir insists that it had more to do with some kind of Imperial plot.
However, it isn’t that controversy alone that makes Siddgeir a bad Jarl. Nope, he also has ties to a local group of bandits which he had been allowing to harass his people in exchange for a cut of the loot – that is until he decides to clean up the loose ends with the help of the Dragonborn. The suspicious rise to power, cooperation with bandits, and entitled behavior to top it all off makes Siddgeir one unlikable Jarl.
8 Korir
Like most of the citizens of Winterhold, Jarl Korir blames the dilapidated and unprosperous state of the city on the College of Winterhold. He will frequently voice his distaste for mages to the Dragonborn and expresses a desire to see the city restored to its former glory.
Despite this, he seems to spend more time complaining about his troubles than actually doing anything to change things. Even when he does send the Dragonborn on a quest to retrieve a legendary item meant to benefit Winterhold, the result is just as empty as the city itself.
7 Skald
Located in The White Hall in Dawnstar, Skald the Elder is one of Skyrim’s most staunch Stormcloak supporters. While some might consider Skald’s enthusiasm admirable, the people of Dawnstar would disagree.
Townsfolk and even members of Skald’s own court can be heard complaining about the Jarl’s overzealous backing of the Stormcloak cause. In fact, many would rather see former Imperial soldier Brina Merilis in charge. Skald’s dedication to his beliefs could be viewed as impressive were it not for the fact that the guy just comes off as arrogant most of the time.
6 Laila Law-Giver
Despite what her name might suggest, the Jarl of The Rift does a pretty shoddy job of enforcing any of her laws. Laila Law-Giver resides in Riften, which any visitor to the city will quickly discover is about as far from disciplined and well-ordered as you can get.
On top of allowing the Thieves Guild to run rampant right under her nose, Laila also fails to notice that one of the members of her court is a plant sent by Maven Black-Briar. At the end of the day, Laila doesn’t appear to be a bad person per se, but she’s clearly not fit to be Jarl.
5 Igmund
Igmund is a supporter of the Imperial Legion who spends most of his time sitting in Understone Keep and recounting tales of Markarth’s history. When he’s not doing that though, he’s ordering his steward to send more forces out to combat the Forsworn.
Igmund is clearly determined to drive the Forsworn out of The Reach, but the moment the Dragonborn steps foot in Markarth, they’ll realize he’s not having a whole lot of luck doing so. Igmund gets points for trying but considering the amount of Forsworn that can be found crawling around The Reach, he’s not getting an A+ any time soon.
4 Ulfric Stormcloak
The very first Jarl the Dragonborn meets in Skyrim is Ulfric Stormcloak, who happens to be heading to the very same chopping block as them. A little interference from a dragon allows Ulfric to return to his duties as Jarl of Eastmarch and leader of the Stormcloak rebellion.
Ulfric is clearly one of the most influential Jarls in Skyrim, and his dedication to his cause is undoubtedly commendable. That being said, his morals are questionable. From the assassination of High King Torygg to his potentially prejudiced treatment of non-humans in Winterhold, Ulfric remains a highly controversial figure.
3 Idgrod Ravencrone
Unlike some other unpopular Jarls, Idgrod Ravencrone is not necessarily hated by her people, but rather simply distrusted due to her lack of communication with the populace.
Idgrod relies heavily on the visions she is given from the Divines and prefers to use them as her guiding force, rather than the opinions of those around her. This, in addition to her support of the wizard Falion, is a cause for conflict in Morthal. However, Idgrod seems to genuinely care for her land and its people. Additionally, her trust in Falion is not misplaced since, despite his unusual practices, he holds no malicious intent.
2 Elisif The Fair
The widow of High King Torygg, Elisif serves as the Jarl of Haafingar and rules from the Blue Palace in Solitude. An undeniably kind and caring individual, Elisif is well-liked by her people. However, there are some who consider her to be too inexperienced for her position, and even some members of her court believe it is General Tullius who is truly in charge.
Despite her naivety, Elisif’s good heart and perseverance following her husband’s death is admirable. Elisif is also the only pre-Civil War Jarl who remains in her position regardless of the outcome.
1 Balgruuf The Greater
Ruling over Whiterun Hold, Jarl Balgruuf is an honorable warrior who appears to run his city quite well. Free from any major controversies, Balgruuf remains focused on his people and even refuses to take a side in the Civil War that is taking hold of Skyrim.
There is wisdom in his acknowledgement of each side’s good and bad parts, and despite the criticisms of others on his neutrality, he keeps steadfast in his beliefs. Moreover, Balgruuf aids the Dragonborn in a way none of the other Jarls do, making him that much more likable.