Rising high on a magnificent arch, Solitude is the political and economic capital of Skyrim. The city has some of the richest history in the province thanks to the many Emperors and Empresses that ruled from the Blue Palace. In the current age, it is home to the Imperial Legion attempting to stop Skyrim from breaking away from the Empire.

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Its grand architecture and civilized aura might disorient you after the less refined holds. If you find yourself lost on its cobbled streets and stuffy nobles, this guide will point you to people of interest and how you can earn a few coins.

Updated December 2, 2022 by Nicolas Ng: This article has been unified with the rest of our walkthrough, with links to quests and new details added to help you fit in.

Quests

Solitude's status as the capital of Skyrim has left it wealthy with trade and the many nobles that live within its walls. With a rich history that has defined the Empire that rules much of Tamriel, you will get to learn more about some of its most infamous monarchs in its side quests.

Main Quests

While Solitude may be one of Skyrim's most important cities on an economic and political level, it is far from important during your fight against Alduin. The first time that you visit the city as the Dragonborn is to infiltrate the Thalmor Embassy during a party with Skyrim's rich and famous. The second visit will only occur if the Civil War has yet to be concluded.

Side Quests

The people of Solitude will send you on a wide range of quests that fit in with the city's rich history and bountiful aristocracy. You will have to foil a plot intended to return one of Tamriel's most evil rulers to life in a pair of quests and give another one therapy. You will also get to raid a ship and even try out clothes meant for the High Queen.

Imperial Legion

Solitude's biggest faction is the Imperial Legion, the very enemy of the Stormcloak Rebellion and the same people who nearly executed you at the beginning of the game. Once out of Helgen, you effectively have a choice whether to head to Windhelm to join the rebellion or to join the Legion in Solitude instead.

The Legion is more professional and organized than the farmers and peasants that comprise their enemies. They fight to ensure that Skyrim remains within the Empire.

If you oppose the Stormcloak Nord-centric ideology and want to bring an end to the Civil War, head to Castle Dour once in Solitude and speak with General Tullius. You will be tested in the quest Joining The Legion.

The Bards College

The Bards College is not nearly as prestigious as the Companions and does not have the same fearsome reputation that the Dark Brotherhood commands. This small group in Solitude is dedicated to their craft and even brings a small storyline to enjoy.

The faction's modest presence does not stop it from being well worth completing. Storyline aside, completing the three radiant quests that have you searching for the musical instruments of some of the members will give you +1 to each skill category.

For example, finding Pantea's Flute will gift you with +1 point to all Mage-related skills. Finding Finn's lute gives you +1 to every Thief skill, and Rjorn's drum boosts your Warrior skills by +1.

Joining the Bards College is simply a matter of walking in and saying you're interested. As per usual, the head of the faction will put you through a test, which involves finding and restoring King Olaf's verse. This will lead to the Jarl restoring the old tradition of burning an effigy for King Olaf, a festival which was momentarily halted due to the civil war.

How To Become Thane Of Solitude

Solitude is one of the best cities to become Thane due to the immense benefits the city offers. However, the quests needed to achieve the position are not easy by any means. Jarl Elisif will require you to do two things:

• Complete the Potema quests, The Man Who Cried Wolf and The Wolf Queen Awakened.
• Put Torygg's War Horn on the Shine of Talos.

On top of aiding Elisif, you also need to help a total of five people in Solitude. Here are the easiest ones to complete:

• Deliver rum from Sorex Vinius to the Blue Palace.
• Give some gold to Dervenin at the Temple of the Divines.
• Help Octieve San get rid of his debts.
• Ask Vittoria Vici for some spiced wine for Evette San.
• Talk to Captain Aldis about Angeline Morrard's daughter.

Finally, you need to purchase property in the city to qualify as Thane.

The house, Proudspire Manor is meant for the truly wealthy. It costs 25,000 gold. On top of that, all the additional facilities will cost you an extra 11,000 gold, for a total of 36,000 gold.

Speak with Elisif after your purchase, and she'll grant you the status of Thane, as well as assign Jordis as your Housecarl.

How To Buy A House In Solitude

You will be able to purchase Proudspire Manor after completing Elisif's Tribute, unlocked after The Man Who Cried Wolf. The house is full of loot, mannequins, and other valuables. You can even purchase an Arcane Enchanter and Alchemy Lab for it.

The downside is that it's far from merchants, and lacks facilities for players specialized in Smithing.

Merchants

As one of the biggest cities, Solitude has a wide variety of merchants. There's something for just about any type of character build.

For more miscellaneous things, general stores, or even a clothing and accessory store, make sure to check these spots.

Right before the ramp to Castle Dour, next to the large well, there's a small and modest marketplace with food vendors.

Crafting Stations

Solitude has the usual array of crafting stations that any city can be expected to have. While there is nothing special about it, you will be able to do almost everything you need to within its walls.

Trainers

While Solitude is filled with merchants and quests, it's a city that lacks quite a bit when it comes to trainers. Only two trainers can be found within the city.

Followers

Followers are also few and far between in Solitude. Only two of them can be recruited within the city, one of which is a reward for becoming Thane.

Marriage Partners

Although there aren't that many followers, there's plenty to choose from when it comes to spouses and marriage. Make sure to wear the Amulet of Mara before speaking with these NPCs, and ensure that Maramal in Riften has explained how marriage works.

Notable Loot

If you're looking to get your hands on some skill books in Solitude, be sure to head to these locations to collect these tomes.

Other miscellaneous loot ranging from alchemy ingredients to potions (and even a special weapon related to a quest) can also be discovered at the following locations:

• Various alchemy ingredients and some Strength potions inside Erikur's house.
• More alchemy ingredients and potions inside Vittoria Vici's house.
• Unique bow, Firiniel's End, available during and after the Dark Brotherhood quest Bound Until Death, within one of the towers of Castle Dour overlooking the main balcony.

Solitude has two Unusual Gems needed for the No Stone Unturned quest.

• Inside Proudspire Manor.
• Inside the Blue Palace, next to the Jarl's bed.

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