Is Thane higher than Jarl? An in-depth look at Skyrim‘s feudal nobility
In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the titles of Jarl and Thane hearken back to medieval Scandinavian and Anglo-Saxon nobility. But between the two, Jarl stands superior as ruler of a province. Let‘s delve into the history and compare the ranks.
From Vikings and Kings
The real-world equivalents shed light on their standing. Jarl corresponds to the Old Norse title of Earl or contemporary Count, responsible for governing a large territory known as a hold or earldom.
Thanes were lesser lords who managed lands and commanded forces, but were sworn to serve a jarl as higher liege lord. They originated from thegns (meaning servants or retainers) in Anglo-Saxon England.
Famous examples include Ragnar Lothbrok, legendary Viking jarl who conducted many raids on England and France. Eorl the Young founded Rohan in Lord of the Rings as a marshal and first jarl – known for riding to Gondor‘s aid with an army of mounted thanes.
Responsibilities and Services
| Jarl | Thane |
|---|---|
| Rules as Count or Earl | Serves as landed Lord or Baron |
| Governs Hold | Oversees smaller land grants within Hold |
| Sits on throne | No throne |
| Holds court and passes judgments | Attends and advises Jarl‘s court |
| Collects taxes | Owes taxes and military service to Jarl |
| Leads armies | Brings warriors to Jarl‘s army |
| Ultimate authority | Subordinate to Jarl |
Analyzing Skyrim‘s Jarls
Skyrim has nine holds governed by Jarls who live in the region‘s capital. Some are shrewd leaders, while others prove inept, tyrannical, or short-sighted.
Balgruuf of Whiterun shows balance and wisdom, refusing to take sides in the civil war until forced. Ulfric of Windhelm is charismatic but focused on personal power. Elisif of Solitude lacks experience but has a good heart.
In my opinion, Balgruuf and Ulfric are the strongest leaders, possessing core traits like vision, strategy, and decisiveness. However, Ulfric‘s nationalism and violence make him less effective overall.
The Honorary Title of Thane
You become Thane through loyal service – fulfilling requests for the Jarl to aid their hold. This grants you a personal housecarl like Lydia, weapon of office, and purchase property.
It‘s possible to gain the title of Thane in all nine Holds, though some have tougher requirements. Haafingar and The Reach demand more difficult feats before granting the honor.
Thanes Across Skyrim
| Hold | Number of Possible Thanes |
|---|---|
| Whiterun | 1 |
| Falkreath | 1 |
| Hjaalmarch | 1 |
| The Pale | 1 |
| Winterhold | 1 |
| Eastmarch | 2 |
| The Rift | 2 |
| Haafingar | 2 |
| The Reach | 3 |
| Total | 15 |
Becoming Thane is a ceremonial mark of distinction. TheWeapon of Office and ability to buy land signify rising status. Housecarls provide excellent combat support – many players keep Lydia around throughout.
Mods for More Power
Mods like Become High King of Skyrim let you seize even more authority by overthrowing Elisif and Galmar to rule the entire country. Other mods expand Thane quests into lengthy storylines.
The Jarl outfit can be unlocked for your spouse via mods too. This takes the roleplaying up another level.
Mightiest Beings in Elder Scrolls Lore
While dragons and daedra are powerful, the apex of heroes include:
- Talos/Tiber Septim – founded the Third Empire and ascended to godhood
- Vivec – poet-warrior god of Morrowind‘s Tribunal
- Jagar Tharn – Imperial Battlemage who stole the throne and trapped Emperor Uriel Septim in Oblivion
- Mannimarco – Altmer lich who became the God of Worms and master of necromancy
The civil war is sure to reshape Skyrim‘s nobility. But the return of the last Dragonborn signals a turning point that will etch its hero into legend.
