Brunwulf Free-Winter is a Nord veteran of the Great War who lives on the east side of Windhelm and wears scaled horn armor. In a city where many Nords look down on outsiders, he is the rare voice speaking up for the Dark Elves and Argonians. If the Imperial Legion wins the civil war, he replaces Ulfric Stormcloak as Jarl.
Where to find them
At his home or around the streets of Windhelm. After the Legion’s victory in the Battle for Windhelm, he takes the throne in the Palace of Kings. If the Legion also takes Winterhold, its former Jarl Korir, his wife and housecarl Thaena and their son Assur are exiled to Brunwulf’s old house.
Quests
Bandit marauders – Brunwulf is angry that Ulfric sends troops the moment Nords are attacked but does nothing when Dark Elf refugees, Argonians or Khajiit caravans are ambushed. Offer to deal with the bandits and he sends you after a bandit leader at Cragslane Cavern, Gallows Rock, Lost Knife Hideout, Stony Creek Cave or Uttering Hills Cave. Your reward is gold plus a Heavy Armor skill increase, as the old soldier shares some tips on marching in heavy gear.
Personality & relationships
Brunwulf refuses the title of war hero. He says he killed a lot of High Elves and simply did not die, and he wonders whether the Great War really saved the Empire or just set up Ulfric’s rebellion. He admits Ulfric is tough, loyal to his men and a good leader, but says he will never trust anyone who is not a Nord. Tell Brunwulf that Skyrim belongs to the Nords and he will call you a narrow-minded bigot and tell you to keep your distance.
The Dunmer see him as an ally. Malthyr Elenil hopes he can change Ulfric’s mind, and Aval Atheron tries to give him a discount out of gratitude, which Brunwulf refuses because he wants no special treatment. Awkwardly, he is in a relationship with Elda Early-Dawn, who openly dislikes non-Nords. When she asks about the Great War, he asks to leave it in the past.
As Jarl he finds that a sword cannot fix broken buildings, feed hungry people or undo years of prejudice. He keeps the Argonians outside the walls for their own safety until the townsfolk come around, and he has promised the Dunmer improvements to the Gray Quarter, though the city’s coffers are empty and nothing concrete is planned yet.
Good to know
- If you get into a fight with the guards, he comes to help you instead of running away like other townsfolk.
- For all his tolerance, he still calls Khajiit and Argonian players cat and lizard, and greets elves as little elf.
- He calls you sword-brother whatever your gender, and he has no housecarl of his own once he becomes Jarl.
- General Tullius refers to him only as that Free-Winter fellow.
Quick facts
- Race: Nord
- Gender: Male
- Level: 4
- Class: Warrior
- Status: Essential
- Found in: Windhelm
- Base ID: 00014149
Also in Windhelm
Calder, Calixto Corrium, Captain Lonely-Gale, Coldhearted Gravedigger, Dalan Merchad, Desperate Gambler, Elda Early-Dawn, Faryl Atheron, Grimvar Cruel-Sea, Helgird, Hermir Strong-Heart, Hillevi Cruel-Sea.
Race, level, class and factions read from the Skyrim game files; story details checked against community wiki articles and written in our own words.