Balgruuf the Greater

Balgruuf the Greater is the Nord Jarl of Whiterun Hold, ruling from the great hall of Dragonsreach. He is the first jarl most players meet, and he plays a big part in the early main quest – it is Balgruuf who you warn about the dragon attack on Helgen in Before the Storm.

A jarl who puts Whiterun first

In the middle of the civil war between the Empire and the Stormcloaks, Balgruuf tries very hard to keep his city out of it. He leans towards the Empire, but his loyalty is first and foremost to Whiterun itself, and he is happy to tell both sides exactly that. Practical, proud and a little stubborn – a very Nord way to run a hold.

Role in the main quest

After you report on Helgen, Balgruuf sends you to help his court wizard, Farengar Secret-Fire, in Bleak Falls Barrow. When a dragon attacks the Western Watchtower in Dragon Rising, he sends you with his housecarl Irileth – and after you absorb your first dragon soul, he names you Thane of Whiterun, gives you the Axe of Whiterun and assigns Lydia as your housecarl. Later in the main quest Dragonsreach becomes the stage for one of the game’s most memorable moments.

Family

Balgruuf has a brother, Hrongar, and three children: Frothar, Dagny and Nelkir. Nelkir is the moody one – and he has his own secrets, as the quest “The Whispering Door” reveals.

Civil War

If you side with the Stormcloaks, the Battle for Whiterun puts you on the opposite side of Balgruuf, and he can be replaced as jarl. Side with the Empire and he keeps his throne.