Dragonsreach

Dragonsreach is the palace of the Jarl of Whiterun, towering over the Cloud District at the very top of the city. It is a vast hall of timber and stone, and its name is no exaggeration: according to legend, it was built to imprison a captured dragon, and the great porch at the back of the palace was made for exactly that purpose.

Who you find here

• Jarl Balgruuf the Greater on his throne in the main hall.
• Irileth, his Dunmer housecarl, who rarely leaves his side.
• Farengar Secret-Fire, the court wizard, in his study off the main hall.
• Proventus Avenicci, the jarl’s steward, who sells Breezehome and keeps the hold’s paperwork in order.

Role in the story

You first come here in Before the Storm to report the dragon attack on Helgen. From Farengar’s study you are sent to Bleak Falls Barrow, and after Dragon Rising Balgruuf names you Thane right here and assigns you Lydia. Later in the main quest, the dragon-trap on the great porch becomes very important indeed.

Good to know

• Dragonsreach has its own dungeon, plus the jarl’s quarters upstairs.
• The huge dragon skull mounted above the throne is a nice reminder of what this place was built for.