Bryling is a Nord and one of the two Thanes at the court of Jarl Elisif the Fair in Solitude. She lives in a manor close to the Blue Palace and owns Stonehills, a small mining settlement whose people work in Rockwallow Mine. Unlike her fellow thane, she cares more about honor and ordinary people than profit.
Where to find them
At her manor in Solitude or at court in the Blue Palace, usually with her housecarl Irnskar Ironhand close by.
Quests
In a small miscellaneous errand, Pactur at Stonehills asks you to tell Bryling about the mine’s shipments. Despite the hints about her temper, she is just worried about her people and relieved when you tell her the shipment is on its way.
She is essential until you finish the Dark Brotherhood quest Bound Until Death, although she has no part in it. If she dies afterwards, Irnskar replaces her as thane.
Personality & relationships
Bryling supports the Empire but won’t condemn the Stormcloaks – she respects anyone fighting for what they believe in. At court she clashes constantly with Erikur. He talks about sacrifice; she points out he has never missed a meal. She wants the Empire to pay for its own war and stop draining Haafingar’s supplies, warns that bandits, beasts and now dragons threaten the roads, and argues that bad roads mean less trade, more hunger and more crime. Privately, she worries that General Tullius underestimates Ulfric.
She is also secretly in a relationship with the steward, Falk Firebeard. They keep it quiet because Erikur would use it to push Falk out of his post, leaving the Jarl wrapped around Erikur’s finger. Falk says he will gladly resign once the war is over. Court wizard Sybille Stentor doesn’t miss a chance to tease them about their ‘tax meetings’.
Even the notoriously rude tailor Endarie likes her a little: she made Bryling a new court gown for free as thanks for her patience with late rent.
Good to know
- She was originally meant to become the Stormcloak Jarl of Haafingar through a cut quest, Boethiah’s Bidding. Traces of that remain in the game files, which still class her as a jarl.
- Once she loses essential status, her unique fur-trimmed cloak, pleated shoes and fine armguards can be taken from her.
Quick facts
- Race: Nord
- Gender: Female
- Level: 9
- Class: Warrior
- Status: Essential
- Found in: Solitude
- Base ID: 00013265
Also in Solitude
Captain Aldis, Corpulus Vinius, Deeja, Dervenin, Dishonored Skald, Dorian, Endarie, Erdi, Erikur, Eris, Evette San, Falk Firebeard.
Race, level, class and factions read from the Skyrim game files; story details checked against community wiki articles and written in our own words.