Axe of Whiterun

The Axe of Whiterun is a Thane weapon – a ceremonial gift that comes with being named Thane of Whiterun. Jarl Balgruuf the Greater hands it to you at the end of Dragon Rising, together with your new housecarl Lydia.

A random axe

Everything about the Axe of Whiterun except the name is decided randomly when you receive it:

• Type: a one-handed war axe or a two-handed battleaxe.
• Material: anything from iron up to Daedric – though at low level you will usually get something modest.
• Enchantment: a random weapon enchantment.

That means damage, weight, value and the smithing material needed to improve it all vary from save to save. It looks just like a normal axe of the same material, with the glow of its enchantment.

Is it any good?

Since you get it early, the Axe of Whiterun is often a nice upgrade for a new character, and the enchantment can be useful for a while. Most players replace it later, but it makes a great trophy on the wall of Breezehome.

Thane weapons

The Axe of Whiterun belongs to a small group of Thane weapons in Skyrim – gifts handed out by the jarls when you are made Thane of their hold.