In the land ofSkyrim, the most prominent political figures are the Jarls, governing nobles who each rule over one of the nine Holds. Their main duties are to see to their people’s needs, protect their land from threats, and if they’ve chosen a side, to support the efforts of Skyrim’s Civil War conflict.
RELATED:Every Reason To Play Skyrim In 2021
Some Jarls are strong, effective leaders, who seek to their people’s concerns first and try to improve the lives of those under their rule. Others, meanwhile, are weak-willed, dull-witted, or downright corrupt. Here’s a ranking of Skyrim’s most powerful leaders, ranked from worst to best.
17Siddgeir (Falkreath)
Siddgeir claims he took over his position because his uncle, the previous Jarl, was unfit to rule. However, some believe he received his role due to ties with the Empire.
Both inept and corrupt, Siddgeir enjoys his position for the wealth and power, while delegating most of the work to his steward. He also colludes with local bandits, turning a blind eye to their plundering if they cut him in on their profits.
16Maven Black-Briar (The Rift)
The primarysource of Riften’s corruption, Maven takes over leadership of the city if the Empire takes the Rift—though, as she remarks, she’s always been in charge.
The Black-Briar matriarch is shrewd and business-savvy, and these qualities make her a terrible fit for this position. Maven has only her own interests in mind, using her position to advance her family and her business rather than to protect the people of the Rift.
15Laila Law-Giver (The Rift)
While Laila genuinely seems to care about her city and its people, she’s hopelessly oblivious to the corruption in Riften. Maven Black-Briar, a ruthless and powerful businesswoman, serves as Laila’s most trusted adviser and uses her as a pawn.
Despite her years of experience, Laila is laughably naive and superstitious, blindly trusting corrupt advisers. She puts up a strong front, blissfully unaware that she’s nothing more than Maven’s puppet.
14Igmund (The Reach)
Igmund lets the Silver-Bloods have free reign over his city, and appears ignorant that the Forsworn rebellion has taken root in Markarth itself. He doesn’t take threats seriously—or if he does, he shrugs his shoulders and claims nothing can be done.
Unlike Laila, Igmund seems aware that he holds no real power within his city; however, he’s also unwilling to stand up to the Silver-Bloods or anyone else to protect the Reach.
13Skald the Elder (The Pale)
A devout worshipper of Talos, Skald regards Ulfric Stormcloak with similar reverence. His devotion to the Stormcloak cause becomes almost fanatical at times. He sends the best of his guard to fight in Ulfric’s army, leaving his people’s defenses weakened; he threatens the execution of former Legion soldiers in his city.
Skald has powerful convictions, but his priorities are often misplaced, to thedetriment of his peopleand his Hold.
12Thongvor Silver-Blood (The Reach)
If the Stormcloaks take the Reach, the Silver-Blood family’s control of Markarth is made official when Thongvor takes his position. As Jarl, he puts more effort into protecting the city than his predecessor, taking threats more seriously.
However, he remains preoccupied with the Civil War while dragons and Forsworn slaughter the Reach’s residents. He also appears oblivious that his brother Thonar has cut a deal with Forsworn leaders.
11Dengeir of Stuhn (Falkreath)
Despite others' claims that he was too weak to rule, Dengeir takes up his former role if the Stormcloaks liberate Falkreath. Both before and after regaining his title, Dengeir is incredibly paranoid, certain that everyone around him is an Imperial spy.
Paranoia aside, Dengeir tries not to lose sight of a Jarl’s responsibility: looking after his people. He vows to do a better job than his nephew, and protectall of Falkreath Hold.
10Korir (Winterhold)
Tiny, crumbling Winterholdis typically regarded as inconsequential. Yet, Korir refuses to abandon his citizens, avowing to stand tall and protect them no matter what.
RELATED:Skyrim: 10 Ridiculously Long Quests With Terrible Rewards
Unfortunately, Korir’s promise to stand by his people does not extend to any who practice magic. He encourages hatred of wizards, elves, and the College of Winterhold, blaming them for the Great Collapse. Korir is close-minded and bitter, propagating the same attitudes in his citizens.
9Kraldar (Winterhold)
Korir’s Empire-approved replacement, Kraldar holds a more open worldview than his predecessor. He hopes to rebuild Winterhold’s relationship with the College, which he believes will help his city prosper and help bring peace.
His flexible viewpoint is a welcome change, considering the tensions that surround him. However, he does appear bored with Winterhold, and doesn’t really take an active role in fixing the problems in his city.
8Sorli the Builder (Hjaalmarch)
Sorli replaces Idgrod Ravencrone if the Stormcloaks take Hjaalmarch during the Civil War. A miner from Stonehills, she’s not afraid of hard work. She often walks around Morthal, preferring to be on her feet than sitting on her throne.
Sorli mentions her ambitions to eventually rule a larger hold like the Rift. She’s a decent leader, having experience and aptitude from her time as a mine overseer, but she’s not particularly remarkable.
