Brunwulf Free-Winter

"There's no glory in war. It's just something they tell soldiers so they'll risk their lives."

―Brunwulf Free-Winter^[src]

Brunwulf Free-Winter is a Nord former soldier who lives on the east side of Windhelm and wears scaled horn armor. He is also Ulfric's replacement as Jarl if the Imperial Legion occupies Eastmarch.

Personality

He is known for standing up for the Dunmer and Argonians in the city and thus openly goes against the opinions of some of his fellow Nords. Susanna the Wicked also shares his compassion for outsiders, unlike Rolff Stone-Fist and Angrenor Once-Honored. Interestingly, if the Dragonborn is a Khajiit or an Argonian, he will use the terms "cat" and "lizard."

Interactions

Brunwulf is made Jarl of Windhelm if Ulfric Stormcloak is killed by the Imperial Legion. He says he is taking steps to "assimilate" the Argonians into Windhelm, although it may take time as the Nords are protective of their homeland. He also makes plans with the Dunmer to renovate the Gray Quarter to improve their lives in Windhelm.

If the Legion takes over Winterhold, the former Jarl, Korir, his housecarl and wife Thaena, and their son, Assur will be exiled to Brunwulf's house.

There is a possibility that he sends the Dragonborn to kill a Bandit leader located in Cragsland Cavern, Gallows Rock, Lost Knife Hideout, Stony Creek Cave or Uttering Hills Cave, and rewards them with gold and a skill up in Heavy Armor.

Conversations

The Gray Quarter

Malthyr: "You're a war hero, Brunwulf. Ulfric will listen to you."
Brunwulf: "It's not that simple. Ulfric wants a Skyrim for the Nords. He doesn't trust what he calls 'outsiders'."
Malthyr: "You've seen how we live―cramped alleys, run-down buildings, few guard patrols. Even the name 'Gray Quarter' is an insult."
Brunwulf: "I'll speak to Ulfric soon, but I make no promises that I can change his mind."
Malthyr: "That's all I ask. With your help, we have a chance to make a better life for ourselves here. For that, I thank you."

Discount of gratitude

Aval: "Friend Brunwulf, how good to see you! If you see anything you like, just let me know and I'll gladly offer you a discount."
Brunwulf: "That's not necessary. I'll pay the same price as anyone else."
Aval: "But I insist. And with good reason; Malthyr told me that you've been speaking to Ulfric about our situation. He said you're going to help us. So few Nords have ever offered to help us, a discount is the least I can do."
Brunwulf: "I'm not looking for special treatment, Aval. All I did was talk to Ulfric. For all I know, he's already forgotten the conversation. I wouldn't get your hopes up."
Aval: "Oh, I see. Well, I'm sorry to have troubled you about it. Just... know that your efforts are appreciated."

Keeping warm in Windhelm

Elda: "Tell me about the Great War. I hear you were in the battle of..."
Brunwulf: "Elda, honey, let's not talk about the war. It's in the past."
Elda: "I'm sorry. What would you like to talk about?"
Brunwulf: "Hows about we figure out some way to keep warm tonight?"
Elda: "Oh! You behave, now!"

Thirty years of innkeeping

Brunwulf: "How long have you run this place, again?"
Elda: "Nearly thirty years now."
Brunwulf: "Just wondering when you'll be ready to give it up and settle down. Seems like you're always working."
Elda: "I just feel like if I'm not here, then something could go wrong. Nils is a hard worker, but I wouldn't trust him to run things."
Brunwulf: "One of these days he'll have to learn."
Elda: "Perhaps. But not today."

Cabin in the Rift

Brunwulf: "I've been thinking about building that cabin we talked about."
Elda: "Oh? Where?"
Brunwulf: "There's a clear spot just west of Riften. You know the area?"
Elda: "I've been there before, but I don't know it well."
Brunwulf: "Well that's where I want to build. In the fall forest. Give it an easterly view. The sunrise is almost as pretty as you are."
Elda: "That sounds lovely. You're very sweet."

Quotes

"Safe journey, sword-brother." (This is said regardless of the Dragonborn's gender)
"They call me a war hero. I'm no hero, I'm just a soldier who didn't want to die."
"It will take time to rebuild, but the Nords are no strangers to hard work." ―As Jarl.
"The dark elves and Argonians won't soon forget Ulfric's prejudice, but I'm doing what I can to repair that rift." ―As Jarl.
"Being a Jarl isn't something I ever wanted, but if I can help these people, then I will." ―As Jarl.
"A sword can't repair damaged buildings, feed hungry people or undo years of prejudice." ―Response to being asked how he is settling into his role as Jarl.
"I've got no time for a Nord who thinks he's better than everyone else." (he will say this even if the Dragonborn is not a Nord).
"What do you want, milk-drinker?" (He will say this when the Dragonborn answers his question: "So, you're one of those "Skyrim for the Nords" types?" by saying "Yes. Anyone who is not a Nord is a trespasser.")
"May the gods watch over your battles, friend." (He will say this when the Dragonborn answers his question: "So, you're one of those "Skyrim for the Nords types?" by saying "No. Skyrim is big enough for everyone.")

Trivia

If the Dragonborn ends up in a fight with the guards, Brunwulf will come to the Dragonborn's aid, rather than fleeing like a normal civilian.
The book A Dream of Sovngarde is written by Skardan Free-Winter, a soldier who serves during the war with the Thalmor, implying Brunwulf was a relative of his.
He is the only person whose title doesn't change when he becomes Jarl; yet if an inheritance note comes from him, it will say Jarl Brunwulf Free-Winter.
During "Battle for Windhelm," General Tullius calls him "that Free-Winter fellow."

Bugs

This section contains bugs related to Brunwulf Free-Winter. Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following:

Please reload an old save to confirm if the bug is still happening.
If the bug is still occurring, please post the bug report with the appropriate system template 360 / XB1 , PS3 / PS4 , PC / MAC , NX / PS5 , XS , depending on which platform(s) the bug has been encountered on.
Be descriptive when listing the bug and fixes, but avoid having conversations in the description and/or using first-person anecdotes: such discussions belong on the appropriate forum board.

PC 360 PS3 After becoming Jarl, he may not have the speech options for the Dragonborn to become a thane. This only happens in the same sitting as killing Ulfric.
- To fix this, use the Unrelenting Force shout on everyone at the dinner table. This will give you a bounty in each of the holds that the jarls are from. Travel out of Windhelm and return.
PC 360 PS3 His name may not change to "Jarl Brunwulf Free-Winter" after Ulfric is killed. This can sometimes be rectified on the PC version by using console commands to disable Galmar and Ulfric's corpses immediately after defeating them, or by selecting their corpses one at a time in the console command menu and typing addfac 0003662a -1. and then addfac 00036629 1
Brunwulf may send the Dragonborn to Uttering Hills Cave to kill the leader of the bandits, Linwe. In this dungeon, if this miscellaneous quest is acquired after completion of the Summerset Shadows quest for the Thieves Guild, the target's marker will point to where Linwe was placed; but without him in the dungeon, the quest will be impossible to complete.
PC When receiving the radiant quest to kill a bandit leader from Brunwulf, the bandit leader may not appear, even though the quest marker still points to a specific location. This can be fixed by using console commands to jump to a later quest stage.

Appearances

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim