- For other uses, see Jorunn the Skald-King.
Jorunn Skald-King is the Nordic High King, leading the Ebonheart Pact against the other alliances for control of the Imperial Throne during the Second Era.
By game[]
- Jorunn the Skald-King (Online)
- Jorunn the Skald-King (Legends)
Background[]
Early life[]
- "After dear Nurnhilde fell in battle, my brother and I threw back the invaders. Afterward, we disagreed on who should succeed our sister. I believed in diplomacy and wisdom. Fildgor believed in rule by force. I couldn't let him take the throne."
- ―Jorunn the Skald-King[src]
Jorunn was born in 2E 546 to Queen Mabjaarn Flame-Hair, along with his twin brother, Fildgor Orcthane, and sister Princess Nurnhilde, heir to the throne and the eldest of the three. Jorunn had great talent as a singer and studied the art on Skald's Retreat on the Isle of Gold near Riften. He learned from the most renowned bards in the Eastern lands and was dubbed "The Skald-Prince" of Skyrim.
Jorunn spent most of his young life in artistic and philosophical pursuits. He spent time in Mournhold in Morrowind, Stormhold in Black Marsh, Sutch in Cyrodiil, and Elinhir in Hammerfell. It is also rumored that he visited Solitude, the capital of Western Skyrim, in disguise.[1] Despite claiming that he had no interest in leadership and politics, the young Nord found himself becoming the leader of whatever creative community he found himself in. He received little training in the martial arts, but learned less orthodox ways of defending himself in his travels across Tamriel.
Sack of Windhelm[]
In 2E 572, Jorunn was in Riften when the Akaviri of Dir-Kamal attacked the northeastern coast of Skyrim. Meanwhile, Nurnhilde and Fildgor, along with his loyal companions Stormfist Clan, were already in battle with the Akaviri to defend the coast. Jorunn fought his way up along the Eastern coast to Windhelm with the aid of his own closest companions, the Pack of Bards. Jorunn, Fildgor, and their groups arrived just as the Akaviri breached the city gates. Despite their combined efforts, they could not stop the fall of Windhelm, nor prevent the deaths of Queen Mabjaarn and Princess Nurnhilde.[1][2]
Wounded and devastated by the loss of his family, Jorunn felt the responsibility of his royal birth for the first time. He decided to appeal to the Greybeards and made his way to High Hrothgar. For unknown reasons, the Greybeards decided to forgo their doctrine of passivity and aided Jorunn by summoning a hero from Sovngarde; Wulfharth the Ash-King.
The Skald-King and the Ash-King[]
Jorunn claimed the title of Skald-King and, with the aid of Wulfharth, rallied his fellow Nords of Eastern Skyrim to raise an army from the Rift and Eastmarch before fortifying Riften. As the Akaviri marched south from Windhelm, they found Riften's defense by the Nords too powerful, as the Nords were inspired by the presence of Wulfharth and were eager to fight. Dir-Kamal decided these Nords were too great an enemy and turned his army east into Morrowind towards Mournhold, assuming the Nords would not pursue.
This proved a fatal error, as Jorunn led his army after the Akaviri into Morrowind. For the first time since the Battle of Red Mountain, a Nord army entered Morrowind. Dir-Kamal's army was trapped at Stonefalls and engaged in battle by Jorunn's Nords, as well as an army of Dunmer led by the Tribunal Almalexia. The battle was undecided until a fourth army arrived on the field: a force of Argonian shellbacks led by a trio of Argonian battlemages. The Akaviri army was routed and drowned by the thousands as they were driven into the sea.
The High King of Skyrim[]
The Ash-King, having fulfilled his promise, returned to Sovngarde. Jorunn was crowned High-King of Skyrim three weeks later at the Palace of the Kings in Windhelm, though not without contention. His twin brother Fildgor Strong-Prince sought to take the throne by force. Jorunn succeeded in exiling his brother, ushering in an era of peace and diplomacy across Skyrim and the newly formed Ebonheart Pact. Jorunn also had a son, Prince Irnskar.
Jorunn was later appointed acting High King after the Great Moot, a unique form of government in which decisions must be ratified by all composite parties. He rules from the ancient city of Windhelm.
Three Banners War[]
The Konunleikar[]
The Vestige encountered the Skald-King in Windhelm after arriving by the docks, holding council during the celebrations in a makeshift cottage in the city alongside Pact delegates and his son Irnskar. The Vestige participated in the Konunleikar festivities and helped uncover a plot by the Stormfist Brigade, stopping them from assassinating Jorunn in the Hall of Trials during the festival's finale.
With danger presenting itself and with the Palace of Windhelm still under construction, the king decided to hold a secret Moot with the rest of the Pact leaders at various locations in Eastmarch, with Skuldafn as the planned destination for the council.
King Jorunn, the Pact leaders and their respective retinue first moved to Fort Amol with the Pact delegates as the council continues. While within Jarl Ivannar's keep, he was poisoned by Stormfist assassins and was almost replaced and killed by a Breton assassin named Dhalen, until the Vestige and the Morag Tong assassin Naryu Virian arrived and foiled the assassination attempt by the Stormfists.
Eternal Slumber[]
Dhalen had poisoned Jorunn with a Daedric poison, and the King soon fell into a coma. The Vestige was able to procure items to prolong his life until he could be brought to the Ternion Monks at Mistwatch. There, an Argonian Dreamwalker attempted to enter the King's mind to save him. He failed, and the Vestige entered after him. They were able to defeat the nightmares and free him from the poison's influence.
Queen Nurnhilde's spirit appeared to Jorunn and told him of their brother Fildgor's plan: he intended to enter Sovngarde to be able to wear the Crown of Freydis, after which he would be the undisputed King of Skyrim. For this, Fildgor had moved his forces to Skuldafn.
Assault on Skuldafn[]
Jorunn and the Moot marched on Skuldafn with a Pact army, but met heavy resistance from the Stormfists. Pact scouts were able to locate a hidden passage through the mountains that bypassed the Stormfist lines. Jorunn dispatched Mera Stormcloak and a small contigent of Pact warriors through the passage, along with the Vestige. Once at the Stormfist camp, they set the supplies and weapons on fire. With the Stormfists in chaos, the Pact broke through their lines.
The Vestige entered the portal to Sovngarde to find Fildgor performing a ritual to force the Crown of Freydis to acknowledge him. The Vestige fought and defeated him, then brought him out to face his brother. The Vestige then had to choose between killing Fildgor, letting Jorunn kill him, or sparing his life.
The Moot then convened, presenting their objects of power.
Invasion of the Rift[]
Shortly after, Reachmen invaded the Rift. Jorunn and the Moot immediately lead the Pact forces south. The Companions had already engaged the invaders at Fallowstone Hall. They stole the axe Wuuthrad from the crypts and headed west. The Reachmen were under orders from the Worm Cult, lead by a Nord necromancer named Thallik Wormfather. They shattered the axe and used its fragments to revive Sinmur, an undead giant who had been slain by Ysgramor.
Sinmur then fused his essence with Thallik and attacked Riften, killing many before heading into the mountains to the Daedric ruins of Trollhetta. There the last of the Worm Cult was besieged by Pact forces led by Jorunn. The Vestige was able to gather the fragments of Wuuthrad and use them to weaken Sinmur sufficiently to be slain. After the battle, ghosts of the Five Hundred and Ysgramor himself congratulated Jorunn on his victory.
Meeting at Stirk[]
Vanus Galerion and the Vestige were able to convince all three alliance leaders to meet on the island of Stirk of the coast of Cyrodiil to plan an invasion of Coldharbour. Negotiations quickly broke down as the three leaders began arguing with each other. Vanus and countess Hakruba of the Fighters Guild realized the leaders would never agree to sending forces into Coldharbour for fear the others would use the opportunity to seize the Imperial City. They asked the Vestige to convince the three leaders to allow the Fighters and Mages Guild to go into Coldharbour instead. Before the negotiations could resume, Molag Bal opened Daedric portals on the island and his minions attacked. After being defeated, the three leaders realised the Guilds going in would be their best plan, and each gave their blessing.
Personality[]
Jorunn was said to be down-to-earth, to have a sense of humor and an "iron will to succeed." While his brother Fildgor preferred force and power, Jorunn preferred peace and democracy, a trait which helped him keep the Pact from falling apart. While his childhood pranks and way with words as a skald has often garnered him women and admiration in the past, he now uses it to keep a volatile alliance together.
He deeply cared for his sister Nurnhilde, and she often took care of him as well, such as the time when Jorunn almost died from frost inside a cave. He is considered the weakest of his siblings especially when compared to Fildgor, but makes up for it with his diplomatic acumen and kind heart.
Considered a rare breed of ruler, he is said to be a king who listens to his people.
Interactions[]
Ebonheart Pact Quests[]
One Victor, One King[]
The Vestige is sent by Thane Mera Stormcloak to the Hall of Trials to protect King Jorunn.
A Council of Thanes[]
Convince the Thanes of Eastmarch to attend Jorunn's war council as they march against the Stormfists.
Gods Save the King[]
To Honrich Tower[]
Shattered Hopes[]
A Giant in Smokefrost Peaks[]
To the King[]
Securing the Pass[]
Stomping Sinmur[]
Coldharbor Quests[]
Messages Across Tamriel[]
Get the leaders to agree to a summit.
The Weight of Three Crowns[]
Attend the summit and devise a plan for attacking Coldharbour.
Dialogue[]
Show: One Victor, One King |
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In the Hall of Trials:
"This was a message from my brother. One I wasn't meant to survive. I feared this day would come."
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Show: Gods Save the King |
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At Mistwatch:
"My people trusted my sister. Loved her. Great Queen Nurnhilde, they called her. Leader of the Nords. Then the Akaviri attacked. The people lost their Queen and I lost my sister. The realm wept the day she died."
"I can never repay you for all you've done. I should throw a grand feast and make you part of my personal guard, but there are still dangers to deal with. Fildgor plans to desecrate my sister's spirit. That must not be allowed to happen."
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Show: A Council of Thanes |
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At Jorunn's Stand:
"Well met, my courageous friend! This time our victory is at hand!"
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Show: Songs of Sovngarde |
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At Skuldafn
"The Stormfists were panicked by the raging fires. We cut through their ranks as quickly as we could, but I'm afraid we were too late. Tell me ... my sister ...?"
If Fildgor is killed: "The Stormfists were panicked by the raging fires. We cut through their ranks as quickly as we could, but I'm afraid we were too late. Tell me ... my sister ...?"
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Show: The Coven Conundrum |
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"Held captive in my own dungeon! If word gets out, I would be laughed off my rebuilt throne—and rightly so!
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Show: To Honrich Tower |
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"Damn Worms! Driving them out will cost us dearly.
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Show: Shattered Hopes |
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At the start of the quest:
"Valdur told me of your deeds at Taarengrav.
After returning from Arcwind Point: "Hakra said Wuuthrad shattered when you defeated Thallik Wormfather.
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Show: A Giant in Smokefrost Peaks |
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"Before you returned, our soldiers saw the ghost giant Sinmur. He came from the mountains and he went east, toward Riften."
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Show: To the King |
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"With Sinmur dead and the Worm Cult shattered, perhaps peace will return to our lands."
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Show: Securing the Pass |
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"With Sinmur dead and the Worm Cult shattered, perhaps peace will return to our lands."
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Show: Stomping Sinmur |
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At the peak:
"We must defeat Sinmur and the Worm Cult once and for all. Are you ready?"
After speaking with Ysgramor: "Well done, my friend. May Sinmur never again arise to haunt us!"
After speaking with Vigrod Wraithbane: "I hope the Worm Cult has been shattered. But I fear they are just the foot of the mountain."
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Show: The Weight of Three Crowns |
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After leaving the summit (Ebonheart Pact):
"I tried, but these thick-skulled bastards will not see reason."
After leaving the summit (Aldmeri Dominion): [?] After leaving the summit (Daggerfall Covenant): [?] |
Conversations[]
Stomping Sinmur[]
Jorunn the Skald-King: "Kyne's Breath. Can it be? The Five Hundred Companions?"
Ysgramor: "Sinmur is dead. You have won a great victory this day!"
Jorunn the Skald-King: "I had help, my liege."
Ysgramor: "Your champions! We've met. A hard road lies ahead of you. But for now, savor this victory."
Jorunn the Skald-King: "Thank you, Ysgramor!"
Ysgramor: "Companions! Three cheers for the Skald King and his brave champions! Wormcrushers and giantslayers!
Again!
Once More!
For the Pact and the north!
Companions! We ride to Sovngarde!"
The Weight of Three Crowns[]
At the summit:
Caldien: "High King Emeric of the Daggerfall Covenant."
"Queen Ayrenn of the Aldmeri Dominion."
"Jorunn Skald-King of the Ebonheart Pact."
Queen Ayrenn: "We must put aside our differences and work together or this assault is doomed from the start."
High King Emeric: "How do we know this isn't a ruse? A clever plan to divert our forces while your armies take the Imperial City?"
Jorunn the Skald-King: "I thought backstabbing was your favorite tactic, Emeric!"
Queen Ayrenn: "Please! Are you both so arrogant? Your weapons are children's toys compared to the horrors that Molag Bal commands!"
High King Emeric: "I will not wager the future of my people on the word of a snow barbarian and an adolescent female. I fear for Tamriel's future if either of you were to sit upon the Ruby Throne!"
Jorunn the Skald-King: "Since when do you care about your people? You never lift a finger except to count your gold!"
Vanus Galerion: "Please, my lords! This bickering is pointless!"
Jorunn the Skald-King: "What a waste of time."
Queen Ayrenn: "Obstinate fools, both of you!"
High King Emeric: "What a mess. Apologies, Vanus, but I'm going to check on my Lion Guard."
After Molag Bal's attack:
Vanus Galerion: "Honored leaders! You have seen the face of our enemy!"
"Molag Bal threatens every living being in Tamriel! The Mages Guild and the Fighters Guild have agreed to join forces to launch an assault on Coldharbour!"
Countess Hakruba: "Trust in us! Sanction our actions! Give us your blessings! We will not let you down!"
High King Emeric: "Vanus is right. The Guilds are our best and only choice. Send them to Coldharbour!"
Jorunn the Skald-King: "I hate to admit it, but I agree with Emeric."
Queen Ayrenn: "As do I. It appears that much of the distrust between our alliances was sown and nurtured by the God of Schemes."
Countess Hakruba: "Molag Bal thrives on deception and chaos, but if you'll forgive me, this Alliance War is of your own making."
Vanus Galerion: "Countess Hakruba. Gather the surviving members of both Guilds in the <<1>>. The champion and I will go there now to open the portal."
Countess Hakruba: "We'll be right behind you, Vanus."
Vanus Galerion: "The time has come, Champion."
Quotes[]
Stomping Sinmur[]
- "Stay beside me, friends. We face the cult together!" - When facing the Worm Cultists
- "You face the Skald King now, Worms! Come and die on my blade!" - When facing the Worm Cultists
- "Face me, Sinmur! Friends—activate the shards of Wuuthrad while I occupy the beast!" - When fighting Sinmur
- "Shor's Bones! The monster's down! Well done, my friends, well done!" - After slaying Sinmur
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Jorunn is voiced by Peter Stormare.
- Jorunn is actually a female Scandinavian name.
- Aside from Ulfric Stormcloak in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Kjoric the White, Jorunn is the only recorded character to have participated, and won, in a traditional Nordic duel.
Appearances[]
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- The Elder Scrolls Legends: Alliance War
- Fortnite (mentioned only)[3]
References[]
High King of Eastern Skyrim | ||
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Nurnhilde | 2E 572–2E ??? | |
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