"Then by my right as Jarl, I name you Thane of [Hold]. Congratulations. I grant you this weapon from the armory to serve as your Badge of Office. I'll also notify the Guards of your new title, wouldn't want them to think you're part of the common rabble now."

―Jarl [Name]

Thane is an honor gifted by a city's Jarl to the Dragonborn. It is only granted if the Dragonborn completes tasks for people of the hold, and personally assists the Jarl in official or unofficial business, depending on the city. Rarely, if the Dragonborn has enough Septims, the title of Thane may be given. The Thane is someone recognized by a Jarl, his guards, and the people, as a person of great importance in a particular city, often a hero.

Benefits and requisitesEdit

The guards of the town excuse the Dragonborn from crimes if they mention they are the Thane in a dialogue option when confronted, but the amount of times this works is limited. After being proclaimed Thane in a city, the Dragonborn can purchase houses from the Jarls' stewards. In a few rare cases, purchasing a home within a Hold is a prerequisite for becoming a Thane of said Hold, such as the Rift. Newly titled Thanes receive housecarls, who protect the Thane, their spouses, and their property.

Other ThanesEdit

• Erikur and Bryling serve as Thanes to Elisif, Jarl of Solitude. Melaran, an Altmer alterer, serves as Erikur's housecarl.
• Dengeir of Stuhn, Former Jarl of Falkreath Hold now serves his nephew, Jarl Siddgeir, as Thane.

Real-world meaningEdit

The Thanes (Thegns) were the minor nobility of Anglo-Saxon England and Viking Scandinavia -- the word literally means a retainer to a king or high-ranking official. This, although, has been observed to have been an honorary task and title in many Medieval Scandinavian cultures.

Many runestones in Sweden and Denmark honor dead men as good thanes. Macbeth is the Thane of Cawdor in the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare