The Cities/Holds of the Province of Skyrim

[natelovesyou]

I came across this information on multiple wikis and decided to compile, semi-heavily edit some, and merge/consolidate all my findings the best that I could, and share it on here for the purpose of offering great information about each city that I didn't know, and that many others probably didn't know either.

 

This took me several hours. :mellow:

 

To clarify - I didn't write a lot/most of this, mind you, I just think that this would be informative and interesting and that people would appreciate it all being compiled together, as well as the fact that it could make for some good conversation. :] I cannot, however, be held accountable for anything in the information below though, I didn't make the game. ;]

 

But first, some maps:

Click here if you'd like a high-quality map to refer to or if you haven't seen it yet.

Also, if you compare the above map with this older map, you can see that there have been some changes to some city's locations.

Ye olde and outdated map of the province.

This map shows the locations that the demo took place in.

 

 

Each city is located in a different hold, and is home to that hold's ruler, or Jarl. The five largest cities are walled, allowing their maps to be treated separately from the main map.

 

http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016131259/elderscrolls/images/c/cc/Dawnstar-ico.png

DAWNSTAR

Dawnstar is a major city on the northern coast of Skyrim. It was once home to a gladiatorial team called the Avengers. It was originally a garrison town, which often served as an exile post due to the harsh climate.

 

It was after the destruction of a fortress in Dawnstar during 2E 283 that Potentate Versidue-Shaie declared martial law, leading to one of the most brutal and bloody periods in the history of Tamriel. At the end of the third era, Dawnstar's Queen Macalla married Thian, king of Solitude leading to an alliance between the two city-states, as part of an expansion of Solitude's power in northern Skyrim.

 

Dawnstar was once besieged by the mysterious Ice Tribes, who may have been of some relation to the ancient Falmer. The town's four champions - Chung, Delacroix, Beatrice and Alhavara - attempted to negotiate with the tribes, led raids against them and turned to the Emperor for help, but to no avail. The tribes attacked the town, and the walls barely held. Governor Cyril Vinticae banished the champions, rightfully fearing that one was in league with the tribes. The tribes were mounting for a final attack, when a disgraced hero was assigned to defend Dawnstar. The governor promised the hero riches and would restore their good name if they could reveal the traitor. With the help of the oracular powers of the town's healer, Eustacia, the hero tracked down the four Champions in the many dungeons around Dawnstar and pieced the clues together to reveal the traitor. When the tribes led the final assault, the hero slew any enemies who slipped through the defenses. In the final battle, armed with the power of the Starfrost, the hero defeated the thriceborn Gehenoth and saved the town.

 

It is home to a number of fishermen and miners, and a Legion camp is located near the city in response to rebel raids in the area.

 

 

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016131259/elderscrolls/images/0/00/Falkreath-ico.png

FALKREATH

Falkreath (sometimes called Falkrenth) is a town in southwestern Skyrim, close to the border with both Cyrodiil and Hammerfell. Just across the border in Hammerfell lies the town of Elinhir. At one point the city seems to have been counted as part of Cyrodiil. Falkreath was once home to a gladiatorial team known as the Dark Shadows.

 

In the first and second eras, Falkreath was one of several kingdoms making up western Colovia, but in the final century of the second era, the kingdom came to greater prominence under the leadership of Cuhlecain and his general, Hjalti Early-Beard or Talos - later to be known as Tiber Septim.

 

 

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016131259/elderscrolls/images/5/5a/Markarth-ico.png

MARKARTH

Markarth Side is a city in west-central Skyrim, notable for possessing an Imperial College of the Voice founded by Tiber Septim.

 

Markarth Side was a former city of the ancient Dwemer, an Elven race who resided in Morrowind, Skyrim, and Hammerfell during the First Era, whose origin was located in the west-central region of Skyrim, the homeland of the warlike and barbaric Nordic tribes. Following the disappearance of the Dwemer from the face of Nirn after they attempted to control the power of the Numidium, Markarth Side was abandoned until the rise of the Septim Empire, the third of the Cyrodiilic Empires which arose under the leadership of Tiber Septim and his successor, Pelagius Septim. Emperor Tiber Septim established the Imperial College of the Voice in Markarth Side, which, subsequently, attracted the Nords to establish it as one of the cities of Skyrim.

 

Unlike the Dwemer cities and strongholds located in Morrowind and Hammerfell, the city of Markarth Side was not constructed out of metal, instead it was built of stone, likely due to the abundance of stone found in the mountains of Skyrim. Another theory that could explain why Markarth Side was constructed out of stone is that the Nordic occupiers of Markarth Side had constructed their own city over the ruins of the metallic Dwemer city of the same name, which may thus be underground.

 

The city of Markarth | Closer view

 

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016131260/elderscrolls/images/2/29/Morthal-ico.png

MORTHAL

Morthal is location in the Skyrim region, located in an easterly direction from Fort Snowhawk.

 

(I pretty much can't find anything on this city, though I found some information alluding to Morthal being the "missing capital", but I can't be sure).

 

Morthal guard

 

 

http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016131260/elderscrolls/images/b/bf/Riften-ico.png

RIFTEN

Rifton, or Riften, is a city in the south-east of the Skyrim region, located in the Rift and once home to a gladiatorial team called the Furies. The city lies near the borders of both Morrowind and Cyrodiil and is home to the Thieves Guild who inhabit the sewers beneath Riften called "The Ratways". Honorhall Orphanage is located in the city.

 

It was in Rifton that Barenziah joined the Thieves Guild when she returned to Morrowind from her exile in Skyrim after Mournhold's evacuation. Riften is under control by the iron fist of the Black-Briars and their harsh leader, Maven. To enter Riften you will have to pay "visitor's tax". The city is lower-class, with poor quality housing, narrow streets and a large network of sewers, running under its streets.

 

Riften Guard | Outside view of a hall of Riften

 

 

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016131260/elderscrolls/images/e/e8/Solitude-ico.png

SOLITUDE

Solitude (also known as Haafingar) is a major port city on the northern coast of the province of Skyrim, located in Haafinheim and built on a large sea arch. It is famous for being the northernmost town in Tamriel and infamous as the seat of the so-called Wolf Queen, Potema. Solitude was also ruled by King Mantiarco mostly before his marriage to Potema.

 

Over time, Solitude became one of the wealthiest cities and counties in Skyrim, and by the end of the Third Era it controlled most of the northern coastline of Skyrim after King Thian married Queen Macalla of Dawnstar. Seeking to expand its influence even farther, Solitude annexed several Imperial fiefs, including the island of Roscrea (all of the fiefs had been ruled by the Empire since Uriel Septim V conquered them in 3E 271). It later began to fund exploration into (and perhaps beyond) the Sea of Ghosts. At one point, the city was home to a gladiatorial team called the Ravagers.

 

It is the home of the famous Bard's College and is one of Skyrim's chief ports. Water-craft from up and down the coast could be found at her crowded quays, loading timber and salted cod for the markets of Wayrest, Anvil, and Senchal. Founded during Skyrim's long Alessian flirtation, the Bards' College continues to flaunt a heretical streak, and its students are famous carousers, fittingly enough for their chosen trade. Students yearly invade the marketplace for week of revelry, the climax of which is the burning of "King Olaf" in effigy, possibly a now-forgotten contender in the War of Succession. Graduates have no trouble finding employment in noble households across Tamriel, including the restored Imperial Court in Cyrodiil, but many still choose to follow in the wandering footsteps of illustrious alumni such as Callisos and Morachellis.

 

Solitude's sea arch | Windmill | Windmill and arch | Solitude, seen from a marsh | Solitude city walls (you can see Solitude's symbol on the banners, figured this one out myself) :]

 

 

http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016131260/elderscrolls/images/6/65/Whiterun-ico.png

WHITERUN

Whiterun is the capital city of Whiterun Hold, and is located near the Throat of the World that contains High Hrothgar, the famed mountain known as Snow-Throat, where the Greybeards live and Shor created man. Whiterun is home to The Companions, and is the city in which the young Barenziah escaped to for a week with a young lover during her return to Mournhold. The city was once home to a gladiatorial team known as the Devastators.

 

Whiterun has not been as fortunate as its northern, coastal cousins. A dynastic feud, attacks by Hörme bandits and Frost trolls, and a series of annihilating winters of alternating floods, droughts, and fires have crippled the area that was once considered the "Imperial City of Skyrim". A self-proclaimed priestess of Lorkhan, Jsashe the Witch-Queen, controls the county and the local witches' coven.

 

Those arrested in Whiterun are incarcerated in Dragonsreach Dungeon.

 

Whiterun from a distance | The castle | Closer castle view

 

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016131261/elderscrolls/images/0/03/Windhelm-ico.png

WINDHELM

Windhelm is a city in northeastern Skyrim, close to the border with Morrowind. It is the only substantial city in the Hold of Eastmarch and is a base for Imperial troops guarding the Dunmeth Pass into Morrowind. Windhelm was once the capital of the First Empire of the Nords; the old palace of the Ysgramor dynasty can still be seen in the center of the city. The palace is in fact one of the few original First Empire buildings left, as the city has been sacked twice: once during the War of Succession (before 1E 420) and also by the Akaviri army of Ada'Soom Dir-Kamal. Windhelm was once home to a gladiatorial team called the Paladins.

 

During the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Windhelm is being ruled over by Ulfric Stormcloak, who is helping to lead a rebellion against the Empire. Stormcloak believes that his people, the Nords, should be independent, and thus wishes that Skyrim was free to rule its own destiny.

 

 

http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20111016131261/elderscrolls/images/3/38/Winterhold-ico.png

WINTERHOLD

Winterhold (sometimes spelled Winter Hold) is a major coastal settlement and the capital of the namesake county and a coastal fortress, located on the northeastern tip of Skyrim. It is the home of the College of Winterhold and was once home to a gladiatorial team known as the Annihilators. Scholars from all over Tamriel have descended upon the county since it became home to the Ysmir Collective, a library rescued from destruction in the east, and the cornerstone of academic life at the The College of Winterhold.

 

Somewhat isolated from the rest of Nord culture, but still wealthy and influential, it is known as one of the Old Holds. Winterhold has experienced a renaissance in power and influence; due to its proximity to Morrowind's border, refugees from Morrowind have brought with them new ideas, enriching her culture and stimulating her old mercantile spirit. Winterhold is heavily affected by Dunmer ways and ideas, fueling part of its economy. Traditionally, warriors from Winterhold are thought to favor large axes in battle. The city has a long-standing rivalry with Solitude, a fellow port city in Skyrim. The ruins of Saarthal are close by.

 

In 1E 369, King Borgas of Winterhold, the High King of Skyrim, was murdered, and the failure to appoint Jarl Hanse, also of Winterhold, as his successor is generally thought to have ignited the War of Succession, a conflict that was ended by the Pact of Chieftains in 1E 420.

 

I believe this is Winterhold, any thoughts?

 

 

 

Other settlements not accounted for that may be of decent significance:

 

GREENWALL

 

KARTHWASTEN

This city may or may not be in the game now, but, it's on older maps and seems of note.

 

NORTHWATCH KEEP

Northwatch Keep is a fort located high in the mountains, controlled by the Battle-Born. The fort is not open to the public, and attempting to enter will cause its inhabitants to turn hostile.

 

SAARTHAL

Saarthal is located in northern Skyrim. It was the first city built in Skyrim after the arrival of Ysgramor from Atmora. A few years after its foundation, the city was burned to the ground by the Elves during the Night of Tears, although it may have been reclaimed by the Nords shortly afterwards.

 

In the late Second Era, the ruins of the city were located by archaeologists near the modern city of Winterhold. The fall of Saarthal is thought to be responsible for the creation of Sheor, a demonized version of Shor.

 

SNOWHAWK

Snowhawk is a city in west-central Skyrim, near the borders of Hammerfell and High Rock. It was once home to a gladiatorial team called the Frost Demons. A small settlement is located just outside the city.

According to my findings, this may just be a fort in TES V: Skyrim.

 

SUNGUARD

Edited October 23, 2011 by natelovesyou

[elderiii]

*imagines self singing "Bless your beautiful hide! Wherever you may be..." ala the classic film 7 Brides for 7 Brothers*

 

Kudos enroute .........................

[Corakus]

Windhelm is a city in northeastern Skyrim, close to the border with Morrowind. It is the only substantial city in the Hold of Eastmarch and is a base for Imperial troops guarding the Dunmeth Pass into Morrowind.

 

No longer true.

 

http://www.bethblog.com/index.php/2011/09/27/a-star-studded-cast/

 

Vladimir Kulich (“The 13th Warrior,” “Smoking Aces”) portrays Hogan’s nemesis Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm and charismatic leader of the Stormcloaks, who aims to make Skyrim independent of the Empire.

[Odai]

interesting read, TY for the comp.

[natelovesyou]

Windhelm is a city in northeastern Skyrim, close to the border with Morrowind. It is the only substantial city in the Hold of Eastmarch and is a base for Imperial troops guarding the Dunmeth Pass into Morrowind.

 

No longer true.

 

http://www.bethblog.com/index.php/2011/09/27/a-star-studded-cast/

 

Vladimir Kulich (“The 13th Warrior,” “Smoking Aces”) portrays Hogan’s nemesis Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm and charismatic leader of the Stormcloaks, who aims to make Skyrim independent of the Empire.

200 years have passed, so a lot of things change. It may have been true at one point that there was an Imperial troops base guarding the pass, but perhaps this and other lore doesn't quite sum up Skyrim as we will see it soon. The best I could do was collect this information and assume that most of it still applies, or at one point did in the past.

 

Also, if you read in Windhelm, I included the information about Ulfric Stormcloak: "During the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Windhelm is being ruled over by Ulfric Stormcloak, who is helping to lead a rebellion against the Empire. Stormcloak believes that his people, the Nords, should be independent, and thus wishes that Skyrim was free to rule its own destiny."

[Corakus]

Windhelm is a city in northeastern Skyrim, close to the border with Morrowind. It is the only substantial city in the Hold of Eastmarch and is a base for Imperial troops guarding the Dunmeth Pass into Morrowind.

 

No longer true.

 

http://www.bethblog.com/index.php/2011/09/27/a-star-studded-cast/

 

Vladimir Kulich (“The 13th Warrior,” “Smoking Aces”) portrays Hogan’s nemesis Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm and charismatic leader of the Stormcloaks, who aims to make Skyrim independent of the Empire.

200 years have passed, so a lot of things change. It may have been true at one point that there was an Imperial troops base guarding the pass, but perhaps this and other lore doesn't quite sum up Skyrim as we will see it soon. The best I could do was collect this information and assume that most of it still applies, or at one point did in the past.

 

Also, if you read in Windhelm, I included the information about Ulfric Stormcloak: "During the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Windhelm is being ruled over by Ulfric Stormcloak, who is helping to lead a rebellion against the Empire. Stormcloak believes that his people, the Nords, should be independent, and thus wishes that Skyrim was free to rule its own destiny."

*delete*.

Edited October 23, 2011 by Corakus

[billyro]

There is a road to Pale Pass. Do you think we'll be able to go there again?

[Lowk]

There is a road to Pale Pass. Do you think we'll be able to go there again?

That would be awesome! I wanna eff up some some more ogres. :armscrossed:

[Technogran]

I can't wait to visit Markarth it looks like no other city I have ever seen in any of the Elder Scrolls games. I am sure there will be lot's of very interesting things to 'unearth' in that city and as an explorer I won't leave until I have found everything.

[Odai]

You know what... I dont care. I am not stopping until I find a dwemer ruin. That will be my first adventure.

 

 

and WTF is windhelms symbol?

Edited October 23, 2011 by Odai