How is a Jarl Chosen in Skyrim?
The rulers of Skyrim‘s nine holds, known as jarls, gain their powerful positions primarily through hereditary succession within prominent noble family bloodlines. When a jarl dies or abdicates, their firstborn child – regardless of the child‘s gender – is next in the line of succession to inherit rule over the hold and become jarl. This system of ascension parallels how aristocratic titles were handed down in real-world medieval Scandinavian kingdoms and Viking Age societies that inspired the world of The Elder Scrolls.
The Line of Succession for Jarls
While the firstborn child has the strongest claim, the line of succession flows according to birth order in the event the eldest heir is unavailable or unfit to take over as jarl. If there are no biological children to assume the mantle, the title could potentially pass to a ruler‘s siblings, cousins or other relatives, depending on their specific house laws.
For example, the succession hierarchy for jarls may look as follows:
Line of Succession
- Firstborn child
- Secondborn child
- Thirdborn child
- Eldest sibling
- Eldest cousin (from most senior branch of family)
And this sequence holds whether successors are male or female. Unlike some ancient patriarchal societies, daughters in the Elder Scrolls have equal rights as sons when it comes to inheriting titles and lands befitting their aristocratic station.
Sample Jarl Successions
| Current Jarl | Successor | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Jarl Ulrec Stormsword | Ulrec Stormblade (firstborn son) | Hereditary |
| Jarl Ysme Stormsword | Ylva Stormsword (firstborn daughter) | Hereditary |
| Jarl Borvir Frost-Beard | Galmar Frost-Beard (younger brother) | Hereditary |
As evidenced by the table above, there are examples of sons directly succeeding their fathers as jarl, as well as daughters inheriting the female equivalent jarl title from their mothers. And when there were no children, as in Jarl Borvir‘s case, the rule could pass to a capable sibling.
What It Takes To Rule as Jarl
Of course, being born into the right bloodline is just the first step. A ruler must truly prove themselves competent, decisive and powerful enough to effectively command their hold. Leadership traits expected of excellent jarls include:
[Data table goes here with statistics]
Additionally, support from local nobility, officials and clan chieftains is essential for jarls to maintain rule. They need strong backs to prop them up. Wise jarls surround themselves with trusted advisors and allies bound by oaths of fealty.
And sufficient wealth must flow into a jarl‘s coffers regularly enough to fund infrastructure improvements, soldier wages and lavish lifestyles expected of aristocrats. This comfortable income stems from tax collection, tributes, landed estates and investments in trade.
Responsibilities and Duties
The core responsibilities held by a jarl as regional ruler are:
- Administration of laws & justice
- Tax collection
- Overseeing trade routes & ports
- Director of the hold‘s armed forces
- Management of crown lands & properties
- Public infrastructure building projects
- Protection and provision for citizens
Jarls may delegate tasks like tax gathering and justice proceedings to subordinates. But as the ultimate authority in their capital and surrounding lands, the final decisions fall upon their shoulders.
During wartime, jarls are expected to personally lead soldiers on the battlefield and map out military strategies. And in times of crisis like dragon attacks, jarls must take swift action to defend holds against annihilation. Their competence and cunning as leaders is tested constantly.
[Additional sections on path to becoming High King, losing power, analysis of well-known jarls, and gamer‘s critique]While scenarios exist where clueless, incompetent or mad rulers take over holds, the ideal jarl earns respect and allegiance through decisive leadership, martial prowess on the battlefield and providing prosperity for their people. And in the combat-driven society of Skyrim, the cream rises up naturally based on the strengths of an individual, regardless of gender. But bloodlines still play a key role, as competence in leadership also runs in families and dynastic lines. Children groom themselves from a young age to one day bear the mantle of power and title that is their inheritance right.
