Dragonsreach Dragonsreach is a location in . It was constructed in the ornate wooden style of the great Nord longhouses of ancient days . Visually and politically , it is very much the focal point of the entire city itself and perhaps even Skyrim as a whole . As is true of the keeps in other cities , Dragonsreach serves many important functions . Background . As the seat of government in Whiterun , Balgruuf the Greater resides here as its ruler . Dragonsreach is situated in the " Cloud District " of Whiterun and , as the name suggests , it is elevated from the rest of the city . According to the Jarl ' s steward , Proventus Avenicci , the building gained its name after a battle with a dragon that left the victorious party as " rulers of the clouds . " History . According to legend , the palace today known as " Dragonsreach " was originally a smaller building . However , with the intent of creating a prison for the dragon Numinex after its defeat at the hands of Olaf One - Eye , the people of Whiterun added a stone prison to the keep and renamed it Dragonsreach . Though accounts vary on Olaf ' s position , the dragon ' s disposition , and the manner in which the dragon was captured , there seems to be little doubt about the history and purpose of the building . The following arrive if the Stormcloaks take over Whiterun : Interior . The Great Hall . The Great Hall is the main chamber of the keep and is where the Jarl holds court on his throne beyond the long tables and central fire pit . Check the shelves to the sides for all manner of books . There are balconies on the upper floor , accessed via the War Room , from which you can peer down . The head of Numinex adorns the great hall above the Jarl ' s throne . If you tell Lydia that you no longer require her services then she will return here and be sitting at one of the two large tables . Once Breezehome is purchased however , she will go there instead . Kitchens . Two large tables and an even bigger fireplace are where the Jarl ’ s servants prepare the feasts of the long table . Servant ' s Bedroom and Storage ( Lower ) . A rough - hewn , rock - walled chamber where the servant sleeps . There is a storage room behind the door . Farengar ' s Quarters . In this laboratory , the Court Wizard Farengar mixes concoctions and conducts research into the mysteries of the dragons ' return . His bedroom and a small library are behind his main study . An Alchemy Lab and an Arcane Enchanter are available in here . War Room . This is where the Jarl and his advisors discuss matters of state , poring over the Civil War map near the book - lined shelves . When needed , an Imperial Legate also plans from this location . Great Porch . Exit onto the Great Porch if you want an impressive view to the north . According to legend , the dragon Numinex was trapped here . The old trap itself will prove itself useful once more when capturing Odahviing as part of the Main Questline . Jarl ' s Quarters . This is the private quarters of the Jarl , and entering here without invitation results in you being removed , facing a fine , or worse . However , an Unusual Gem can be found here that pertains to Side Quest : " No Stone Unturned . " The book " Lost Legends " is on a bookshelf in one of he side rooms off the dining room – this grants the " Forbidden Legend " main quest . In the same room on the table is the book " Before the Ages of Man " – when read , this improves Illusion . Proventus Avenicci ' s Chambers . Note the display case ; it usually has something valuable inside . Servant ' s Quarters . Fianna and Gerda usually rest here , in the tiny alcove bedrooms off the main food storage and wine vat area . Children ' s Bedroom . The Jarl ’ s three children , Nelkir , Dagny , and Frothar , sleep here . Hrongar ' s Bedroom . The Jarl ’ s brother , Hrongar sleeps here . The study desk has shelves with books on them . Jarl ' s Bedchamber . There are three connected chambers here : a dining area , bedroom , and book - filled study . Facilities . Dragonsreach houses a cooking pot , used for creating health and stamina recovery foods . As with most places in the game , after missions are completed that help the occupants , most of the food , cutlery , and books in Dragonsreach can be taken freely without worry of stealing . Dragonsreach ' s Wizard , Farengar Secret - Fire , has an Alchemy Lab and Arcane Enchanter available for constant use with creating potions and enchanting items . Farengar sells all manner of valuable Spell Tomes and Mage Robes .