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 (Book)
*Jorunn the Skald-King (Legends)
==Background==
===Early life===
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.Jorunn the Skald-King (Book) 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.The Brothers' War
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
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."
:Are you all right, King Jorunn? "A mere scratch, nothing more. The Stormfist Clan's assassins are dead, and that's good enough for now. I guess I've become too complacent, while Fildgor's hatred has obviously deepened and festered."
::Your brother hates you? "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."
:::Why has Fildgor returned? "When I won the throne, I was forced to exile Fildgor. He never forgave me for that. I assume he's returned to take the throne. I wonder what he promised his Stormfist and Orc allies? I need to think about this. Please, tell Thane Mera that I'm fine."
Show: Gods Save the King
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."
:The Argonian said you chased a woman up here. "It was a trick. Conjured by that creature you killed. Nurnhilde is dead. Her beautiful soul is gone. I'm all that's left to lead my people. I cannot fail them!"
::How are you feeling? "Different. Strange. As though part of me is missing. No guards, no castle walls, just the limits of my own mind. Fabrications and illusions–––perhaps that's all you are, as well."
:::I'm real. I came here with the Argonian to save you. "Your face is familiar ... but I can't remember. You have my thanks, regardless. Both you and the Argonian."
::::We need to get you out of here. "I know. There's much to do. My brother Fildgor can't be allowed to complete his plan, not while he has our sister's body and her crown. I fear nothing good will come of his machinations."
After Nurnhilde's projection speaks to Jorunn:
"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."
:Why is Fildgor doing this? "The Crown of Freydis, the symbol of our people, can only be worn by the true heir to the throne. It won't fit upon an unworthy head. Fildgor believes he can merge our sister's spirit with his own, making him worthy of the crown."
::And if that works? "If the crown fits, it proclaims Fildgor as the true King. Not even I can oppose the one who wears the crown. That's why Fildgor must be stopped. He can't be allowed to desecrate Nurnhilde's spirit."
:::What happens now? "Fildgor and his Stormfist Brigade have gone to the dragonshrine of Skuldafn. The Prince and I must go to the camps at the foot of the mountain and plan our counter move. I need to leave now. The people need their King."
Show: A Council of Thanes
At Jorunn's Stand:
"Well met, my courageous friend! This time our victory is at hand!"
:You wanted to speak to me? "I'm grateful for all you've done for the Pact already, but your skills are needed again. Our troops will begin the assault on Skuldafn, but we need a faster approach to reach Fildgor."
::General Yeveth Noramil mentioned scouting reports? "Yes. We have several of our best scouts searching the area. Thane Mera found something in the hills, north of here. Those Dragonshrines are rife with with passages and secret entrances."
:::And that's where I come in. "That's good. Make sure the way is clear for our assault. Speak to General Noramil. He's been coordinating our efforts to scout the area for another way in. The Ebonheart Pact stands together to defeat the Orcthane!"
Show: Songs of Sovngarde
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 ...?"
:Your sister's spirit and the Crown are safe. Fildgor awaits your judgement. "I almost wish Fildgor had not survived his encounter with you. Now I must deal with my own brother. And there's only one possible punishment for treason."
::Fildgor brought this on himself, King Jorunn. ""
::[Persuade] Fildgor could prove useful to the Pact. "Such a shrewd, calculating proposal. It's not the Nord way, but the idea has merit. If we could make him work with us, think of what we could accomplish. And, I confess, it would break my heart to put my brother to death. Thank you for your counsel."
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 ...?"
:Fildgor is dead. I saved your sister's spirit and the Crown of Freydis. "Nurnhilde is safe and my brother ... dead? I am all that remains of our family. My brother was honorable, if misguided. Despite his crimes, he will receive a royal burial. I will mourn later. Now, there is business to attend to."
Show: The Coven Conundrum
"Held captive in my own dungeon! If word gets out, I would be laughed off my rebuilt throneâ€”and rightly so!On to business. I heard Lyris's report. Now tell me, what did you uncover?"
:The Icereach Coven developed a ritual that turns people into a new kind of bloodfiend. "Yes, so Lyris mentioned. Harrowfiends, she called them. An ominous name. And that Sister Balra claimed she was turning me into a monster.What else did you learn about the Icereach Coven?"
::The coven appears to be allied with vampires. "Vampires? I've known both decent and terrible folk burdened by that curse. I take it the ones working with the coven fall into the latter category.Anything else?"
:::The coven seems interested in the Haafingar hold. "Haafingar? High-King Svargrim rules that hold from the city of Solitude. We don't see eye-to-eye, especially since neither of us will openly acknowledge the other's reign. Still, he should be warned.Talk to Lyris. I have much to think about."
::::Yes, Skald-King.
Show: To Honrich Tower
"Damn Worms! Driving them out will cost us dearly.And with all that we have accomplished, we still may not have the numbers to win this."
:I'm here to help. "And not a moment too soon.We can't wait for more reinforcements. We must strike back against these bastards before we lose our chance."
Show: Shattered Hopes
At the start of the quest:
"Valdur told me of your deeds at Taarengrav. Now our heroes have gathered, and we will need all of you to beat these damn Worms and take back what is ours!"
:What is the Worm Cult doing here? "They are building an army of Daedra! Their leader, that bastard, Wormfather stole Ysgramor's axe, Wuuthrad. He has roused the ghost giant Sinmur."
::Sounds like it's going to be quite a battle. "Many have gone to Sovngarde today, many more will follow unless we close the portals and stop Thallik Wormfather. No ordinary soldier can deal with this. For this task, I need you."
:::You can count on me. "The spirits of Ysgramor's companions will ride with you against the Worms!Talk to Valdur before you go. And Kyne's speed, my friend!"
::::You rallied all these people here? "When the Skald-King calls, the people answer! I should have dealt with the Worm Cult long ago. Before they grew in strength and numbers.We must defeat them here. Then we can attack their base at Arcwind Point."
:::::Where is Arcwind Point? "In the mountains to the west. It will not be easy to get there.But first, we stop the Worm Cult here and retrieve Wuuthrad!"
::::What's the plan for the troops? "My soldiers are stretched thin, and they can only keep the Daedra contained until you close the portals. If you can cut off the reinforcements, I will give the command to engage."
After returning from Arcwind Point:
"Hakra said Wuuthrad shattered when you defeated Thallik Wormfather.Ah, do not blame yourself. You fought with the courage of Ysgramor."
:I did everything I could. "And you turned the tide and cut off the head of the worm! Without Thallik Wormfather, the cult will be severely weakened.Thanks to you, I now see victory on the horizon."
Show: A Giant in Smokefrost Peaks
"Before you returned, our soldiers saw the ghost giant Sinmur. He came from the mountains and he went east, toward Riften."
:Should we go after him? "Yes! To the very edge of Tamriel if we must!I have sent troops into the Smokefrosts to warn Riften of his approach. But you should also head in that direction."
::What about Wuuthrad? "The Shards of Wuuthrad have been scattered across the Smokefrosts. Be watchful. Recover any fragments you find on your journey. In Riften, speak to Captain Viveka. Tell her I sent you."
:::I'll do what I can. "We will meet in the Smokefrosts, my friend. If not there, then in Sovngarde.Kyne speed you."
::::What will you do now, Your Highness? "I will lead the Pact forces to Trolhetta, on the Skyrim border. It is a place of great magic."
:::::Why go to Trolhetta? "Because I'm worried, my friend. If not for our success this day, the Planemeld may have spread to all of Tamriel.So, I will travel to Trolhetta and see what the Pact mages can tell me."
Show: To the King
"With Sinmur dead and the Worm Cult shattered, perhaps peace will return to our lands."
:I'm ready to put an end to the Worm Cult. "As am I, my friend. But there is much to do. The Worms hide inside Trolhetta. Mark my words—Mannimarco's spawn dies today."
Show: Securing the Pass
"With Sinmur dead and the Worm Cult shattered, perhaps peace will return to our lands."
:How can I help? "The Worm Cult mages guard the passage to Trolhetta. A full assault would be suicidal, but a small force might push right through.Especially with you at its head."
::What would you want me to do? "Lower the Worms' defenses. Kill them as you must, but leave some for us. As you destroy each ward, we will secure the caves behind you.For Ysgramor! For glory!"
:::I'll get it done. "You must clear the way. We have to reach Sinmur before it's too late!"
::::[Persuade] If I'm to lead the charge, give me someone to lead. "Ha! You have the spirit of Ysgramor, my friend. Yes. Two blades are more dangerous than one.Speak to Holgunn, Walks-In-Ash, and Valdam Andoren. Choose a companion and tear the Worms apart!"
Show: Stomping Sinmur
At the peak:
"We must defeat Sinmur and the Worm Cult once and for all. Are you ready?"
:Yes. What needs to be done? "We must push forward or all is lost. Follow me!"
After speaking with Ysgramor:
"Well done, my friend. May Sinmur never again arise to haunt us!"
:Is he dead at last? "Yes. Sinmur and the Worm Cult are crushed, but Ysgramor's warning concerns me. What could he mean?Find Vigrod Wraithbane. He should be outside. I must think on this."
After speaking with Vigrod Wraithbane:
"I hope the Worm Cult has been shattered. But I fear they are just the foot of the mountain."
:You believe the Worms were pawns? "Yes. As Ysgramor said, their masters reside in Coldharbour. We have no choice but to invade.I must return to Mournhould, my friend. I hope to see you there."
Show: The Weight of Three Crowns
After leaving the summit (Ebonheart Pact):
"I tried, but these thick-skulled bastards will not see reason."
:We need to cooperate. "What about the war in Cyrodiil? If I commit troops to this invasion, the Pact will be vastly outnumbered there."
::What if we send the guilds to Coldharbour? "Bah. Wizards and mercenaries? Against the Daedric hordes? Without the Ebonheart Pact, they do not stand a chance!"
:::Both guilds have experience fighting Daedra. They may be out best chance. "Huh, you make some sense after all.I will support this foolish plan if you can convince the other leaders."
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==
Jorunn.png
Jorunn Interactive Map.png|Art of Jorunn, from the Interactive Map
Jorunn Skald-King.jpeg|Jorunn at the Trolhetta Daedric Ruins in the Rift
Jorunn at Skuldafn.jpeg|Jorunn at Skuldafn
Jorunn the Skald-King card art.png|Jorunn the Skald-King in 
Jorunn Greymoor 1.png|Jorunn in 
==Trivia==
*Jorunn is voiced by Peter Stormare.
*Jorunn is actually a female Scandinavian name.
*Aside from Ulfric Stormcloak in and Kjoric the White, Jorunn is the only recorded character to have participated, and won, in a traditional Nordic duel.
==Appearances==
*
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*Fortnite Nord Warrior
==References==
de:Jorunn, der Skaldenkönig
es:Jorunn
ru:Йорунн Король-Скальд (персонаж)
ja:Jorunn
it:Jorunn
fr:Jorunn le Roi-scalde
pl:Jorunn the Skald-King
nl:Jorunn de Skald-Koning
Category:Online: Ebonheart Pact Members
Category:Online: Skyrim Characters
Category:Online: Quest Givers
Category:Online: Kings