Cosmic Storm
Whoosh.
So I've submerged myself in Jarl Balgruuf's character lately and I've surfaced with mixed results.
On one hand, he keeps what is probably the best, or perhaps the smartest, position on the war, which is neutral. He refuses to aid in the capture of Odahviing until the war cannot threaten Whiterun during the dragon's imprisonment. He seems like a decent enough Jarl, though he exhibits a rather vicious, often unwarranted temper on more than one occasion. His city has no blatant issues, other than the Thieves Guild (after the quest "Imitation Amnesty") and the banning of the Khajiit (which is prevalent in all cities).
Then you have the other side of Balgruuf, or the "Badgruuf" as I so eloquently call it. I, along with others on this very forum I have seen express the same view, feel that his bestowing of the title of Thane on the Dragonborn is fairly opportunistic. He/she was not the only one to combat Mirmulnir during "Dragon Rising". Could he not have given it to the guards (that survived)? Or Irileth? When you think about it, what does he know about the Dragonborn, other than the fact that he/she is a legendary superhuman? The other jarls require him/her to become well known throughout their respective holds. To prove his/her worth. Why doesn't Balgruuf? Is the Dragonborn a collector's item to aquire before everyone else?
What do you think of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater?
On one hand, he keeps what is probably the best, or perhaps the smartest, position on the war, which is neutral. He refuses to aid in the capture of Odahviing until the war cannot threaten Whiterun during the dragon's imprisonment. He seems like a decent enough Jarl, though he exhibits a rather vicious, often unwarranted temper on more than one occasion. His city has no blatant issues, other than the Thieves Guild (after the quest "Imitation Amnesty") and the banning of the Khajiit (which is prevalent in all cities).
Then you have the other side of Balgruuf, or the "Badgruuf" as I so eloquently call it. I, along with others on this very forum I have seen express the same view, feel that his bestowing of the title of Thane on the Dragonborn is fairly opportunistic. He/she was not the only one to combat Mirmulnir during "Dragon Rising". Could he not have given it to the guards (that survived)? Or Irileth? When you think about it, what does he know about the Dragonborn, other than the fact that he/she is a legendary superhuman? The other jarls require him/her to become well known throughout their respective holds. To prove his/her worth. Why doesn't Balgruuf? Is the Dragonborn a collector's item to aquire before everyone else?
What do you think of Jarl Balgruuf the Greater?