Whiterun

Capital: whiterun
Jarl: Balgruuf the Greater

Whiterun Hold is one of the nine Holds of Skyrim. It is the largest of the nine holds

Whiterun Hold is the central hold of Skyrim. It is named for the capital city of the hold, Whiterun. The landscape is mostly boreal plains with vast, sparse tundra and flowing rivers; however its most striking landmark is the Throat of the World, the highest peak in Tamriel. It is said among Nords that this is where mankind was first given life. High Hrothgar is an ancient monastery resting atop the mountain where the Greybeards dwell, masters of the Voice and trainers of the Dragonborn.

Balgruuf the Greater is the Jarl of Whiterun, who can be found in Dragonsreach.

This hold is also known for having a large number of Giant camps. The White River divides the region. Sparse plains extend from west of the river to the township of Rorikstead near the western border, which is situated on ideal farmland. Much of the area near the southern border and east of the river is mountainous. Whiterun appears to have stable security, but some residents complain that Whiterun's security is the worst in the province, calling it shameful (perhaps referring to the lack of guards in one of the hold's villages, Riverwood, early in the game). Whiterun's insignia is a horse's head, which can be seen on the hold guards' shields and on banners inside Dragonsreach.