Skyrimhas a seemingly endless amount of lore that you can discover hold by hold, or even out in the wilds. Each city of Skyrim contains an incredible wealth of backstories and has its own distinct personality, so it’s no surprise if you find yourself feeling particularly fond of one and want to make it your primary home.
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In this list, we compare every city in Skyrim to the signs of the zodiac based on general themes, features, and appearance. Keep in mind that zodiac signs represent a general energy—your true Skyrim soul city is whatever you want it to be!
12Aries - Windhelm
As Aries is the first sign in the zodiac, so too was Windhelm the first city built in Skyrim. Aries have admirable qualities, such as fearlessness and a self-starting ability, along with the darker aspects of this fiery nature, such as selfishness and arrogance.
You can clearly see these traits at work as soon as you enter the city and encounter the Nords harassing a Dark Elf because of her race. Windhelm is home to Jarl Ulfric and his army of Stormcloaks. This faction is known to be resolute in defending their homeland, often to the point of sheer recklessness.
11Taurus - Solitude
Taurus is a methodical and grounded sign that loves to enjoy earthy pleasures. Ruled by the planet Venus, Taurus knows it deserves to have a life defined by luxury and beauty, making this sign one of the most hard-working out of the entire zodiac.
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However, Taurus will only do work that feels good—this isn’t the type of person that will clock in a bunch of overtime to achieve a goal. These are all values shared by the people who live in Solitude’s eye-catching hold, where you can attend community events filled with food and dance.
10Gemini - Riften
As an air sign, Gemini loves a good mental challenge and craves constant variety. The need for new experiences makes Gemini fidgety, like a thief in a busy marketplace, surrounded by overflowing pockets.
Riften allows Gemini to put its street-smart capabilities on display in increasingly creative ways and rack up all sorts of wealth, the most treasured of all being the outrageous stories Gemini can share with friends afterwards.
9Cancer - Riverwood
While Riverwood isn’t an actual city, its significance as your first safe haven in the game earns this village an honorable mention. After narrowly escaping an unjust executionanda dragon attack, the gentle pace of Riverwood is a welcome change of pace.
Regardless of the character you choose to escape Helgen with, both have family here who embrace you with open arms and offerfood, supplies, and a warm bedto a total stranger. The familial safety and kindness found in Riverwood perfectly exemplify the best traits of Cancer, a sign devoted to home and nurturing its close connections.
8Leo - Whiterun
Shining like a beacon in the center of Skyrim, Whiterun is the nation’s trading hub and likely the first major city you’ll settle down in. The people who live here are strong, but quick to warm up to you, which is a rarity across other holds. Andas far as Jarls go, Whiterun’s Balgruuf the Greater is one of Skyrim’s best examples of a leader.
He consistently puts his people first, even those outside of Whiterun’s immediate reach, and he shows his dedication to his trusted allies without reserve. The Companions are also housed in Whiterun, further emphasizing Leo’s qualities of bravery, leadership, and loyalty.
7Virgo - Morthal
The citizens of Morthal enjoy living life at their own pace, far away from the influence of other holds. People here are wary of outsiders threatening their gentle way of existence and don’t appreciate any sort of criticism, just like the sign of Virgo.
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As a Virgo, you scrutinize yourself quite enough,thank you very much, and don’t need to hear anyone else’s opinions on how you “should” be performing a task when you’ve already outlined how to do it in at least ten different ways. Self-sufficient, a perfectionist, and a natural alchemist, Virgo appreciates Morthal’s secluded marshes.
6Libra - Solitude
Libra is another Venus-ruled sign, but unlike earthy Taurus, Libra is all about making beautiful connections. This sign is represented by scales, giving Libras the personality of one who is judgmental, but fair. The citizens of Solitude are concerned with aesthetic pleasures and won’t hesitate to tell you what they really think of your outfit.
In addition, Solitude’s Jarl—aptly named Elisif the Fair—relies heavily on others to maintain her position as High Queen.The Bard’s College in Solitudealso demonstrates Libra’s love for speech, song, and poetry.
5Scorpio - Falkreath
Scorpio is happiest when diving into depths others would find uncomfortable, finding a home among the taboo and macabre. This sign is all about journeying to the underworld and discovering hidden treasures in the darkness. Likewise, Falkreath is most famous for its graveyard and, even more notably, embracing a relationship to death.
The city’s shops, inn, and even the lumber mill all carry names related to these themes of death. As Scorpio appreciates people who cut to the heart of issues and see beyond the veil of the world, the scorpion would no doubt find a home in a delightfully morbid place like Falkreath.
4Sagittarius - Winterhold
Every magic user knows that their best weapon is their mind, which is why joining the College of Winterhold is the ultimate goal for most aspiring Skyrim mages. The College offers important lessons in higher learning, and this is ideal for Sagittarius, as the sign of the centaur is always thirsty for knowledge.
A born philosopher, a Sagittarius is constantly seeking new horizons and understandings. After diving into every available school of magic and honing their skills, Sagittarius will likely leave Winterhold behind and venture out into the world, as no one city can claim them forever.
3Capricorn - Markarth
Capricorn is the CEO of the zodiac, valuing hard labor, smart decisions, and business savviness above all else. That “all work, no play” mentality gives Capricorn an intimidating air, but those who are willing to venture past that icy exterior are bound to find riches and warmth.
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This is similar to the dwarven city of Markarth, where the locals claim “blood and silver are what flows” here. Markarth is also extremely well-defended with thick, towering walls, and referred to as the “City of Stone,” but there’s still plenty of beauty to be found if you know where to look. After all, Markarth does house the Temple of Dibella and her pleasure-abiding disciples.
