You've spent hours raiding monasteries, upgrading your settlement, and hunting down the Order of the Ancients, and then suddenly, you're forced to play judge over a clump of horse hair. It feels small. In the grand epic of Eivor’s saga, the AC Valhalla Rowan or Holger dispute seems like a bizarre detour into village pettiness. But here’s the thing: if you’re looking to be the best Jarl possible, how you handle this local spat actually matters for your relationship with Sigurd and the stability of Ravensthorpe.
Holger is the resident artist, a man whose silver tongue is usually his best asset, but this time it got him into trouble. He took some hair from the tail of Rowan’s horse to make paintbrushes. Rowan, naturally, is livid because he claims the horse is now worth less and looks like a mess. It’s a classic "property damage vs. artistic license" argument that lands right on your doorstep in the longhouse.
The Reality of the Rowan vs. Holger Choice
When you sit on that throne, you aren't just clicking a button; you're interpreting Norse law—or at least Eivor’s version of it. Rowan wants a massive payout. He’s asking for the full market value of the horse because he believes the animal is permanently "spoiled." Holger, being Holger, thinks he hasn't done anything wrong because the hair will eventually grow back.
He’s not wrong, technically. But he's definitely a jerk for not asking first.
If you side with Rowan, you’re basically telling the village that property rights are absolute. You make Holger pay for the damage. If you side with Holger, you’re essentially saying, "It’s just hair, man, relax," and Rowan walks away empty-handed and grumpy. Most players treat this as a throwaway moment, but it’s actually the first of two times these guys will annoy you with their bickering.
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The first time this happens, the stakes are low. You make a choice, one guy is happy, the other is annoyed, and you move on to the next alliance. But the game is setting you up. It’s teaching you how the "judgment" mechanic works before the heavy hitters come later in the story.
Does Siding With Rowan or Holger Actually Change the Ending?
Honestly? No. Not directly.
Unlike the massive decisions involving Sigurd’s "strikes" (which determine if he stays in England or heads back to Norway), the first AC Valhalla Rowan or Holger dispute is a standalone event. You won't lose a limb or a loyalty over it. However, the second time they come to you, things get spicy.
Later in the game, Sigurd will return and interrupt a second dispute between these two. This is where the real "expert" tip comes in: if you want the "good" ending where Sigurd remains your ally and stays in Ravensthorpe, you have to support Sigurd’s judgment in that second encounter—no matter how insane his ruling seems.
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In that second instance, Sigurd delivers an incredibly harsh punishment that doesn't fit the crime at all. If you argue with him, you take a "strike" against your relationship. If you want to keep Sigurd happy, you have to swallow your pride and agree with him. So, while your first choice between Rowan and Holger is mostly about your own personal vibes and how you want Eivor to lead, it serves as the narrative primer for the much more dangerous political minefield later on.
Breaking Down the Verdicts
Let's look at the logic. Rowan's horse is a tool and a status symbol. In the 9th century, a horse's appearance and health were tied directly to a Norseman's wealth. Cutting the tail isn't just a prank; it's a financial hit. Rowan’s demand for the full price of the horse is dramatic, sure, but Holger’s complete refusal to apologize is also infuriating.
- Siding with Rowan: You validate the victim. Holger pays. It feels "fair" in a modern legal sense.
- Siding with Holger: You prioritize the "no harm, no foul" mindset. Since the hair grows back, you let the artist off the hook.
There is no "hidden" loot behind either choice. You won't find a legendary axe stashed in Rowan's stable if you help him, and Holger won't paint you a masterpiece for your room if you take his side. This is pure role-playing. It’s about who you think Eivor is. Is Eivor a strict literalist who respects the law of the land, or a pragmatist who doesn't want to ruin a man’s life over some horse hair?
Why Ubisoft Included This "Filler"
Some critics called these moments fluff. I disagree. Games like The Witcher 3 or Assassin's Creed Valhalla use these small-scale domestic disputes to ground the player. You aren't just a god-tier warrior; you're a leader of a community. If you can't handle two neighbors fighting over a horse, how can you expect to manage the kings of Mercia and Wessex?
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It’s also a brilliant bit of characterization for Holger. He’s one of the few characters in Ravensthorpe who isn't a warrior. He adds flavor to the settlement. Every time you see him after this, you’ll remember him as that guy who can't keep his scissors to himself. It builds a sense of "home" that makes the late-game threats feel more personal. When Ravensthorpe is at risk, you aren't just protecting a map icon; you're protecting the idiot artist and the grumpy horse owner.
Practical Steps for Your Playthrough
If you are currently staring at the dialogue options and sweating, take a breath. Here is how you should actually approach this:
- Don't overthink the silver. You don't lose your own money here. The "payout" happens between the NPCs. Your purse stays exactly as it is.
- Role-play Eivor's temperament. If you’ve played Eivor as a harsh, no-nonsense Viking, side with Rowan. If you’ve played as a more poetic, wandering soul, side with Holger.
- Prepare for the Sigurd Strike. The most important takeaway is to remember these two names. When they appear again later in the game and Sigurd is sitting in the chair, do not oppose him. Even if you think he's being a total tyrant, supporting his decision is vital for the "Best Ending."
- Check your Settlement Level. These disputes often trigger as you level up Ravensthorpe. Keep building and talking to your people to ensure you don't miss these character-building moments.
Ultimately, the Rowan and Holger saga is a reminder that being a Jarl is 10% swinging an axe and 90% listening to people complain. It’s a small, human moment in a game filled with mythological gods and ancient conspiracies, and honestly, that’s why it sticks with people. Go with your gut on the horse hair—just make sure you back Sigurd when the time comes to keep your family together.