After completing the East Anglia arc in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, players will be tasked with reporting to Randvi about what happened there. Before they get the chance, they'll find themselves settling a dispute between Rowan and Holger, and sitting in Sigurd's throne in the process. Players no doubt want to know whether they should say if Rowan or Holger is in the right. Like many choices in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, this one actually doesn't matter, outside of the dialogue exchanges.
More than anything, the outcome would affect either Rowan or Holger, but even they don't change in any way based on Eivor's decision. This is truly just a case that allows players to roleplay Eivor and develop the character in their own minds. Nonetheless, this piece will get into the details surrounding these characters and the choice Eivor is faced with.
Updated July 4, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: Assassin's Creed Mirage is on the horizon, and while the game looks stunning from a visual standpoint, Ubisoft is adamant that the game will be going full circle back to the franchise's roots in terms of mechanics and structure. This means a likely dialing back or removal of the elaborate, branching pathways. This is in stark contrast to Valhalla, which prominently features plot/character choices, a non-linear campaign, and sandbox gameplay.
Even a simple quest that has Eivor settle a horse-related squabble offers a choice as to who should be reprimanded. With more gamers delving into Valhalla in anticipation of Mirage (and on account of Valhalla's frequent discounts), we decided to revisit and refine this quest guide.
This is a brief story quest that becomes available upon visiting the longhouse in Ravensthorpe while playing through Reporting on East Anglia. It follows the East Anglia story arch and the quest Wedding Horns. Starting this will initiate the quest Mane and Tail.
Holger And Rowan
In the brutal society of Medieval England, there are bound to be clashes between various figures; especially those with different backgrounds. Such is the case for the Norse skald Holger and Saxon stablemaster Rowan.
Holger is the brother of flyting teacher Alvis and an avid poet as well as a painter. With limited tools apparently at his disposal, he decided to sneak into Rowan's stables and cut off the tail of one of his prize horses in order to make a paintbrush. His justification for this act is based on the idea that the horse's tail will grow back, so the damage isn't permanent.
In Holger's mind, this makes his transgression a non-problem. On the other hand, Rowan is naturally upset because the horse's value has vastly decreased and the cutting of its tail was done without permission. Players have to choose whether to side with Rowan or Holger on the matter.
The Choice At Hand
If the player sides with Rowan, Eivor will make Holger pay Rowan the full market price of the horse. Holger expresses his distaste for this solution and gets even more upset when Eivor reveals that he won't be able to keep the horse either.
He pleads his case that he "borrowed the tail" and that it should be considered a "victimless crime" as the tail will grow back anyway. Eivor will reaffirm that in fact, this was a two-victim crime and Holger took the tail without asking.
On the other hand, if the player sides with Holger, Rowan receives no punishment other than a verbal reprimand. Instead, Holger is forced to apologize (in a rather over-the-top way) and promise to never do it again. This is a promise that he will break later on in the story.
The Better Choice?
It's up to the player to decide which outcome they like best, but most seem to agree that Holger is in the wrong.
Not only did Holger steal the horse's tail without permission, lowering its value, but horses actually use their tails for health reasons as well. Without a tail, it won't be able to swat away flies and other pests and is at greater risk of developing an infection...the poor hairless horse!
On the other hand, agreeing with Holger is the more diplomatic move, as Eivor will have him apologize, which will be accepted by Rowan. This result leads to a happier outcome for both parties, and they'll actually become friends.
Does This Decision Affect The Narrative Or Gameplay?
This decision doesn't have any real impact on the story or the characters in question — nor does it bring any unique rewards or tangible things Eivor receives. It's just meant to be an interactive story device for players to mold Eivor into a certain type of leader and reveal a bit of their personality. It's a moral choice on the part of the player.
No matter the outcome, Eivor will be rewarded with 1700 XP upon settling this dispute. Not a bad way to earn some quick, simple experience points.
The Hairless Horse Can Be Seen And Ridden
While the quest doesn't amount to much, there is a tangible easter egg related to it. Players can see (and even ride) the horse that's the subject of this dispute by visiting the nearby stables. Players will be able to pick out the horse from its lack of hair all over. Again, this doesn't mean much in the scheme of things, but it makes for an amusing easter egg.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.