Like many choices in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, this one actually doesn’t matter, outside of the dialogue exchanges.

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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 a just a case that allows for players to role play Eivor and develop the character in their own mind. Nonetheless, this piece will get into the details surrounding these characters and the choice Eivor is faced with.

Updated February 7, 2022 by Stephen LaGioia: There are a plethora of decisions to make in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, ranging greatly in significance and detail. Whether it’s a choice of which weapon to wield, what part of England to pledge to next, or who to side with in a squabble, Eivor is often faced with options during this epic campaign.

This practice has continued following the release of the Wrath of the Druids and Siege of Paris DLC, and no doubt will with the robust Dawn of Ragnarok. In the meantime, we decided to revisit and fill out this guide regarding this unique dispute. Who should come out on top? Holger or Rowan? The choice is up to players, but exactly what does this mean?

This brief quest becomes available upon visiting the longhouse in Ravensthorpe while playing through Reporting on East Anglia. Starting this will initiate the quest Mane and Tail.

Holger And Rowan

In the brutal, rough-and-tumble 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 significantly 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.

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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.

As it’s been touched on, 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 he steal the horse’s tail without permission, thereby 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 actually at greater risk for developing an infection.

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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 simply meant to be a sort of interactive way for players to mold Eivor into the character they want and give him some depth. It’s simply 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.

As an interesting side note: players can in fact see (and even ride) the horse that’s the subject of this dispute by visiting the stables. Players will be able to pick out the horse from its lack of hair. Again, this doesn’t mean much in the scheme of things, but it makes for a fun little easter egg.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

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