I have to go with Septimus Signus. A former Winterhold sholar and an expert about the Dwemer. Don't forget that Septimus is the one who helps you getting your hands on the

when everybody fails to help you.

My second choice would be Calcelmo, considering his great knowledge for Dwemer and the Falmer. Calcelmo is also one the only people in Skyrim who knows the Falmer language.

Needs an 'other' option.

InB4Ulfric.

I'd say realistically probably the Snow Elf you meet in Dawnguard. Ancient knowledge and all that.

Or, if not anyone from the Bards College, I'd say the Greybeards.

your choices are a tad limited; what if i thought that Tullius was the smartest due to his superb tactical manoeuvres? (Obviously didnt happen, that dumb fart; just an example)

I actually think Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone (?) is pretty smart. She's quite experienced in political dealings with the Thalmor, as shown from her dialogue in the Thalmor Embassy.

Mr M'Aiq puts all those to shame.

Obviously M'aiq the Liar.

Cosnach

Seriously, probably one of the Psijics, but of these Calcelmo, Septimus or Elenwen

Rolff Stone-Fist

I went with Go-Grab-Snot-Grub or whateverhisnameis.

In any TV show, they always go to the book guy to get the info they really need. Smartest? Most knowledgeable probably.

M'aiq is a true gentleman and scholar amongst men, Khajiit, Mer and Argonians. He sees the obvious truths, almost as if he were giving an outside looking in view, as if he could break walls if you would.

This was hard. I'll go with Urag Gro-Shub.

Maiq knows many things

Difficult question, I think the poll should be expanded a little. Where are the greybeards, for example. I wouldn't put Tullius or Ulfric up.....Because I don't think either of them are the cleverest person in Skyrim, no matter what I think of them!

I voted Esbern, you get the feeling you could ask him about anything and he would give you an answer. Calcemo is smart and snotty, but beyond Dwemer and Snow elves I don't think he is exceptional. Mirabelle is a smart woman, but a brilliant mind? I wouldn't say so. I suppose Septimus is clever, but he is also dumb enough to get tangled up in the snare of Herma Mora, again, I think a little too mad to be considered smart. Elewen, I don't understand this option, she is clearly just the stooge of superiors higher up, basically just a Thalmor spy and threat - maker, rather than an independent thinker. Urag gro-Shub has responsibility of a library, that doesn't make him an automatic genius. He may be, it may be that he just doesn't want to show off, I suppose he knows what he is looking at when examining items, which is a sign of intelligence. I would consider this a reasonable choice.

Ah, Tolfdir, he is a close second to Esbern in my book, he is clearly a deep thinker and exceptionally talented in his field, but again, he lacks that broad-reaching knowledge of all things.

Personally, I would put Delphine up there. She may be hated, but she is also smart. It takes skill to survive the Thalmore for so long, and she is obviously an exceptional agent in her field. I have a respect for her, even if she does rather underestimate what her duties to the dragonborn entail.

Behave yourself Michael.

Septimus knows so much that he went nuts.

The guards are master practicioners of Mysticism. They deserve a spot on the list.

Probably an elf who's been around for several centuries/millenia. The falmer are good candidates (Gelebor and Vyrthur). Altmer are also very long-lived, so I'd go with an altmer or one of the falmer/Gelebor.

Marcurio. At least according to himself.

As for the ones on the list, I would say Enthir. He's a survivor who knows where there's money to be made. Not to mention, he's a linguistic genius, considering how fast he can translate the Falmer language after a quick glance at a completely different translation.

Why am I not on this list? What slander is this?!

One word: Valdar!!

Valdar... Tahrodiis nikriin!

I am sorry, can't answer...


there is no "smartest person" due to how knowledge works...


for example, Calcelmo is an expert on all things Dwemer, but if he had to take an exam on the History of Dragons he would likely flunk..
and while Esbern seems to be an expert on the History of Dragons and somewhat of the Akaviri, he would likely flunk if the exam focused on a certain Daedric prince and their realm(s)..



there is no such thing as a "smartest person", because in all honesty (in both games and RL) everyones Knowledge is specialized into a certain field or specialty

Don't be so narrow minded! Go and read some Deepak Chopra dude, you certainly sound like you need it.

not being Narrow minded, Im being a realist

He told Lucia to stay away from the grey quarter. He said it's not safe there.

I say that's smart thinking.