The Pale is a hold in northern Skyrim, with its capital in Dawnstar. It is initially affiliated with the Stormcloaks, but can be persuaded to switch sides by actions completed by the players.  The Pale is sparsely populated, with safe places for travelers few and far between. The snowy terrain that makes up most of the hold is unsuitable for farming; however, the far southern edge, where not mountainous, is more hospitable.

One of three entrances to Blackreach is in the depths of Raldbthar, a Dwarven ruin south of Lake Yorgrim, the largest lake in the Pale. River Yorgrim flows from this lake.

It is bordered to the north by Winterhold, to the east by Eastmarch, to the south by Whiterun, and finally to the west by Hjallmarch.