Ive been hearing the term Thane around the forum lately, and Im come to think its a leader of some sort, but I'm not sure. What is a thane and what does it have to do with the game?

It's a title. It's in use in Skyrim.

A Thane is the "Hero of the Hold". Like a Chivalry Title. It was also a Anglo-Saxan title for Land Owners.

Its a minor nobility title, like 'Lord'.

It could come with some land but it doesnt, so it seems the practical impact of the title is the sworn loyalty of a nubile Nord beauty that speaks to you deferentially and whacks your foes with a big sword.

If you do something naughty in your hold, the guards will look the other way. Stuff like that. And you get a housecarl.

and buy property in that hold

You get that before you become Thane.

ahh, you are right, just need to impress the Jarl to be able to buy property. Very true

it's also another word for warrior. although i don't know if thats how it is in skyrim. in the comitatus (honor code between thane and king used by the Anglo-Saxons) however, it is agreed that thane will avenge and kill any whom slays his king or leader and vice versa.

I still think they should have gone with "Thegn" and "Huscarl."

We need a mod. Now.

I see your point, but it makes more sense to use the Anglicised version when speaking English.

Also, a lot of voice acting would have to be redone. It would sound cool, though.

local royal official, equivalent to a count, at the head of an administrative and socio-economic unit known as a shires or thanages. (wikipedia)

benifits in skyrim-

- you get a Huskarl (companion)
either non-servile menservants, or household troops in personal service of someone, equivalent to a bodyguard to Scandinavian lords and kings. (wikip)

- allows you to purchase property in area
maybe you can purchase before reaching Thane rank

-allows you to get away with minor crimes
you can tell a guard that you're a thane and they'll look the other way, no jail or fine, but doesn't work with murder

as a vampire, i will most definitely go for it. it almost seems natural for a vampire to have a stronghold with servants and such

well imagine Beowulf as its very similar

And yet we get "Jarl" instead of "Earl".

Since Thane is sort of a Landowner, can we eventually become a Thane in all the holds in Skyrim?

when you kill the dragon near whiterun the Jarl grants you title of Thane, gives you a housecarl, and lets you buy a house in his city.