Bleak Falls Barrow. The very name sends shivers down the spines of many a novice Dragonborn. It’s the first real dungeon most players encounter in Skyrim, and while not the most challenging, it can certainly be daunting for those just starting their adventure. This guide will walk you through every step of retrieving the Dragonstone from Bleak Falls Barrow, ensuring you survive the Draugr and spiders that lurk within and successfully deliver it to Farengar Secret-Fire in Whiterun.
**Prerequisites:**
* You need to have completed the quest “Before the Storm” in Whiterun, which involves witnessing a dragon attack near the city.
* Speak with Jarl Balgruuf the Greater after the dragon attack. He will then task you with speaking to Farengar Secret-Fire, his court wizard, who needs the Dragonstone.
**Beginning the Quest: Talk to Farengar Secret-Fire**
Once you’ve spoken with Jarl Balgruuf, head to Dragonsreach, the impressive castle located in the center of Whiterun. Find Farengar Secret-Fire in the arcane laboratory; he’s usually hunched over a table surrounded by books and alchemical ingredients. Talk to him, and he’ll explain his interest in the dragons and his need for the Dragonstone, which he believes holds valuable information about their return. He will tell you that it’s located in Bleak Falls Barrow and has already hired someone to retrieve it. He will also tell you that the hired person has stolen an item from Lucan Valerius of the Riverwood Trader named the golden claw.
**Riverwood: The Golden Claw**
Leave Dragonsreach and make your way to Riverwood, a small village southwest of Whiterun. Enter the Riverwood Trader, owned and operated by Lucan and Camilla Valerius. Lucan will be distraught; talk to him, and he’ll tell you that a thief named Arvel the Swift stole a valuable family heirloom – the Golden Claw – and fled into Bleak Falls Barrow. This triggers the quest “The Golden Claw,” which runs concurrently with the Dragonstone quest.
**Journey to Bleak Falls Barrow**
Bleak Falls Barrow is located west of Riverwood, nestled in the mountains. The path is relatively straightforward, but be prepared for potential encounters with wolves, bandits, and other creatures along the way. Keep an eye out for cairns (piles of stones) marking the trail. Reaching Bleak Falls Barrow exterior will have you see a bandit camp, prepare to fight them.
**Bleak Falls Barrow: Exterior and Initial Encounter**
The entrance to Bleak Falls Barrow is a large, imposing stone archway. As you approach, you’ll likely encounter bandits guarding the entrance. Take them out using your preferred combat style. Stealth archers can pick them off from a distance, while warriors can engage them head-on. Mages can use ranged spells to keep them at bay.
**Bleak Falls Barrow: The Dungeon Begins**
Once you’ve dealt with the bandits, enter Bleak Falls Barrow. The dungeon begins with a winding stone corridor. Be cautious, as there are pressure plates that trigger poison darts. Watch the floor carefully and try to avoid stepping on them. If you do trigger one, quickly move out of the way to avoid being hit.
* **The First Puzzle:** You’ll soon come to a room with a lever and a gate. Pulling the lever will cause the gate to open, but it will also trigger a swinging blade trap. To avoid this, stand to the side of the lever and quickly pull it, then step back. Alternatively, you can use the “Whirlwind Sprint” Dragon Shout (if you have it) to dash through the gate before it closes.
* **Spiders and Webs:** Continue through the dungeon, and you’ll encounter giant spiders and their webs. These spiders are poisonous, so try to take them out quickly. Fire magic is particularly effective against them. Use a torch, or fire spells. If you’re caught in a web, repeatedly press the interact button (usually ‘E’ on PC, ‘X’ on Playstation, ‘A’ on Xbox) to break free.
**Finding Arvel the Swift**
As you delve deeper, you’ll eventually come across Arvel the Swift, the thief who stole the Golden Claw. He’s trapped in a spiderweb. Approach him, and he’ll beg you to free him. You can choose to free him, but be warned: he’ll immediately try to run away. It’s best to kill him quickly, as he’ll likely lead you into more traps and enemies. Loot the Golden Claw from his body.
**The Golden Claw Puzzle Door**
After looting the Golden Claw, continue through the dungeon until you reach a large, circular door with three rings. This is the famous Golden Claw puzzle door. The solution is found by examining the Golden Claw itself.
* **Inspect the Golden Claw:** Open your inventory and select the Golden Claw. Rotate it so you can see the palm side. You’ll see three animal symbols etched into the claw: Bear, Moth, Owl.
* **Set the Rings:** Interact with the rings on the door and set them to match the symbols on the Golden Claw, from top to bottom: Bear, Moth, Owl.
* **Activate the Door:** Once the rings are set correctly, activate the door by using the Golden Claw on the keyhole. The door will open, revealing the next section of the dungeon.
**Draugr Encounters**
Beyond the Golden Claw door, you’ll face numerous Draugr, undead warriors that are common in ancient Nordic ruins. These Draugr can be challenging, especially for low-level characters. Here are some tips for dealing with them:
* **Use Silver Weapons:** Silver weapons are more effective against undead creatures like Draugr.
* **Exploit Weaknesses:** Draugr are vulnerable to fire. Use fire spells or fire-enchanted weapons to deal extra damage.
* **Stagger Them:** Use power attacks or shield bashes to stagger Draugr, giving you a chance to attack without being hit.
* **Heal Frequently:** Draugr can deal significant damage, so make sure to heal regularly.
* **Beware the Draugr Scourge:** Some Draugr are more powerful than others. Draugr Scourges can use the “Fus Ro Dah” Dragon Shout, which can knock you off your feet. Be prepared to dodge or block their shouts.
**Navigating the Dungeon**
The dungeon continues with more winding corridors, traps, and Draugr encounters. Be patient and explore carefully. Keep an eye out for loot, such as gold, weapons, and armor. Also, look for healing potions and other useful items.
* **The Swinging Blades:** You’ll encounter another trap involving swinging blades. Time your movements carefully to avoid being hit. You can also use the “Whirlwind Sprint” Dragon Shout to dash through the blades.
* **The Puzzle Bridge:** You’ll come to a broken bridge with a lever nearby. Pulling the lever will cause the bridge to extend, but it will also trigger a Draugr to ambush you. Be prepared to fight the Draugr as soon as the bridge is extended.
**The Word Wall and the Dragonstone**
After navigating the traps and defeating the Draugr, you’ll finally reach the main chamber of Bleak Falls Barrow. In this chamber, you’ll find a Word Wall and a sarcophagus. Approach the Word Wall to learn the first word of the “Unrelenting Force” Dragon Shout: Fus.
* **The Draugr Overlord:** As soon as you approach the Word Wall, the sarcophagus will open, and a Draugr Overlord will emerge. This is a tough enemy, so be prepared for a challenging fight. The Draugr Overlord has strong attacks and can summon other Draugr to aid him.
* **Defeating the Draugr Overlord:** Use all the strategies you’ve learned to defeat the Draugr Overlord. Use silver weapons, exploit his weakness to fire, stagger him with power attacks, and heal frequently. If you’re having trouble, consider using a follower to help you in the fight.
* **Loot the Dragonstone:** Once you’ve defeated the Draugr Overlord, loot his body to find the Dragonstone. This is the item that Farengar Secret-Fire wants.
**Leaving Bleak Falls Barrow**
With the Dragonstone in hand, it’s time to leave Bleak Falls Barrow. Fortunately, there’s a shortcut out of the main chamber. Look for a door leading to a spiral staircase. This staircase will take you back to the entrance of the dungeon.
**Returning to Riverwood (Optional)**
Before returning to Whiterun, you can return to Riverwood and speak with Lucan Valerius. If you return the Golden Claw to him, he’ll reward you with some gold. This is an optional step, but it’s a nice way to complete the “The Golden Claw” quest and earn some extra money.
**Delivering the Dragonstone to Farengar Secret-Fire**
Head back to Whiterun and enter Dragonsreach. Find Farengar Secret-Fire in his laboratory and speak to him. He’ll be pleased that you’ve retrieved the Dragonstone. He will take the Dragonstone, and you will receive a reward. He will tell you that Irileth, Jarl Balgruuf’s housecarl, wants to talk to you.
**Quest Completed**
With the Dragonstone delivered, the quest is complete. You’ve successfully navigated Bleak Falls Barrow, survived the Draugr and spiders, and retrieved the artifact that Farengar Secret-Fire needs. This quest is a crucial step in the main questline of Skyrim, as it will lead you to uncover the truth about the dragons and your destiny as the Dragonborn.
**Tips and Tricks for Bleak Falls Barrow**
* **Bring Potions:** Healing potions and stamina potions are essential for surviving Bleak Falls Barrow. Make sure to stock up before entering the dungeon.
* **Use a Follower:** Having a follower can make Bleak Falls Barrow much easier. Followers can help you fight enemies, carry loot, and trigger traps.
* **Explore Carefully:** Take your time and explore every corner of the dungeon. You’ll find valuable loot and discover hidden areas.
* **Save Frequently:** Save your game frequently, especially before entering new areas or engaging in difficult fights. This will prevent you from losing progress if you die.
* **Consider Your Build:** Tailor your approach based on your character build. Stealth archers can use stealth to avoid enemies and pick them off from a distance. Warriors can use heavy armor and powerful weapons to tank damage. Mages can use ranged spells to keep enemies at bay.
* **The Unrelenting Force Shout:** After learning the “Fus” word from the Word Wall, experiment with the “Unrelenting Force” Dragon Shout. It can be useful for staggering enemies, knocking them off ledges, and even solving puzzles.
**Troubleshooting Common Problems**
* **Stuck in a Web:** If you get caught in a spiderweb, repeatedly press the interact button to break free.
* **Golden Claw Puzzle Incorrect:** Double-check the symbols on the Golden Claw and make sure you’ve set the rings on the door correctly. The order is Bear, Moth, Owl from top to bottom.
* **Draugr Overlord Too Difficult:** If you’re struggling to defeat the Draugr Overlord, try lowering the difficulty level, using a follower, or returning later when you’re more powerful.
**Bleak Falls Barrow: A Rite of Passage**
Bleak Falls Barrow is more than just a dungeon; it’s a rite of passage for every Dragonborn. It’s a test of your skills, your courage, and your ability to survive in the harsh world of Skyrim. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer Bleak Falls Barrow, retrieve the Dragonstone, and continue your journey to becoming a legend.
**Quest Stages:**
* Talk to Farengar Secret-Fire.
* Travel to Riverwood.
* Talk to Lucan Valerius.
* Travel to Bleak Falls Barrow.
* Explore Bleak Falls Barrow.
* Find Arvel the Swift.
* Find the Golden Claw.
* Solve the Golden Claw Puzzle.
* Defeat the Draugr Overlord.
* Retrieve the Dragonstone.
* Return to Farengar Secret-Fire.
By understanding each of these steps, and following the instructions, you should be successful in defeating the Bleak Falls Barrow and retrieving the Dragonstone.