The Eldergleam Sanctuary, a hidden and mystical location in Skyrim, plays a significant role in several quests, most notably ‘The Blessings of Nature’ quest offered by Danica Pure-Spring in Whiterun. This quest requires you to retrieve sap from the Eldergleam tree. However, depending on your choices and interactions with NPCs, the method of obtaining this sap can vary drastically. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different paths to acquiring the Eldergleam Sap, outlining each step in detail, explaining the consequences, and helping you make informed decisions.
Understanding the Quest: The Blessings of Nature
Before diving into the retrieval methods, let’s clarify the context. Danica Pure-Spring, a priestess of Kynareth in Whiterun’s Temple of Kynareth, is concerned about the Gildergreen tree in the city’s center. It has been struck by lightning and is dying. Danica asks the Dragonborn to retrieve sap from the Eldergleam tree, the Gildergreen’s parent tree, believing its restorative properties can heal the Gildergreen.
The ‘Blessings of Nature’ quest itself is quite straightforward. However, the complexities arise in how you choose to obtain the Eldergleam Sap. You have essentially two main choices:
- **Obtain the Sap directly from the Eldergleam tree.** This involves navigating the Eldergleam Sanctuary and interacting with the tree itself.
- **Obtain the Sap using Nettlebane.** This involves acquiring a special dagger called Nettlebane and using it to wound the Eldergleam, obtaining sap from the wound.
Both options have their own consequences and impact different characters. Let’s explore each method in detail.
Method 1: Obtaining Sap Directly from the Eldergleam Tree
This is generally considered the ‘good’ or ‘peaceful’ route. It involves working *with* the natural forces surrounding the Eldergleam, rather than harming it.
Step 1: Traveling to Eldergleam Sanctuary
The Eldergleam Sanctuary is located in Eastmarch, southeast of Windhelm. It’s marked on your map once the ‘Blessings of Nature’ quest is active. The journey there can be perilous, depending on your level and the creatures you encounter. Be prepared to face wolves, trolls, and possibly even a dragon. Stock up on potions, armor, and weapons suitable for your level before embarking on the journey.
Step 2: Navigating the Sanctuary
The entrance to the Sanctuary is guarded by Spriggans and other nature spirits. These creatures are fiercely protective of the Eldergleam. Spriggans are particularly dangerous due to their ability to heal themselves and summon animals to aid them. Use fire-based attacks as Spriggans are vulnerable to fire. Watch out for their area-of-effect poison attacks.
As you progress deeper into the Sanctuary, you’ll encounter more Spriggans and possibly other creatures. The Sanctuary is a visually stunning location, filled with lush vegetation and glowing flora. However, don’t get distracted by the scenery; remain vigilant and prepared for combat. Utilize stealth when possible to avoid unnecessary encounters.
Step 3: Interacting with Maurice Jondrelle
Inside the Sanctuary, you’ll find Maurice Jondrelle, a follower of Kynareth. He’s a key character in this method. Maurice is initially found marveling at the Eldergleam tree. Speak with him.
During the conversation with Maurice, you’ll learn about his devotion to Kynareth and his desire to be closer to nature. He offers to assist you in obtaining the Eldergleam Sap. Accept his offer. This is crucial for this method to work.
If you attack Maurice, this method becomes impossible. You can still complete the quest using the Nettlebane method, but you’ll miss out on the unique experience of working with Maurice and witnessing the power of faith.
Step 4: Witnessing Maurice’s Faith
After agreeing to let Maurice assist you, he will approach the Eldergleam tree and begin to pray. This is the pivotal moment. As he prays, a single sapling will sprout from the roots of the Eldergleam. This sapling contains the Eldergleam Sap you need.
Maurice’s unwavering faith in Kynareth is what allows the sapling to grow. This showcases the power of belief and the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality in the world of Skyrim.
Step 5: Retrieving the Sapling
Once the sapling has sprouted, simply approach it and interact with it to collect the Eldergleam Sap. This completes the objective of obtaining the sap using the peaceful method.
Step 6: Returning to Danica Pure-Spring
With the Eldergleam Sap in hand, return to Whiterun and speak with Danica Pure-Spring. She will be overjoyed that you were able to obtain the sap without harming the Eldergleam tree. She will then use the sap to heal the Gildergreen tree in Whiterun.
As a reward for completing the quest, Danica will offer you a blessing that increases your health regeneration. This is a valuable boon, especially for melee-focused characters.
Method 2: Obtaining Sap Using Nettlebane
This is generally considered the ‘evil’ or ‘harmful’ route. It involves using a special dagger called Nettlebane to wound the Eldergleam tree and extract the sap. This method has negative consequences and is not recommended if you want to maintain a positive reputation with the followers of Kynareth.
Step 1: Retrieving Nettlebane
Nettlebane is not located in the Eldergleam Sanctuary. Instead, you must travel to Orphan Rock, a location west of Whiterun. Orphan Rock is a rocky outcrop inhabited by hags and witches. These enemies can be challenging, especially at lower levels. Be prepared for a difficult fight.
The hags at Orphan Rock are skilled in magic and can cast powerful spells. They also have access to potions and poisons. Use ranged attacks to take them down from a distance, and be sure to dodge their spells.
Nettlebane is located in a chest near the top of Orphan Rock. Once you have defeated the hags, search the area carefully to find the chest. The chest may be locked, so be sure to have lockpicks on hand or a follower who can pick locks.
Be warned that taking Nettlebane from Orphan Rock will likely trigger a bounty in the Reach, as the hags are associated with the Forsworn.
Step 2: Traveling to Eldergleam Sanctuary
Once you have Nettlebane, travel to the Eldergleam Sanctuary, as described in Method 1. The journey remains the same, and you will still need to contend with the Spriggans and other creatures guarding the entrance.
Step 3: Interacting with the Eldergleam Tree
Unlike Method 1, you do *not* need to speak with Maurice Jondrelle if you intend to use Nettlebane. In fact, speaking with him and agreeing to his help will prevent you from using Nettlebane. If you accidentally spoke with him, you can attack him to proceed with using Nettlebane, but this will obviously have negative consequences.
Instead, simply approach the Eldergleam tree and equip Nettlebane. You will see a prompt to ‘Cut’ the tree. Interacting with the tree while Nettlebane is equipped will cause your character to stab the tree with the dagger.
Step 4: Obtaining the Sap
After stabbing the Eldergleam tree with Nettlebane, sap will begin to flow from the wound. You can then collect the Eldergleam Sap. This is a much quicker and simpler method than the peaceful route, but it comes at a cost.
Step 5: Consequences of Using Nettlebane
Using Nettlebane to obtain the Eldergleam Sap has several negative consequences:
- **Danica Pure-Spring’s Disapproval:** When you return to Danica Pure-Spring with the sap obtained using Nettlebane, she will be visibly upset that you harmed the Eldergleam tree. While she will still accept the sap, she will express her disappointment in your actions.
- **Reduced Reward:** Danica will still offer you a blessing, but it will be a *less* powerful blessing than if you had obtained the sap peacefully. The health regeneration bonus will be significantly smaller.
- **Maurice Jondrelle’s Reaction:** If Maurice is still alive, he will be horrified by your actions and may become hostile towards you. He will likely accuse you of defiling the sacred tree and undermining the principles of Kynareth.
- **Potential Aggression from Sanctuary Creatures:** While not always guaranteed, harming the Eldergleam can agitate the remaining Spriggans and other creatures in the Sanctuary, potentially leading to further combat.
Step 6: Returning to Danica Pure-Spring
Return to Danica Pure-Spring in Whiterun and give her the sap. Despite her disappointment, she will use it to heal the Gildergreen. You will receive a smaller blessing as a reward.
Choosing the Right Method
The choice of how to obtain the Eldergleam Sap depends on your character’s alignment and your desired outcome. If you are playing a good-aligned character and want to maximize your reward, the peaceful method involving Maurice Jondrelle is the best option. If you are playing an evil-aligned character or simply want to complete the quest as quickly as possible, the Nettlebane method is an option, but be aware of the consequences.
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of each method:
Method 1: Peaceful Route (Maurice Jondrelle)
**Pros:**
- Highest reward from Danica Pure-Spring.
- Positive interaction with Maurice Jondrelle.
- No negative consequences to your reputation.
- Aligns with a good-aligned character.
- Witness a unique and inspiring moment of faith.
**Cons:**
- Requires accepting Maurice’s help.
- Cannot be used if you have already obtained Nettlebane.
- Slightly longer and more involved process.
Method 2: Nettlebane Route
**Pros:**
- Faster and simpler to complete.
- Doesn’t require interacting with Maurice.
- An option if Maurice is dead or hostile.
- An option if you prefer a more direct approach.
**Cons:**
- Lower reward from Danica Pure-Spring.
- Danica’s disapproval.
- Potential hostility from Maurice Jondrelle.
- Negative consequences to your reputation (hurting a sacred tree).
- Requires obtaining Nettlebane from a dangerous location.
- May trigger a bounty in the Reach.
Additional Tips and Considerations
- **Level Recommendations:** The Eldergleam Sanctuary and Orphan Rock can be challenging locations, especially at lower levels. It is recommended that you be at least level 10 before attempting this quest.
- **Bring a Follower:** Having a follower can significantly ease the difficulty of the quest. A follower can help you in combat and carry extra gear.
- **Prepare for Combat:** Stock up on potions, armor, and weapons suitable for your level. Fire-based attacks are particularly effective against Spriggans.
- **Save Frequently:** Save your game frequently, especially before entering the Eldergleam Sanctuary and Orphan Rock. This will allow you to reload your game if you make a mistake or encounter a difficult enemy.
- **Consider your Character’s Alignment:** Choose the method that aligns with your character’s alignment. If you are playing a good-aligned character, the peaceful method is the best option. If you are playing an evil-aligned character, the Nettlebane method may be more appropriate.
- **Explore the Sanctuary:** The Eldergleam Sanctuary is a beautiful and unique location. Take some time to explore it and appreciate its beauty.
- **Talk to NPCs:** Talk to the NPCs in the Sanctuary, especially Maurice Jondrelle. They can provide you with valuable information and insights into the quest.
- **Read Books and Notes:** Look for books and notes in the Sanctuary. They can provide you with lore and background information about the Eldergleam tree and the Sanctuary.
Conclusion
Retrieving the Eldergleam Sap is a relatively simple quest in Skyrim, but it offers players a choice with moral implications. Whether you choose the path of peace and faith with Maurice Jondrelle or the path of pragmatism and potential harm with Nettlebane, your decision will have consequences. By understanding the steps, the implications, and the potential rewards and penalties of each method, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your character’s story and your desired gameplay experience. So, venture forth, Dragonborn, and may Kynareth guide your steps!