Unlocking Saarthal: A Comprehensive Guide to Using the Amulet in Skyrim

The Saarthal Amulet is a unique and essential item in Skyrim, obtained during the early stages of the College of Winterhold questline. While its magical properties are useful, its primary significance lies in its role during the quest “Under Saarthal.” This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to acquire the amulet, use it within the Saarthal excavation site, and understand its subsequent impact on the storyline.

Acquiring the Saarthal Amulet

Before you can use the Saarthal Amulet, you need to obtain it. This involves joining the College of Winterhold and progressing to the “Under Saarthal” quest. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Join the College of Winterhold: Travel to Winterhold, located in the northeastern part of Skyrim. To join the College, you’ll need to pass a small entrance test administered by Faralda. The test varies depending on your skill levels. Common options include casting a specific spell (e.g., Firebolt, Healing Hands) or using a Dragon Shout. If you lack the required magic skills, you can persuade Faralda to let you in, although this may require a Speech skill check.
2. Complete the “First Lessons” Quest: After joining the College, you’ll be assigned to attend Tolfdir’s class in the Hall of the Elements. This quest is straightforward – simply listen to Tolfdir’s lecture and practice casting the Ward spell.
3. Receive the “Under Saarthal” Quest: Once you’ve completed “First Lessons,” speak to Tolfdir again. He will inform you about an archaeological excavation at Saarthal and ask you to assist him. He assigns you to find Arniel Gane, another College member already at the site. This initiates the “Under Saarthal” quest.
4. Travel to Saarthal: Saarthal is located southwest of Winterhold. The map marker will guide you to its location.
5. Speak to Arniel Gane: Upon arriving at Saarthal, find Arniel Gane near the entrance. He’ll be preoccupied with his research. Talk to him, and he’ll assign you a task: to search for magical artifacts within the excavation site.
6. Explore the Excavation Site: Follow Arniel’s instructions and begin exploring the Saarthal ruins. This part of the quest involves navigating a linear path through the ruins, looting chests, and occasionally fighting draugr.
7. Find the Saarthal Amulet: Eventually, Arniel will ask you to investigate a particular area marked on your map. Upon reaching this designated location, you’ll find the Saarthal Amulet on a pedestal. Interact with the pedestal to pick up the amulet.

Using the Saarthal Amulet in Saarthal

Now that you possess the Saarthal Amulet, you can proceed with its unique application within the Saarthal ruins. This involves a specific puzzle that requires you to wear the amulet. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Equip the Saarthal Amulet: Open your inventory, navigate to the Apparel section, and equip the Saarthal Amulet around your neck.
2. Approach the Trapped Wall: After acquiring the amulet, a nearby gate will slam shut, and a spectral figure named Jyrik Gauldurson will appear briefly. Examine the wall blocking your path; it now has a distinct magical aura.
3. Observe the Puzzle: The wall is inscribed with runes and appears to be magically sealed. The presence of the Saarthal Amulet seems to be the key to unlocking it.
4. Activate the Wall: With the Saarthal Amulet equipped, interact with the wall. This will trigger a brief cutscene or animation, indicating that the amulet is interacting with the magical barrier.
5. Overcoming the Magic Barrier: After interacting with the wall with the amulet equipped, the barrier will disappear, allowing you to continue further into the ruins.

Continuing the “Under Saarthal” Quest

After using the Saarthal Amulet to bypass the trapped wall, the “Under Saarthal” quest continues, leading you deeper into the ruins. Here’s what to expect:

1. Progress Through the Ruins: Continue navigating the Saarthal ruins, battling draugr and solving minor puzzles. The path is relatively linear.
2. Encounter Jyrik Gauldurson: Eventually, you will reach a large chamber where you will face Jyrik Gauldurson, a powerful draugr lord. He is the main boss of the quest.
3. Defeat Jyrik Gauldurson: Jyrik Gauldurson is a challenging enemy, especially at lower levels. He is resistant to most forms of magic. He is protected by a magic barrier, provided by Tolfdir. Tolfdir is with you and weakening the ward, so wait for him to remove the ward before attacking him with magic. Use physical attacks, such as swords, axes, or bows, to deal significant damage. Use fire magic when Tolfdir weakens him, or if you have fire resistance. Keep moving and utilize cover to avoid his powerful spells. Consider using potions or scrolls to boost your defenses and offensive capabilities.
4. Loot Jyrik Gauldurson: After defeating Jyrik Gauldurson, loot his body. He carries valuable items, including a fragment of the Gauldur Amulet, which is essential for a later quest.
5. Speak to Tolfdir: After defeating Jyrik Gauldurson, speak to Tolfdir. He will express his shock at the events that have transpired and instruct you to report your findings to the Arch-Mage at the College of Winterhold.
6. Return to the College of Winterhold: Fast travel back to the College of Winterhold.
7. Speak to the Arch-Mage: Locate the Arch-Mage (usually Savos Aren) in the Arch-Mage’s Quarters or the Hall of the Elements. Report your findings to him.
8. Complete the Quest: After informing the Arch-Mage about the events at Saarthal, the “Under Saarthal” quest will be completed. You will receive a reward and unlock the next quest in the College of Winterhold questline, “Hitting the Books.”

The Saarthal Amulet’s Magical Properties

Aside from its role in the “Under Saarthal” quest, the Saarthal Amulet also possesses useful magical properties. When equipped, it provides the following enchantment:

• Reduces Magicka Cost for all Spells by 3%: This enchantment reduces the Magicka cost of all spells by 3%, regardless of their school of magic (e.g., Destruction, Conjuration, Restoration).

While a 3% reduction might seem insignificant, it can be beneficial for mage characters, especially early in the game. The reduced Magicka cost allows you to cast more spells before depleting your Magicka reserves, improving your combat effectiveness and spellcasting efficiency.

Is the Saarthal Amulet Worth Keeping?

The Saarthal Amulet’s usefulness depends on your character build and playstyle:

• Mage Characters: For mage characters, the Saarthal Amulet is a decent early-game item. The 3% Magicka cost reduction is helpful, especially when Magicka management is crucial. However, as you progress and acquire better enchantments, you’ll likely replace it with more powerful amulets that provide more significant Magicka benefits (e.g., increased Magicka, faster Magicka regeneration).
• Non-Mage Characters: For non-mage characters, the Saarthal Amulet is less valuable. While the Magicka cost reduction applies to all spells, non-mage characters typically don’t rely heavily on magic. Therefore, they’re better off using amulets that enhance their combat skills, health, stamina, or other relevant attributes.

Ultimately, the decision to keep or discard the Saarthal Amulet is up to you. Consider your character’s needs and whether the 3% Magicka cost reduction is more beneficial than other available enchantments. If you’re a mage character struggling with Magicka management in the early game, the Saarthal Amulet can be a helpful temporary solution.

Alternatives to the Saarthal Amulet

As you progress through Skyrim, you’ll encounter numerous amulets with more powerful enchantments than the Saarthal Amulet. Here are some notable alternatives:

• Amulet of Talos: Provides a 20% reduction in Shout cooldown time. Extremely useful for Dragonborn characters who rely on Dragon Shouts.
• Amulets with Fortify Magicka: These amulets increase your maximum Magicka, allowing you to cast more spells before running out of Magicka. You can find them randomly or enchant them yourself.
• Amulets with Fortify School of Magic: These amulets reduce the Magicka cost of spells from a specific school of magic (e.g., Destruction, Conjuration). More effective than the Saarthal Amulet if you specialize in a particular school.
• Amulets with Resist Magic: Provides resistance to magical damage, increasing your survivability against magic-using enemies.
• Unique Amulets: Several unique amulets offer special enchantments and abilities. Examples include the Gauldur Amulet (once reassembled), the Locket of Saint Jiub, and the Necromancer’s Amulet.

Troubleshooting and Common Issues

Sometimes, players may encounter issues while using the Saarthal Amulet or progressing through the “Under Saarthal” quest. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Cannot Equip the Saarthal Amulet: Ensure that you don’t already have an amulet equipped. You can only wear one amulet at a time. Also, check if the amulet has been somehow flagged as un-equippable due to a bug. Try saving and reloading the game.
• Wall Doesn’t Activate: Make sure you have the Saarthal Amulet equipped. Unequip and re-equip it to ensure the game registers it correctly. If the wall still doesn’t activate, try leaving the area and returning. This can sometimes reset the quest trigger.
• Jyrik Gauldurson is Too Difficult: Lower the game difficulty in the settings menu if you’re struggling to defeat Jyrik Gauldurson. Focus on using physical attacks and avoiding his spells. Utilize potions and scrolls to boost your defenses and offensive capabilities. Also, make sure you let Tolfdir weaken the ward around him first.
• Quest is Stuck: If the quest gets stuck, try reloading a previous save. This can often resolve scripting issues. If the problem persists, consult the Unofficial Skyrim Patch, a fan-made mod that fixes numerous bugs and glitches in the game.

Conclusion

The Saarthal Amulet is more than just a piece of jewelry; it’s a key component in unlocking the secrets of Saarthal and progressing through the College of Winterhold questline. While its magical properties are modest, its significance in the “Under Saarthal” quest makes it an essential item for any aspiring mage or adventurer exploring Skyrim. By following this guide, you can successfully acquire the amulet, use it to overcome the magical barrier, defeat Jyrik Gauldurson, and continue your journey within the College of Winterhold. Remember to consider your character build and playstyle when deciding whether to keep or replace the Saarthal Amulet as you progress through the game. Happy adventuring!

Additional Tips for the College of Winterhold Questline

Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience with the College of Winterhold questline:

• Level Up Your Magic Skills: Focus on leveling up your preferred schools of magic to improve your spellcasting abilities and unlock more powerful spells.
• Gather Potions and Scrolls: Stock up on potions and scrolls that enhance your Magicka, health, and offensive capabilities. These can be invaluable during challenging encounters.
• Explore the College: Explore the College of Winterhold thoroughly. You’ll find valuable resources, spell books, and crafting materials.
• Interact with College Members: Talk to the various members of the College to learn more about their research, motivations, and personal stories.
• Complete Side Quests: Take on side quests offered by College members to earn extra gold, improve your skills, and gain access to unique rewards.
• Consider Your Character’s Alignment: The College of Winterhold questline is primarily focused on magic and knowledge. Align your character’s choices and actions accordingly to create a more immersive and rewarding experience.
• Manage Your Inventory: Keep your inventory organized and avoid carrying unnecessary items. This will prevent you from becoming encumbered and slowing down your progress.
• Use the Unofficial Skyrim Patch: As mentioned earlier, the Unofficial Skyrim Patch is highly recommended to fix bugs and glitches that may occur during the College of Winterhold questline.

The Lore Behind Saarthal

Understanding the lore behind Saarthal adds another layer of appreciation to the “Under Saarthal” quest. Here’s a brief overview:

• First Nord Settlement: Saarthal was one of the first settlements established by the Nords (also known as the Atmorans) upon their arrival in Skyrim from Atmora.
• Night of Tears: Saarthal was destroyed during the infamous Night of Tears, a surprise attack by the elves (specifically the Falmer, or Snow Elves) that resulted in the massacre of the Nord settlers.
• Ysgamor and the Companions: Ysgamor, a Nord leader, survived the Night of Tears and returned to Atmora to gather an army known as the Companions. He then led the Companions back to Skyrim to avenge the destruction of Saarthal and drive out the elves.
• The Eye of Magnus: The ruins of Saarthal are believed to contain the Eye of Magnus, a powerful artifact of immense magical power. The Psijic Order, an ancient monastic order of mages, is particularly interested in the Eye and its potential consequences.
• Jyrik Gauldurson’s Connection: Jyrik Gauldurson, the boss you encounter in Saarthal, is a powerful draugr lord who was once a formidable sorcerer in life. His presence in Saarthal suggests that he was guarding something important related to the Eye of Magnus or the secrets of the ancient Nords.

By understanding the historical significance of Saarthal and its connection to the Nords, the elves, and the Eye of Magnus, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the events unfolding during the “Under Saarthal” quest and the College of Winterhold questline as a whole.