Who is Arvak? The Spectral Steed of Skyrim
Arvak is a spectral horse found within the Soul Cairn in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’s Dawnguard DLC. Unlike standard horses in Skyrim, Arvak isn’t purchased or found in the wild. Instead, he’s obtained through a quest and subsequently summoned at will using the “Summon Arvak” spell. This makes him a uniquely convenient and lore-rich mount for players exploring the vast world of Skyrim. He’s essentially a skeletal horse that can be called to your side whenever you need him, providing a reliable and slightly eerie mode of transportation.
Delving into the Lore of Arvak
Arvak’s story is more than just a simple fetch quest for a cool mount; it’s a glimpse into the tragic existence of souls trapped within the Soul Cairn. He serves as a reminder of loss and longing, making his acquisition feel more meaningful than just acquiring a faster travel method.
The Soul Cairn and Lost Souls
The Soul Cairn is an otherworldly plane of Oblivion ruled by the Ideal Masters, entities that crave souls. It’s a desolate landscape where the damned are imprisoned for eternity. It is here, within this bleak realm, that the Dragonborn encounters Arvak. He’s more than just a collection of bones; he’s a trapped spirit yearning to be reunited with his owner.
Finding Arvak’s Skull: The Quest Begins
To acquire Arvak, players must undertake the “Soul Cairn Horse Quest.” This involves venturing deep into the Soul Cairn and locating Arvak’s skull. The skull is usually found on an altar within the Cairn. Finding it marks the true beginning of our interactions with this spectral steed.
Reuniting Arvak with his Owner
Once the skull is found, the quest directs players to find Arvak’s owner, a soul trapped within the Soul Cairn. Returning the skull to this soul triggers a dialogue where he expresses his gratitude and, in return, teaches the Dragonborn the “Summon Arvak” spell.
The Summon Arvak Spell: A Loyal Companion at Your Beck and Call
The Summon Arvak spell is an apprentice-level conjuration spell. Casting the spell instantly summons Arvak, ready to be mounted. This distinguishes him from other horses that must be physically located and remain tethered to the area where you left them. However, Arvak is also a temporary summon. He disappears after 60 seconds unless you are actively riding him. If dismounted, the timer begins again.
Arvak vs. Shadowmere: A Comparison
A common comparison is made between Arvak and another iconic horse, Shadowmere. Shadowmere is acquired through the Dark Brotherhood questline and is known for his aggressive nature and substantial health.
Strength and Combat Prowess
Shadowmere is undeniably the strongest horse in Skyrim in terms of health and combat ability. He will actively engage enemies and has a higher chance of surviving encounters. Arvak, on the other hand, is more of a means of transportation and not suited for combat.
Respawns and Permanence
Shadowmere respawns if he dies, making him a virtually immortal companion. Arvak, however, disappears after a set time if he’s not being ridden. This difference in permanence highlights their different roles: Shadowmere is a tank, while Arvak is a convenient taxi.
Acquisition and Convenience
Shadowmere is tied to the Dark Brotherhood questline, meaning players must engage in morally questionable activities to obtain him. Arvak, while locked behind the Dawnguard DLC, doesn’t require the player to compromise their moral compass. Furthermore, Arvak’s summonable nature makes him far more convenient than Shadowmere, who needs to be physically located.
Arvak’s Unique Advantages
Beyond his summonable nature, Arvak offers several subtle advantages that make him a favorite among many players.
Navigating Difficult Terrain
Because he is a summon, Arvak can be summoned in tight spots where a normal horse cannot fit. The summon ability comes in especially handy in the many caves and mountains of Skyrim.
Aesthetic Appeal
While subjective, Arvak’s skeletal appearance is undeniably unique and adds a certain flair to your travels. He’s a stylish choice for players who want to stand out.
Lightweight Travel
Players use Arvak to bypass carry weight limit with the well-known “horse cargo glitch.” The glitch is caused by overloading the horse with items.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Arvak
1. What DLC is required to get Arvak?
Arvak is exclusively available in the Dawnguard DLC for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
2. Can I get Arvak if I join the Volkihar vampires instead of the Dawnguard?
Yes, you can. Access to the Soul Cairn and the quest to find Arvak is part of the main Dawnguard questline, regardless of which side you choose.
3. Is Arvak faster than other horses?
Arvak’s speed is the same as a standard horse. The summonable ability of Arvak is what makes him so useful.
4. Can Arvak die permanently?
No, Arvak cannot die permanently. He disappears if his summon timer expires, but you can simply recast the “Summon Arvak” spell to bring him back.
5. How do I learn the “Summon Arvak” spell?
You learn the spell by returning Arvak’s skull to his owner within the Soul Cairn. He will teach you the spell as a reward.
6. Does Arvak have any special abilities?
Besides being summonable and looking cool, Arvak doesn’t have any unique combat abilities. He’s primarily a means of transportation.
7. Can I use Arvak indoors?
No, you cannot summon Arvak indoors or in other restricted areas. The spell will simply fail to cast.
8. Will Arvak despawn my other horse?
The last horse you ride is considered your main horse. Riding Arvak will remove your current horse from the “main horse” position. Regular horses can be found where you left them.
9. Can I stable Arvak?
No, Arvak cannot be stabled. Since he is a summoned creature, he only exists when the spell is active.
10. Is Shadowmere better than Arvak?
It depends on your playstyle. Shadowmere is better for combat and survivability. Arvak is superior for convenience and accessibility.
11. What level conjuration do I need to summon Arvak?
The “Summon Arvak” spell is an apprentice-level conjuration spell, so you don’t need a high conjuration skill to cast it.
12. Where exactly is Arvak’s skull located in the Soul Cairn?
The skull is located within the Soul Cairn. Following the quest marker makes it quite easy to find.
13. Can I use Arvak to climb steep hills?
Like other horses in Skyrim, Arvak can climb surprisingly steep slopes, making him useful for navigating mountainous terrain.
14. Does Arvak’s appearance change based on my character’s race or skills?
No, Arvak’s appearance is fixed. He always appears as a skeletal horse, regardless of your character’s race or skills.
15. Does Arvak ever get boring?
It depends on the player. For some, the novelty of riding a skeletal horse never wears off. For others, the appeal may fade over time.
The Enduring Appeal of Arvak
Arvak’s popularity stems from a combination of factors: his unique design, his convenient summonability, and the touching story behind his acquisition. He exemplifies how game mechanics can be intertwined with narrative elements to create a more engaging and memorable experience. He remains a beloved mount in Skyrim. He’s a testament to the game’s ability to create meaningful connections between players and its world. His summonable nature makes him a valuable asset for quick travel.
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