Unearthing Skyrim’s Treasures: A Comprehensive Guide to Dragon Claw Locations
The dragon claws in Skyrim are far more than mere trinkets. They are intricately designed keys, each bearing a unique combination crucial for unlocking ancient secrets and progressing through perilous dungeons. Scattered across the province, these claws are integral to both the main questline and various side adventures. The dragon claws are found in a variety of locations: Bleak Falls Barrow, Vahlok’s Tomb, Skuldafn, Shroud Hearth Barrow, Snow Veil Sanctum and from merchants like Birna in Winterhold. Your journey across Skyrim will be filled with the thrill of the hunt for these essential artifacts.
Delving into Dragon Claw Locations: A Detailed Breakdown
Let’s embark on a quest to uncover the specific locations of each dragon claw within Skyrim, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your adventures.
Bleak Falls Barrow: The Golden Claw
The Golden Claw is perhaps the most iconic due to its association with the early stages of the main quest. To obtain it, you must venture deep into Bleak Falls Barrow. Your primary objective is to locate Arvel the Swift, an unfortunate thief who has found himself entangled in a giant spider’s web. After dealing with the spider and freeing Arvel, he will attempt to flee with the claw. You’ll need to relieve him of it, one way or another, as it is essential for solving the puzzle door further within the barrow. The solution for this door is: Snake, Snake, Swordfish.
Yngol Barrow: The Coral Claw
The Coral Claw is obtained from Birna, a merchant in Winterhold, for a sum of 50 gold. She hints at its relevance to Yngol Barrow, located northeast of Windhelm. This claw is necessary to unlock the secrets within Yngol Barrow, specifically the door puzzle protecting the Helm of Yngol.
Shroud Hearth Barrow: The Sapphire Dragon Claw
The Sapphire Dragon Claw is tied to the “Investigate Shroud Hearth Barrow” miscellaneous objective. Speak to Wilhelm, the innkeeper at the Vilemyr Inn in Ivarstead, who will task you with investigating strange occurrences within the barrow. After reading Wyndelius’s Journal located in the barrow, return to Wilhelm. He’ll reward you with the claw. The correct sequence for the door is Bug, Owl, Wolf.
Skuldafn: The Diamond Claw
The Diamond Claw is unique as it’s found within Skuldafn, a location accessible only during the main questline, specifically “The World-Eater’s Eyrie.” You’ll find it on a Draugr within the Skuldafn Temple. Because Skuldafn is only accessible once, missing this claw on your first visit means missing it for good on that playthrough.
Vahlok’s Tomb: The Amethyst Claw
The Amethyst Claw is located within Vahlok’s Tomb. Uniquely, the claw is found in two separate pieces. These pieces are located on opposite sides of the central chamber, accessible after making a “sacrifice” (placing any item) on a pedestal. Solve the tablet to collect both pieces and form the full claw.
Snow Veil Sanctum: The Ivory Claw
The Ivory Claw is found in Snow Veil Sanctum during the Thieves Guild questline. If you haven’t started the quest, you’ll find the claw in its resting place. However, during the quest, a cutscene will cause it to fall to the floor, making it easily accessible in the final room near the alternate exit.
The Emerald Dragon Claw
As you enter the cave, you can find the Emerald Dragon Claw on a pedestal along with a note next to a dead adventurer. Check the water surrounding the pedestal for an adept locked chest full of loot.
FAQs: Dragon Claw Mysteries Unveiled
Let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about dragon claws in Skyrim, providing clarity and further insights into these valuable artifacts.
1. How many dragon claws are there in Skyrim?
In total, there are 11 unique dragon claws. Each claw serves a specific purpose, usually unlocking a particular door or revealing a hidden area. The claws are also necessary to proceed through various quests.
2. Can I sell dragon claws after using them?
Yes, you can sell dragon claws after using them to unlock their respective doors. They are valuable items and can fetch a good price from merchants. However, some players prefer to keep them as collectibles.
3. Is there any way to get a dragon claw back if I sell it?
If you sell a dragon claw, you might be able to buy it back from the same merchant if they still have it in their inventory. However, if you’ve waited too long or the merchant’s inventory has refreshed, it will be lost. Console commands can be used to retrieve the claw in some cases.
4. What happens if I enter the wrong code on a dragon claw door?
Entering the wrong code on a dragon claw door will trigger traps. These traps can range from poison darts to swinging blades, so caution is advised. After the trap is triggered, you can attempt the correct code again.
5. Are all dragon claws required to complete the main questline?
No, not all dragon claws are essential for the main questline. The Golden Claw is directly involved in the early stages of the main quest, but others are primarily related to side quests and dungeon exploration.
6. Do dragon claws have any weight?
Yes, dragon claws do have weight. They contribute to your character’s encumbrance. While their individual weight isn’t significant, carrying multiple claws can add up.
7. Can I display dragon claws in my house?
Yes, you can display dragon claws in your house if you have display cases or shelves. This allows you to showcase your collection of these unique artifacts.
8. Is there a mod that adds more dragon claws to Skyrim?
Yes, there are several mods available that add new dragon claws and associated dungeons to Skyrim. These mods can enhance the exploration experience for those looking for additional content.
9. What is the correct order for the dragon claw puzzle in Bleak Falls Barrow?
The correct order for the Golden Claw puzzle in Bleak Falls Barrow is Snake, Snake, Swordfish. This combination is etched onto the claw itself.
10. What is the correct order for the dragon claw puzzle in Shroud Hearth Barrow?
The correct order for the Sapphire Dragon Claw puzzle in Shroud Hearth Barrow is Bug, Owl, Wolf. This combination is etched onto the claw itself.
11. Where can I find a complete list of all dragon claw locations?
A comprehensive list of all dragon claw locations can be found on the UESP (Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages) wiki.
12. How do I use a dragon claw?
To use a dragon claw, examine it in your inventory to see the combination etched on its palm. Then, interact with the puzzle door and rotate the rings to match the combination.
13. Can I pickpocket a dragon claw?
It is not possible to pickpocket the dragon claw in Bleak Falls Barrow. All dragon claws are tied to specific quests or locations and cannot be acquired through pickpocketing.
14. Does the difficulty setting affect the acquisition of dragon claws?
The difficulty setting does not affect the acquisition of dragon claws. However, it will influence the difficulty of combat encounters you face while searching for them.
15. Are there any glitches related to dragon claws in Skyrim?
Yes, there are some known glitches related to dragon claws in Skyrim. For example, sometimes the Golden Claw might disappear from your inventory. Saving the game before significant interactions can help mitigate these issues.
Understanding the locations and uses of dragon claws is vital for a complete Skyrim experience. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer to the province, these keys unlock not only doors but also the rich lore and captivating stories that Skyrim has to offer. Happy hunting, and may your journey be filled with treasure and triumph! If you’re interested in the educational aspects of games like Skyrim, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.