How to Retrieve the Golden Claw in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide

The Golden Claw is a pivotal item in the early stages of Skyrim, intricately tied to the quest “Bleak Falls Barrow”. Retrieving it is essential not only for progressing the main storyline but also for unlocking the secrets within the ancient Nordic ruins. The most straightforward method is to venture into Bleak Falls Barrow, locate Arvel the Swift, and take the Golden Claw from his corpse. However, several nuances and alternative methods exist, which we will explore in this guide.

The Primary Method: Bleak Falls Barrow

The most common and intended way to retrieve the Golden Claw involves navigating Bleak Falls Barrow. This is a multi-stage dungeon crawling experience, and it’s where most players will first encounter the intricacies of Skyrim’s puzzle-solving.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Initiate the Quest: Speak to Lucan Valerius at the Riverwood Trader. He will inform you about the theft of the Golden Claw and initiate the quest “Bleak Falls Barrow”.

2. Enter Bleak Falls Barrow: Head west from Riverwood to locate the entrance to Bleak Falls Barrow. Be prepared for combat, as bandits guard the exterior.

3. Navigate the Dungeon:

   • Work your way through the initial bandit-infested areas. Expect basic combat encounters and simple traps.
   • You will eventually encounter Arvel the Swift, tangled in a spider’s web. Dispatch the giant spider guarding him.
   • Loot Arvel’s Body: Once freed (or after his demise), Arvel will attempt to flee. He doesn’t get far. Kill him or loot his corpse to obtain the Golden Claw.

4. Proceed Through Bleak Falls Barrow: Continue deeper into the dungeon, solving various puzzles involving symbols and levers.

5. Obtain the Dragonstone: At the end of Bleak Falls Barrow, you’ll encounter a Word Wall and a Draugr Overlord. Defeat the Overlord to claim the Dragonstone.

6. Return to Riverwood: Exit Bleak Falls Barrow and return to Lucan Valerius at the Riverwood Trader.

7. Complete the Quest: Hand over the Golden Claw and receive your reward.

Alternative Methods & Scenarios

While the Bleak Falls Barrow method is the standard, certain in-game actions can lead to alternative scenarios.

Buying Back a Sold Golden Claw

If you’ve inadvertently sold the Golden Claw, you can attempt to buy it back from the merchant you sold it to. If you sold it to Lucan, then you’ll have to wait until the merchant restocks their inventory.

Reverse Pickpocketing

A somewhat unconventional method involves reverse-pickpocketing the Golden Claw back onto Lucan Valerius (if you stole it in the first place), then buying it from him. This removes the “stolen” tag. You’ll need a high Pickpocket skill and appropriate perks to execute this reliably.

Console Commands (PC Only)

For PC players, console commands offer a way to bypass the standard retrieval process. Using the command player.additem 00039647 1 will add the Golden Claw to your inventory. Be aware that using console commands can potentially impact your game experience and achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I kill Lucan Valerius before retrieving the Golden Claw?

If Lucan Valerius dies, his sister Camilla Valerius will take over the Riverwood Trader. You can still complete the quest by handing the Golden Claw to her.

2. Can I return the Golden Claw without finding the secret of Bleak Falls Barrow?

No, you must proceed far enough into Bleak Falls Barrow to discover the tomb and fight the Draugr before you can return the Golden Claw to Lucan. The game requires this to trigger the quest completion.

3. What if the Golden Claw door won’t turn?

The puzzle door in Bleak Falls Barrow requires the correct sequence of symbols. The correct combination is Bear, Moth, and Owl, from top to bottom. If the door still doesn’t turn, try saving and reloading your game. This can sometimes resolve glitches.

4. How many dragon claws are there in Skyrim?

There are a total of 11 dragon claws in Skyrim, each with unique symbols and associated puzzles or quests. The Golden Claw is just the first you’ll encounter.

5. Can I keep the Golden Claw instead of returning it?

Yes, you can choose to keep the Golden Claw. However, this will leave the “Bleak Falls Barrow” quest incomplete in your journal. There’s no significant benefit to keeping it unless you simply want to collect unique items.

6. Where exactly is Arvel the Swift located in Bleak Falls Barrow?

Arvel the Swift is found relatively early in Bleak Falls Barrow, trapped in a spider’s web. You’ll encounter him shortly after navigating the initial bandit-infested areas and a small chamber with a lever puzzle.

7. What is the curse of the Golden Claw?

There is no official “curse” associated with the Golden Claw in the standard Skyrim game. Any mentions of curses are likely from mods or custom content.

8. Can I marry Camilla Valerius in Skyrim?

Yes, Camilla Valerius is a marriage candidate in Skyrim. You must complete the quest “The Golden Claw” and potentially assist her with a separate quest involving two other suitors, Faendal and Sven.

9. What happens if I’m arrested with the Golden Claw in my inventory and it’s marked as stolen?

If the Golden Claw is marked as stolen and you’re arrested, the guards will confiscate it. You’ll need to retrieve it from the evidence chest in the jail.

10. How can I remove the stolen tag from the Golden Claw?

Besides reverse-pickpocketing, another method to remove the “stolen” tag involves placing the Golden Claw in a container that allows you to “take” from. Then order a follower to retrieve it for you. Trading with them should remove the “stolen” tag. This works best with containers inside buildings.

11. Where is the Dragonstone located?

The Dragonstone is found at the very end of Bleak Falls Barrow, near the Word Wall where you learn the Unrelenting Force shout. It’s looted from the corpse of the Draugr Overlord guarding the wall.

12. Can a follower carry the Golden Claw without it being considered stolen?

Yes, if you give a stolen Golden Claw to a follower, it won’t be flagged as stolen in their inventory. However, it will still be flagged as stolen in your inventory if you take it back.

13. What are the benefits of completing the Bleak Falls Barrow quest?

Completing the “Bleak Falls Barrow” quest is crucial for advancing the main storyline, as it leads to Whiterun and the first dragon encounter. It also provides valuable early-game experience, loot, and access to the Unrelenting Force shout.

14. Is Bleak Falls Barrow west of Riverwood?

Yes, Bleak Falls Barrow is located west of Riverwood. It’s easily accessible by following the path leading out of town to the west and then heading slightly north.

15. Can learning about game-based learning and game design enhance my gaming experience, or my child’s experience with gaming?

Absolutely! Understanding the underlying mechanics, design principles, and educational potential of games can significantly enrich the gaming experience. Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org offer valuable resources for parents, educators, and gamers interested in exploring the intersection of games and learning.