How to Purge Your Inner Wolf: Curing Lycanthropy in Skyrim
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The burden of the beast blood, also known as Lycanthropy, in Skyrim can be a powerful boon, granting incredible strength and the fearsome Werewolf form. However, its drawbacks – the inability to gain rested bonuses, forced transformations, and potential hostility from NPCs – can make you long for a normal life. Thankfully, there’s a way to rid yourself of this curse. The sole method to remove your werewolf blood involves completing the Companions’ main questline. At the very end of the questline, during the quest “Glory of the Dead”, you’ll have the opportunity to cleanse yourself of Lycanthropy using the Flame of the Harbinger within Ysgramor’s Tomb.
The Companions Questline: Your Path to Freedom
Before you can even contemplate curing yourself, you must become a Werewolf and progress through the Companions’ main questline. This involves joining the Companions in Whiterun, undertaking various quests, and eventually uncovering the secrets of the Circle and their connection to Lycanthropy.
The Ritual: Cleansing the Beast Within
The climax of this journey arrives during the quest “Glory of the Dead”. After honoring Kodlak Whitemane, you’ll return to Ysgramor’s Tomb. This is where the cure lies. Here’s the step-by-step process:
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Glenmoril Witch Heads: You will need Glenmoril Witch Heads. These are obtained by slaying the witches residing in Glenmoril Coven. Make sure you have at least one head to cure yourself. If you wish to cure any other companion, you would need more heads.
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The Flame of the Harbinger: Locate the Flame of the Harbinger within Ysgramor’s Tomb. It is a large, prominent brazier.
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Throwing the Head: Interact with the flame and you will be prompted to throw a Glenmoril Witch Head into it.
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The Wolf Spirit: Throwing the head will summon your Wolf Spirit, the manifestation of your Lycanthropy.
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Defeat the Spirit: You must defeat your Wolf Spirit in combat. This is a relatively straightforward fight.
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Repeat for Others (If Desired): If you wish to cure other members of the Circle, such as Vilkas or Farkas, you can repeat the process using additional Glenmoril Witch Heads. Kodlak Whitemane will also need a head thrown into the Flame to cure him, even in death.
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Cured: After defeating your Wolf Spirit, you are free of Lycanthropy. You will no longer be able to transform into a Werewolf.
Important Considerations
- Timing is Key: The most crucial point to remember is that this cure is primarily available only during or immediately after completing “Glory of the Dead”. If you leave Ysgramor’s Tomb without curing yourself, you may lose the opportunity (though there are alternative, though potentially glitchy, workarounds involving becoming a Vampire Lord and then seeking Lycanthropy again).
- Glenmoril Coven: Plan your trip to Glenmoril Coven carefully. The witches are formidable foes. Bring appropriate gear and potions.
- One-Time Offer (Mostly): Aela will only offer you Lycanthropy back once. Therefore, plan carefully as to when you want to cure yourself.
- DLC Considerations: Certain DLCs can impact the cure process, particularly if you become a Vampire Lord through the Dawnguard DLC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get Lycanthropy again after curing it?
Yes, Aela the Huntress of the Companions can grant you Lycanthropy again once. However, there are ways to become a Werewolf repeatedly.
2. How can I become a Werewolf again after Aela’s one-time offer?
Becoming a Vampire Lord and then getting Lycanthropy again through Aela. This will cure vampirism but allow you to become a Werewolf a second time. This method allows you to cleanse the Beast Blood again.
3. Can I be both a Vampire and a Werewolf at the same time?
Normally, no. The game generally prioritizes Vampirism, overriding Lycanthropy. However, rare glitches can allow both.
4. What happens if I don’t cure myself during “Glory of the Dead”?
You may lose the opportunity to cure yourself easily through the Flame of the Harbinger. However, you can cure yourself again by becoming a Vampire Lord then having Aela turn you back into a Werewolf which allows you to use the Flame of the Harbinger to remove it.
5. Is there a spell to cure Lycanthropy?
No, there is no spell that will remove Lycanthropy.
6. What are the benefits of being a Werewolf?
Significant strength boost, immunity to all diseases, access to the powerful Werewolf transformation.
7. What are the drawbacks of being a Werewolf?
Inability to gain rested bonuses, potential hostility from NPCs, forced transformations, and being unable to loot.
8. How long can I stay in Werewolf form?
The base duration is approximately 2.5 minutes (150 seconds) in Skyrim. Eating corpses extends this time.
9. Can I cure other Companions of Lycanthropy?
Yes, during “Glory of the Dead”, you can cure Kodlak Whitemane, Vilkas, and Farkas by throwing Glenmoril Witch Heads into the Flame of the Harbinger.
10. How many Glenmoril Witch Heads do I need?
At least two if you want to cure both yourself and Kodlak. You need additional heads for Vilkas and Farkas, if you wish to cure them.
11. Can I cure Lycanthropy multiple times?
Yes. Using the Vampire Lord trick, you can cure Lycanthropy any number of times.
12. Can I become a Werewolf without joining the Companions?
Not easily. The easiest way to become a werewolf is to progress through the Companions questline, and get the Beast Blood from Aela.
13. What races are immune to Lycanthropy?
In the lore of the Elder Scrolls, most races are susceptible to Lycanthropy.
14. What if my follower becomes hostile when I transform?
This is a known issue. Dismiss your follower before transforming.
15. Is being a Werewolf better than being a Vampire?
It depends on your playstyle. Werewolves are better for warriors; Vampires are better for mages. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Curing Lycanthropy in Skyrim is a significant decision, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the Werewolf form against a normal life. Carefully consider your choices and plan accordingly.
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