The Definitive Guide to Acquiring the Golden Claw in Skyrim

The Golden Claw is a crucial item in the early stages of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, serving as both a key to unlocking the mysteries of Bleak Falls Barrow and a plot device that introduces players to the world and its various factions. In essence, you get the Golden Claw by killing Arvel the Swift, a Nord thief trapped in webs within Bleak Falls Barrow. While you technically “free” him from his arachnid prison, his fate is sealed. He tries to escape with the claw, blundering into traps or becoming hostile, ensuring you can loot it from his corpse.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining the Golden Claw

1. Initiate the Quest: The Golden Claw quest is triggered when you speak to Lucan Valerius at the Riverwood Trader. He’ll lament the loss of his prized Golden Claw, stolen by bandits. This conversation marks the start of the main quest, sending you on a perilous adventure to retrieve the heirloom.
2. Head to Bleak Falls Barrow: Travel north-west from Riverwood to Bleak Falls Barrow. The location is marked on your map after speaking with Lucan. You will likely need to fight bandits along the way.
3. Enter Bleak Falls Barrow: Navigate the initial cavern, dealing with the bandits who are discussing the claw. Overcoming them will take some combat proficiency.
4. Progress Through the Dungeon: Inside the barrow, you will encounter various traps, puzzles, and draugr (undead enemies). Use your wits and combat skills to proceed carefully.
5. Free Arvel the Swift: Eventually, you’ll find Arvel the Swift trapped in webs. Cut him down.
6. Acquire the Golden Claw: Arvel will attempt to flee with the Golden Claw. He will most likely fall victim to traps, or attack you. Defeat him and loot the Golden Claw from his body.
7. Solve the Puzzle Door: Examine the Golden Claw in your inventory. Rotate it to view the correct sequence of symbols: Bear, Moth, Owl. Use this sequence to unlock the puzzle door.
8. Continue Through the Barrow: Push deeper into the Barrow. Prepare for more draugr encounters.
9. Acquire the Dragonstone: Retrieve the Dragonstone from the end of the barrow. It is near a word wall where you learn the Dragon Shout.
10. Defeat the Dragon Overlord: Be prepared to fight a challenging Dragon Overlord after retrieving the Dragonstone.
11. Return to Riverwood: Leave Bleak Falls Barrow and return to Lucan Valerius at the Riverwood Trader.
12. Complete the Quest: Give Lucan the Golden Claw to complete the quest and receive your reward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Golden Claw

1. How do I start the Golden Claw quest?

The Golden Claw quest is initiated by speaking with Lucan Valerius at the Riverwood Trader in Riverwood. He’ll tell you about the stolen claw, triggering the quest.

2. Is there a way to get the Golden Claw back after completing the quest?

Yes, but it involves a bit of thievery. After completing the quest, the Golden Claw will be displayed on the counter in the Riverwood Trader. You can steal it back, although Lucan and Camilla won’t be too pleased about it.

3. Can you marry Camilla in Skyrim after completing the Golden Claw quest?

Camilla Valerius is indeed a marriage candidate. However, completing the Golden Claw quest is not a prerequisite for marrying her. You simply need to complete a favor for her, such as resolving the love triangle between her, Faendal, and Sven, and then wear the Amulet of Mara. You can also barter with her and her brother at anytime, just as long as you are in their shop during store hours.

4. What happens if I choose to keep the Golden Claw?

If you don’t return the Golden Claw to Lucan, the Riverwood Trader will remain open 24/7, which can be convenient. However, the Golden Claw quest will remain active in your quest log, which can be annoying for completionists.

5. How do I solve the Golden Claw puzzle door in Bleak Falls Barrow?

Examine the Golden Claw in your inventory and rotate it to view the correct symbol sequence etched on the palm: Bear, Moth, Owl. This is the order you need to input into the rings on the puzzle door.

6. Where is the Dragonstone located in Bleak Falls Barrow?

The Dragonstone is found at the very end of Bleak Falls Barrow, near the word wall where you learn the Dragon Shout. A Dragon Overlord guards the Dragonstone.

7. Can I save Arvel the Swift?

Unfortunately, no. Arvel the Swift is scripted to die, either by traps, draugr, or your own hand. His death is necessary for you to acquire the Golden Claw. It is impossible to keep him alive.

8. What command can I use to finish the Golden Claw quest using the console?

To complete the Golden Claw quest using console commands, type setstage MS13 100 or setstage MS13 200. These commands will advance the quest to the completed stage. Note: Console commands are only available on PC.

9. What is the first dungeon players encounter in Skyrim?

Bleak Falls Barrow is commonly considered the first major dungeon players will encounter in Skyrim. It is where the Golden Claw is located, and it is tied to the early main quest.

10. Where is Lucan Valerius in Riverwood located?

Lucan Valerius owns and operates the Riverwood Trader in Riverwood. He can be found inside the shop during business hours.

11. How do I prevent the Golden Claw from being stolen from me after obtaining it?

After obtaining it from Arvel, it cannot be stolen from you by NPCs. This situation may occur if you use mods that change how thievery works. Should you encounter problems with your Golden Claw getting stolen, you can bring a follower with you, place the Claw into a container that you own or one that is not owned by someone in particular, then tell your follower to take all of the container’s content.

12. Are there other “Dragon Claws” in Skyrim?

Yes, there are several other Dragon Claws in Skyrim. Each has a unique design and is used to solve different puzzle doors within various dungeons. These include the Sapphire Dragon Claw, the Emerald Dragon Claw, and the Diamond Dragon Claw.

13. What are the symbols on the Sapphire Dragon Claw puzzle?

The symbol combination for the puzzle door unlocked using the Sapphire Dragon Claw is Hawk, Hawk, Dragon.

14. What are the rewards for completing “The Golden Claw” quest?

The primary reward for completing “The Golden Claw” quest is gold, and it will vary depending on your level.

15. How do the puzzles in Skyrim relate to learning and education?

The puzzles found in Skyrim, like the Golden Claw puzzle, contribute to the Games Learning Society’s (GamesLearningSociety.org) understanding of how games can be used for educational purposes. These challenges encourage problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and attention to detail, all essential components of learning. You can explore more about the intersection of games and education at the Games Learning Society.

Understanding the intricacies of acquiring the Golden Claw in Skyrim is just one small part of the vast and rewarding experience the game has to offer. From battling draugr to solving ancient puzzles, the journey to retrieve this artifact is a memorable and important part of the Skyrim adventure.