How to Uncurse the Ring of Hircine in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Ring of Hircine is a coveted Daedric artifact in Skyrim, offering werewolves the ability to transform more frequently. However, you initially receive a Cursed Ring of Hircine during the quest “Ill Met By Moonlight“. Uncursing it requires making a specific choice during the quest, resulting in the removal of the ring’s negative properties. This guide will walk you through the process and answer frequently asked questions about the ring, werewolves, and Hircine himself.
The Path to Uncursing: Sparing Sinding
The key to uncursing the Ring lies in your decision regarding Sinding, the werewolf who possesses it. To receive the uncursed version, you must spare Sinding’s life. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Begin the Quest: Start the quest “Ill Met By Moonlight” by speaking to Mathies in the Falkreath Barracks. He’ll direct you to the jail where Sinding is imprisoned.
- Enter Bloated Man’s Grotto: Speak to Sinding, who will give you the Cursed Ring of Hircine and ask you to hunt a great beast for him. Enter Bloated Man’s Grotto.
- Help Sinding: Instead of hunting Sinding, help him defeat the hunters sent by Hircine. Fight alongside him until all the hunters are dead.
- Speak to Sinding: After the hunters are defeated, Sinding will express his gratitude. Speak to him before leaving the grotto.
- Exit Bloated Man’s Grotto: When you exit the grotto, Hircine’s aspect will appear. He will express his disappointment that you helped Sinding but will acknowledge that the hunters have become the hunted.
- Receive the Uncursed Ring: Hircine will then remove the curse from the ring, transforming it into the standard Ring of Hircine, which allows for additional werewolf transformations.
By following these steps, you’ll obtain the uncursed Ring of Hircine and can enjoy its benefits as a werewolf.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ring of Hircine and Werewolves
Is it possible to get both the Ring of Hircine and Savior’s Hide?
Yes, it is. There’s a known exploit you can use: After killing all the hunters, speak to Sinding. Go outside the grotto and claim the Ring of Hircine. Then, go back inside and kill Sinding to get his skin. Hircine’s spirit will reappear from Sinding’s corpse and offer the Savior’s Hide.
What happens if you defy Hircine completely?
It doesn’t drastically change the outcome. Whether you say “I failed” or “I disobeyed your orders,” Hircine will acknowledge that the hunters became the hunted. He’ll then take the Cursed Ring of Hircine and uncurse it, giving you the standard Ring of Hircine.
Does the Ring of Hircine work if you’re not a werewolf?
No. The Ring of Hircine only functions if you are a werewolf. It grants additional transformations, not the ability to transform in the first place.
What is the best werewolf ring in Skyrim, besides the Ring of Hircine?
The Ring of the Moon is another useful ring for werewolves. It increases your howl duration by 25 percent, which can be a significant advantage during combat.
How do I become a werewolf in Skyrim?
The primary way to become a werewolf is by joining The Companions in Whiterun and completing their questline. Another way is to join the Dawnguard faction made available in the first expansion, the Dawnguard DLC. The DLC introduces a new Werewolf Perks tree.
Is Hircine good or bad?
Hircine is a Daedric Prince whose domain is hunting, the sport, the chase, and the natural order of predator and prey. While his motives may not always align with mortal morality, he’s generally considered one of the least “evil” Daedra. His Daedric artifact, the Ring of Hircine, reflects his ideals.
Can you have the Ring of Hircine and be a vampire?
No, you cannot be both a werewolf and a vampire at the same time. Becoming a werewolf will cure vampirism. Moreover, the Ring of Hircine provides no benefit to a vampire; it only works for werewolves. This doesn’t really affect the stories or how the player perceives how the world is.
Is it worth killing Sinding?
Whether killing Sinding is “worth it” depends on your priorities. Killing him grants you the Savior’s Hide, a unique armor piece. Sparing him allows you to uncurse the Ring of Hircine, which is more beneficial for those focused on werewolf gameplay. It is also necessary for the Oblivion Walker achievement.
Is Hircine stronger than Molag Bal?
Hircine’s strength lies in his domain of the hunt. Molag Bal, the Prince of Domination, is generally considered one of the strongest Daedric Princes due to his focus on power and control.
Can you undo becoming a werewolf in Skyrim?
Yes, there are two ways to cure lycanthropy. The first is through the Companions questline, and the second is by becoming a Vampire Lord through the Dawnguard DLC.
Should I get the Ring of Hircine before becoming a werewolf?
It’s not necessary. The Ring of Hircine only grants additional transformations for those who are already werewolves. You must first contract lycanthropy, usually by joining the Companions.
Should I side with Hircine or Sinding?
This depends on your character’s goals. Helping Sinding rewards you with the uncurse ring of hircine which is only good for werewolves. Siding with Hircine will reward you with the Savior’s Hide.
Is The Ring of Hircine Infinite?
The Ring of Hircine provides additional transformations for werewolves. It does not make the transformations infinite, but can use it multiple times to revert back to human form and transform again.
Who is the most evil Daedric lord in Skyrim?
Molag Bal is widely considered the most evil Daedric Prince due to his domain of domination, enslavement, and corruption of mortals. Mehrunes Dagon comes close, but Molag Bal is truly feared by many.
Can I join the Dawnguard as a werewolf?
Yes, you can absolutely join the Dawnguard as a werewolf. Being a werewolf can even make certain parts of the Dawnguard questline easier, especially early on.
The Importance of Choice and Consequences
The quest “Ill Met By Moonlight” and the Ring of Hircine highlight the importance of choices and consequences within the Skyrim universe. Your decision regarding Sinding directly impacts the reward you receive, forcing you to consider your character’s values and gameplay style. Whether you prioritize a unique armor piece or enhanced werewolf abilities is up to you, showcasing the depth and replayability that makes Skyrim such a compelling game. For further exploration of the impact of games on learning, consider visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org website.