How Long Does it Take for the Gildergreen to Grow?
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The Gildergreen, a majestic and sacred tree in Whiterun, holds a special place in the hearts of Skyrim’s inhabitants. Its health and vitality are intrinsically linked to the city’s well-being, making its fate a concern for many players. The question of how long it takes for the Gildergreen to grow back to its full glory is a common one, especially after its initial damage and the subsequent quest to restore it.
Unfortunately, in the vanilla version of Skyrim, the Gildergreen sapling does not naturally grow to its full size, regardless of how long you wait in-game. Whether it’s 3 in-game weeks, 5 in-game months, or even 10 in-game years, the sapling remains in a half-grown state forever. This is because, without intervention, the game does not trigger a growth process for the sapling. This means you’ll never experience the fully immersive, large Gildergreen tree that is meant to be the symbol of Whiterun Hold, as designed.
However, this limitation is often addressed by players through mods. One popular approach is to install a mod specifically designed to make the Gildergreen grow over time. With such mods, it typically takes approximately 6 in-game months for the sapling to develop into a full adult tree. This allows players to witness a gradual transformation of the Gildergreen and to feel more invested in its restoration.
The difference between a natural, modded growth and the base game lies in how the game handles the old, damaged Gildergreen. If you choose the sapling option during the related quest, the old, damaged tree isn’t actually removed from the game. This results in the new sapling growing inside the existing, dead tree, creating a visually awkward and unrealistic look. The game developers seemingly intended that the new sapling should grow within the old tree, which doesn’t happen due to a coding issue. This is why, unless you use a mod that handles it differently, the tree never grows out of its ‘stuck’ phase and looks glitched.
The other option is to choose the sap in the related quest. When choosing the sap option, the old, dead Gildergreen blossoms again, avoiding the issue of a sapling growing inside of the decaying tree. This is the only way that the Gildergreen will be fully restored without a mod, and it will occur immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Gildergreen
What is the Significance of the Gildergreen?
The Gildergreen is a tree grown from a piece grafted from the Eldergleam Tree, an ancient and magical tree blessed by the goddess Kynareth. It serves as a sacred symbol for the people of Whiterun and is closely associated with the temple of Kynareth. Its vitality and health are symbolic of the well-being of the city itself.
What is the Eldergleam Tree?
The Eldergleam Tree is located in the Eldergleam Sanctuary and is considered one of the oldest living things in Skyrim. It is also blessed by the goddess Kynareth and considered to be the source of magic that gives the Gildergreen its power.
Why is the Gildergreen Important to Whiterun?
The Gildergreen holds religious significance for the followers of Kynareth in Whiterun. It’s a place of peace and reverence, and its health is believed to reflect the spiritual state of the city and its inhabitants.
What are the Different Choices in the Gildergreen Quest?
In the quest to restore the Gildergreen, you have two primary options: either take the sap of the Eldergleam, or obtain a sapling. If you take the sap, the old tree blossoms immediately. If you choose the sapling, the new sapling will, in the base game without a mod, grow inside the old tree and remain stuck in a half-grown state.
Why Does the Sapling Not Grow in the Base Game?
The Gildergreen sapling does not grow in the base game due to a glitch or design oversight. It is intended to grow, but there is a coding issue that prevents this from happening. It’s therefore necessary to use a mod, or select the sap option during the quest.
What is the Difference Between the Sap and the Sapling?
The main difference is how the restoration of the Gildergreen is achieved. The sap causes the old, dead tree to blossom, while the sapling introduces a new, small tree, which is glitched. This was not intended and resulted in the sapling growing within the old tree and never reaching full size.
Why Does the Sapling Appear Inside the Old Tree?
The sapling appears inside the old tree because the old, dead tree is not removed from the game when the sapling is chosen during the related quest. This results in the new tree growing inside the frame of the existing, decaying tree.
Is There a Way to Remove the Old, Dead Gildergreen?
Yes, you can remove the old, dead Gildergreen using console commands. By using the MarkForDelete command and then enabling the sapling (ID: 46284), you can clear away the old tree and allow the sapling to grow correctly if using a mod.
How do Mods Fix the Gildergreen Growth Issue?
Mods that address this issue typically introduce a script that triggers the growth process of the sapling over a set period of in-game time, usually around 6 months. They may also correctly remove the old Gildergreen so the new sapling can be seen to grow as intended.
Does Tree Sap Help Trees Grow?
Yes, sap is essential for tree growth. It carries nutrients from the roots to the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Without healthy sap, a tree cannot grow properly.
What Does Tree Sap Symbolize?
The tree sap symbolizes vitality, life force, and the flow of energy within a tree. It’s also associated with the cycle of growth and regeneration.
What Does the Sapling Tree Symbolize?
The sapling tree symbolizes new beginnings, longevity, rebirth, and potential. It represents the promise of future growth and strength.
How Often Can you Get Sleeping Tree Sap?
You can harvest Sleeping Tree Sap every three in-game days from the spigot in the tree. However, disturbing it will reset the timer for one in-game month.
Is Tree Sap Dangerous to Humans?
Tree sap is not generally harmful to humans if accidentally ingested. However, it’s sticky and can be difficult to clean up.
Does Tree Sap Damage Car Paint?
Yes, if left untreated, tree sap can damage your car’s paint by etching into the clear coat and causing discoloration and dullness.
Understanding the nuances of the Gildergreen’s growth and restoration in Skyrim can significantly enhance the gaming experience. Whether you choose the sap or explore the modding community for a more immersive approach, the destiny of this sacred tree is ultimately in your hands.