Retrieving the Golden Claw: Honest Adventures in Skyrim
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The burning question on many a Dragonborn’s mind: Is there a way to get the Golden Claw back from Lucan Valerius in Riverwood without resorting to theft? The short answer is a frustrating, but definitive, no. Once you return the Golden Claw to Lucan and Camilla Valerius at the Riverwood Trader to complete the quest “The Golden Claw,” it becomes their property. The game mechanics simply do not provide a legitimate way to reacquire it through dialogue, quest options, or any other means. Your only avenue for reclaiming the claw is, unfortunately, through theft. The good news is the Riverwood Trader is never locked, so you can sneak in when they are not around.
However, don’t despair! Let’s explore the nuances of this situation and other frequently asked questions surrounding the Golden Claw and its place in the world of Skyrim.
Understanding the Golden Claw’s Significance
The Golden Claw is more than just a shiny bauble; it’s a key (literally!) and a crucial element in the early stages of your Skyrim adventure. It’s intrinsically tied to the questline within Bleak Falls Barrow, providing the solution to a crucial puzzle that allows you to progress and ultimately learn a Word of Power for the Unrelenting Force shout. Understanding its purpose and how it interacts with the game’s systems will help you navigate the ethical dilemma (or lack thereof) of reclaiming it.
The Reality of “Stolen” Items in Skyrim
Skyrim operates on a fairly straightforward system when it comes to item ownership. Once an item is designated as belonging to a non-player character (NPC), taking it without permission constitutes theft. This action marks the item as “stolen” in your inventory. Holding stolen goods can have consequences:
- Guards: Guards will attempt to confiscate stolen items if they catch you. You can either pay a fine or resist arrest, leading to further complications.
- Merchants: Most merchants will refuse to trade with you if you have stolen items in your inventory.
- Fences: Fences, members of the Thieves Guild, are the only merchants who will buy stolen goods.
The “stolen” tag can be removed, as some of the article excerpts suggest, through various exploits and glitches. However, these methods are often unreliable and can be considered game exploits rather than legitimate gameplay strategies.
Alternatives to Stealing (But Not Really)
While there’s no direct way to legally reclaim the Golden Claw, we can explore a few creative (though ultimately, still unethical) loopholes and consider the consequences:
- The Follower Exploit: As one of the provided snippets describes, you can instruct a follower to pick up the Golden Claw. When you trade items with them, the “stolen” tag may disappear. This method is inconsistent and not guaranteed to work.
- Console Commands (PC Only): On the PC version of Skyrim, you can use console commands to remove the “stolen” tag or even spawn a brand new, non-stolen Golden Claw. However, this is considered cheating and can affect your overall game experience. Using console commands is not possible on console versions.
- Accepting the Quest Log: Many players are driven to steal the Golden Claw back to avoid the persistent quest marker. While a visible quest log entry can be an annoyance, it is not game-breaking. Some players find it easier to simply ignore it.
The Ethical Question: Is Stealing the Golden Claw Justified?
Ultimately, the decision to steal the Golden Claw back is a matter of personal preference and roleplaying. Here are a few perspectives to consider:
- The Pragmatist: The Golden Claw is valuable. It was stolen from Lucan in the first place. Reclaiming it is simply righting a wrong.
- The Completionist: That persistent quest marker is driving me insane. The ends justify the means.
- The Roleplayer: My character has a strong moral code and would never resort to theft, regardless of the inconvenience.
There is no right or wrong answer. Skyrim allows you to define your own moral compass.
FAQs About the Golden Claw
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Golden Claw, addressing the points raised in your provided text and expanding on common queries:
1. Why does the Golden Claw keep falling off the wall in my house?
This is a common glitch. The “stolen” tag can sometimes cause items to behave erratically. As mentioned in the excerpts, using console commands (on PC) to set the item’s ownership can resolve this.
2. Can I start the Golden Claw quest without talking to Lucan?
No. The quest is initiated by speaking to Lucan Valerius at the Riverwood Trader.
3. Can I marry Camilla Valerius?
Yes. Camilla is a potential marriage candidate in Skyrim. You can increase your disposition with her by completing “The Golden Claw” quest, and she’s available to marry after completing the “The Bonds of Matrimony” quest from Riften.
4. What happens if Lucan Valerius dies?
If Lucan dies, Camilla Valerius takes over the Riverwood Trader. The shop remains open, but with a different owner.
5. How do I get the Sapphire Dragon Claw?
The Sapphire Dragon Claw is obtained by completing the “Investigate Shroud Hearth Barrow” miscellaneous objective. Speak to Wilhelm, the innkeeper at the Vilemyr Inn in Ivarstead, to begin this quest.
6. Why can’t I drop the Ruby Dragon Claw?
You cannot drop quest items that are essential for completing a quest. The Ruby Dragon Claw is likely tied to a quest you haven’t finished. Check your quest log for any active quests related to the Bards College.
7. Can I serve Hermaeus Mora?
You do serve Hermaeus Mora if you follow through with the Dragonborn DLC questline. It is an integral part of the story.
8. Is Sven or Faendal a better follower?
Faendal is generally considered a better follower because he offers archery training and returns your gold.
9. What happens if I give Riften to the Imperials during Season Unending?
Giving Riften to the Imperials during the Season Unending quest pleases the Imperial faction.
10. Can I marry Karliah?
Yes, Karliah can be married and serve as a follower, but only after completing the Thieves Guild questline.
11. Can my wife divorce me in Skyrim?
No, there is no divorce option in Skyrim. Marriage is permanent unless one spouse is killed.
12. How many wives can I have in Skyrim?
You can only have one spouse at a time in Skyrim.
13. Does Arvel have the Golden Claw?
Yes, Arvel the Swift stole the Golden Claw from the Riverwood Trader and fled into Bleak Falls Barrow.
14. Why can’t I return the Golden Claw immediately?
You must progress through Bleak Falls Barrow and discover its secret before you can return the Golden Claw to Lucan. This involves solving the puzzle door.
15. How do I remove the “stolen” tag from items?
Besides the follower exploit, there’s no legitimate in-game method to remove the stolen tag. Joining the Thieves Guild and completing specific quests might offer opportunities to “launder” stolen goods.
Further Learning and Community Resources
The world of Skyrim is vast, with countless secrets and hidden mechanics to discover. Sharing experiences, tips, and tricks with other players can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the game.
Here are some valuable resources for expanding your Skyrim knowledge:
- UESP (Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages): This is the ultimate wiki for all things Elder Scrolls, providing comprehensive information on quests, characters, items, and game mechanics.
- Skyrim Subreddit (r/skyrim): A vibrant community where players share stories, ask questions, and discuss all aspects of the game.
- Games Learning Society: Explore the world of games and learning and discover how games contribute to education and skill development at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts
While the inability to legally reacquire the Golden Claw might seem like a design oversight, it ultimately adds to the complex moral landscape of Skyrim. The game encourages players to make choices and face the consequences, even if those choices involve a little bit of petty theft. Embrace the freedom, explore the possibilities, and forge your own legend in the land of dragons and dungeons. Whether you choose to steal the Golden Claw back or leave it with Lucan, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the journey.