Should I Harvest Eldergleam Sap? A Skyrim Dilemma
The question of whether to harvest the Eldergleam Sap in Skyrim is a classic moral choice presented within the game’s compelling narrative. Your decision directly impacts the fate of the Eldergleam Tree and the Kynareth Temple, leading to differing rewards and consequences. Should you take the sap, or should you seek an alternative solution? The answer depends entirely on your character’s alignment and preferred gameplay style. If you prioritize immediate utility and have no qualms about harming nature, harvesting the sap is a viable, albeit less morally sound, option. However, if you value the sanctity of nature and seek a more benevolent path, there’s a better way.
Understanding the Eldergleam Quest
The quest, “The Blessings of Nature,” begins when you speak to Danica Pure-Spring at the Temple of Kynareth in Whiterun. She explains that the Eldergleam Tree, the temple’s life source, is withering. To heal the tree, you must venture into Eldergleam Sanctuary and obtain its sap. This seemingly simple task presents a crucial choice with lasting repercussions.
The Two Paths: Sap or Gildergleam Gleam
Once inside Eldergleam Sanctuary, you will encounter Maurice Jondrelle, a follower of Kynareth. He offers an alternative to harvesting the sap: using Nettlebane, a unique dagger, to wound the tree and coax forth a Gildergleam Gleam, a fragment of light that can also heal the tree.
Harvesting the Eldergleam Sap
This is the quicker and easier option. It involves activating the Eldergleam Tree and directly taking its sap. However, this act wounds the tree, causing it visible distress. The benefit is immediate access to the sap needed to complete the quest.
Obtaining the Gildergleam Gleam
This option requires you to find and use Nettlebane on the Eldergleam Tree. While this also affects the tree, it is considered a less damaging and more respectful approach. You’ll still get the necessary Gildergleam Gleam to heal the tree. This path, however, is more involved as it requires obtaining Nettlebane from Witchmist Grove, which means dealing with some hostile witches.
Consequences and Rewards
Your choice significantly affects the outcome of the quest and the rewards you receive.
The Sap Consequence
- Consequence: The Eldergleam Tree is visibly wounded and scarred.
- Reward: Danica Pure-Spring provides her standard healing services. More significantly, if you let Maurice Jondrelle accompany you to the Eldergleam Sanctuary and harvest the sap, he will become available as a follower. He will provide a unique service: once a day, he can provide you with a potion of random effect.
The Gleam Consequence
- Consequence: The Eldergleam Tree appears healthier and more vibrant.
- Reward: In addition to Danica’s healing services, you gain her gratitude. She will provide a small blessing (a very minor regen buff) and allows you to return whenever you need her services, signifying a deeper connection with the Temple and Kynareth. Maurice Jondrelle will leave quietly and wander around Skyrim following his own pursuits of nature’s beauty. You won’t be able to have him as a follower.
Which Choice is “Better”?
There is no objectively “better” choice. It depends on your roleplaying preferences and your character’s motivations.
- For a Pragmatic or Evil Character: Harvesting the sap offers a quick solution with no immediate negative gameplay consequences. The potential follower that provides random potions may be seen as a boon.
- For a Good or Neutral Character: Obtaining the Gildergleam Gleam aligns with a more ethical approach, preserving the sanctity of the Eldergleam Tree. It’s a choice that reflects respect for nature and the values of Kynareth.
- For an Achievement Hunter: There are no achievements directly tied to this quest, so the choice is purely based on personal preference.
Ultimately, the decision to harvest the sap or obtain the Gildergleam Gleam is a significant moment in Skyrim. It reflects your character’s values and impacts the world around you. Choose wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eldergleam
1. Can I reverse my decision after harvesting the sap?
No, once you have harvested the sap or obtained the Gildergleam Gleam, your choice is permanent. The Eldergleam Tree’s appearance will reflect your decision for the remainder of your playthrough.
2. Does harvesting the sap have any long-term negative consequences outside of the visual change to the tree?
While the visual change is permanent, there are no long-term gameplay consequences beyond the differences in rewards. The Temple of Kynareth will function normally regardless of your choice.
3. Is Nettlebane essential to complete the quest?
No. Nettlebane is only required if you choose to obtain the Gildergleam Gleam. If you plan to harvest the sap, you do not need to acquire Nettlebane.
4. Where can I find Nettlebane?
Nettlebane is located in Witchmist Grove, a small area east of Windhelm. You will have to fight several hostile witches to obtain it.
5. What level should I be before attempting the Eldergleam quest?
The quest itself is suitable for lower-level characters (level 10 or higher). The main challenges are the enemies in Eldergleam Sanctuary and the witches in Witchmist Grove (if you choose to get Nettlebane).
6. Can I avoid fighting the Spriggans in Eldergleam Sanctuary?
Yes, using stealth or illusion magic can allow you to bypass some or all of the Spriggans in the sanctuary.
7. Does Maurice Jondrelle have any unique dialogue or quests as a follower?
Maurice Jondrelle’s dialogue primarily revolves around his love for nature. He doesn’t offer any additional quests, but his daily potions can be helpful.
8. Does this quest affect my relationship with other factions or NPCs?
No. Your choice in this quest does not impact your standing with any other factions or NPCs in Skyrim. It is a self-contained quest with localized consequences.
9. Can I use the Eldergleam Sap for anything besides completing the quest?
No. The Eldergleam Sap is solely for completing “The Blessings of Nature.” It has no other uses in alchemy or crafting.
10. If I choose the Gildergleam Gleam, can I still kill Maurice Jondrelle afterwards and take his clothes?
Yes, but that’s a rather cruel thing to do! Once the quest is completed and he leaves you can engage and kill him. But remember, there’s no reward for killing him and you’ll incur a bounty if witnessed. It is an evil action if the choice is made to take the Gildergleam Gleam option.
11. Is there a way to get both the sap and the gleam?
No, you must choose between harvesting the sap or obtaining the Gildergleam Gleam. You cannot get both in a single playthrough.
12. What are the specific effects of the random potion Maurice Jondrelle gives me?
The potions Maurice provides are completely random. They can range from beneficial effects like healing or stamina regeneration to negative effects like weakness to fire or poison.
13. Does using Nettlebane hurt the Eldergleam Tree permanently?
While using Nettlebane does cause a temporary negative effect on the Eldergleam Tree, the tree recovers fully and appears healthier than if you had harvested the sap.
14. Is the blessing from Danica Pure-Spring worth choosing the Gildergleam Gleam?
The blessing from Danica is fairly minor, providing only a small and temporary regeneration bonus. It is more the principle of choosing the morally better path, not the bonus that makes this choice important.
15. Can I complete the quest without speaking to Danica Pure-Spring first?
No, you must speak to Danica Pure-Spring in the Temple of Kynareth to initiate the quest. The Eldergleam Sanctuary is inaccessible until the quest has started.