Unlocking the Secrets of Bleak Falls Barrow: The Golden Claw Code

The Golden Claw code for the door in Bleak Falls Barrow is, from bottom to top: Bear, Hummingbird, Owl. Inspecting the Golden Claw itself in your inventory provides the visual key to this solution, revealing the correct sequence needed to unlock the ancient puzzle and continue your quest.

Navigating Bleak Falls Barrow: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bleak Falls Barrow is an early-game dungeon in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and serves as an introduction to the game’s mechanics and lore. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects related to the Golden Claw and the notorious door.

The Quest for the Golden Claw

Your journey begins in Riverwood, where you’ll be tasked with finding the Golden Claw for Lucan Valerius, the owner of the Riverwood Trader. This quest intertwines with the main storyline, as the Dragonstone held within Bleak Falls Barrow is crucial for understanding the dragon threat facing Skyrim.

Locating Arvel the Swift

The Golden Claw is not immediately accessible. You must venture deep into Bleak Falls Barrow and locate Arvel the Swift. You’ll find him trapped in a spider’s web, having been captured by a giant frostbite spider. Defeat the spider to free Arvel.

Dealing with Arvel

Upon freeing Arvel, he will promise to tell you the location of the Dragonstone. However, he’s a liar and a thief! He attempts to escape with both the Dragonstone and the Golden Claw. You’ll have to either kill him or let him run until he’s killed by draugr to retrieve the Golden Claw from his corpse.

The Puzzle Door and the Code

After navigating through traps and battling draugr, you’ll reach the puzzle door. This is where the Golden Claw’s inscription becomes essential. Open your inventory, select the Golden Claw, and inspect it closely. Rotate the claw in the menu to view the symbols etched on its palm. These symbols, Bear, Hummingbird, Owl, correspond to the images on the rotating pillars above the door.

Solving the Puzzle

To solve the puzzle, interact with each of the three pillars. Rotate them until they display the correct sequence: Bear (bottom), Hummingbird (middle), Owl (top). Once all three pillars are aligned correctly, activate the keyhole in the center of the door with the Golden Claw in your possession. The door will open, granting you access to the final chamber.

Beyond the Door: Claiming the Dragonstone

Beyond the puzzle door lies the final resting place of a powerful draugr and the location of the Dragonstone. Defeat the draugr, loot the Dragonstone from its sarcophagus, and learn a Word of Power from the Word Wall. Finally, return to Whiterun and deliver the Dragonstone to Farengar Secret-Fire at Dragonsreach to advance the main quest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Golden Claw, Bleak Falls Barrow, and related aspects:

1. What happens if I sell the Golden Claw? You can buy it back from the merchant. If you can’t find it in their inventory, try waiting a day or two in-game; sometimes, items reappear on their counter.

2. Is there a way to avoid killing Arvel? No, Arvel will always attempt to flee and will either be killed by you or by enemies in the dungeon. You need to retrieve the Golden Claw from his body.

3. Can I use other claws on the Bleak Falls Barrow door? No, only the Golden Claw will work on the door in Bleak Falls Barrow. Other dragon claws unlock different doors in different locations.

4. What if I accidentally rotate the pillars in the wrong order? Simply interact with the pillars again to rotate them to the correct positions. There is no penalty for incorrect attempts.

5. How do I get the achievement related to Bleak Falls Barrow? The achievement is unlocked by completing the quest “Bleak Falls Barrow,” which involves retrieving the Dragonstone and delivering it to Farengar Secret-Fire in Whiterun.

6. What other dragon claws are in Skyrim, and where do I find them? There are several other dragon claws, including the Ebony Claw, Ivory Claw, Glass Claw, Diamond Claw, Emerald Claw, Sapphire Claw, Coral Claw, and more. Each claw unlocks a specific door in a different location. You can acquire these through quests, exploration, or by purchasing them from merchants. The article includes information on a few of the claws.

7. What do I do with the Dragonstone after giving it to Farengar? After giving the Dragonstone to Farengar, he will task you with accompanying Irileth to the Western Watchtower to investigate a dragon sighting, furthering the main storyline.

8. Can I return to Bleak Falls Barrow after completing the quest? Yes, Bleak Falls Barrow is a persistent location, and you can return to it at any time. However, the enemies will likely respawn, so be prepared for a fight.

9. Is it possible to keep the Golden Claw? While you are given a reward for returning the Golden Claw, it is possible to reverse-pickpocket it back from Lucan Valerius after you give it to him.

10. How important is Bleak Falls Barrow to the main quest? Bleak Falls Barrow is crucial to the main quest. Retrieving the Dragonstone is a necessary step in understanding the return of the dragons and learning your destiny as the Dragonborn.

11. What level should I be before attempting Bleak Falls Barrow? Bleak Falls Barrow is designed for early-game characters, around levels 1-5. However, even higher-level characters can find it a worthwhile experience for the loot and lore.

12. What kind of enemies will I encounter in Bleak Falls Barrow? You’ll encounter various enemies, including giant frostbite spiders, skeevers, bandits, and draugr. Be prepared for both melee and ranged combat.

13. How do I improve my chances of surviving Bleak Falls Barrow? Stock up on potions, especially healing potions. Wear decent armor, and use a combination of melee and ranged attacks. Utilize the environment to your advantage, and be cautious of traps.

14. Are there any unique items besides the Dragonstone and Golden Claw in Bleak Falls Barrow? Besides the main quest items, you can find various pieces of armor, weapons, and potions. The Word Wall also teaches you a Word of Power for the Unrelenting Force dragon shout.

15. Can I learn more about the lore and educational value of games like Skyrim? Absolutely! Organizations like the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org study the intersection of games and education, highlighting how games can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Exploring their resources can provide valuable insights into the broader impact of gaming.

Understanding the Golden Claw code and navigating Bleak Falls Barrow is a rite of passage for any Skyrim player. By mastering this early-game dungeon, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges and adventures that await you in the vast and immersive world of Skyrim.