Unraveling the Mystery: The Hand in The Midden

The hand in The Midden, located beneath the College of Winterhold in Skyrim, serves as a pedestal for a ritual that allows the Dragonborn to summon a powerful Dremora Lord. This Daedric gauntlet, adorned with an Oblivion symbol in its palm, isn’t just a decoration; it’s the key to unlocking a challenging and rewarding quest.

The Forgotten Names Quest: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Forgotten Names is an unmarked quest. Initiating the ritual on the hand unlocks a series of events that lead to a unique encounter and a potential reward. Here’s how to complete it:

1. Locate the Hand: Head to The Midden Dark, accessible through a trapdoor in the College of Winterhold courtyard or through the Midden itself. The Daedric gauntlet sits prominently on a pedestal.
2. Gather the Rings: Find four ornamental rings located in a locked chest within the Arcanaeum. You can either use the key found nearby or pick the lock. The rings are:
   • Pithi’s Ring
   • Treoy’s Ring
   • Balwen’s Ring
   • Katarina’s Ring
3. Place the Rings Correctly: Return to the gauntlet and place the rings on the fingers in the correct order:
   • Index Finger: Katarina’s Ring
   • Middle Finger: Treoy’s Ring
   • Ring Finger: Balwen’s Ring
   • Little Finger: Pithi’s Ring
4. The Offering Box: Once the rings are in place, an offering box will activate. You must place the following items inside:
   • 1 Skull
   • 1 Daedra Heart
   • 1 piece of meat (Dog Meat, Horker Meat, Horse Meat, Leg of Goat, or Mammoth Snout)
5. Summoning the Dremora Lord: After placing the offerings, activating the gauntlet again will summon a Dremora Lord named Velehk Sain.
6. The Choice: You will be given the choice to either release Velehk Sain, or to kill him.
   • If you release him, he will give you a map with the location to his treasure.
   • If you kill him, he will not be too much of a problem, as he isn’t too well equipped.

Reward: Velehk Sain’s Treasure Map

Completing the Forgotten Names quest by releasing Velehk Sain grants you a treasure map leading to a hidden stash. This treasure typically includes gold ingots and other valuable items.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the hand in The Midden and related topics:

1. Where is The Midden located?

   The Midden is a dungeon beneath the College of Winterhold. It’s accessible through a trapdoor in the college courtyard or within the college itself.

2. How do I get the rings for the gauntlet?

   The four rings are located in a locked chest within the Arcanaeum, the College’s library. You can find a key nearby or pick the lock.

3. What happens if I put the rings on the wrong fingers?

   If you place the rings incorrectly, the ritual will fail. Simply remove the rings and try again, ensuring they are on the correct fingers: Katarina’s Ring (Index), Treoy’s Ring (Middle), Balwen’s Ring (Ring), and Pithi’s Ring (Little).

4. Where can I find a Daedra Heart?

   Daedra Hearts can be found in various locations, including:

   • Looting Dremora (often found in Oblivion Gates or conjured through spells).
   • Occasionally sold by alchemists and general goods merchants.
   • In certain chests and dungeons.

5. Is the Forgotten Names quest part of the College of Winterhold questline?

   No, the Forgotten Names quest is an unmarked side quest and is not directly tied to the main College of Winterhold questline.

6. What level should I be to attempt this quest?

   There’s no specific level requirement, but a level of 20 or higher is recommended due to the enemies you might encounter in The Midden and the challenge of facing Velehk Sain.

7. Can I do this quest multiple times?

   No, the Forgotten Names quest can only be completed once per playthrough.

8. Is Velehk Sain a powerful enemy?

   If you decide to fight Velehk Sain, he is not a particularly difficult enemy, especially at higher levels. However, be prepared for a standard Dremora fight.

9. What’s so special about Velehk Sain’s treasure?

   The treasure found with Velehk Sain’s map typically consists of gold ingots and other valuables, providing a decent reward for completing the quest. The location for the treasure is just southwest of Ysgramor’s Tomb.

10. Does the College of Winterhold know about the Daedric gauntlet?

    The College seems to be aware of the gauntlet’s presence, but its exact purpose is either unknown or ignored. The College of Winterhold is known for its open approach to magical experimentation, including the study of Daedra.

11. Is there any danger in summoning Velehk Sain?

    There’s always a risk when dealing with Daedra. Velehk Sain is a Dremora, beings known for their cunning and potential treachery. He is grateful if released.

12. What are some other interesting locations in The Midden?

    Besides the Daedric gauntlet, The Midden is also home to the Atronach Forge, which allows you to conjure items and Atronachs. The Midden Dark also contains various secrets and experiments conducted by the College of Winterhold’s scholars.

13. Why did Winterhold collapse?

    A series of powerful storms struck the town of Winterhold, leading to the swift erosion and collapse of most of the city into the Sea of Ghosts. Only a small part of the city survived, including the College of Winterhold. The college’s protective magic is credited by the Arch-Mage as the reason the college survived.

14. Is the College of Winterhold evil?

    The College of Winterhold is generally considered neutral. They prioritize knowledge and magical experimentation, sometimes delving into controversial subjects like necromancy and Daedric summoning.

15. What other quests involve Daedra in Skyrim?

    Skyrim features numerous quests involving Daedra and Daedric artifacts. Some notable examples include:

    • The Black Star: Involves Malyn Varen, a mage who sought immortality through Daedric means.
    • The Taste of Death: Grants you the Ring of Namira, a cannibalistic Daedric artifact.
    • The Cursed Tribe: Centered around the tribe and the Daedric Prince Malacath.
    • The Break of Dawn: Grants you Dawnbreaker, a sword that banishes undead.

The Allure of the Arcane in Gaming

The popularity of quests like Forgotten Names, and the mysteries within The Midden highlight the enduring appeal of arcane and magical elements in gaming. Players are drawn to the complexity of these systems, the lore behind them, and the sense of power they provide. Exploring these themes offers rich storytelling opportunities and enhances the immersive experience. If you’re interested in learning more about the intersection of games and learning, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. This organization explores the educational potential of games and simulations, emphasizing their impact on learning and engagement. GamesLearningSociety.org.

This comprehensive guide should help you navigate the mysteries of the hand in The Midden and successfully complete the Forgotten Names quest. Happy adventuring, Dragonborn!