Where is Auriel’s Bow? The Definitive Guide
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Auriel’s Bow, a weapon steeped in lore and power, is a highly sought-after artifact within the Elder Scrolls universe. In the context of the game Skyrim, Auriel’s Bow can be found in the possession of Knight-Paladin Gelebor within the Forgotten Vale, a hidden location accessible during the Dawnguard questline. You will not find it anywhere else in the standard game world. Acquiring the bow is crucial for completing the quest “Touching the Sky” and ultimately confronting Lord Harkon.
Finding Auriel’s Bow: A Step-by-Step Guide
To obtain Auriel’s Bow, you must progress through the Dawnguard DLC questline until you reach the quest “Touching the Sky.” This questline involves joining either the Dawnguard, a group of vampire hunters, or the Volkihar Clan, a powerful vampire coven. Regardless of your choice, you will eventually need to locate the Forgotten Vale.
Entering the Forgotten Vale
The Forgotten Vale is hidden behind a Wayshrine located in Darkfall Cave. To access Darkfall Cave, you must follow the trail provided by the quest, which usually involves speaking to Serana and deciphering ancient texts.
Navigating the Forgotten Vale
The Forgotten Vale is a vast and complex area. Be prepared for challenging encounters with Falmer, Frost Giants, and other dangerous creatures. The vale consists of several distinct locations, including frozen lakes, ancient ruins, and hidden caves. Your objective is to locate the five Wayshrines.
Meeting Knight-Paladin Gelebor
The ultimate goal within the Forgotten Vale is to reach the Inner Sanctum Chantry of Auriel. Here, you will finally encounter Knight-Paladin Gelebor, one of the last remaining Snow Elves. Gelebor is the keeper of Auriel’s Bow.
Completing the Quest “Touching the Sky”
To convince Gelebor to give you Auriel’s Bow, you must cleanse the five Wayshrines within the Forgotten Vale. This involves activating each Wayshrine by filling the ewer found in the related location with water from the glaciers. After cleansing all five Wayshrines, return to Gelebor.
Claiming Auriel’s Bow
After completing Gelebor’s task, he will provide you with Auriel’s Bow. With the bow in your possession, you can continue the Dawnguard questline and ultimately confront Lord Harkon in the final battle.
Auriel’s Bow: More Than Just a Weapon
Auriel’s Bow is not merely a powerful weapon; it holds significant lore and plays a crucial role in the events of the Dawnguard DLC. Understanding its history and capabilities adds to the immersive experience of the game. In addition, the process of aquiring the weapon, and understanding the gameplay experience can lead to a better understanding of video games as a learning tool. You can explore the use of video games in learning more at the Games Learning Society, GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Auriel’s Bow?
Auriel’s Bow is a powerful artifact in the Elder Scrolls universe, specifically Skyrim. It is a unique bow with sun-based enchantments.
2. Which DLC is required to find Auriel’s Bow?
The Dawnguard DLC is required to access the Forgotten Vale and obtain Auriel’s Bow. It is not part of the standard Skyrim game.
3. Can I get Auriel’s Bow if I join the Volkihar Clan?
Yes, you can still obtain Auriel’s Bow even if you join the Volkihar Clan. The questline remains largely the same, though your motivations might differ.
4. What are the special abilities of Auriel’s Bow?
Auriel’s Bow has the unique ability to imbue arrows with the power of the sun. Using Sunhallowed Elven Arrows against undead enemies causes significant damage. Dipping Bloodcursed Elven Arrows in the sun will block the sun for a day.
5. Where is Darkfall Cave located?
Darkfall Cave is located in the western part of Skyrim, near the border with High Rock. The exact location is marked on your map during the Dawnguard questline.
6. Are there any prerequisites to start the Dawnguard questline?
There are no level requirements or specific prerequisites to start the Dawnguard questline. However, being a higher level will make some of the encounters easier.
7. Can Auriel’s Bow be disenchanted?
No, Auriel’s Bow cannot be disenchanted. Its unique enchantment is tied to the weapon itself.
8. How do I cleanse the Wayshrines in the Forgotten Vale?
To cleanse the Wayshrines, you need to find the ewer near each Wayshrine and fill it with water from the glaciers. Then, activate the Wayshrine by interacting with it.
9. Are Sunhallowed Elven Arrows required to use Auriel’s Bow effectively?
While Auriel’s Bow can be used with regular arrows, Sunhallowed Elven Arrows significantly enhance its effectiveness against undead enemies. They deal extra damage and cause them to burst into sunlight.
10. Where can I find Sunhallowed Elven Arrows?
Sunhallowed Elven Arrows can be crafted after completing a side quest for Knight-Paladin Gelebor in the Forgotten Vale. He will teach you the recipe, allowing you to create them.
11. Can I lose Auriel’s Bow?
No, once you obtain Auriel’s Bow, it remains in your inventory unless you intentionally store it elsewhere.
12. Is there a unique visual effect when using Auriel’s Bow?
Yes, Auriel’s Bow has a distinct visual effect when drawn and fired, especially when using Sunhallowed Elven Arrows. The arrows glow with a radiant, golden light.
13. What level should I be before entering the Forgotten Vale?
While there is no level requirement, it is recommended to be at least level 10-15 before entering the Forgotten Vale. The enemies can be challenging, especially at lower levels.
14. Does Auriel’s Bow scale with my archery skill?
Yes, like all bows in Skyrim, the damage output of Auriel’s Bow scales with your archery skill. Improving your archery skill will increase the damage dealt by the bow.
15. Is Auriel’s Bow the only weapon I need to defeat Lord Harkon?
While Auriel’s Bow is extremely effective against Lord Harkon, it is not the only weapon you need. Having other weapons and spells at your disposal can be helpful, especially for dealing with other enemies during the final battle. Preparation and strategy are just as important as the weapon itself.
That concludes your comprehensive guide to Auriel’s Bow. Happy hunting, Dragonborn!