Bleak Falls Barrow

Bleak Falls Barrow is an ancient Nordic tomb clinging to the mountains above Riverwood, once a temple of the old dragon cult. For many players it is the first real dungeon in Skyrim, and it shows off almost everything Nordic ruins are known for: bandits, draugr, traps, puzzle pillars, a claw door and a Word Wall.

What you will find inside

• Bandits in the outer halls and in the tower on the way up.
• A pillar puzzle – match the three rotating pillars to the animal heads above the gate.
• Arvel the Swift, a bandit stuck in a giant spider web, carrying the Golden Claw.
• Draugr and traps throughout the lower levels.
• The claw door in the Hall of Stories – the combination is engraved on the Golden Claw.
• A Word Wall with the first word of Unrelenting Force – “Fus”.
• The Dragonstone, an ancient map of dragon burial sites.

Quests

Farengar Secret-Fire sends you here in the main quest Bleak Falls Barrow to retrieve the Dragonstone – see that page for the full walkthrough and puzzle solutions. The Golden Claw also belongs to Lucan Valerius in Riverwood, who will reward you for bringing it back.

Good to know

Once cleared, the exit at the back leads out onto the mountainside with a great view over the valley – and a much shorter walk home.