The Way of the Voice

The Way of the Voice is the fifth main quest in Skyrim. After your fight with the dragon in Dragon Rising, a thunderous call echoes across Skyrim: the Greybeards are summoning you to their monastery, High Hrothgar, high on the Throat of the World. Time to find out what being Dragonborn actually means.

Walkthrough

The summons

When you report back to Jarl Balgruuf, he explains that the shout came from the Greybeards. After a heated debate between his steward and his brother about whether that is good news, the jarl tells you to answer the call.

Getting to Ivarstead

High Hrothgar is reached from Ivarstead, a small village in The Rift at the foot of the mountain. The safest route goes south from Whiterun past the ruins of Helgen, then east along the main road through the mountains. It is a long walk – and a great chance to discover new places along the way.

The 7,000 Steps

From Ivarstead, cross the bridge and follow the path up the mountain. Along the way you will find ten etched tablets that tell the story of the Voice. Watch out for wolves, and above all the frost troll that guards part of the path – it hits hard and regenerates, so fire and arrows from a distance are your friends.

Meeting the Greybeards

Inside High Hrothgar, speak to Arngeir. He asks you to prove that you are Dragonborn by shouting Unrelenting Force. Next, the Greybeard Einarth teaches you a second word, “Ro”, which you demonstrate on targets that appear in the hall.

Whirlwind Sprint

Arngeir then takes you to the courtyard, where Borri teaches you “Wuld”, the first word of Whirlwind Sprint. Use it to dash through a gate before it closes – the timing is generous, just aim straight and shout.

Further training

When you speak to Arngeir again, he explains that your training is not finished and gives you your final trial, which starts The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller.

Rewards

• Second word of Unrelenting Force: Ro
• First word of Whirlwind Sprint: Wuld

Tips

• In Ivarstead, Klimmek asks you to deliver supplies to the Greybeards. Take them along – it is an easy little side quest on the way up.
• Wear warm gear or bring healing potions; the climb is long and the troll is no joke at low level.