The Gauldur Blackblade is a leveled Ancient Nord sword from the Gauldur legend – one of the three relics carried by the sons of the archmage Gauldur. It drains life from whoever it hits.
How to get it
Defeat Mikrul Gauldurson in the ruins of Folgunthur during the quest “Forbidden Legend”. The blade drops from him – though occasionally it ends up on one of his draugr thralls instead, so kill those first and leave Mikrul for last.
Leveled stats
The level is locked the first time you enter Folgunthur. The best version appears at level 36+: 11 damage, 15 weight and absorb 25 points of health. Early versions start at 8 damage and absorb 5.
Enchantment
Absorb Health. Unlike most unique weapons, it can be disenchanted to learn the effect.
Smithing
Steel Ingot plus Arcane Blacksmith. Like all honed Ancient Nord weapons it benefits from Dwarven Smithing.
Its companion piece is the Gauldur Blackbow, carried by Mikrul’s brother Sigdis.