The Shield of Ysgramor is a unique heavy shield once carried by Ysgramor, the Atmoran warlord who led the Five Hundred Companions to Skyrim. It is enchanted with 20% magic resistance and 20 extra health, which makes it a fine all-round defensive pick. It is also one of the most iconic rewards of the Companions questline.
How to get it
The shield sits in the final chest of Ysgramor’s Tomb, which you can only enter during and after the last Companions quest, Glory of the Dead.
- Complete the Companions questline up to Glory of the Dead.
- Travel with the remaining Circle members to Ysgramor’s Tomb.
- Fight through the tomb, deal with the ghostly Companions and finish the ritual for Kodlak Whitemane.
- Open the last chest in the tomb to claim the shield.
You will also be in the right place to take up Wuuthrad, Ysgramor’s axe, so this is a good day for anyone who likes Nordic heirlooms.
Is it worth wearing?
Yes, for a long time. Magic resistance is rare on shields and helps against every school of hostile magic, not just one element, and +20 health is always welcome. Its base armor rating of 30 at 12 weight is solid for a heavy shield.
The big drawback is that it cannot be improved at a workbench, regardless of perks, so a fully tempered and custom-enchanted Daedric or Ebony shield will eventually overtake it. If you dislike mages, Spellbreaker is the obvious rival: it blocks spells with a ward instead of passively resisting them.
Good to know
- It cannot be tempered, whatever smithing perks you have.
- Its thick, oddly shaped handle makes it clip into many shield racks in player homes.
- Players report that it can duplicate itself or jump to another mount when placed on some racks and mannequins.
Stats
| Item | Slot | Type | Armor | Weight | Value | Enchantment | ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shield of Ysgramor | Shield | Heavy | 30 | 12 | 1000 | Increases Magic Resistance by 20%.; Increases your health by 20 points. | 000E41D8 |
Stats from the Skyrim game files (Skyrim.esm and the official add-ons): base values before Smithing and perks. Where several versions exist (leveled copies), all are listed.
