Ironbind Barrow is an ancient Nordic tomb and the final resting place of Warlord Gathrik. It lies roughly halfway between Dawnstar (to the northwest) and Winterhold (to the northeast), a short walk north-northwest of the Nightgate Inn near Wayward Pass. It is a medium-sized dungeon with a proper boss, a Word Wall and a sting in the tail.
What you’ll find
- Salma and Beem-Ja, two adventurers bickering outside about whether to go in. Show up and they decide to explore it with you.
- An icy cave at the start with frostbite spiders, including a giant one.
- The ruin proper, full of draugr: a grated pit, a bridge room, a fire pit room with a pull chain, and a spear trap guarding a chest.
- A pedestal with high-grade loot that triggers spikes from floor and ceiling when you grab it – snatch it from a step away.
- A throne room where Warlord Gathrik rises with mage and archer skeletons, and the Word Wall afterwards.
- Silver and moonstone ore veins inside, and a back exit to Ironbind Overlook where you can fast travel.
Quests
Coming of Age plays out with Salma and Beem-Ja. Once Gathrik is dead, Beem-Ja reveals that he wants the Warlord’s power – and that you will make a lovely blood sacrifice. He then opens up with Lightning Bolt. Kill him and a heartbroken Salma asks you to carry on alone.
Notable items
- A word of Become Ethereal on the Word Wall.
- Steel Battleaxe of Fiery Souls behind the throne – unique, with a Fiery Soul Trap enchantment you can learn by disenchanting it.
- 2920, vol 10 – Frostfall (Conjuration), carried by Beem-Ja.
- A chest by the Word Wall, a possible spot for the Helm of Winterhold.
Tips
Gathrik spams Ice Spike, so melee is a pain unless you can pin him in a corner; ranged attacks and frost resistance help. If you already know Beem-Ja’s plan, you can deal with him early – sneak-kill him outside or quietly inside – and Salma will never learn the truth. Gathrik may Disarm Salma, who then picks up the battleaxe, so grab it before she does.
Good to know
Through the northeastern exit lies the unmarked Mount Anthor Summit, west of Mount Anthor. A strange Dwemer monument stands there with two chests, a quicksilver vein and potions on top of the tallest pillar, reachable with Whirlwind Sprint. Watch out for ice wraiths.
Nearby
Closest places covered on TamrielSaga: Wayward Pass, Great Lift at Alftand, Nightgate Inn, Silverdrift Lair, Forsaken Cave.
Location data (hold, map position, editor ID) read from the Skyrim game files; details checked against community wiki articles and summarised in our own words.
