Valthume is an ancient Nordic tomb southeast of Markarth, the resting place of the dragon priest Hevnoraak. You can reach it by heading uphill southwest of Gloomreach or by following the path south from Dushnikh Yal. Unlike most Nordic crypts, which run in a straight line and then hand you a shortcut back, Valthume forms a complete loop. Expect lots of draugr, lots of traps and a very cranky boss at the end.
What you’ll find
- Plenty of leveled draugr, from restless draugr and wights up to Scourges, Deathlords and Death Overlords.
- Frostbite spiders and skeevers.
- The dragon priest Hevnoraak as the final boss.
- The spirit of Valdar, who haunts the tomb.
- Sublocations: Valthume, Valthume Catacombs and Valthume Vestibule.
- An alchemy lab.
- A claw door that needs the Iron Dragon Claw. The combination from top to bottom is Dragon, Hawk, Wolf.
Traps
- Pressure buttons that drop lamps full of hot coals into oil slicks.
- A large grate-like trap door. Fall through and you land in a pit with a tunnel holding four frostbite spiders, a draugr and an expert-locked door – the draugr carries the key.
- A trip-wired chest at the start of the catacombs that releases a giant frostbite spider.
- Swinging axes, a swinging spike wall and a swinging log triggered by opening a door.
- Fire-shooting soul gems covering a hallway, and four statues that breathe fire when you lift the Iron Dragon Claw from its pedestal.
Quests
Evil in Waiting is the main reason to come here. Valthume also appears in Letter from a Friend and is a possible location for Shalidor’s Insights and the Alteration Ritual Spell quest.
Notable items
- Hevnoraak’s mask and Hevnoraak’s Staff, both on the dragon priest.
- Word Wall: Aura Whisper.
- Spell tome: Oakflesh.
- Withershins – Restoration skill book, close to the entrance.
- A possible location for Kahvozein’s Fang.
Tips
The fire-spitting soul gems can be switched off by grabbing them from the room that looks out over their hallway, or by knocking them down with arrows or Unrelenting Force – handy, because a Deathlord lurks next door. Watch every grate on the floor unless you fancy a surprise spider party. When you pick up the Iron Dragon Claw, step away fast before the statues light you up. And if the claw door refuses to turn, saving and reloading in front of it with the claw in your pocket often sorts it out.
Nearby
Closest places covered on TamrielSaga: Cradle Stone Tower, Gloomreach, Bard’s Leap Summit, Old Hroldan, Lost Valley Redoubt.
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.