The Throat of the World

The Throat of the World is one of Skyrim’s most memorable main quests. To learn Dragonrend you need the help of the Greybeards’ true master – who lives alone on the summit of the highest mountain in Tamriel, and who happens to be a dragon.

Walkthrough

An angry Greybeard

Return to High Hrothgar and ask Arngeir about Dragonrend. He is not pleased to hear the Blades are involved, and he will refuse to help – until the Greybeard Einarth speaks up and reminds him of his duty. Arngeir apologises and agrees.

Clear Skies

The path to the summit is blocked by a deadly, unnatural storm. The Greybeards teach you all three words of Clear Skies. Go to the courtyard behind High Hrothgar, follow the steps and use the shout whenever the wind blocks your way.

The climb

Keep shouting and keep climbing. Expect a frost troll and a few ice wraiths along the way – healing potions are a good idea.

Paarthurnax

At the summit, a dragon lands on the Word Wall in front of you. This is Paarthurnax, master of the Greybeards. Before talking about Alduin, he greets you in the dragon way – with a Thu’um. He teaches you a word of Fire Breath (“Yol”) and asks you to shout it at him.

The story of Dragonrend

Paarthurnax cannot teach you Dragonrend – no dragon can use it, because it was made by mortals out of hatred for dragons, and dragons cannot grasp the concept of mortality. He reveals that the ancient Nords also used an Elder Scroll to cast Alduin out of time. If you bring that same Elder Scroll back to the Time-Wound on the summit, you may be able to learn the Shout from the past. That starts Elder Knowledge.

Rewards

• Clear Skies (all three words)
• Fire Breath: Yol
• The ability to meditate on Words of Power with Paarthurnax for permanent bonuses

Tips

• Talk to Paarthurnax about his past – his story is one of the best pieces of lore in the game.
• Clear Skies is useful later too, so keep it in mind.