Under Saarthal – p. 2 | Side quests

In this section of our TES V: Skyrim guide, we provide a detailed walkthrough of the second part of the Under Saarthal side quest, which is one of the missions associated with the College of Winterhold quests. You will explore the deeper depths of Saarthal with Tolfdir, defeat various enemies such as Draugrs, and solve a complicated puzzle with six pillars along the way.

• New main objective: Tell Tolfdir about the vision
• New main objective: Follow Tolfdir
• New main objective: Find the danger within Saarthal

New main objective: Tell Tolfdir about the vision

Tolfdir will initiate a conversation with you and his first question will be general as he has not witnessed any vision himself. You should share what you saw (as shown in the above screenshot) and optionally inquire about the Psijic Order. After the conversation, remember to SAVE your game as the first group of monsters will soon attack you.

New main objective: Follow Tolfdir

Be prepared for Draugrs to break through the walls (as shown in the above screenshot), including their elite types such as Restless Draugr and Draugr – Wight. Fight them and avoid using any AoE spells as they could harm your allies due to the small size of the room. Also, be cautious not to get surrounded by the monsters.

After the battle, Tolfdir will head through the western passage, and you should follow him. Soon, you will encounter a locked gate, and you need to pull the nearby lever yourself (as shown in the above screenshot) as your guide may not be sharp-witted. Once again, remember to save your game and enter the significant room.

You will encounter Draugrs once again in the big room, but this time most of them should be of the “standard” type. However, be careful of the Restless Draugr (as shown in the above screenshot), as it may be the only one that could cause you trouble. Afterward, Tolfdir will start examining the ruins, and he will send you to explore the deeper parts.

New main objective: Find the danger within Saarthal

Head towards the northern exit (as shown in the above screenshot), which is locked, and you need to pull the TWO chains on its sides. Only then can you open the door leading to the proper part of the Saarthal ruins.

After reaching the next part of the ruins, it is recommended that you save your game as there is another difficult fight waiting for you. First, you need to eliminate a normal Draugr and be wary of the nearby runic flame trap (as shown in the above screenshot). You can detonate the rune from a distance or avoid it, hoping to use it in the next battle. Unfortunately, in the second option, you need to consider the danger of your clumsy team member activating the trap.

You will soon face more Draugrs, including a powerful Draugr – Scourge that is highly resistant and can deal significant damage. To defeat it, you will need to use your best skills, Shouts, magic, and weapons while keeping your hero healed and mana replenished. It is not advised to use ranged attacks against the Scourge as it will retaliate with a bow.

Once the battle ends, head up the stairs to the upper level. You can either search for two chests or proceed to the only exit located in the eastern part of the room (as shown in the screenshot above). Be prepared to face a Draugr – Wight on your way. You will soon arrive at the first puzzle in this area.

Solving the Six Pillars Puzzle – Solution

The puzzle involves six pillars that must be turned to display the correct signs. Stand facing the locked grate (as shown in the screenshot above) and approach the pillars in the following order:

1. Approach pillar 1, which displays a fish by default. However, the plate behind it indicates it should be a hawk. Turn the pillar to display a hawk.


2. Approach pillar 2, which displays a hawk by default. However, the plate behind it indicates it should be a snake. Turn the pillar to display a snake.


3. Approach pillar 3, which displays a snake by default. However, the plate behind it indicates it should be a fish. Turn the pillar to display a fish.


4. Approach pillar 4, which displays a fish and is already correct according to the plate behind it.


5. Approach pillar 5, which displays a snake by default. However, the plate behind it indicates it should be a hawk. Turn the pillar to display a hawk.


6. Approach pillar 6, which displays a fish by default. However, the plate behind it indicates it should be a hawk. Turn the pillar to display a hawk.

Finally, pull the lever to raise the grate and proceed to the next area.

FAQ

1. What is Under Saarthal?

Under Saarthal is a side quest in the game Skyrim. It is given to the player by Tolfdir, a member of the College of Winterhold, and takes place in the ruins of Saarthal. The quest involves investigating the ruins to learn more about the history of the college and the magic used by the ancient Nords. It also involves battling undead enemies and solving puzzles to progress through the ruins. Completing the quest will reward the player with experience points and possibly valuable loot.

2. How do I start the Under Saarthal quest?

The Under Saarthal quest can be started by speaking with Tolfdir, a member of the College of Winterhold. He can be found near the entrance to the college or inside the Hall of the Elements. Once you have spoken to him, he will give you the quest and direct you to go to the ruins of Saarthal. The ruins can be found to the west of Winterhold, and can be reached by following the road out of the city and then heading west when the road forks.

3. What level should I be to complete the Under Saarthal quest?

There is no specific level requirement to start or complete the Under Saarthal quest, but it is recommended that players be at least level 6 or higher. This is because the quest involves battling undead enemies, which can be challenging for low-level characters. Additionally, the puzzles in the ruins can be difficult for inexperienced players. However, with careful planning and preparation, players of any level should be able to complete the quest successfully.

4. What rewards can I expect from completing the Under Saarthal quest?

Completing the Under Saarthal quest will reward the player with experience points and possibly valuable loot. The loot can include enchanted weapons and armor, as well as rare gems and other treasures. Additionally, completing the quest will advance the player’s progress in the College of Winterhold questline, which can lead to further rewards and opportunities for adventure. Overall, the Under Saarthal quest is a rewarding and engaging side quest that is well worth completing for any Skyrim player.