Miscellaneous: Finding Finn’s Lute in The Bards College Quests

In this section of our guide to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, we provide a detailed description of the quest called Find Finn’s Lute. It is one of the quests offered by The Bards College. To complete this quest, you need to explore Stony Creek Cave, which is a hideout for bandits. You will find the lute inside a chest located in the hideout.

Note that you can only attempt this quest after completing the main quest of The Bards College, which is Tending the Flames.

Go to The Bards College in Solitude and look for Inge Six-Fingers (shown in the screen above). Inge will tell you about a burglary that happened a year ago. Finn’s Lute was stolen during the robbery, and Inge wants you to retrieve it. She gives you the location of the hideout where the bandits are currently hiding.

Leave the college, open the world map, and plan your journey to Stony Creek Cave (shown in the screen above). The cave is located in the eastern part of Skyrim. If you haven’t unlocked it yet, start at Windhelm and head south-east, then east.

You will find the entrance to the cave in an unusual location. To reach it, you need to jump into a small pond and swim towards it (shown in the screen above). Once you reach the new area, swim towards the body and use the platforms on the right side. Then proceed into the bandit hideout.

Be careful when you reach the first intersection. Choose the corridor going south-east (shown in the screen above) and defeat the bandit there. Keep in mind that more enemies are likely to appear here. Be especially cautious when fighting the Bandit Plunderer, as he may be able to use magic.

After the battle, follow the narrow corridor going north-east, and watch out for a trap that may be activated by pulling a rope. When you reach a small room, look for a chest that contains Finn’s Lute (shown in the screen above), among other things. You can either continue exploring the hideout (northern room with a waterfall) or head back to the exit. Return to The Bards College to give the item to Inge. She won’t give you any material reward, but will increase all six thief skills by 1 point (Alchemy, Light Armor, Lockpicking, Pickpocket, Speech, and Sneak).

FAQ

What is Finn’s Lute and why is it important?

Finn’s Lute is a quest item in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim that is required to complete the “Find Finn’s Lute” quest given by Viarmo at The Bards College in Solitude. The lute belonged to a bard named Finn who disappeared mysteriously. It is said to have magical properties and is highly valuable to the college. The quest requires the player to locate the lute and return it to Viarmo. It is important because it is a crucial step in advancing through the Bards College questline and also rewards the player with gold and the ability to use the college’s musical instruments.

Where can I find Finn’s Lute?

Finn’s Lute can be found in the possession of a bandit leader named Linwe in Uttering Hills Cave. The cave is located in the mountains near Falkreath and is infested with bandits. The player must fight their way through the cave and defeat Linwe to retrieve the lute. The quest marker will guide the player to the correct location. It is recommended to come prepared with weapons and armor as the bandits can be tough opponents.

What are the rewards for completing the “Find Finn’s Lute” quest?

Upon completing the “Find Finn’s Lute” quest, the player will receive a reward of 400 gold and the ability to use the musical instruments in The Bards College. Additionally, the quest counts towards the overall completion of the Bards College questline, which leads to the title of “Bard” and other rewards. The player will also gain experience points and increase their standing with the college. Overall, it is a worthwhile quest to complete for any player interested in the game’s musical aspect or advancing through the Bards College storyline.