The Horn Of Jurgen Windcaller Quest Walkthrough And Rewards
The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller is a pivotal main quest in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim that tests the Dragonborn's mastery over Shouts and dungeon exploration. Assigned by the Greybeards of High Hrothgar, this trial tasks players with retrieving an ancient artifact hidden deep within the treacherous Nordic ruin of Ustengrav. Completing this trial not only proves your worth to the monastic order but also unlocks essential abilities needed to advance through the main storyline.
Navigating the Swamps and Depths of Ustengrav
Your journey begins in the marshlands of Hjaalmarch, just northeast of Morthal, where the ancient entrance to Ustengrav lies buried. Upon entering the tomb, players must battle through groups of bandits and warlike necromancers who have taken refuge in the upper chambers. Descending deeper into the catacombs leads to larger caverns inhabited by aggressive Draugr and lethal spiders.
To navigate these treacherous subterranean environments efficiently, maintaining proper preparation is essential for survival. Navigating dark corridors, avoiding hidden pressure plates, and defeating wave after wave of undead enemies requires a balanced combat approach. Keeping a steady supply of healing potions and maintaining effective flame attacks will make clearing the early chambers much easier.
Solving the Gate Puzzle in Ustengrav Depths
The most famous obstacle within Ustengrav is a timed speed puzzle involving three glowing red stones and consecutive iron gates. Passing each stone briefly raises the corresponding gate, requiring players to sprint through before the iron bars drop back into place. Attempting to run through normally will cause the gates to shut, blocking your forward progress.
The secret to bypassing this obstacle is utilizing your Whirlwind Sprint Shout in rapid succession while sprinting past the stones. Stand slightly before the first pillar, align your character with the open passage, and activate the Shout to launch forward instantly. Mastering this timing allows you to clear all three gates effortlessly and gain entry to the inner sanctum.
Uncovering the Secret Note and Meeting Delphine
Upon reaching the final ceremonial pedestal where the artifact should rest, players are met with a surprising twist. Instead of finding the legendary horn, you will discover a mysterious note left by a secret ally directing you to rent the Attic Room at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood. This unexpected turn of events pivots the narrative away from simple dungeon crawling and introduces the blades faction.
Traveling to Riverwood and speaking with Delphine reveals that she retrieved the horn to test whether you were truly the Dragonborn. After handing over the artifact, Delphine explains her motives and offers vital intelligence regarding the sudden dragon resurgence across Skyrim. This encounter transforms a simple initiation trial into a deeper investigation into ancient prophecies.
Returning the Horn for Dragonborn Initiation
With the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller finally in your possession, return to High Hrothgar and hand the relic back to Master Arngeir. The Greybeards will formally accept your accomplishment and perform a powerful ceremonial ritual that formally recognizes you as Dragonborn. During this sequence, the masters chant in the ancient Dragon Language, causing the very mountain of High Hrothgar to shake.
As a reward for completing the quest, Arngeir teaches you the final word of power for the Unrelenting Force Shout, Dah, fully powering up your signature knockback ability. Additionally, players can return to Ustengrav later to interact with Jurgen Windcaller's tomb to receive a free Dragon Soul, maximizing the value of finishing this legendary quest line.