The Blessings of Nature

The Slumbering Temple

Journey to the city of Whiterun, through the gates into the bailey, and visit the Bannered Mare. Engage the barkeep, Hulda, in some idle chatter, picking up on several rumors. Keep asking until she tells you about a withered tree by the Temple of Kynareth.

Search out Danica Pure-Spring, and ask her about the tree. It is an offshoot of the Eldergleam, a massive tree and the oldest living thing in Skyrim. Ask about reviving the tree, and she tells you that even if you reach the Eldergleam deep in its sanctuary, you couldn’t tap its sap, as it cannot be cut by normal metal. Only one weapon is known to cut the tree’s bark—Nettlebane—and it is carried by the Hagraven that prowls on Orphan Rock. Agree to retrieve this weapon hewn of dark magic from beyond the time of man.

Dark Arts on Orphan Rock

Brave traps, inclement weather, and a coven of witches that attack you on sight as you ascend and head across the tree branch to the top of Orphan Rock. Face the Hagraven in combat and slay her. Inspect the corpse, and secure the Nettlebane blade from it.

(Sneak) You may also try pickpocketing the blade from the Hagraven.

• Nettlebane

Danica is probably inside the Temple of Kynareth. She isn’t keen on touching the Nettlebane and asks if you’re able to complete the next part of the task: to journey east to the Eldergleam Sanctuary grove and retrieve the sap from the ancient tree. Once the quest updates, you’re stopped by Maurice Jondrelle, a pilgrim wishing to accompany you to the Sanctuary to witness the Eldergleam. You may agree to journey with him or ignore his request.

The Sting of Nettlebane

Hike the volcanic tundra until you find the rather unassuming cave entrance to Eldergleam Sanctuary. Enter it, and the cave opens into a gigantic grotto, where waterfalls tumble from the sky-high roof and hot springs belch from the ground. This interior wonder has pilgrims resting and watching in awe. Optionally speak to Asta for more information on the place and a warning not to harm the tree.

There are two ways to harvest the sap you need:

1. Some quick swipes to the tree’s gigantic root structure, which is blocking the path to the tree trunk, shouldn’t hurt the ancient entity. Despite Maurice’s protests, produce Nettlebane and swipe once. The tree’s roots creak and retract from the soil. Continue with this swiping until you reach the trunk, and pierce it with Nettlebane to siphon off some sap.

• Eldergleam Sap

2. Or, if Maurice is with you, agree to let him pray in front of the tree. A sapling grows from his devotion. You can return this to Danica instead.

• Eldergleam Sapling

Both Maurice Jondrelle and the Spriggans who guard the tree don’t take kindly to sap stealing if you chose that option. They mount an offensive strike against you. Fight or flee from this place, and return swiftly to Danica Pure-Spring, presenting her with the sap. She is most grateful.

Quest Conclusion

Danica takes the sap (or sapling) from you. You are now on friendly terms with her, and she is available as a Trainer (a Master in Restoration).

Postquest Activities

After time passes and you return to the Temple of Kynareth, you witness the tree blooming again (if you returned with sap) or being replaced by the sapling (if Maurice prayed for you).