Blood’s Honor

Hircine’s Curse

After completing the Companions Quest: Proving Honor and then tending to other business, visit Kodlak, who is usually down in his Living Quarters in Jorrvaskr. Sit next to him and begin to talk. After telling him what you’ve been up to, Kodlak asks if you’ve heard the story of how the Companions became werewolves. The Order of the Companions is almost 5,000 years old, but the beastblood has only “troubled” them for a few hundred. One of Kodlak’s predecessors made a bargain with the witches of Glenmoril Coven; if the Companions were to hunt in the name of their lord, Hircine, they would be granted great power. But there was deception!

Although in wolf form the Companions are powerful, the disease of lycanthropy seeps into the spirit, and upon death, werewolves are claimed by Hircine for his Hunting Grounds. For some, the eternal chase and capture is a boon, but for a true Nord like Kodlak, it is a curse, for he wishes Sovngarde to be his spirit home. Rather than resigning himself to a wolf’s death, Kodlak has spent his twilight years trying to find a cure. The answer lies in the same magic that the witches used to ensnare the Companions. You are to go to their coven and strike down all witches. Return with their heads—the seat of their abilities.

Trek across the tundra plains and southwest, into the mountains, keeping below the snow line. The trappings of witchcraft hang from the gnarled trees at the Coven’s entrance. Enter the Coven, which is formed around a central hub cavern, where a Glenmoril Witch awaits. Strike her with sneak, ranged, or melee attacks. Beware of her frost spells and her familiar. Continue combat until one of you falls—be sure it’s the crone! Then inspect the withered corpse and collect the head (as well as any Hagraven Feathers you may need for crafting).

• Glenmoril Witch Head

At this point, you are prompted to return to Kodlak. Before you return (which is a critical part of this quest), you can also hunt down the four other Glenmoril Witches who inhabit this coven.

Journey back to Whiterun, and head toward Jorrvaskr. Judging from the onlookers, Aela’s drawn weapon, and the slaughtered Silver Hand at her feet, the longhouse was the scene of a vicious Silver Hand attack while you were away. Enter Jorrvaskr and speak with Vilkas. He has some sorrowful news; Kodlak was killed during the fighting.

Quest Conclusion

The Silver Hand made off with all the fragments of Wuuthrad that you had collected. Vilkas vows that you and he will bring the battle to their chief camp. Kodlak will be avenged.

Postquest Activities

The Companions Quest: Purity of Revenge begins immediately. There are now no Radiant Quests available, due to the recent Silver Hand attack. Although you may think the Witch Heads aren’t of use, they become important during Companions Quest: Glory of the Dead and afterward.