Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition Guide The Atlas Hold 4: Winterhold Hold

[4.15] Ironbind Barrow

Recommended Level: 6

Dungeon: Draugr Crypt

Animal
Beem-Ja
Draugr
Salma
Warlord Gathrik

Dangers

Spear Trap (pedestal)
Spear Trap (pressure plate)

Collectibles

Unique Weapon: Steel Battleaxe of Fiery Souls [24/80]

Special Objects

Word Wall: Become Ethereal [2/3]
Chest(s)
Potions
Loose gear

Near the heart of Winterhold, two adventurers stand just outside a cave. Listen to their discussion to learn that treasure lies within. Approach the pair afterward and speak to Salma. Tell her that you’re “going inside” to entice her and her partner Beem-Ja to rush into the cave ahead of you, thereby acting as partners to help you clear this dangerous area. Hurry inside after them. Alternatively, just barge in and they’ll do the same.

Exit to Skyrim

Giant Spider’s Lair

Slay a couple of Frostbite Spiders on your way to this first cavern, where a Giant Frostbite Spider lurks. Work together with Salma and Beem-Ja to bring the brute down.

Tomb Chamber

Stairs lead up to an ancient tomb, but the door is sealed tight. Raid a chest in the nearby east nook, then locate a handle in the west nook, which opens the tomb.

Chest

Tomb Entry

Beware: a mighty Draugr ambushes you in the tomb’s small entry chamber. Slay the fiend, then snag some nearby potions and open the chest in the west nook.

Chest
Potions
Loose gear

Trapped Treasure Nook

Avoid the pressure plate on the ground before this tantalizing chest.

Danger! Spear Trap (pressure plate)
Chest

Draugr Den

Slay a vicious little Skeever on your way into this chamber, where more powerful Draugr await. Dispatch yet more deadly Draugr as you head to [6].

Chest (Locked: Adept)
Potions

Pedestal Passage

Backpedal the moment you take the item off the pedestal here—removing the loot causes spears to stab up from the surrounding ground, yet also opens the way forward. There is also a chain hidden in the ceiling arch nearby, allowing you to open the way forward without fear of pointy retribution.

Danger! Spear Trap (pedestal)
Loose gear

Gathrik’s Chamber

A mighty Draugr warlord named Gathrik awaits you in this final chamber. Once this ancient horror is dispatched, Beem-Ja will reveal his true colors and must be put down. Find a unique axe affixed to the back of the throne, and approach the far Word Wall after slaying the traitorous villain to acquire a new Word of Power. Loot a large nearby chest as well before dropping down to the lower ground and pulling a chain to open the exit passage.

Unique Weapon: Steel Battleaxe of Fiery Souls [24/80]
Word Wall: Become Ethereal [2/3]
Chest
Potions
Loose gear