Related Quests

• Daedric Quests: The Black Star
• College of Winterhold Quests: First Lessons
• Thieves Guild Quests: Hard Answers
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Innkeeper Rumors (The Frozen Hearth)
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Finding Isabelle* (Dagur)
• Favor (Activity): A Drunk’s Drink* (Ranmir)
• Favor: A Good Talking To* (Haran)
• Favor: A Little Light Thievery* (Malur Seloth)
• Favor: Jobs for the Jarls* (Jarl Korir)
• Thane Quests: Thane of Winterhold Hold*

Habitation: Hold Capital (Minor)

Services

• Trader (General Store Vendor): Birna [3/19]

Special Objects

• Civil War: Map of Skyrim

Collectibles

• Dragon Claw: Coral Dragon Claw [4/10]
• Skill Book [Alteration]: Breathing Water [A1/10]
• Skill Book [Destruction]: Mystery of Talara, v3 [C2/10]
• Skill Book [Restoration]: The Exodus [D1/10]
• Unique Item: The Black Star [26/112]
• Unique Weapon: Nightingale Blade [21/80]
• Unique Weapon: Staff of Arcane Authority [22/80]
• Chest
• Potions aplenty
• Loose gear

Lore: City Overview

Once a great capital rivaling Solitude in power and importance, Winterhold is now little more than a shell of its former self. Eighty years ago, a seemingly never-ending series of storms lashed out at the northern coast of Skyrim, eventually causing most of the city to plummet into the Sea of Ghosts, an event now known as the Great Collapse. Strangely, the College of Winterhold was unaffected, remaining firm on a now freestanding spire of rock. Many inhabitants of Winterhold, both mages and magic-fearing Nords, were forced to abandon the city, and those who remained still eye the College with suspicion.

Since that time, the population of Winterhold has continued to dwindle. Other than the College, only a handful of buildings still stand. What remains of the town’s economy is based around serving the needs of the College. As such, Winterhold has become something of a haven for mages in Skyrim, a safe refuge from distrustful Nords.

Important Areas of Interest

Main Thoroughfare

A single, snow-covered road winds past the dilapidated and collapsed structures of Winterhold, leading to the Winterhold Bridge and the domain of mages.

Ruins of the Cataclysm

Four of the town’s main structures lie abandoned and rotting into the snowy ground. There are no items to snag of any worth.

Jarl’s Longhouse

The following leaders of Winterhold are loyal to the Stormcloaks at the start of the Civil War.

Jarl Korir

Whatever optimism might have lived in Korir’s heart was beaten down by decades of hearing how much better things used to be before the Great Collapse. Knowing nothing else, he carries on the grudges of his ancestors while refusing to abandon his home, so he’s done everything he can to persevere. He’ll maintain the traditions of his forefathers if it kills him, and he fails to realize the impact it’s having on his son.

Thaena

Thaena’s life isn’t what it was supposed to be. The beautiful city she should’ve grown up in doesn’t exist, her husband has turned into a bitter, cynical man, and the future for her son looks bleak. While Korir may stop short of assigning blame, Thaena has no problem pointing a finger at those responsible for her family’s plight: the mages of Winterhold. Refusing to accept any responsibility for her situation, she’s placed all the blame squarely on the shoulders of the College and spends every day cursing its existence.

Assur

Assur is confused by the reaction he gets when he repeats what his parents have always told him: mages can’t be trusted, and anyone who uses magic is dangerous. He’s been taught that warlocks and witches are even worse than elves, and no one but a Nord is a friend to Winterhold.

Malur Seloth

A slouch with few marketable skills, Melur has landed himself in what he perceives as a wonderful position. Korir is convinced that he’s in cahoots with the mages of the College of Winterhold and therefore expects little of Malur in the way of servant’s duties. Malur has done nothing to dissuade this misunderstanding; in fact, he’s cultivating it to get away with as little work as possible. Naturally, he survives if the balance of power shifts to the Imperials.

Kai Wet-Pommel

The following residents arrive to take control of Winterhold, should this Hold fall during the Civil War.

Jarl Kraldar

Kraldar is, by all accounts, what may well be the last in a long line of nobility in Winterhold, due to the cataclysm. He understands that while the College may seem a bit of an eyesore to the rest of the province, being on good terms with the Arch-Mage is in Winterhold’s best interest. Ever the optimist, he firmly believes that Winterhold will be restored to greatness someday, and often regales his Housecarl with his dreams for the future. He’s less chatty with Malur Seloth.

Thonjolf (Housecarl)

Thonjolf’s family has served the Kraldars for generations. It’s all he knows. It doesn’t matter that there’s little for him to actually do or that the Great City of Winterhold doesn’t exist anymore; he has a duty and he will perform it to the best of his ability. He’s aware of Malur’s abuse of his position and has repeatedly attempted to speak to Kraldar about it. Kraldar refuses to listen, so Thonjolf grows more frustrated with every passing day.

One of the buildings of old Winterhold has been repurposed as the Jarl’s Longhouse, since the original home of the Jarl was lost in the Great Collapse. Korir rules from this new location, though currently there’s very little “ruling” that actually takes place; the College remains separated from the mainland (both physically and socially), and the handful of residents left need little governing on a daily basis. Korir is convinced that without the Imperials or the College, Winterhold will someday regain its former glory. Jarl Korir is grateful for any protection and actively encourages the Stormcloaks to plan their attacks from his war room. In the downstairs bedroom, a Skill Book has been stashed in a woven basket that sits atop a barrel.

• Skill Book [Enchanting]: Twin Secrets
• Civil War: Map of Skyrim
• Chest
• Potions aplenty
• Loose gear

The Frozen Hearth

• Dagur
• Haran
• Eirid
• Nelacar
• Angwe

The only profitable business left in Winterhold, the Inn serves as the sole place petitioners to the College may stay. As such, Dagur has put aside any personal feelings he may have toward wizards and does his best to look on the bright side. Nelacar is paying Dagur good money to maintain a small room in the Inn, where he can do some research on his own, away from the College. He also takes a cut of Enthir’s questionable sales downstairs in the cellar. Enthir (a member of the College) stays here during the Thieves Guild Quests and becomes a Fence for you. Down in the cellar, a Skill Book is hidden among a collection of crates and sacks.

• Skill Book [Restoration]: The Exodus [D1/10]
• Unique Item: The Black Star [26/112]
• Unique Weapon: Nightingale Blade [21/80]
• Unique Weapon: Staff of Arcane Authority [22/80]
• Chest (3)

Birna’s Oddments

• Ranmir
• Birna

Birna’s family has lived there for generations beyond count, and no amount of natural disaster or weird magic is going to drive her out now. Her family’s house is also a small shop selling a variety of items. She’ll even part with a strange claw if the price is right.

• Trader (General Store Vendor): Birna [3/19]
• Potions, Food, Misc
• Dragon Claw: Coral Dragon Claw [4/10]
• Skill Book [Destruction]: Mystery of Talara, v3 [C3/10]
• Potions aplenty
• Loose gear

Kraldar’s House

One of the last few holdouts, Kraldar refuses to give up and move away from Winterhold. Everything he has been through has instilled a great distrust for the mages of the College that borders on hatred. Kraldar is a pleasant sort, convinced that Winterhold will someday again be the shining jewel of Skyrim that it once was. Check inside the woven basket on the shelf to discover a hidden Skill Book.

• Skill Book [Alteration]: Breathing Water [A1/10]
• Chest

College of Winterhold

Related Quests

• Main Quest: Elder Knowledge
• Daedric Quests: The Black Star
• Daedric Quests: Discerning the Transmundane
• Side Quests: Forbidden Legend
• College of Winterhold Quests: First Lessons
• College of Winterhold Quests: Under Saarthal
• College of Winterhold Quests: Hitting the Books
• College of Winterhold Quests: Good Intentions
• College of Winterhold Quests: Revealing the Unseen
• College of Winterhold Quests: Containment
• College of Winterhold Quests: The Staff of Magnus
• College of Winterhold Quests: The Eye of Magnus
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Rejoining the College
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Tolfdir’s Alembic*
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Out of Balance*
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: An Enchanted Journey*
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Restocking Soul Gems*
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Valuable Book Procurement*
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Shalidor’s Insights
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: The Atronach Forge*
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Tolfdir’s Alembic*
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Forgotten Names*
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Aftershock*
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Rogue Wizard
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Arniel’s Endeavor
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Apprentice: Brelyna’s Practice
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Apprentice: J’Zargo’s Experiment
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Apprentice: Onmund’s Request
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Destruction Ritual Spell
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Illusion Ritual Spell
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Conjuration Ritual Spell
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Restoration Ritual Spell
• College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Alteration Ritual Spell
• Thieves Guild Radiant Quests: No Stone Unturned
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Lost Apprentices: Borvir* (Phinis Gestor)
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Lost Apprentices: Ilas-tei* (Phinis Gestor)
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Lost Apprentices: Rundi* (Phinis Gestor)
• Miscellaneous Objectives: Lost Apprentices: Yisra* (Phinis Gestor)

Habitation: Special

Crafting

• Alchemy Labs (3)
• Arcane Enchanters (2)

Services

• Follower: Brelyna Maryon [9/47]
• Follower: J’Zargo [10/47]
• Follower: Onmund [11/47]
• Marriage Prospect: Brelyna Maryon [8/62]
• Marriage Prospect: Onmund [9/62]
• Trader (Fence): Enthir [2/11]
• Trader (General Store Vendor): Enthir [4/19]
• Trader (Special): Enthir [1/3]
• Trader (Spell Vendor): Tolfdir [4/12]
• Trader (Spell Vendor): Phinis Gestor [5/12]
• Trader (Spell Vendor): Faralda [6/12]
• Trader (Spell Vendor): Drevis Neloren [7/12]
• Trader (Spell Vendor): Colette Marence [8/12]
• Trainer (Tolfdir: Master): Alteration [2/3]
• Trainer (Phinis Gestor: Expert): Conjuration [2/3]
• Trainer (Faralda: Expert): Destruction [2/3]
• Trainer (Sergius Turrianus: Expert): Enchanting [1/2]
• Trainer (Drevis Neloren: Master): Illusion [1/2]
• Trainer (Colette Marence: Expert): Restoration [2/3]

Collectibles

• Skill Book [Alchemy]: De Rerum Dirennis [B2/10]
• Unique Item: Arch-Mage’s Robes [27/112]
• Unique Item: Mage’s Circlet [28/112]
• Unique Item: Savos Aren’s Amulet [29/112]
• Unique Item: Mystic Tuning Gloves [30/112]
• Unusual Gem: [5/24]
• Chest
• Potions aplenty

Notable College Inhabitants

Savos Aren (Arch-Mage)

• Unique Item: Arch-Mage’s Robes [27/112]
• Unique Item: Mage’s Circlet [28/112]

Ancano (Thalmor Advisor)

Mirabelle Ervine (Master-Wizard)

• Unique Item: Savos Aren’s Amulet [29/112]

Enthir (Scholar)

• Trader: Fence [2/11] (during Thieves Guild Quests only)
• Trader: General Store Vendor [4/19]
• Trader: Special [1/3]

Tolfdir (Wizard)

• Trader: Spell Vendor [4/13]
• Weapons, Scrolls, Books, Misc
• Trainer: Alteration: Master [2/3]

Phinis Gestor (Wizard)

• Trader: Spell Vendor [5/13]
• Scrolls, Books, Misc
• Trainer: Conjuration: Expert [2/3]

Faralda (Wizard)

• Trader: Spell Vendor [6/13]
• Weapons, Scrolls, Books, Misc
• Trainer: Destruction: Expert [2/3]

Sergius Turrianus (Wizard)

• Trainer: Enchanting: Expert [1/2]

Drevis Neloren (Wizard)

• Trader: Spell Vendor [8/13]
• Weapons, Scrolls, Books, Misc
• Trainer: Illusion: Master [1/2]
• Unique Item: Mystic Tuning Gloves [30/112]

Colette Marence (Scholar)

• Trader: Spell Vendor [9/13]
• Scrolls, Books, Misc
• Trainer: Restoration: Expert [2/3]

Arniel Gane (Scholar)

Nirya (Scholar)

Urag gro-Shub (Lorekeeper)

• Trader: Special [2/3]

Brelyna Maryon (Student)

• Follower [9/47]
• Marriage Prospect [8/62]

J’Zargo (Student)

• Follower [10/47]

Onmund (Student)

• Follower [11/47]
• Marriage Prospect [9/62]

Augur of Dunlain

Winterhold Bridge

Many of the townsfolk in Winterhold think this bridge is being held up by magic alone, and they are correct. Faralda waits to greet (or halt) anyone thinking of entering the College, forcing them to prove they have an aptitude for magic. Ignore her, and the gates into the College remain closed to you. Fall from the bridge, and expect a long death plummet. Walk on the shores of the Sea of Ghosts below, and you’ll find the remains of fallen masonry and stones, but only Clams, Nordic Barnacles, and Slaughterfish Eggs to collect.

Main Courtyard

Dominated by a statue of the first Arch-Mage of the College, this is the hub of the facility, offering access back out to the bridge and into the three Halls and one of the trapdoors into the murky depths of the Midden. The exterior windows offer exceptional views of the coastline.

Hall of Attainment

This is to the west of the Courtyard and is where the students and some of the teachers rest. If you join the College, the first room on your right is where you can sleep. There are two floors and a door up onto the roof where you can access the other main parts of the College, which can be accessed from ground level as well.

• Chest (2)

Hall of Countenance

The senior members of the College have a home here, which is a tower laid out in the same fashion as the Hall of Attainment. Check the upper floor and the roof access. There are many staffs here, but stealing them isn’t wise. The ingredients (and Soul Gems) on display near the Alchemy Lab (and Arcane Enchanter) can be used without penalty, so seek them out if you’re looking for a particularly rare item (or gem) to craft. Also note the trapdoor entrance to the Midden at the base of the spiral steps.

• Crafting: Alchemy Lab, Arcane Enchanter
• Tolfdir’s Alembic
• Chest
• Potions aplenty
• Loose gear

Hall of the Elements

The College’s grand central chamber is where students practice their magic and senior members discuss important matters. You attend your first lesson in magic here. Ancano usually mooches around these parts. This is a major location during the College of Winterhold Quests. The entrance is flanked by two doors, each leading to a higher level of the main tower.

Arch-Mage’s Quarters

You can reach the Arch-Mage’s Quarters from the Hall of the Elements or the Arcanaeum. These are the chambers of Savos Aren, where he spends some of his time. The circular chamber is lined with ingredients for mixing and features a fungal garden lit by magical floating lights. These aren’t yours to take, unless you wish to incur the wrath of the College elders (or can manage it without being seen!) or you’re patient enough to complete the College quest line, at which point the chamber becomes yours.

• Crafting: Alchemy Lab, Arcane Enchanter
• Unusual Gem: [5/24]

The Arcanaeum

You can reach the Arcanaeum from the Hall of the Elements or the roof parapets. This is the home to Urag gro-Shub the Lorekeeper and his extensive collection of tomes (although he’s always on the lookout for more research materials). The Ysmir Collective, a selection of rare books, is on display, and many books are scattered about. If you want to read, you’ve come to the right place. The Investigator’s Chest has rings to be used in the Midden, as part of College of Winterhold Radiant Quests: Forgotten Names.

• Investigator’s Chest

The Midden

The Midden, a hidden underbelly where ancient and unspeakable magic has been practiced (and mostly forgotten about) isn’t a place where College members usually go.

Ladder to Main Courtyard

Semicircular Chamber

Torture Chamber Tower

Some rotting rugs lie at the bottom of the wooden steps, overlooked by two clamped skeletons. There are four exits to choose from here.

Hagraven’s Corridor

Pass the deer skull altar to reach this exit door.

Wet Bones and Blood

An unpleasant sacrifice was made here.

Snow Catacombs

Summoning Chamber

A large summoning circle is lit with an offering box to fill. This is the Atronach forge and used in the quest of that name.

Ancient Altar

Torture Chamber Tower (Waterfall)

This provides access to the Midden Dark.

Door to Midden Dark

The Midden Dark

Door to Midden

Chasm Bridge

Pass the skeletal design on the wall and watch your footing. Drop down if you wish.

• Chest

Catacombs Junction

Chamber of Augur of Dunlain (Locked: Requires Key)

The entity that lives in the depths of the Midden is holed up here. Speak to him only during specific quests.

Alchemy Offerings and Bone Pile

A small lab and an interesting book are available, prior to a skeleton skirmish.

• Crafting: Alchemy Lab
• Skill Book [Alchemy]: De Rerum Dirennis [B2/10]

Daedric Gauntlet

This bears the Sigil of Oblivion. It is the focus of Radiant Quests: Forgotten Names.

The Unlucky Goat

Slain in this snow cave, this is evidence of necromancy!

Spider Catacombs

Exit to Skyrim

This exit is one-way and brings you out onto a rocky outcrop. From here you have a view of the Sea of Ghosts and the Skytemple Ruins.