Skyrim: The Golden Claw — Where to Start, Puzzles, and Rewards
The Golden Claw can be started in two different ways and contains two puzzles. This guide shows where to begin, how to solve each puzzle, and what rewards are available.
Ways to Start
The quest can be started in two ways.
Speak with Lucan Valerius at the Riverwood Trader
Lucan explains that bandits stole his Golden Claw and asks you to retrieve it from Bleak Falls Barrow. This is the most natural story introduction to the quest.
Enter Bleak Falls Barrow and overhear the bandits
You can start the quest directly inside Bleak Falls Barrow by overhearing the bandits discuss the stolen claw and Arvel the Swift. Continue through the barrow and recover the claw from Arvel.
Puzzles
Bleak Falls Barrow contains two puzzles required to reach the final chamber.
Rotating Pillar Puzzle
Rotate the three pillars so they show Snake, Snake, and Whale from left to right, then pull the lever to open the gate. The carvings above the gate reveal the sequence; the fallen middle carving can be found on the floor.
Golden Claw Door
Inspect the Golden Claw in your inventory to see the correct symbols. Set the door rings to Bear, Moth, and Owl from the outer ring to the inner ring, then activate the keyhole with the claw.
Rewards
Leveled gold
Word of Power: Unrelenting Force
Learned from the word wall near the end of Bleak Falls Barrow.