Skyrim Glory Of The Dead Quest Walkthrough And Rewards

The Glory of the Dead quest serves as the dramatic climax to the Companions storyline in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Following the tragic death of Harbinger Kodlak Whitemane, players must unite the remaining Circle members to honor his legacy and cleanse his spirit. Completing this final mission requires navigating ancient tombs, battling restless specters, and unlocking powerful endgame rewards for your character.

Attending the Funeral and Forging Wuuthrad

The quest begins in Whiterun at the Skyforge, where the Companions gather to pay their final respects to Kodlak. After the funeral ceremony concludes, Eorlund Gray-Mane asks you to retrieve the remaining fragments of Wuuthrad from Kodlak's living quarters. Returning these pieces allows Eorlund to forge the legendary battleaxe anew, providing you with a essential key to open Ysgramor's Tomb.

Once the weapon is reassembled, you and the inner circle journey to Ysgramor's Tomb located in the far northern region of Skyrim. Placing Wuuthrad into the hands of Ysgramor's statue unlocks the main entrance, allowing the party to venture deep into the ancient catacombs.

Navigating Ysgramor's Tomb

Inside the tomb, players face dynamic encounters featuring the ghosts of ancient Companion warriors. As you progress through the halls, fellow Circle members like Vilkas and Farkas will decide to stay behind due to personal burdens and fears. You will eventually push forward into the central chamber alongside Aela the Huntress to reach Kodlak's soul.

The final burial chamber holds the Flame of Ysgor, where Kodlak's spirit awaits deliverance from the Lycanthropy curse. To cure Kodlak, you must throw a Glenmoril Witch Head into the fire, triggering a battle against his inner beast spirit.

Defeating the Wolf Spirit and Curing Kodlak

A spectral wolf will manifest near the altar once the witch head is offered to the flames. Defeating this manifestation cleanses Kodlak's soul, allowing him to rest peacefully in Sovngarde as a true warrior. Before departing, Kodlak officially names you the new Harbinger of the Companions, bestowing the leadership of the ancient faction upon you.

Following this victory, you can also use an additional witch head on the Flame of Ysgor to cure your own werewolf condition if desired. This choice allows total freedom in deciding whether to retain the beast blood or reclaim standard human bonuses.

Rewards and Unlocks for the New Harbinger

Completing the Glory of the Dead quest grants immediate access to several valuable benefits across Skyrim. As Harbinger, you gain full ownership of Jorrvaskr's living quarters, including access to rare armor, weapons, and alchemy supplies stored within. Furthermore, Wuuthrad becomes yours to wield permanently, delivering devastating bonus damage against high-elf and dark-elf enemies.

Additionally, completing the storyline enables circle members like Aela, Farkas, and Vilkas to become available as followers and potential marriage candidates. Eorlund Gray-Mane also gains the ability to craft Skyforge Steel weapons and ancient Nord armor at the Skyforge.