The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Companions Quest Guide: Becoming a Harbinger

This article is based on information as of June 5, 2026. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim does not have a seasonal system like typical online games. The latest major paid version is the "Skyrim Anniversary Edition," which includes all elements of the "Skyrim Special Edition" plus all "Creation Club" content. The latest patch was released on January 17, 2024 (version 1.6.1170) and primarily focuses on Creation Club bug fixes. This guide is based on current information.

The Companions, a warrior guild in Whiterun, where Nord glory and ancient secrets lie. The Dragonborn knocks on their door as a new recruit and eventually faces the destiny of "werewolf blood" hidden at the organization's core. This article thoroughly explains the entire Companions questline, from joining the guild, through the struggle against their sworn enemies, the "Silver Hand," to becoming the successor of the legendary Harbinger Ysgramor. Follow the path of ancient heroes and carve your name into Skyrim's history.

Joining the Companions and Early Missions

The story begins with a visit to Jorrvaskr, a massive building in Whiterun, the central hub of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Here, the Companions, a warrior collective upholding Nord traditions, are active.

To join the Companions, the Dragonborn is first given a simple trial by one of the members. By proving their skills through tasks like a sparring match with Vilkas or delivering a shield to the armorer Eorlund Gray-Mane, their abilities are recognized, and they are welcomed as a new recruit. After joining, the Dragonborn will complete several miscellaneous tasks known as "radiant quests" from various members. By completing these missions, the Dragonborn builds trust within the Companions, and the main story truly begins.

Becoming a Werewolf: "Proving Honor" and "The Silver Hand" Quests

After completing the initial missions, a crucial quest involving the Companions' secret core organization, "The Circle," begins. This is a turning point that will significantly alter the Dragonborn's destiny.

Proving Honor

In this quest, the Dragonborn faces their final trial to become a formal member of the Companions. Farkas accompanies them as a "Shield-Brother" to the ancient Nord ruin of Dustman's Cairn.

1. Accept the quest from Vilkas and head to Dustman's Cairn with Farkas.
2. As you proceed through the ruin, you will encounter the Silver Hand, a group of werewolf hunters, for the first time.
3. You become separated from Farkas due to a trap, but he transforms into his "Beast Form" and annihilates the Silver Hand. Here, the Dragonborn witnesses the Companions' secret.
4. In the deepest part of the ruin, you discover and retrieve "Fragments of Wuuthrad," pieces of the legendary axe of the Companions' founder, Ysgramor.
5. Upon returning to Jorrvaskr, you are welcomed by all members of the Circle, including Kodlak Whitemane, and formally recognized as a member of the Companions.

• Note: In the dungeon, when Farkas is trapped in a cage, you must operate a nearby lever to free him. This quest reveals the deep-rooted conflict between the Companions and the Silver Hand.

The Silver Hand

After completing "Proving Honor" and being recognized as a Companion, the Dragonborn is invited by Skjor, a member of the Circle, to come to the Underforge at night. There, the ritual to join the Circle, specifically the ritual to become a werewolf, is performed.

1. Respond to Skjor's invitation and head to the Underforge, a secret location beneath Skyforge, at night.
2. There, Aela awaits in her wolf form and pours her blood into a ritual goblet. The Dragonborn drinks this blood, accepting the werewolf curse.
3. Immediately after the ritual, the Dragonborn is forcibly transformed into a werewolf and loses consciousness. They next awaken in a location far from Whiterun.
4. Reunite with Aela and assault Gallows Rock, a Silver Hand stronghold. Use your werewolf powers to annihilate the enemies.
5. In the depths of the stronghold, you discover the brutally murdered body of your comrade Skjor.
6. Report to Aela and swear vengeance for Skjor to complete the quest.

• Note: Becoming a werewolf is mandatory to advance the questline. Once you become a werewolf, a disadvantage is that you will no longer receive the "Well Rested" skill boost bonus in human form.
• Unique Reward: There are no direct item rewards at this point, but the "Beast Form" power becomes available for use.

The Harbinger's Wish and the Final Battle: "Blood's Honor" and "Glory of the Dead" Quests

The story moves to its climax, detailing Harbinger Kodlak's wish, the confrontation with the Silver Hand, and the Dragonborn's path to becoming the new Harbinger.

Blood's Honor

Kodlak was troubled by the werewolf blood curse, which would prevent him from entering Sovngarde, the Nord paradise, after death. He asks the Dragonborn to hunt witches to find a way to cleanse the curse.

1. Kodlak Whitemane asks you to acquire "Glenmoril Witch Heads," necessary for the ritual to cure the werewolf curse.
2. Head to the Glenmoril Coven and defeat the witches there.
3. Multiple witch heads can be obtained. It is highly recommended to defeat all witches here and secure five heads for your future self or to help your comrades.
4. Upon returning to Jorrvaskr, you find that the Silver Hand have raided the stronghold. Vilkas is injured, and Harbinger Kodlak has been killed, with all the collected Fragments of Wuuthrad stolen.

Glory of the Dead

Overcoming Kodlak's death, the Companions embark on their final battle for vengeance and the salvation of his soul. The Dragonborn leads their comrades at the center of this conflict.

1. Kodlak's funeral is held at the Skyforge. Afterward, Eorlund gives you the last Fragment of Wuuthrad left by Kodlak.
2. Along with members of the Circle, head to Driftshade Refuge, the last stronghold of the Silver Hand, to completely eliminate the remnants and reclaim all the stolen Fragments of Wuuthrad.
3. Return to the Skyforge and give all the fragments to Eorlund, who will restore the legendary weapon "Wuuthrad."
4. With the restored Wuuthrad in hand, travel to Ysgramor's Tomb with the members of the Circle (Vilkas, Farkas, and Aela).
5. At the tomb's entrance, hold Wuuthrad aloft to the statue, opening the path inside.
6. In the "Burial Chamber" at the deepest part of the tomb, you reunite with Kodlak's spirit. To free his soul from Hircine's curse, throw a Glenmoril Witch Head into the flame.
7. By defeating the appearing "Kodlak's Beast Spirit (Wolf Spirit)," his soul is purified and journeys to Sovngarde.
8. Kodlak finally appoints the Dragonborn as the new "Harbinger" of the Companions, completing the questline.

• Unique Rewards:
• Wuuthrad: A unique two-handed axe that deals immense bonus damage against elves. It is essential for entering Ysgramor's Tomb.
• Ysgramor's Shield: A unique heavy shield that increases magic resistance and health. It can be found inside Ysgramor's Tomb.

Werewolf Abilities and How to Cure the Curse

Even after completing the Companions questline, the Dragonborn remains a werewolf. This section explains their abilities and how to revert to human form.Werewolf Pros and Cons

• Pros: The "Beast Form" power can be used multiple times a day (with Dawnguard installed). Health and stamina are significantly increased, and disease resistance becomes 100%. Combat abilities dramatically improve with powerful claw attacks and shouts that can send enemies flying.
• Cons: While transformed, item use, magic magic spells, and dialogue are impossible. Being seen transforming in public incurs a hefty bounty. Also, the "Well Rested" bonus cannot be obtained in human form.

How to Cure the Curse

If you wish to return to human form, you can perform the same ritual that purified Kodlak's soul for yourself.

• Note: Once cured, you cannot become a werewolf again (if the "Dawnguard" DLC is installed, you can ask Aela to re-infect you once). You can also help Vilkas and Farkas cure their curses using the same procedure.

Summary

The Companions questline is more than just a warrior guild's story; it's an epic saga of honor, betrayal, and an ancient curse. It presents the Dragonborn with a major choice: wield the powerful curse of the werewolf or remain human. Ultimately, you will attain the Harbinger's status and the legendary weapon "Wuuthrad," carving your name into the history of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. When you visit Whiterun, be sure to knock on Jorrvaskr's door and experience this honorable tale.