In several action role-playing video games, players must complete quests to progress through the levels or reap some rewards. In “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” one of the biggest quests to take is probably the Under Saarthal quest.
In this quest, there is a puzzle that is quite difficult to solve. So, in this walkthrough, you will find out how to solve that puzzle. Go ahead and read on.
The Under Saarthal Quest
The Under Saarthal quest is one of the quests in “Skyrim.” It is also the second quest in the quest line of the College of Winterhold. Here, the Dragonborn will find themselves exploring the ancient Saarthal ruins with the rest of the members of Tolfdir’s class as part of an educational and research adventure. Tolfdir is an old, a wise, and friendly mage.
How To Solve The Puzzle From The Under Saarthal Quest
Helpful Summary
Here’s a summarized section of the solution for the puzzle of the rotating pillars in Saarthal.
- The pillar at the back left reads Whale.
- The pillar at the front left reads Snake.
- The pillar at the back right reads Hawk.
- The pillar at the front right reads Whale.
Now, you must turn those pillars in order while stopping each moment you reach the right symbol. The symbol of the cornerstones behind you shall change as you work your way through them, but following this order will still lead you to the proper sequence.
Solution For The 1st Puzzle
This first puzzle isn’t really a puzzle as you know it. For one, you don’t have to rotate any pillar. Plus, there are also no chains and levers to pull, and even pressure plates to stand on. But keep in mind that you’re still trapped. The game, of course, won’t directly tell you how to escape. Hey, it’s a game, right?
You will encounter the first puzzle early on during the quest. While inside the ancient ruins, you will collect artifacts. There are some Enchanted Rings on the ground you can pick up. You’ll also find an amulet on the wall attached to a runic plate. But don’t just loot the amulet. Here’s a cheat: some spikes will rise behind you if you do, thereby trapping you.
Here’s the solution. You must equip that amulet and cast a spell on the tablet from which you got it. Otherwise, shouting at the tablet is also good enough.
Then, the tablet shall break, revealing a path moving forward and causing the spikes to retract.
Solution For The 2nd Puzzle
As you continue your way through Saarthal, you will arrive at a long corridor laden with six different pillars. Each pillar is nestled in a tiny cubby. Looking at the top of those cubbies behind the pillars will show you the corresponding symbol for each. You will find the combination quickly. You won’t miss this, for sure.
Solution For The Last Puzzle
Those first two puzzles in the Under Saarthal quest are more of just formalities. This third and last puzzle is what players believe is complicated.
However, it is another of your pillar puzzles. But, the pillars in this part do not stay stationary unlike the previous ones. Instead, they are connected to each other, so moving one will lead to another rotating. Treat this as your picture-matching and lock combination games.
Let’s proceed to the walkthrough, then. Upon entering the room, you will see four pillars in front of you. One is on the back left, and the other is on the back right. There are also two pillars on the front left and front right, respectively. The order in which you must rotate each pillar must be followed to the tee. Otherwise, you will mess up the sequence, and you won’t be able to finish this quest.
You’ve learned about the details here earlier, but here’s another rundown.
- Turn the pillar on the back left until it reads “Whale.”
- Then, turn the pillar on the front left until it reads “Snake.”
- Afterward, turn the pillar on the back right so it reads “Hawk.”
- Finally, you must turn the front right pillar until it reads “Whale.”
Should you succeed in following those instructions in that order, all the pillars will be rotated to the appropriate symbols. Then, you can proceed to the end of the dungeon.
Those are everything you need to know to solve the puzzle in the Under Saarthal quest in “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.”
Other College Of Winterhold Quests In Skyrim
The College of Winterhold is a faction of magic-users in “Skyrim.” Aside from the Under Saarthal quest, here are other quests from the College:
- First Lessons
- Hitting the Books
- Good Intentions
- Revealing the Unseen
- Containment
- The Staff of Magnus
- The Eye of Magnus
About The Game
From Bethesda, “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” is an action role-playing video game that many players across the globe are drawn into. It is set two centuries after the events in “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion” and happens in Skyrim, Tamriel’s northernmost province.
The main story of “Skyrim” revolves around the Dragonborn, the main character, on a quest to once and for all defeat Alduin the World-Eater, a dragon who prophesied to destroy the world. Through the game, you will complete quests, such as the Under Saarthal quest, and develop your character by gaining skills.
Play it on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
