Skyrim: Accessing the Absorb Health Enchantment
Skyrim: Accessing the Absorb Health Enchantment
Guide to Getting Absorb Health Enchantments in Skyrim
Are you tired of chugging health potions like a medieval frat bro? Well, fret no more! The power of Absorb Health enchantments in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is here to save the day, and your health bar. Not only do these enchantments deal extra damage to your enemies, but they also heal you by the same amount. It’s like getting a hug from a sword!
But wait, how do you even get your hands on this magical enchantment? Well, in Skyrim, the enchanting process is a bit tricky. You see, you can only apply an enchantment if you first find an item with the same enchantment and destroy it. Talk about tough love. Thankfully, there are a few exceptions to this rule, including weapons that can teach you the coveted Absorb Health enchantment.
The Forbidden Legend Quest
The best weapon to get for Absorb Health is none other than the Gauldur Blackblade. Unlike other guaranteed weapons, you can get your hands on the Blackblade without having to join a faction or complete a bunch of quests. However, brace yourself because the Blackblade does have its own quest called “Forbidden Legend.”
To start this quest, simply read a copy of the book called Lost Legends. You can find the easiest one in Dragonsreach, the Jarl’s stronghold in Whiterun. Go snooping through the court mage Farengar’s quarters, and you’ll spot the book hiding under a tankard. Reading this book will kickstart the quest and point you in the direction of the barrow Folgunthur in the swamp south of Solitude.
Once you’ve reached the quest marker, you’ll stumble upon a camp outside Folgunthur. The marker will guide you to the journal of Daynas Valen, the brave soul who was on the hunt for the Forbidden Legend of Gauldur. Venture into Folgunthur, and you’ll quickly realize that a group of adventurers tried (and failed) to explore its depths. Keep your eyes peeled for Valen’s unfortunate demise, as he holds the key to the Ivory Dragon Claw and some juicy notes about the Gauldur legend.
Now, get ready for some Indiana Jones action! Explore the treacherous barrow, dodging traps and solving puzzles to make your way to the sarcophagus of Mikrul Gauldurson. Mikrul, along with his trusty draugr thralls, will try to put a stop to your enchantment-seeking adventure. But fear not, my stealthy friends! If you’re quick and quiet, you can sneak back to the entrance and avoid getting caught. Mikrul himself is wielding the Gauldur Blackblade, the very weapon you need to unlock the Absorb Health enchantment. Don’t forget to grab the word for the Frost Shout on your way out and continue the “Forbidden Legend” quest by reading Valen’s notes.
Now, here’s the catch—the Blackblade is an Ancient Nord sword that absorbs between 5 and 25 Health, depending on your level when you first read Lost Legends or encounter Folgunthur. Ancient Nord weapons may not be the strongest, but who cares when you’ve got the power to steal your enemy’s life force?!
Other Absorb Health Items
If you can’t get enough of that sweet Absorb Health goodness, fear not! There are other weapons out there with the same enchantment. Take a look at this table for the juicy details:
| Weapon Name | Absorb Health Range |
|---|---|
| of Absorption | 5 |
| of Consuming | 10 |
| of Devouring | 15 |
| of Leeching | 20 |
| of the Vampire | 25 |
But wait, there’s more! There are two other weapons you can unlock Absorb Health from by disenchanting them. One is unique, while the other is a bit more generic, but both are worth pursuing. However, you’ll have to reach a certain point in a faction’s quest line before you can lay your hands on them.
The unique weapon is the infamous Blade of Woe. This dark and deadly blade is the signature weapon of Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood in Skyrim. Talk about a weapon with personality! If you’ve got the Misdirection perk, you can try pickpocketing the Blade from Astrid during the quest “With Friends Like These…” Alternatively, a level three Disarm Shout can forcefully pry it from her grip. If you’re not into sneaky tricks, you’ll have to wait until you reach the end of the “Death Incarnate” quest, which is deep into the Dark Brotherhood storyline.
The other weapon is the Drainblood Battleaxe. This wicked weapon is wielded by special ghostly draugr found only in the barrow Labyrinthian. To enter Labyrinthian’s hallowed halls, you’ll need to undertake the College of Winterhold quest “The Staff of Magnus.” Much like “Death Incarnate,” “The Staff of Magnus” is one of the final quests you’ll encounter in the College’s journey.
Hold your horses, adventurers! There are a few more weapons with the Absorb Health enchantment, but they’re simply too unique to be disenchanted. Let’s take a look:
- Wabbajack (a unique and random staff, the reward for the Daedric quest “The Mind of Madness”)
- Bloodthorn (a steel dagger found on the altar of Hag’s End)
- Ebony Blade (an ebony greatsword, the reward for the Daedric quest “The Whispering Door”)
- Keening (a dwarven dagger, the reward for the quest “Arniel’s Endeavor”)
- Nightingale Blade (an ebony sword, the reward for the Thieves Guild quest “Hard Answers”)
So there you have it, fellow adventurers! Absorb Health enchantments are within your reach, and who needs health potions when you’ve got a sword that gives and takes life? Get out there, complete quests, and unlock the power of Absorb Health in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim!
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is available now on PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Happy enchanting!
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