Skyrim: Guide to the quest "The Blessings of Nature"

In The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, there is a multitude of unique side quests that players can pursue. During their first visit to Whiterun, they gain access to a wide range of side quests, but "The Blessings of Nature" is undoubtedly one of the most captivating.

The side quest "The Blessings of Nature" in Skyrim tasks the Dragonborn with finding a unique weapon and using it to restore the Gildergreen tree in Whiterun. It is a rather straightforward quest, but it offers a secondary ending that can easily be overlooked if players fail to bring a specific companion to the Eldergleam Sanctuary.

How To Start The Blessings Of Nature Side Quest

The side quest "The Blessings of Nature" in Skyrim can be initiated by speaking with Danica Pure-Spring in Whiterun. This NPC tends to wander a bit, but most often can be found inside the Temple of Kynareth. After conversing with her, she will explain to the Dragonborn that the Gildergreen tree she tends to is in a poor state, before requesting the protagonist's assistance.

Before the Dragonborn can restore the Gildergreen to its former glory, they must first obtain a unique weapon called Nettlebane. According to Danica, this sword is used by hagravens to make sacrifices to spriggans, but it also has other uses.

Where To Find Nettlebane

Nettlebane can be found in Orphan's Rock, a small encampment located southwest of High Hrothgar. If players have not visited this location yet, they can quickly reach it by first traveling to Helgen and then heading northeast and subsequently north.

By ascending to the summit of Orphan's Rock, the Dragonborn themselves will be forced to fight and defeat a hagraven. Once the creature has been slain, Nettlebane can be looted from its body and brought back to Whiterun to be handed over to Danica.

How To Get The Eldergleam Sap Or The Eldergleam Sapling

When speaking with Danica, she will ask the Dragonborn to travel east to the Eldergleam Sanctuary, located northeast of Ivarstead, and harvest some Eldergleam Sap from the Eldergleam tree. However, before leaving the Temple of Kynareth, the Dragonborn can approach Maurice Jondrelle, who will inquire if he can accompany them on their journey.

Once the Eldergleam Sanctuary has been entered, players must proceed westward to reach the Eldergleam tree and use Nettlebane to cut through the large roots blocking the path. At the top of the hill, Maurice will approach the Dragonborn and implore them not to harm the tree. He will propose an alternative method to restore the Gildergreen tree in Whiterun.

If players refuse to heed Maurice's advice and choose to interact with the Eldergleam tree, they will receive the Eldergleam Sap, and a group of spriggans will appear and attack the nearby NPCs. However, if the Dragonborn sides with Maurice, he will pray to the Eldergleam tree, and right before them, an Eldergleam sapling will emerge.

How To Complete The Blessings Of Nature Side Quest

Once the Dragonborn has obtained either the Eldergleam Sap or the Eldergleam Sapling, they can return to the Temple of Kynareth in Whiterun to speak with Danica. If the Dragonborn used Nettlebane to extract the Eldergleam Sap, Danica will express gratitude. Otherwise, she will reprimand them for not following her instructions. In the end, Danica will accept the approach chosen by the players and thank the Dragonborn for their assistance in restoring the Gildergreen tree of Whiterun to its former glory.

As a reward for successfully completing "The Blessings of Nature," the Dragonborn is allowed to keep Nettlebane and can speak with Danica to receive training in Restoration magic.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is available for PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.