The Blessings of Nature Skyrim: Complete Quest Guide & Walkthrough (2026)

The Gildergreen in Whiterun’s Temple of Kynareth is dying, and Danica Pure-Spring needs your help. “The Blessings of Nature” is one of Skyrim’s most memorable side quests, offering players a rare moral choice with tangible consequences. Unlike most fetch quests, this one lets you decide whether to desecrate a sacred tree or find a peaceful alternative, and your decision actually matters.

This quest sends you deep into the Eldergleam Sanctuary, a sprawling cave filled with Spriggans and natural hazards, to retrieve either a cutting from the ancient Eldergleam or its sacred sap. Along the way, you’ll face Hagravens, navigate environmental puzzles, and potentially meet Maurice Jondrelle, a pilgrim with strong opinions about how you should proceed. Whether you’re a first-time player or a veteran revisiting this quest in 2026, this guide covers everything: optimal routes, combat strategies, bug fixes, and the long-term consequences of each path.

Quest Overview and How to Start The Blessings of Nature

The Blessings of Nature is a side quest tied to the Temple of Kynareth in Whiterun. It has no level requirements and can be started at any point after reaching Whiterun for the first time. The quest becomes available once you speak with Danica Pure-Spring, the temple’s priestess, who stands near the dying Gildergreen tree in the Wind District.

This quest is notable for offering two distinct completion paths with different outcomes. Players can choose violence and efficiency by harvesting the Eldergleam directly, or pursue a peaceful approach that respects the sanctity of nature. The choice you make affects dialogue, NPC reactions, and the visual outcome in Whiterun.

Finding Danica Pure-Spring in Whiterun

Danica Pure-Spring is located at the Temple of Kynareth, situated in Whiterun’s Wind District between Jorrvaskr and the marketplace. She’s usually found standing near the withered Gildergreen or inside the temple proper during certain hours. To initiate the quest, simply speak with her and ask about the tree.

She’ll explain that the Gildergreen, a sacred tree blessed by Kynareth, is dying and needs to be replaced. Danica asks you to retrieve a cutting from the Eldergleam, the ancient tree from which the Gildergreen originally sprouted. She’ll give you Nettlebane, a unique dagger required to harm the Eldergleam, but you’ll need to retrieve it first from a Hagraven at Orphan Rock.

If you’ve already killed the Hagraven at Orphan Rock before starting this quest, Nettlebane will be in your inventory or stored somewhere, and Danica will simply direct you to the Eldergleam Sanctuary.

Understanding the Gildergreen’s Significance

The Gildergreen is more than decorative, it’s a living symbol of Kynareth’s blessing over Whiterun. According to lore, the original tree was planted centuries ago as a sapling taken from the Eldergleam, a primordial tree hidden deep in Skyrim’s wilderness. Kynareth is the goddess of nature, air, and the elements, and her worship is central to Nordic culture.

The dying tree reflects a spiritual crisis for the temple. Danica believes that replacing it with a fresh cutting will restore Kynareth’s favor and reinvigorate the temple’s healing powers. But, this logic is challenged if you meet Maurice Jondrelle, who argues that harming the Eldergleam is itself a desecration.

From a gameplay perspective, completing this quest grants access to improved divine shrine blessings and unlocks Danica as a master-level Restoration trainer. The visual transformation of the Gildergreen also makes Whiterun feel more alive, depending on which path you choose.

Locating the Eldergleam Sanctuary

The Eldergleam Sanctuary is located southeast of Whiterun, nestled in the forested hills between the volcanic tundra and the Rift. The entrance is marked on your map once Danica gives you the quest objective. If you’re traveling from Whiterun, head east toward the mountains, then turn south along the main road toward Ivarstead. The sanctuary entrance is off the beaten path, tucked into a hillside with stone archways covered in moss and roots.

Fast travel to Sleeping Tree Camp or Silent Moons Camp if you’ve discovered them, then head southeast. The sanctuary is unmarked until you get close, so watch for environmental cues: dense foliage, roots breaking through stone, and a sudden shift from tundra to temperate forest.

Navigating the Path to the Sanctuary

Once you approach the sanctuary entrance, you’ll see a natural stone archway overgrown with roots. The entrance is peaceful and unguarded, no enemies spawn here. Step through, and you’ll enter a loading screen that takes you into the sanctuary’s interior.

The path to the Eldergleam is linear but scenic. The sanctuary is a massive cave system illuminated by bioluminescent fungi and natural light filtering through cracks in the ceiling. The trail is flanked by ancient roots, waterfalls, and hanging vines. Stick to the main path and follow the stream: environmental design guides you forward.

If you’re playing on PC or modded platforms, consider modding the sanctuary to enhance lighting and textures. The vanilla version is beautiful but can feel dated in 2026 compared to modern standards.

Meeting Maurice Jondrelle (Optional Companion)

As you enter the Eldergleam Sanctuary, you may encounter Maurice Jondrelle, a pilgrim of Kynareth who is also traveling to the Eldergleam. Maurice is a non-essential NPC who offers to accompany you through the sanctuary. His presence is entirely optional, but his dialogue adds depth to the quest’s moral dilemma.

Maurice believes the Eldergleam is sacred and should not be harmed. If you bring him along, he’ll express disapproval if you attempt to use Nettlebane on the tree. His presence is required to unlock the peaceful route (more on that in the “Two Paths” section below). If Maurice dies during the journey, whether from Spriggans, traps, or your own attacks, the peaceful option becomes unavailable.

You can choose to ignore Maurice entirely, kill him, or travel with him as a temporary follower. He’s not a strong combatant and can be more liability than asset in tight encounters, so consider sending your main follower home if you plan to bring Maurice along.

Exploring the Eldergleam Sanctuary Dungeon

The Eldergleam Sanctuary is classified as a dungeon, but it’s short and straightforward compared to Nordic ruins or Dwemer facilities. Expect 15–20 minutes of exploration if you’re thorough. The sanctuary is home to aggressive Spriggans and various wildlife, but no humanoid enemies or undead.

The dungeon’s design emphasizes natural beauty over challenge. There are no locked doors, complex puzzles, or branching paths, just a steady progression through caverns toward the Eldergleam at the heart of the sanctuary. That said, the Spriggans can be brutal for low-level players, especially on higher difficulties.

Dealing with Spriggans and Wildlife

Spriggans are the primary threat in the Eldergleam Sanctuary. These nature spirits are hostile on sight and use a mix of melee swipes and magic attacks. They regenerate health rapidly when near plantlife, summon bears to assist them, and can stagger you with heavy strikes. At higher levels, you may encounter Spriggan Matriarchs, which have more health and stronger spells.

Recommended tactics for Spriggans:

• Fire damage is highly effective. Use fire spells (Flames, Firebolt, Fireball), enchanted weapons, or fire-based shouts like Fire Breath.
• Ranged combat helps you avoid their melee swipes. Bow users should focus on headshots and kiting.
• Crowd control spells like Ice Spike or Paralyze can interrupt their healing.
• Kill summoned bears quickly to avoid being overwhelmed.

Plus to Spriggans, you’ll encounter passive wildlife like deer and rabbits early in the sanctuary. These creatures won’t attack unless provoked and serve mostly as atmospheric filler. If you’re hunting for pelts or alchemy ingredients, this is a decent spot to stock up on Fly Amanita, Mora Tapinella, and Glowing Mushrooms.

Navigating the Cave System and Environmental Hazards

The sanctuary’s cave system is visually stunning but contains a few minor hazards. The most notable is the network of roots and branches that block certain passages. These roots are brittle and can be destroyed with any weapon attack, spell, or shout. Don’t waste high-damage abilities, a single dagger strike is enough to clear them.

There are also shallow streams running throughout the sanctuary. These don’t pose drowning risks but can obscure loot or alchemy ingredients on the cave floor. Use the Detect Life spell or simply move slowly and scan the ground for glowing plants.

The path eventually opens into a massive chamber dominated by the Eldergleam itself. This chamber is the quest’s climax and where you’ll make your choice between the two paths. There are no additional enemies in this final room, so you’re free to explore and decide without pressure.

The Two Paths: Nettlebane vs. Eldergleam Sap

When you reach the Eldergleam, you’re presented with a choice that defines the quest’s outcome. This is one of the few Skyrim quests where your decision has a visible, permanent effect on the game world. The two paths are mutually exclusive, and your choice is locked in once you proceed.

Using Nettlebane to Harvest the Eldergleam

The default path is to use Nettlebane (the Hagraven dagger) to strike the Eldergleam and harvest a cutting. Approach the tree and activate it with Nettlebane equipped. Your character will automatically strike the tree, causing it to bleed sap and roots. A Eldergleam Sapling will drop, which you can pick up and return to Danica.

This path is faster and requires no additional steps. But, it has consequences:

• Maurice Jondrelle will become hostile if he’s with you. He’ll attack you for desecrating the tree. You’ll need to kill him or flee.
• Spriggans respawn as you exit the sanctuary, making your return trip more dangerous.
• The sapling you plant in Whiterun is a small, young tree that takes years (in-game) to mature. It’s visually underwhelming compared to the original Gildergreen.

From a roleplaying perspective, this path suits pragmatic or less nature-focused characters. It’s the choice Danica explicitly asks for, and most players complete the quest this way on their first playthrough.

Choosing the Peaceful Route with Eldergleam Sap

If Maurice Jondrelle is alive and traveling with you, he’ll intervene before you strike the tree. He’ll offer an alternative: instead of harming the Eldergleam, pray to it and request a gift. If you agree, Maurice will approach the tree and perform a brief ritual. The Eldergleam will respond by dropping Eldergleam Sap, a quest item.

This path has several advantages:

• No combat with Maurice or respawning Spriggans.
• The sap you bring to Danica is used in a ritual that causes the original Gildergreen to revive. The fully-grown tree remains in Whiterun, complete with pink blossoms.
• Maurice survives and can be encountered again later in the game.

The peaceful route is the “correct” choice from an in-universe perspective. Kynareth is a nature goddess, and respecting her sacred tree aligns with her teachings. The revived Gildergreen is also far more visually impressive than the sapling, making Whiterun’s temple feel grander.

Consequences of Each Choice

Both paths lead to the same quest rewards (covered in the next section), but the long-term differences are notable:

Aspect	Nettlebane Path	Peaceful Path
Whiterun Tree	Small sapling	Fully restored Gildergreen
Maurice	Killed or hostile	Survives
Combat	Spriggans respawn on exit	No additional enemies
Roleplaying	Efficient, pragmatic	Respectful, devout

From a mechanical standpoint, the peaceful path is objectively better. The revived tree is visually superior, you avoid extra combat, and you gain no penalties. The only reason to choose the Nettlebane path is roleplaying preference or if you accidentally kill Maurice earlier.

Obtaining Nettlebane from Orphan Rock

Before you can interact with the Eldergleam, you need Nettlebane, a unique dagger wielded by a Hagraven at Orphan Rock. This is a required step unless you’ve already killed the Hagraven and looted the dagger before starting the quest.

Orphan Rock is located directly north of Helgen, perched on a high plateau overlooking the surrounding plains. From Whiterun, travel southwest along the main road toward Riverwood, then continue south past Helgen. The site is marked on your map once Danica directs you there.

Defeating the Hagraven at Orphan Rock

Orphan Rock is a Forsworn camp defended by multiple enemies. The layout consists of a winding path up the mountainside, with Forsworn archers and melee fighters stationed at intervals. At the summit, you’ll find the Hagraven performing a ritual near a sacrificial altar.

The Hagraven is the toughest enemy here. She uses destruction magic (Fireball, Lightning Bolt), has high magic resistance, and can summon Flame Atronachs. Forsworn allies will also join the fight, making this a challenging encounter for low-level players.

Recommended tactics:

• Stealth approach: Sneak up the path and eliminate Forsworn silently before engaging the Hagraven. Archery and daggers work well here.
• Magic resistance: Equip gear or potions that boost magic resistance. The Hagraven’s Fireball can one-shot squishy characters.
• Focus fire: Use ranged attacks to burn down the Hagraven quickly. Melee fighters should close distance fast to interrupt her casting.
• Summons and followers: Bring a tank follower (Lydia, Uthgerd) or summon creatures to absorb damage.

Once the Hagraven is dead, loot her body to obtain Nettlebane. This dagger has unique enchantments effective against Spriggans (bonus damage to nature spirits), making it useful beyond this quest. If you’re a dagger build or assassin, Nettlebane is worth keeping and upgrading through Skyrim’s crafting system.

Orphan Rock also contains a Skill Book (The Buying Game, which boosts Speech) and a chest with leveled loot. Don’t leave without looting the summit thoroughly.

Returning to the Temple of Kynareth

Once you’ve obtained either the Eldergleam Sapling or Eldergleam Sap, return to Whiterun and speak with Danica Pure-Spring at the Temple of Kynareth. Hand over the quest item to complete the quest. Danica will plant the sapling or perform a ritual with the sap, depending on your choice.

If you chose the sapling, it appears as a small tree near the original Gildergreen’s stump. If you brought the sap, the original tree will bloom again over the next few in-game days, fully restored with vibrant pink flowers.

Quest Rewards and Benefits

Completing The Blessings of Nature grants the following rewards:

• Leveled gold (amount scales with your character level, typically 200–500 gold).
• Danica Pure-Spring becomes a Restoration trainer. She can train you up to level 90 in Restoration, making her one of the highest-level trainers for that skill.
• Improved blessing at the Shrine of Kynareth in the temple. The blessing now grants +25 Stamina for 8 hours (up from +10 in some versions).

The quest also improves your relationship with Whiterun’s temple NPCs and counts toward miscellaneous quest completion for achievement hunters.

What Happens to the Gildergreen

The Gildergreen’s transformation depends on your choice:

• Sapling path: A small, unimpressive tree appears next to the dead stump. It never grows or blooms, even after years of in-game time.
• Peaceful path: The original Gildergreen is fully restored within 48 in-game hours. The tree blooms with pink flowers and becomes one of Whiterun’s most striking visual landmarks. According to walkthroughs from community resources, many players reload saves specifically to see the restored tree.

From an aesthetic and roleplaying standpoint, the peaceful path is superior. The revived Gildergreen adds beauty to Whiterun and reflects your character’s respect for nature, a fitting tribute to Kynareth.

Tips, Tricks, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Blessings of Nature is straightforward, but a few tips can streamline your experience and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t kill Maurice before he offers the peaceful option. If Maurice dies, whether from Spriggans, traps, or your own attacks, the peaceful path becomes unavailable. If you’re bringing a follower, ensure they’re set to non-aggressive or dismiss them before entering the sanctuary.

Loot the sanctuary thoroughly. The Eldergleam Sanctuary contains valuable alchemy ingredients: Glowing Mushrooms, Mora Tapinella, and Fly Amanita. These are used in potions that boost stamina and rare alchemical recipes. Stock up before leaving.

Save before engaging the Hagraven. Orphan Rock is a difficulty spike for low-level characters. Quicksave before starting the climb so you can retry strategies without losing progress.

Equip fire resistance before the sanctuary. Spriggans and the Hagraven both use fire attacks. A simple Resist Fire potion or enchanted gear can make a huge difference.

Use Nettlebane beyond the quest. If you’re playing a dagger build, Nettlebane’s bonus damage to nature spirits is useful against Spriggans in other locations (e.g., Bloated Man’s Grotto, Lost Valley Redoubt). Upgrade it at a grindstone using the Arcane Blacksmith perk.

Best Character Builds and Levels for This Quest

This quest is accessible at any level, but your experience will vary based on your build:

• Recommended level: 8–15. Below level 8, the Hagraven and Spriggans can be overwhelming. Above level 15, the combat becomes trivial.
• Best builds: Mages (fire spells), archers (stealth + kiting), and heavily armored melee fighters all perform well. Stealth-focused builds can skip most combat at Orphan Rock.
• Avoid: Pure conjuration builds struggle here because Spriggans and Forsworn are aggressive and mobile, making it hard to maintain summon positioning.

Recommended Equipment and Preparations

Before starting the quest, gather the following:

• Fire resistance potions or enchanted gear (necklace, ring).
• Healing potions, at least 10 for lower-level characters, as noted in guides covering health potion strategies.
• Stamina potions if you’re a melee or archer build.
• Followers: Lydia, Uthgerd the Unbroken, or any tanky companion to absorb Spriggan damage.
• Enchanted weapon with fire damage or a stockpile of fire-based scrolls.

If you’re playing a mage, bring plenty of Magicka potions and consider learning Flame Cloak (Area-of-effect fire spell) before entering the sanctuary.

Bugs, Glitches, and How to Fix Them

The Blessings of Nature is relatively stable, but a few bugs have persisted across Skyrim editions:

Bug: Maurice doesn’t offer the peaceful option. This occurs if Maurice is hostile, dead, or left behind before reaching the Eldergleam. Ensure Maurice is alive and following you into the final chamber. If he’s stuck, try Fast Traveling out of the sanctuary and re-entering.

Bug: Nettlebane doesn’t activate the Eldergleam. Rarely, the tree won’t respond when struck with Nettlebane. This is usually caused by script lag. Fix: Wait 24 in-game hours, reload a save, or drop and re-equip Nettlebane.

Bug: Sapling or sap doesn’t appear in inventory. If the quest item doesn’t appear after interacting with the Eldergleam, your inventory may be full (unlikely) or the script didn’t fire. Reload an earlier save and try again.

Bug: Gildergreen doesn’t bloom after peaceful route. The tree should bloom within 48 in-game hours after completing the quest. If it doesn’t, wait longer or use console commands on PC: Open console (~), click the tree, and type enable. Modding platforms like Nexus Mods offer fixes for persistent visual bugs in older game versions.

Bug: Maurice becomes permanently hostile. If Maurice attacks you unprovoked (before you strike the tree), it’s likely a faction bug. Calm him with a spell (Calm, Pacify) or reload a save before entering the sanctuary.

Console command fixes (PC only):

• To complete the quest if stuck: setstage T03 200
• To spawn Eldergleam Sap: player.additem 0001FFBB 1
• To spawn Eldergleam Sapling: player.additem 0003C16F 1

For console players (PlayStation, Xbox), bugs are harder to fix. Save frequently and keep multiple save files so you can roll back if issues arise. According to recent community reports on GameSpot, the Anniversary Edition (2021) and later patches have resolved most of these bugs, but older versions remain prone to scripting issues.

Conclusion

The Blessings of Nature is one of Skyrim’s standout side quests, blending exploration, combat, and meaningful choice into a compact package. Whether you choose to hack down the Eldergleam with Nettlebane or honor Kynareth’s sacred tree by choosing the peaceful route, your decision leaves a lasting mark on Whiterun. The revived Gildergreen stands as a testament to your respect for nature, while the sapling reflects pragmatism over piety.

For new players, this quest is an excellent early-game excursion that tests combat skills and introduces moral complexity. For veterans, it’s a chance to experiment with different builds, optimize routes, and appreciate the environmental storytelling Bethesda wove into the Eldergleam Sanctuary. Don’t skip this one, your Whiterun deserves a thriving tree.