Skyrimincludes many puzzles that players have to work to solve. Some of them are easy, like the first puzzles introduced during the ‘Bleak Falls Barrow’ quest, and others are more difficult. The Ansilvund puzzle isn’t quite as easy as the first puzzles inSkyrim, but it isn’t too complicated either, as long as players make it to the location in one piece.
The Ansilvund excavation site is far south of Windhelm, located in some of the map’s eastern mountains. Players will have to navigate throughthe caverns and dungeonsof Ansilvund before they find the puzzle they will need to complete to carry on. The solution to the puzzle is placed just before the eyes of players, though it can be difficult to notice.

How to Solve the Ansilvund Puzzle
The Ansilvund puzzle cannot be solved until players first fight through the enemies that infest the place. There are mages, necromancers, and draugrs galore, so players should prepare for a long journey before they reach the depths that house the puzzle. Players should take advantage of strong weapons andSkyrim’s powerful spellsto get through the enemies and into the puzzle chamber. Once there, they will notice a switch underneath four pillars. Beyond the switch, there is a book which tells a story that holds the clue to completing the puzzle.
The book, next to Lu-Ah’s journal, tells a few lines of story about Fjori and Holgeir. The story reveals the answer to the puzzle; the pillars above the switch need to be turned so that they are arranged in the order of bird, snake, whale, and snake again. After the puzzle is solved, players can progress further and conquer the Ansilvund dungeon. It might be helpful for playersto have aSkyrimstewardalong for the journey, especially for some of the more difficult areas.
Skyrim’s notorious gameplay has captured players for more than a decade. As players progress through the game, they are thrown into more difficult areas with more complicated solutions. Ansilvund is certainly notSkyrim’s most complicated area, but it does represent more of a challenge to players who are making their way through the game. Indeed, this formula, which involves an expansive world filled with story content for players to interact with, is a hallmark ofBethesda game creationthat will continue to mystify and enchant players and fans for many years to come.
Skyrimis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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