Skyrim has over 450 named locations on the map, and Abandoned Prison can sometimes go overlooked. But if you look a bit deeper, its story is quite interesting. Its location doesn’t really help either; a lot of people can miss it by just doing the main quest and skipping this place, as it is a bit secluded, unlike some other locations.
The Location of the Abandoned Prison in Skyrim
The abandoned prison’s location is relatively obscure and can easily be missed. Our quick guide will help you find it and get in without issue.
Where is the Abandoned Prison?
The abandoned prison in Skyrim is located in Eastmarch Hold, next to Fort Amol; it is easy to overlook but hard to miss, as you will have plenty of opportunities to pass by. Its exterior is in ruins, and it lies next to a waterfall.
There are a couple of ways to get to this place; by simply doing the main quest, you will have numerous opportunities to visit it. For example, the first time you go to High Hrothgar, you can pass from the north side of the mountain towards Ivarstead.
The second time, after you complete “The Horn Of Jurgen Windcaller,” you will get “A Blade In The Dark.” The shortest way to get to Kynesgrove is to pass the abandoned prison.
If you haven’t been through here again, you’ll get another opportunity two quests later when you need to head to Riften.
How Do You Get In?
The abandoned prison has two entrances in Skyrim. The first one is the marked main entrance situated along the White River as you approach Fort Amol. The second entrance is a hidden exit located under the river bridge to the east of the main entrance.
What’s the Story of the Abandoned Prison?
When you first enter the abandoned prison, the place may seem a bit “off” to you. There are ghosts that attack you on sight, and there are plenty of cells giving the place a very eerie look. Chances are, you have not encountered ghosts so far in your playthrough; that is how it was for us, at least, adding to the eeriness.
In-Game Details Reveal What Happened at the Abandoned Prison in Skyrim
In the back of the room with the cells, on the table, there was a note explaining that the guards had to evacuate the prison due to a storm, which ultimately left it in ruins.
The note is not exactly what one would call compassionate, as although they were prisoners, they were all treated the same way: left to die. The note describes the brutality of the legionnaires, with the writer of the note saying that the prisoners could either be left to drown or be killed.
Despite all of this, it is an interesting question as to what the most moral thing to do is. On one hand, this seems very excessive and unnecessary; on the other hand, the lives of his men were at stake with the storm quickly approaching and the prisoners conspiring to take over.
Another note can be found on a skeleton that says the prisoners tried to overthrow the guards and escape, using the situation to their advantage.
Initially, were successful; they managed to get the trap door open. As you will see, there are skeletons down the drainage that was opened by a sword mentioned in the note. While it is possible that some prisoners might have escaped, there is no way of knowing for sure, as all we know is that there are a couple of skeletons lying next to the exit, hinting that they did not make it.
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More Easter Eggs Exist
Besides one fatal flaw, the legion can be seen at the very beginning of the game as you are about to be executed, even though you are completely innocent. You simply happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, making us question if all prisoners truly deserved to be there.
The tragedy of the legionnaires losing their lives is even worse, as most of them were following orders; they were regular soldiers. This makes the story of the abandoned prison a truly tragic one that can be easily overlooked, even though it is located near roads that many people take.
Tips for Surviving the Abandoned Prison
The abandoned prison in Skyrim can be a challenging place to navigate and survive due to the various enemies and hazards encountered within. However, with the right strategy and preparation, players can make it out alive and reap the rewards of their exploration. Here are some tips to help you survive the abandoned prison in Skyrim:
- Bring the Right Gear: Before entering the prison, make sure you have items such as healing potions, lockpicks, and weapons with high damage output. It’s also recommended to bring along good light or medium armor to help evade enemy attacks.
- Use Magic to Your Advantage: Magic can be a game-changer in the abandoned prison. Destruction spells will help you take down enemies from a distance, while restoration spells will replenish your health. Conjuration spells can also be helpful for summoning allies to fight alongside you.
- Use a Detailed Walkthrough: If the prison is too challenging or confusing, feel free to use a detailed walkthrough, such as the one provided by The Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the abandoned prison in Skyrim may be one of the most overlooked locations in the game, but its story and secrets make it worth exploring. The location of the prison is secluded, and players can miss it while playing the main quest. Yet, it has two entrances, and it is easy to pass by during some of the quests.
The story behind the prison is intriguing, with notes indicating brutality by the legionnaires and conspiracy to overthrow the guards by the prisoners. Surviving the abandoned prison can be challenging, but with the right gear, magic, and preparation, players can navigate it safely and benefit from the unique rewards it offers.
So, grab your weapons, prepare your spells, and venture into the abandoned prison in Skyrim to uncover its secrets.
Thank you for reading this article about one of the more underrated places in Skyrim. For more content, check out our related guide on how to dual wield in Skyrim. Good luck with your games!
