Follow Up On The Clues From Hjerim And How To Continue The Quest

Investigating the abandoned house of Hjerim in Windhelm is one of the most chilling and memorable moments in Skyrim's Blood on the Ice quest line. Players often find themselves stuck after searching the creepy premises and collecting various strange items. Understanding how to properly follow up on the clues from Hjerim ensures that you progress the mystery smoothly without making critical narrative mistakes.

Searching Hjerim for Hidden Evidence

Before you can follow up on any leads, you must thoroughly search every corner of Hjerim. Key items include the Butcher's Journals, strange pamphlets scattered around, and the mysterious Necromancer's Amulet hidden behind a false wardrobe panel. Collecting all these items triggers the next necessary steps in the quest objective list.

Make sure to open the hidden room behind the wardrobe where bloodstained altars reside. Examining the evidence inside this secret chamber provides undeniable proof of dark magic at play. Missing any of these crucial items will prevent you from advancing the investigation with local officials.

Speaking with Viola Giordano and Calixto

Once you gather the pamphlets, you should seek out Viola Giordano in the streets of Windhelm. She is the author of the warnings regarding the Butcher and will offer valuable insight regarding the evidence found inside Hjerim. Talking to her helps clarify the danger looming over the city's residents.

Additionally, you should take the unusual amulet to Calixto Corrium at his Museum of Curiosities. Calixto will offer to buy the Necromancer's Amulet from you for a decent amount of gold. Selling it to him is actually recommended, as it allows the amulet to reach its full potential later in the quest line.

Reporting Findings to Jorleif

After gathering insights from citizens, your quest marker directs you to speak with Jorleif, the court steward in Palace of the Kings. Many players make the mistake of immediately accusing Wuunferth the Unliving based on circumstantial evidence. Doing so results in arresting the wrong man and allowing the killer to strike again later.

To avoid a false arrest, confront Wuunferth directly in his quarters instead of speaking to Jorleif first. Wuunferth will explain his side of the story and reveal that he is actually attempting to catch the true murderer. He will then instruct you to patrol the Stone Quarter at night to catch the real killer in the act.

Catching the Real Butcher in the Stone Quarter

Patrolling Windhelm's market district at night triggers the final dramatic encounter of the quest. You will spot the true killer attempting to stalk another victim in the darkness. Acting swiftly allows you to intervene before another innocent citizen loses their life.

Once the murderer is confronted and defeated, return to Jorleif to report the resolution of the murders. Completing the quest successfully removes the dark cloud over Windhelm and clears your path to purchase Hjerim as a personal home. Following these steps ensures a clean resolution to one of Skyrim's most complex side quests.