Skyrim: How to Get the Soul Trap Spell

In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, “Soul Trapping” the essence of one’s enemies is essential for recharging enchanted weapons and imbuing gear with magical properties. Originating from the Conjuration school of magic, Soul Trap is an Apprentice-level spell that requires a low cost of 100 points of Magicka. By casting Soul Trap on a creature, the Dovahkiin will be able to absorb the power from its body upon death. However, simply using the spell won’t capture the soul, as players will also need to have Soul Gems on hand.

Soul Gems are the necessary containers needed for trapping souls in Skyrim. Without one in the player’s inventory, the soul has nowhere to go and will cease to exist. Soul Gems can be obtained from a variety of sources, ranging from random loot to the products of a general goods store. However, players should keep in mind that filled Soul Gems will receive no effect from the Soul Trap spell, as they already contain a soul.

To get the Soul Trap spell in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players can randomly stumble upon a tome within the Boss Chest of a dungeon or purchase the spellbook from Skyrim NPCs knowledgable in the arcane arts. One of the first accessible vendors who might sell Soul Trap is Farengar, the court wizard of Dragonreach in Whiterun.

Where to Buy Soul Trap in Skyrim

Other mages who serve the Jarls of Skyrim have a high chance of having the Soul Trap spell in their stock. Such sellers include Madena of Dawnstar, Wylandriah of Riften, Sybille Stentor of Solitude, Calcelmo of Markarth, and Wuunferth of Windhelm. In addition to court mages, players can buy Soul Trap from various magic vendors like Falion in Morthal, Phinis Gestor at the College of Winterhold, Dravynea in Kynesgrove, Nelacar in The Frozen Hearth, or Talvas Fathryon in Tel Mithryn.

Once players have acquired Soul Trap and several Soul Gems, they can begin trapping the souls they need for Enchanting purposes. A captured soul can only enter a gem with sufficient space. For example, the Grand Soul of a Dragon Priest cannot be stored into a Soul Gem of Common size. On the other hand, it is possible to hold a Chicken’s Petty Soul within a Greater Soul Gem. However, such essence wouldn’t be optimal for the gem’s size, so it would be best to drop the filled Soul Gem to empty it and refill it with a larger soul. Additionally, it is essential to note that human or humanoid souls can only be captured in Black Soul Gems or the Black Star Daedric Artifact.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Anniversary Edition is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

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