Kodlak Whitemane

Kodlak Whitemane
Basic Info
Race	Nord Werewolf
Gender	Male
Level	PC×1.1 (10–50)
Class	Warrior
Location	Jorrvaskr, Whiterun
Faction	The Companions The Circle
Rank	Harbinger
Essential	Always
Respawn	No
Ref ID	0001A68F
Base ID	0009700E

Kodlak Whitemane is the Harbinger of the Companions in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim who resides in Whiterun. As Harbinger, he does not give orders, but his word is highly respected in Jorrvaskr and across all nine Holds of Skyrim. Kodlak is also a member of The Circle, though he wishes to be rid of his lycanthropy, since upon death, a werewolf's soul goes to the Daedric Prince Hircine's hunting grounds. Kodlak does not wish for this to be his fate and instead wants his soul to go to Sovngarde, the Nordic afterlife.

If the Companions questline is completed, the Dragonborn becomes Harbinger and cleanses Kodlak of his Lycanthropy. He can later be seen in Sovngarde among the other lost spirits that are trapped in the mist formed by Alduin to prevent them from reaching the Hall of Valor.

Background

"Some nights, I dream about the mists of Sovngarde."

―Kodlak Whitemane

Kodlak was found by the previous Harbinger, Askar, in Hammerfell. Sometime after this, Kodlak succeeded Askar as Harbinger. Kodlak has commanded the Companions for twenty years, balancing his tactical skill, ferocity in combat, and commanding presence. However, those days are drawing to a close. One year before the return of the dragons, Kodlak contracted the rot, despite werewolves having a 100% disease immunity. His condition has reached its final stages of deterioration, making him weak in body. In frustration, he has taken to locking himself behind closed doors and poring over old documents, desperate to cure himself of lycanthropy before the rot ends his life.

Just before the arrival of the Dragonborn, a dream came to Kodlak. As he describes in his journal, he dreamed of Tsun denying the former Harbingers access to Shor's Hall, where honored heroes gather. One by one, their wolf spirit drags them to Hircine, to hunt with him forever. Kodlak helplessly watches as his turn comes and his beast attacks him. However, a stranger arrives to protect him. This person drives back the beast and saves his soul. After seeing the Dragonborn for the first time, Kodlak recognizes them as that person and thus allows the Dragonborn to become a Companion.

Personality

Kodlak Whitemane proves to be a benign and wise individual for such a rowdy group. As Harbinger, he is the one that helps channel the Companions' skills in a way that can benefit Skyrim's people, rather than leaving them to brawl and drink all day long. His wisdom is respected throughout the nine holds, as well. When the Dragonborn first meets Kodlak, he is in his twilight years. He has lost his will to win glory in battle, partially because his body cannot allow it. He hints annoyance at this limitation, but he never openly complains.

Kodlak proves to be very wise and perceptive. He could see the Dragonborn's potential instantly, aside from the fact he had seen them in a dream. His awareness is also apparent when he discovers the secret campaign to avenge Skjor. He informs the Dragonborn that the circle of retribution will turn on them and that they have taken more blood than honor demands. Kodlak's foresight is proven correct by the Silver Hand's attack on Jorrvaskr. His observation on honor is very definitive as well; while he grieves at Skjor's loss, he does not condone unnecessary bloodshed, as it is dishonorable. He explains how wrong it can be to react in fury and grief, and he follows this statement. Even with his stern disapproval, Kodlak is not angry with the Dragonborn's actions and gives the Dragonborn a chance for redemption.

Stoic in disposition, Kodlak can be very withdrawn at times. During the storyline, the Dragonborn learns that he is haunted by the thought of joining Hircine in the afterlife. As a true Nord, he wishes to go to Sovngarde, and he persistently devotes his time to trying to find a cure.

Interactions

Take Up Arms

As the Dragonborn enters Jorrvaskr, they can ask one of the Companions on how to join. Every one of them will say that they need to speak with Kodlak, the Harbinger. Should the Dragonborn decide to find him, he will first be seen talking with Vilkas about his lycanthropy at the end of the living quarters downstairs. If the Dragonborn asks him about joining the Companions, he will immediately accept them, deeming them worthy. Vilkas, however, disagrees and is surprised at Kodlak's decision. Kodlak will then tell Vilkas to spar with the Dragonborn out in the courtyard to test their strength.

Blood's Honor

In this quest, Kodlak tells the Dragonborn to kill the Glenmoril Witches and take one of their heads, so that Kodlak can cure himself of lycanthropy and get into Sovngarde. While returning to Jorrvaskr after slaying the Glenmoril Witches, the Dragonborn finds out that the Silver Hand attacked the mead hall. Upon entering Jorrvaskr, Kodlak is found dead, and the pieces of Wuuthrad stolen. Vilkas then claims his death will be avenged, and he and the Dragonborn set out to recover the stolen pieces of Wuuthrad.

Glory of the Dead

The Dragonborn must attend Kodlak's funeral at the Skyforge, joined by many residents of Whiterun. Afterwards, the Circle's members gather in The Underforge, to discuss on curing Kodlak's spirit of lycanthropy. They set out to Ysgramor's Tomb, where the ritual can be performed. After throwing a Glenmoril Witch Head at the fire in the depths of the tomb, Kodlak's wolf spirit appears. Defeating it will cure Kodlak's lycanthropy, granting him access to the Nordic afterlife, Sovngarde. Kodlak's spirit then briefly reappears to grant the Dragonborn the title of Harbinger of the Companions succeeding Kodlak as the new leader of the Companions.

Dialogue

"A stranger comes to our hall."

Where do you stand on the war? "Politics are something best avoided. I prefer more personal confrontations, myself."

Why did you join the Companions? "Like most of our band, I found this family after losing my own. I traveled the length and breadth of this land, learning all I could of the sword and the axe. I was just a boy, but I had the fire of a man in my heart. Eventually, my body caught up to my spirit. My predecessor, Askar, found my in Hammerfell. I was serving as bodyguard for some weak-necked lord out there. He brought me back here, and I realized... that I was actually coming home. I work to bring honor to this family, and to the family that I lost. For my mother, my father, and my grandfather. For all my Shield-Siblings. Family and honor. That's what it means to be one of us, boy."

Who are the Companions? "Your question carries more weight than you may know, newcomer. The sort of thing some of us spend our lives pondering. The difference between a noble band of warriors and a ragged bunch of assassins is as thin as a blade's edge. I try to hold us to the right path."

Show: Take Up Arms

Inside Jorrvaskr: "A stranger comes to our hall." I would like to join the Companions. "Would you now? Here, let me have a look at you. Hm. Yes, perhaps. A certain strength of spirit." After Kodlak speaks to Vilkas: "Of course. How are you in a battle, boy?" I can handle myself. "That may be so. This is Vilkas. He will test your arm." You dare question my skill? "Calm down there, whelp. Don't feel like you need to show off for our sake. Vilkas, here, will be the one testing your mettle." I have much to learn. "That's the spirit. Vilkas, here, will get started on that." If approached again: "Vilkas will see if you're worth our trouble." After joining: "Some nights I dream about the mists of Sovngarde." What does it mean to be a Companion? "It means living such that your Shield-Siblings would proudly say they fought at your side. Glory in battle, honor in life. Deal with problems head on. Leave whispers and sneaking to the gutter rats who can't fight for themselves."

Show: Proving Honor

Outside Jorrvaskr: "Well, boy, you're one of us now. I trust you won't disappoint." Is it true that the Companions are werewolves? "I see you've been allowed to know some secrets before your appointed time. No matter. Yes, it's true. Not every Companion, though. Only members of the Circle all share the blood of the beast. Some take to it more than others." What about you? "Well, I grow old. My mind turns towards the horizon. To Sovngarde. I worry that Shor won't call an animal to glory as he would a true Nord warrior. Living as beasts draws our souls closer to the Daedric Lord Hircine. Some may prefer an eternity in his Hunting Grounds, but I crave the fellowship of Sovngarde." You're looking to cure yourself? "Yes, but it's no easy matter. But you don't need to share the worries of an old warrior. This day is to rejoice in your bravery! And speak to Eorlund if you want a better weapon than... whatever that is."

Show: Blood's Honor

Inside Jorrvaskr: "Thank you for coming." You wanted to see me? "Yes, youngling. Have a seat." After sitting down: "I hear you've been busy of late." Aela and I work to avenge Skjor's death. "Your hearts are full of grief, and my own weeps at the loss of Skjor. But his death was avenged long ago. You have taken more lives than honor demanded. The cycle of retaliation may continue for some time." I work for the honor of the Companions. "Lad, I know what you've been up to. Mind you, it's no business of mine what each Companion does in the name of honor. But this sneaking around. It doesn't befit warriors of your standing. Aela knows better, and so should you." "In any case, I have a task for you. Have you heard the story of how we came to be werewolves?" Skjor said it was a blessing from Hircine. "Aye, that sounds like him. As in all matters of faith, though, the reality is more complicated than one believer would tell you." Vilkas said it was a curse laid upon the ancient Companions. "The boy has a nugget of truth, but the reality is more complicated than that. It always is." So what is the truth, then? "The Companions are nearly five thousand years old. This matter of beastblood has only troubled us for a few hundred. One of my predecessors was a good, but short-sighted man. He made a bargain with the witches of Glenmoril Coven. If the Companions would hunt in the name of their lord, Hircine, we would be granted great power." And they became werewolves? "They did not believe the change would be permanent. The witches offered payment, like anyone else. But we had been deceived." But aren't you more powerful now? "The witches didn't lie, of course. But it's more than our bodies." The witches should be hunted down for their trickery. "We'll get to that. It's not so simple as just killing them, though." "The disease, you see, affects not just our bodies. It seeps into the spirit. Upon death, werewolves are claimed by Hircine for his Hunting Grounds. For some, this is a paradise. They want nothing more than to chase prey with their master for eternity. And that is their choice. But I am still a true Nord. And I wish for Sovngarde as my spirit home." Is there a way to cure yourself? "That's what I've spent my twilight years trying to find out. And now I've found the answer. The witches' magic ensnared us, and only their magic can release us. They won't give it willingly, but we can extract their foul powers by force. I want you to seek them out. Go to their coven in the wilderness. Strike them down as a true warrior of the wild. And bring me their heads. The seat of their abilities. From there, we may begin to undue centuries of impurity." Am I to do this alone? "You shall have no Shield-Brother this time. But the spirit of Ysgramor goes with you, to restore the honor of his legacy. Talos guide you, lad." It shall be done. "Good. Now move quickly. And don't leave any of them alive. Talos guide you, lad." I don't wish to remove this blessing. "This is not about your desires, lad. Your own fate will be your own choice. Just as always. Now be gone."

Show: Glory of the Dead

Inside Ysgramor's Tomb: "Greetings, Shield-Brother." Kodlak, is that you? "Of course. My fellow Harbingers and I have been warming ourselves here. Trying to evade Hircine." But there's nobody else here. "You see only me because your heart knows only me as the Companions leader. I'd wager old Vignar could see half a dozen of my predecessors. And I see them all. The ones in Sovngarde. The ones trapped with me in Hircine's realm. And they all see you. You've brought honor to the name of the Companions. We won't soon forget it." Vilkas said you can still be cured. "Did he now? I can only hope. You still have the witches' heads? Excellent. Throw one of them into the fire. It will release their magic, for me at least." After killing Kodlak's Wolf Spirit: "Greetings, Shield-Brother." We've killed your beast spirit. "And so slain the beast inside of me. I thank you for this gift. The other Harbingers remain trapped by Hircine, though. Perhaps from Sovngarde, the heroes of old can join me in their rescue. The Harrowing of the Hunting Grounds. It would be a battle of such triumph. And perhaps some day, you'll join us in that battle. But for today, return to Jorrvaskr. Triumph in your victory. And lead the Companions to further glory."

Conversations

Lycanthropy

Vilkas: "But I still hear the call of the blood." Kodlak: "We all do. It is our burden to bear. But we can overcome." Vilkas: "You have my brother and I, obviously. But I don't know if the rest will go along quite so easily." Kodlak: "Leave that to me."

Take Up Arms

Vilkas: "Master, you're not truly considering accepting him?" Kodlak: "I am nobody's master, Vilkas. And last I checked, we had some empty beds in Jorrvaskr for those with a fire burning in their hearts." Vilkas: "Apologies. But perhaps this isn't the time. I've never even heard of this outsider." Kodlak: "Sometimes the famous come to us. Sometimes men and women come to us to seek their fame. It makes no difference. What matters is their heart." Vilkas: "And their arm."
[After speaking to Kodlak]
Kodlak: "Vilkas, take him out to the yard and see what he can do." Vilkas: "Aye."

Proving Honor

Kodlak: "Brothers and sisters of the Circle, today we welcome a new soul into our mortal fold. This man has endured, has challenged, and has shown his valor. Who will speak for him?" Farkas: "I stand witness to the courage of the soul before us." Kodlak: "Would you raise your shield in his defense?" Farkas: "I would stand at his back, that the world might never overtake us." Kodlak: "And would you raise your sword in his honor?" Farkas: "It stands ready to meet the blood of his foes." Kodlak: "And would you raise a mug in his name?" Farkas: "I would lead the song of triumph as our mead hall reveled in his stories." Kodlak: "Then the judgement of this Circle is complete. His heart beats with fury and courage that have united the Companions since the days of the distant green summers. Let it beat with ours, that the mountains may echo and our enemies may tremble at the call." Aela: "It shall be so." Skjor: "It shall be so." Vilkas: "It shall be so."

Taking the mantle

Kodlak: "Tradition is very important to me, son." Skjor: "To me as well. I think we don't see the same tradition at play here." Kodlak: "If you want to lead this pack when I'm gone, you have to see farther. Look closer." Skjor: "Well which is it? Look farther or closer?" Kodlak: "Come on now, boy, you know what I meant..." Skjor: "You speak in riddles sometimes." Kodlak: "I don't mean to confuse you." Skjor: "It's not confusing... just frustrating." Kodlak: "You're a strong warrior, Skjor. Your heart is fiery and that serves you well in battle." Skjor: "Thank you, Harbinger." Kodlak: "But even the bravest of men consider their actions. I want you to survive long enough to take the mantle." Skjor: "Don't worry about me."

Aela's leisure time

Aela: "You wanted to see me?" Kodlak: "I worry that you've been spending too many nights out." Aela: "Where I go is my business. If you have a concern about my honor, bring it before the Circle." Kodlak: "You forget yourself, young one." Aela: "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. Just... these hunters. We're all on edge." Kodlak: "That's why it's best to not mistake foolhardiness for bravery."

Glorious hunt

Kodlak: "How goes the hunt?" Aela: "Skjor's heard rumors of a bear the size of a mammoth in Hammerfell. We're going to seek it out." Kodlak: "What glorious prey. Come back alive, and with stories to tell!" Aela: "Always."

Young Ones

Kodlak: "How are the young ones coming along?" Farkas: "Some are too happy to fight. Blood runs hot." Kodlak: "I remember when you were the same way. The more they train, the more they'll cool down." Farkas: "I hope so." Kodlak: "Just have them focus on the calm in the battle. Control the rage, don't let it control you."

Favored Weapons

Farkas: "What weapon do you like, Harbinger?" Kodlak: "When I was young, I favored huge swords, much like you. Hard to lift these days, but I still enjoy the heft of a good hammer." Farkas: "Big swords should always beat little swords." Kodlak: "Brave hearts beat lesser ones. That's the decider."

Those in Charge

Torvar: "Master, I..." Kodlak: "My title is Harbinger, child. I am no man's master." Torvar: "Forgive me. You're just the one in charge, and it's what I'm used to." Kodlak: "No one is in charge here. Each Shield-Brother is his own man, each Shield-Sister her own woman." Torvar: "Well why do I have to listen to Skjor, then?" Kodlak: "Skjor has been a warrior for a long time. You would be wise to listen to him. Any warrior that gets to be old is either fearsome or a coward. I'll let you find out which Skjor is."

Moving Up

Torvar: "Do you think I could be a member of the Circle? Some day? If I work hard?" Kodlak: "Don't worry about such things. Just focus on your own honor. Bring glory to the Companions, and that glory will return upon you." Torvar: "I just want to make sure I'm moving up." Kodlak: "This isn't the military, son. There are no ranks." Torvar: "But aren't the Circle in charge? And don't you lead them?" Kodlak: "I guide the Companions. The Circle advises me. But we are all free warriors. Only our honor binds us together."

Quotes

• "Some nights, I dream about the mists of Sovngarde."
• "When you get to be my age, you'll come to miss the smell of blood. Strange, I know."
• "How goes the hunting, brother?"
• "Lets not waste too much time talking when there is glory to be had!"
• "By Ysgramor!" – When in combat.
• "For honor!" – When in combat.
• "Glory awaits!" – When in combat.

Gallery

Kodlak's death

Kodlak's funeral

Trivia

• He is voiced by Michael Donovan.
• During the quest "Glory of the Dead," the last shard of Wuuthrad must be taken from Kodlak's end table. Kodlak's Journal is also there, which records Kodlak's thoughts on the Dragonborn and other members of the Circle as they progress through the story of the Companions' main quest line.
• Kodlak's name resembles the word "vukodlak" or "vlkodlak" which means "werewolf" in some Slavic languages such as Serbian, Croatian, Czech, Slovak, Slovenian, etc. The suffix "dlak" meant fur in pre-Slavic languages.
• If the Dragonborn has completed the Companions main quest line before going to Sovngarde, Kodlak can be found there, outside the Hall of Valor. He will be killed by Alduin if the Dragonborn delays his entry into the Hall of Valor.
• After completing the quest Glory of the Dead, Kodlak's spirit will mention a "great harrowing," a gathering of the heroes of Sovngarde to rescue the werewolves in Hircine's hunting ground, though this never happens in the game.
• Kodlak is never seen again after the completion of Dragonslayer and Glory of the Dead, yet Farkas will still mention him in reference to the Dragonborn being Harbinger.
• Kodlak says in Glory of the Dead that he is hiding in Ysgramor's tomb with other lycanthropic Harbingers because they do not want Hircine to find them and claim their souls to hunt with him.
• If the Dragonborn runs ahead of the Heroes of the Dragon War to face Alduin alone, it is possible that Kodlak will charge in to assist in fighting him.
• Kodlak is never seen equipped with a weapon; however, a steel warhammer can be seen in his room. Upon arriving back to Jorrvaskr after the Silver Hand attack, the very same warhammer can be found next to Kodlak's body, indicating that it might have been his personal weapon.
  • This is further implied in a conversation with Farkas, during which he mentions favoring hammers.
• Once the Dragonborn accepts Kodlak's request to recover the Glenmoril Witch Heads during Blood's Honor, he will reveal that he is a worshipper of Talos, despite admitting that he (like several other Companions) is neutral on the Civil War between the Imperial Legion and the Stormcloaks.
• After the Silver Hands attack Jorrvaskr, Kodlak's wolf armor will not be equipped.
• Even though his corpse is found naked in Jorrvaskr, he will be wearing his wolf armor during his funeral.
• If the Dragonborn uses their beast form, Kodlak is the only companion that will not attack or flee.

Bugs

This section contains bugs related to Kodlak Whitemane. Before adding a bug to this list, consider the following: Please reload an old save to confirm if the bug is still happening. If the bug is still occurring, please post the bug report with the appropriate system template  360  /  XB1  ,  PS3  /  PS4  ,  PC  /  MAC  ,  NX  /  PS5  ,  XS  , depending on which platform(s) the bug has been encountered on. Be descriptive when listing the bug and fixes, but avoid having conversations in the description and/or using first-person anecdotes: such discussions belong on the appropriate forum board.

•  360   PS3   After completing the quest "Proving Honor," there may be no conversation option about the werewolves. Not finishing the quest "The Horn of Jurgen Windcaller" may trigger this.
• When Kodlak Whitemane dies, looting him may not be possible. This will automatically fix itself if the Dragonborn leaves before talking to a member of the Circle.
• During the quest "Glory of the Dead," his name will show up in the journal as "Kodak Whitman."
•  PC   If the Dragonborn steals from Jorrvaskr and is not caught, it is possible that Kodlak will demand the Dragonborn pay back their debt when encountering his ghost in Ysgramor's Tomb. His dialogue in this scene will use his regular tone, but upon advancing the conversation he will have a ghostly echo.

Appearances

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
• The Elder Scrolls Legends: Heroes of Skyrim