The Lost to the Ages quest in Skyrim sends players across the frozen northern province to locate four ancient Dwemer artifacts known as Aetherium Shards. These glowing blue fragments are essential for unlocking the secrets of the legendary Aetherium Forge. Finding every piece requires exploring dangerous ruins filled with mechanical traps, Falmer, and complex environmental puzzles.
Starting the Quest at Arkngthamz
Your search for the fragments officially begins inside the ruin of Arkngthamz, located in the mountains southwest of Markarth. Inside this subterranean Dwemer city, you meet the ghost of Katria, an adventurer who died while researching the forge. Following her guidance brings you to the edge of a massive cavern where the first fragment rests upon a precariously balanced stone pillar.
To safely retrieve this initial piece, you must solve a tonal lock puzzle by shooting resonant kinetic switches in the correct sequence. Choosing the wrong order triggers deadly automatic ballistae and automaton attacks. Once cleared, grabbing the first shard updates your map with clues regarding the remaining locations.
Locating the Fragment at Raldbthar
The second piece is hidden deep within Raldbthar, a sprawling complex situated mountainside east of Whiterun. Navigating through the initial bandit-controlled chambers leads down into deep animunculatory galleries overrun by hostile Falmer. Deep within the core of the ruin, a massive gear mechanism blocks entry to the final vault chamber.
You must clear trapped debris from four different gears scattered throughout the room to lower the drawbridge. Once the machinery resumes operation, the door unlocks, revealing the second fragment resting on an altar. Be prepared for a tough fight against a Dwemer Centurion guarding the exits.
Exploring Mzulft Deep Folk Crossing
Unlike the other pieces hidden inside complex dungeon networks, the third fragment is located outdoors near Deep Folk Crossing. Traveling northwest of Markarth leads to an ancient stone bridge spanning a roaring mountain river. Just across the water sits a weathered Dwemer monument housing the unprotected artifact.
Approaching the altar allows you to pick up the shard without battling through an entire underground city. However, the surrounding valley is frequently patrolled by wild beasts and hostile wilderness encounters. Collecting this piece brings you one step closer to forging powerful relic items.
Uncovering the Final Shard at Bthalft
The last fragment rests near the Ruins of Bthalft, located in the southern tundra region south of Ivarstead. Here, an outdoor Dwemer structure features a central pedestal surrounded by mysterious stone pillars. Placing all four collected pieces into the mechanism activates an ancient elevator system embedded in the earth.
The platform descends directly into the subterranean Aetherium Forge, where you can finally put the materials to use. Crafting the Aetherium Crown, Shield, or Staff completes Katria's lifelong quest and grants your character unique magical abilities.
