This quest starts immediately after you take your first lessons. It is an expedition led by Tolfdir to Saarthal, which is south-west of Winterhold. On the way, you may encounter a few Ice Wraiths - if they give trouble, you can either bring a companion, or bring along a few potions of healing.
When you are ready, speak with Tolfdir and let him know.
Saarthal Excavation[edit]
After a quick introduction, you can speak with Tolfdir. He will direct you to Arniel Gane, while assigning different tasks to the other students.
When you find him, he directs you to the chambers to the north to collect a few artifacts.
Find Magical artifacts[edit]
There are four magical artifacts to find. The first three are enchanted rings found on the floor, each providing a boost to health. They can be examined at an enchantment table later.
The fourth is an amulet located on a door. When it's retrieved, a trap activates and locks you in the chamber. Tolfdir notices, and recommends using the amulet to escape the trap. When you wear the amulet, it activates the door where you retrieved it from. Using a spell on the door will break it open. Speak with Tolfdir again, and explore the new passage.
When you enter the new room, Nerien will appear in a vision and say that you set off a chain of events that cannot be stopped. Tell Rolfdir about the Psijic Order's vision. He's not sure what to make of it, but he will continue searching the coffins. This room has two Draugr, and if you proceed further, a large circular room with several draugr attacking.
Tolfdir will remain behind to examine this crypt. You should instead continue exploring to find the danger within these ruins.
Saarthal[edit]
There is a fire rune trap located just after the first draugr. There will be three other draugr, in the same room. Head to the second floor, and you can find two chests (one is hidden and adept-locked). Continue through the east exit.
The trap near the corridor's chest is a simple dart trap.
The gate is closed by a pillar combination. Rotate the pillars to match the symbols in the same alcove, then pull the switch to open the door. To get the right answer, the left pillars need to be turned once, the center-right pillar turned twice, and the far right pillar turned once.
Next room is a fight against a boss-level Draugr. After this is a corridor with a few rune traps, ending in a puzzle corridor. In this one, turning a pillar can cause other pillars to turn. This is best solved by aligning the far-left first, followed by the near-left, then far-right, and finally near-right.
Tolfdir will catch up with you. He will be present in the fight against Jyrik Gauldurson, the dungeon boss. He will be invincible until Tolfdir starts draining the magic power. When fighting against Jyrik, you will have to use weapons, as he is resistant to magical attacks.
When he is slain, there is a cryptic message on him - condemned by crimes and sealed in the chamber. Reading the paper starts the quest Forbidden Legend.
Tolfdir will examine the large artifact in the center of the room. Since he can't leave it unattended, he will send you to the arch-mage to deliver the news. Head out the door in the back. Be sure to visit the word wall for an Ice Form word.
When you reach the archmage, he will send for the artifact to be recovered. In the meantime, he will send you to the library for the next part of the quest, where you research the artifact.