The Rueful Axe

"There's an axe. An incredibly powerful axe. An axe powerful enough for me to have quite a bit of fun, indeed."

- Clavicus Vile

The Rueful Axe is a unique battleaxe found in Skyrim.

Background
According to Barbas, this axe was given to Sebastian Lort, who had begged Clavicus Vile to help him cure his daughter of Lycanthropy.

Acquisition
It can be obtained during the Daedric quest A Daedra's Best Friend and may be granted as a reward from Clavicus Vile in exchange for killing Barbas. (Barbas must be killed with the axe, no other weapon will work.)

Smithing
The axe can be upgraded with an ebony ingot and the Arcane Blacksmith perk. However, it does not benefit from any smithing perks.

Trivia

 * The Rueful Axe does not count towards the achievements/trophies Daedric Influence and Oblivion Walker.
 * The Rueful Axe swings much slower than any other weapon.
 * The axe has two howling wolf motifs on the sides, a nod towards what became of Sebastian's daughter.
 * Albeit enchanted, it seems to do less base damage than the unique battleaxe Wuuthrad, while still being slower to swing.

Quotes

 * " ' Tis a wicked axe you wield there, friend. That blade looks sharp enough to cut through a god." - Hold guards, if the axe is equipped.
 * "One of Clavicus's little jests. A wizard named Sebastian Lort had a daughter who worshiped Hircine. When the daughter became a werewolf it drove Sebastian over the edge. He couldn't stand to see his little girl take on such a bestial form. The wizard wished for the ability to end his daughter's curse. Clavicus gave him an axe." - Barbas, when asked about the axe.

Bugs

 * For a way to obtain both the Masque of Clavicus Vile and the Rueful Axe, see the "bugs" section on the A Daedra's Best Friend page.
 * If placed on a weapon rack in Hjerim, it will descend into the floor until it disappears. This bug is also associated with Volendrung. Also occurs at Lakeview Manor, will sink progressively over time and will 'reset' if taken off and placed back again.
 * The Rueful Axe will sound like a sword when unsheathing and sheathing.

Appearances


Axt der Reue Топор Скорби Hacha del arrepentimiento Hache du Chagrin