Waterbreathing (Skyrim)

Water Breathing is an Alteration spell, as well as an alchemical and enchanting effect in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Additionally, Argonians are able to breathe underwater as a racial ability. Water Breathing is useful in situations which would normally entail a possibility of drowning, such as accessing the submerged entrance to Geirmund's Hall or the various sunken ships. It also allows the Dragonborn unrestricted access to underwater food items such as Clam Meat, and ingredients such as Nordic Barnacles and various fish. Additionally, Water Breathing aids in quests with underwater components, such as Locate Reyda's remains.

Spell
Water Breathing is an Adept-level Alteration spell. Casting it allows the user to breathe underwater for 60 seconds. It cannot be cast while underwater or swimming. Casting it repeatedly while standing in water is an effective way to level the Alteration skill. Casting Candlelight ten seconds before casting water breathing is good indicator of when you need to surface to avoid drowning.

Spell tome locations

 * Tolfdir at The College of Winterhold and Wylandriah in Mistveil Keep sell this tome upon reaching level 50 Alteration.
 * One can be found in main hall of Labyrinthian.

Alchemy
Potions with Water Breathing can be brewed at an alchemy lab. When consumed, they temporarily allow the user to breathe underwater. The strength of the effect is determined by the Alchemy skill of the potion's creator.

Ingredients
The following ingredients contain this effect:


 * Chicken's Egg
 * Histcarp
 * Nordic Barnacle

Enchanting
Helmets, amulets, and rings can be enchanted with Water Breathing at a workbench. Apparel enchanted with this effect allows unlimited breathing underwater as long as they remain equipped. The enchantment's effect is not quantified, so it does not vary with the size of the Soul Gem used: i.e., a Petty Soul Gem grants the same effect as a Grand one.

Curiously, even when wearing an item enchanted with Water Breathing, the player can still be heard gasping for air upon breaking the water's surface.

Enchanted item locations

 * The Volsung Mask is the only item guaranteed to possess this effect, and cannot be disenchanted for the Water Breathing enchantment.
 * An amulet with Water Breathing may be looted off of Solaf in Gray Pine Goods, located in Falkreath. It can be disenchanted.
 * Equipment enchanted with Water Breathing can be randomly obtained as dungeon loot or from merchants, albeit extremely rarely. The best chance to find a piece with the enchantment is to utilize a skeleton at Cradlecrush Rock that always holds a random piece of enchanted headgear. Simply save somewhere far from Cradlecrush Rock, travel to the area, and check the skeleton. Repeat until an item with Water Breathing is found (You dont need to kill the giant).