Tears of the Savior stands out as one of the most distinctive side quests in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, testing a player's preparation rather than raw combat strength. Initiated by speaking with S'drassa inside the Leyawiin Mages Guild, this assignment tasks adventuring heroes with retrieving five rare frozen crystals known as Garridan's Tears. Successfully completing this journey requires research, specialized entry items, and proper environmental protection against freezing temperatures.
Starting the Research and Locating Knightfall
Your journey begins in Leyawiin, where S'drassa explains his passion for collecting unique magical artifacts. To locate the missing tears, he directs you toward Julienne Fanis at the Arcane University in the Imperial City. Speaking with her reveals that the details surrounding Garridan's tragic battle are recorded in a rare book titled Knightfall.
To acquire this essential text, visit the First Edition bookstore located within the Imperial City's Market District. Purchasing and reading Knightfall updates your map with the location of Frostfire Glade near Bruma. The lore details how Garridan became frozen in eternal combat while seeking the Everflow Ewer.
Gathering Essential Supplies for Frostfire Glade
Before heading into the cold mountains, you must secure Refined Frost Salts from Julienne Fanis to unlock the hidden cavern entrance. Without this specific reagent, the magical barrier leading into Frostfire Glade remains completely impassable. Acquiring at least one sample is mandatory for quest progression.
Additionally, surviving the interior environment demands significant frost resistance. You can return to S'drassa in Leyawiin to receive free Philters of Frostward potions after updating him on your findings. Equipping frost-resistant gear or utilizing specialized character traits like those of Nords or Bretons will further protect your health pool.
Exploring the Glade and Finding the Five Tears
Upon entering Frostfire Glade, players face a hostile Frostfire Atronach guarding the central icy clearing. Defeating or luring this creature away is crucial to prevent its movement from scattering the small crystals. Once the threat is managed, enter the central misty patch where the environmental freezing damage actively drains your life force.
Searching for the five tiny crystals requires patience due to how easily they blend into the icy ground. Four of the tears lie scattered around the snow, while the final tear rests atop a rock near the frozen centerpiece. Using a light spell or holding a torch helps illuminate the glass-like objects against the white backdrop.
Claiming Your Rewards from S'drassa
After retrieving all five crystals, safely exit the glade and travel back to the Leyawiin Mages Guild. Handing over Garridan's Tears to S'drassa completes the quest and grants a generous gold payout based on your overall character level. Completing this favor also increases your local fame while solving one of Cyrodiil's most poignant historical mysteries.
