Pieces of the Past is one of the most memorable Daedric quests in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, offering players a deep dive into Tamriel's dark history. Triggered upon reaching level 20 via a courier's invitation to a new museum in Dawnstar, the quest sends players across Skyrim to retrieve fragments of a legendary weapon. Completing this journey tests your morality and grants access to a powerful relic capable of defeating formidable foes.
Starting the Quest in Dawnstar
To begin the quest, visit Dawnstar after reaching level 20 to meet Silus Vesuius outside his newly opened Mythic Dawn Museum. Silus asks for your help to collect three missing pieces of Mehrunes' Razor scattered across the province. Accepting his request marks the locations of the hilt, pommel, and blade fragments on your map.
Tracking Down the Hilt, Pommel, and Blade
The hilt is held by J'zhar in Morthal, who can be persuaded, bribed, or fought to relinquish the artifact. The pommel stone is located in Dead Crag Rock, guarded by a powerful Forsworn Dracochilde named Drascua. Finally, the blade fragment lies deep inside Cracked Tusk Keep, secured behind locked doors and guarded by the Orc chieftain Ghusbag.
Reassembling Mehrunes' Razor at the Shrine
Once all three fragments are returned to Silus, he asks you to meet him at the Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon to assemble the weapon. Upon arriving, Silus attempts to summon the Daedric Prince, but Dagon demands a sacrifice before restoring the dagger. Players must choose whether to spare Silus or kill him to claim the completed artifact.
Quest Rewards and Story Significance
Choosing to kill Silus pleases Mehrunes Dagon, who rewards you with Mehrunes' Razor, a deadly dagger with a small chance to instantly kill any target. Sparing Silus results in receiving a gold reward instead, while the dagger remains broken forever. Regardless of your choice, Dagon spawns Daedra enemies at the shrine, allowing players to loot valuable Daedra hearts and keys to the shrine's interior treasure vault.
