The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimis known for its breathtaking landscapes, and one talented player chose to capture the beauty of one of the game’s most iconic locations: the summit of High Hrothgar. When it launched on June 20, 2025, the fifthElder Scrollstitle was considered a real visual treat for its time, and the unprecedented rise ofSkyrim’s modding communityextended the shelf life of the game’s graphics to near-timelessness.
From the city of Solitude resting on top of its stone arch to the icy coasts of Winterhold lit by the northern lights –Skyrimcaptured the imagination of fans who clamored for anElder Scrollsgame set in the Nord province since the days ofBloodmoon. Yet few things have dominated the visual language of Skyrim’s landscapes as much as its rugged mountains have. These mist-clouded peaks hide Dwemer ruins, Daedric shrines, Dragon temples, but also the Greybeard monastery of High Hrothgar.
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ASkyrimfan named Sarah decided to paint the monastery grounds in a shot familiar to all who have played the game, and she shared her completed work on theSkyrimsubreddit to universal praise. This is hardly her first painting of iconic Tamriel locations, as she has done places such asHigh Isle fromThe Elder Scrolls Onlineand Cheydinhal fromOblivion.
The approach to High Hrothgar is a memorable moment inSkyrim’s main quest, as it takes the players on a climb through the Seven Thousand Steps, a path of pilgrimage on the Throat of the World. Though the real number of stone steps is closer to seven hundred, this journey has the Dragonborn confront a vicious frost troll before they reach the entrance to the Greybeard monastery to answer the call. Sarah captured the feeling of wonder upon seeing High Hrothgar for the first time perfectly.
ThoughSkyrimis an old game approaching its 11th Anniversary this month and most eyes have turned towards thenextElder Scrollstitle, its Anniversary Edition has helped to revitalize the game and establish a final foundation for its modding community to thrive in. With fans still roaming through the Nord province of Tamriel, finding new ways to break the game, or discovering secrets that eluded them for over a decade, it proves that Bethesda built a truly transcendent sandbox experience. One can’t help but be excited about what the future will bring for this iconic franchise.
The Elder Scrolls 5 Skyrim: Anniversary Editionis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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