How to Get Shadowmere in Skyrim

Last Updated: October 8, 2018

Shadowmere is the dark horse owned by Astrid, the leader of the Dark Brotherhood. During the storyline of this guild, you will get the chance to ride and make this creature as your own steed. With a totally black body and red, glowing eyes, Shadowmere is a very useful companion when traveling across the world of Skyrim because of its ability to attack enemies, instead of just running away like common horses in the game.

Steps

1
Start the “A Cure for Madness” quest. After completing the “Breaching Security” mission, go to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary west of Falkreath and talk to Astrid. She will then tell you that a member of the guild named Cicero tried to kill her. She will ask you to find clues about the whereabouts of Cicero, marking the start of “A Cure for Madness.”
2
Look for clues about Cicero. You’ll find hints about Cicero inside his room, which is the only room on the easternmost side of the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary. There’s a table with a book on top inside Cicero’s room. Read the book to get clues and mark this objective complete.

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3
Report back to Astrid. Go back to Astrid and tell her what you found inside Cicero’s room. She’ll tell you that you need to go to the Dawnstar Sanctuary to find and kill Cicero. To aid you in your journey, she’ll lend you her horse, Shadowmere.
- Exit the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary and outside you’ll find the dark steed. Approach Shadowmere and you should be able to get on the horse.
4
Go to Dawnstar Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located inside the City of Dawnstar, the northernmost city on the map. Head to Winterhold and take the road that leads to the west. This will take you straight to the city of Dawnstar.
- Once you’re in the city of Dawnstar, walk a little to the north, towards the shoreline, to find the Dawnstar Sanctuary. It’s not hard to find since the sanctuary itself is an enormous cave with large wooden doors.
5
Complete the quest. Enter the sanctuary and follow the trail of blood on the floor to find Cicero. Once you find him, attack Cicero to kill him and complete the “A Cure for Madness” quest. From here on, you can now use Shadowmere as your own horse and take it to wherever you need to go in Skyrim.

Community Q&A

Question

Do I have to kill Cicero?

Community Answer

No. You can choose to not kill Cicero. It can actually be beneficial for you later on as he can become a follower to bring on your adventures. Just talk to him and then let him run away.
Question

Is it 10 real days or 10 game days to get Shadowmere in Skyrim?

Community Answer

It is 10 game days, not 10 real days. They want you to keep playing, not grow tired of it!