Kodlak Whitemane Kodlak Whitemane is the Harbinger of the Companions in Whiterun . As Harbinger , he does not give orders , but his word is highly respected in Jorrvaskr and across all nine Holds of Skyrim . Kodlak is also a member of The Circle , though he wishes to be rid of his lycanthropy . Upon death , a werewolf ' s soul goes to the Daedric Prince Hircine ' s hunting grounds . Kodlak does not wish for this to be his fate , and instead wants his soul to go to Sovngarde , the Nordic afterlife . If the Companions questline is completed , the Dragonborn becomes Harbinger and cleanses Kodlak of his Lycanthropy . He can later be seen in Sovngarde among the other lost spirits that are trapped in the mist formed by Alduin . Background . Kodlak was found by the previous Harbinger , Askar , in Hammerfell . Sometime after this , Kodlak succeeded Askar as Harbinger . Kodlak has commanded the Companions for twenty years , balancing his tactical skill , ferocity in combat , and commanding presence . But those days are drawing to a close . One year before the return of the dragons , Kodlak contracted the rot , despite werewolves having a 100 % disease immunity . His condition has reached its final stages of deterioration , making him weak in body . In frustration , he has taken to locking himself behind closed doors and poring over old documents , desperate to cure himself of lycanthropy before the rot ends his life . Just before the arrival of the Dragonborn , a dream came to Kodlak . As he describes in his journal , he dreamed of Tsun denying the former Harbingers access to Shor ' s Hall , where honored heroes gather . One by one , their wolf spirit drags them to Hircine , to hunt with him forever . Kodlak helplessly watches as his turn comes and his beast attacks him . However , a stranger arrives to protect him . This person drives back the beast and saves his soul . After seeing the Dragonborn for the first time , Kodlak recognizes them as that person and thus allows the Dragonborn to become a Companion . Personality . Kodlak Whitemane proves to be a benign and wise individual for such a rowdy group . As Harbinger , he is the one that helps channel the Companions ' skills in a way that can benefit Skyrim ' s people , rather than leaving them to brawl and drink all day long . His wisdom is respected throughout the nine holds , as well . When the Dragonborn first meets Kodlak , he is in his twilight years . He has lost his will to win glory in battle , partially because his body cannot allow it . He hints annoyance at this limitation , but he never openly complains . Kodlak proves to be very wise and perceptive . He could see the Dragonborn ' s potential instantly , aside from the fact he had seen them in a dream . His awareness is also very clear when he discovers the secret campaign to avenge Skjor . He informs the Dragonborn that the circle of retribution will turn on them , and that they have taken more blood than honor demands . Kodlak ' s foresight is proven correct by the Silver Hand ' s attack on Jorrvaskr . His observation on honor is very definitive as well ; while he grieves at Skjor ' s loss , he does not condone unnecessary bloodshed , as it is dishonorable . He explains how wrong it can be to react in fury and grief , and he follows this statement . Even with his stern disapproval , Kodlak is not angry with the Dragonborn ' s actions and gives the Dragonborn a chance for redemption . Stoic in disposition , Kodlak can be very withdrawn at times . During the storyline , the Dragonborn learns that he is haunted by the thought of joining Hircine in the afterlife . As a true Nord , he wishes to go to Sovngarde , and he persistently devotes his time to trying to find a cure . Interactions . Take Up Arms . As the Dragonborn enters Jorrvaskr , they can ask one of the Companions on how to join . Every one of them will say that they need to speak with Kodlak , the Harbinger . Should the Dragonborn decide to find him , he will first be seen talking with Vilkas about his lycanthropy . If the Dragonborn asks him about joining the Companions , he will immediately accept them , deeming them worthy . Vilkas , however , disagrees and is surprised at Kodlak ' s decision . Kodlak will then tell Vilkas to spar with the Dragonborn out in the courtyard to test their strength . Blood ' s Honor . In this quest , Kodlak tells the Dragonborn to kill the Glenmoril Witches and take one of their heads , so that Kodlak can cure himself of lycanthropy and get into Sovngarde . While returning to Jorrvaskr after slaying the Glenmoril Witches , the Dragonborn finds out that the Silver Hand attacked the mead hall . Upon entering Jorrvaskr , Kodlak is found dead , and the pieces of Wuuthrad stolen . Vilkas then claims his death will be avenged , and he and the Dragonborn set out to recover the stolen pieces of Wuuthrad . Glory of the Dead . The Dragonborn must attend Kodlak ' s funeral at the Skyforge . Afterwards , the Circle ' s members gather in The Underforge , to discuss on curing Kodlak ' s spirit of lycanthropy . They set out to Ysgramor ' s Tomb , where the ritual can be performed . After throwing a Glenmoril Witch Head at the fire in the depths of the tomb , Kodlak ' s wolf spirit appears . Defeating it will cure Kodlak ' s lycanthropy , granting him access to the Nordic afterlife , Sovngarde . Kodlak ' s spirit then briefly reappears to grant the Dragonborn the title of Harbinger of the Companions .