The Eye of Magnus The Eye of Magnus is a quest available in . Serving as the final quest in the College of Winterhold questline , it culminates in a battle against Ancano , with the Dragonborn becoming Arch - Mage upon emerging victorious . Walkthrough . Into the Eye of the Maelstrom . The College of Winterhold is now caught in an increasingly unstable maelstrom of magic — so much so that it has disappeared from the world map . At the College , the mages are caught up in a battle with the Magic Anomalies , although helping them defeat the creatures is optional . The Staff of Magnus can be used to force clear the way across the courtyard and into the Hall of the Elements . There are likely to be one or more Magic Anomalies just inside the whirling force screen . Upon arriving at the Hall of the Elements , Ancano is waiting , directing energy of some kind at the Eye of Magnus . He is well aware of the Dragonborn ' s presence . The mad elf spots them and Tolfdir , taunting and crowing that he ' s so far beyond any pitiful attempts at magic that he cannot be touched . Unfortunately , this is true , as Tolfdir ' s aimed fireball dissipates harmlessly . The old mage has just enough time to tell the Dragonborn to bring out the Staff of Magnus and use it on the Eye before an enraged Ancano strikes him — and anyone else ( such as followers ) in the vicinity — with a Mass Paralysis spell , leaving the Dragonborn standing alone . Ancano decides to finish the Dragonborn himself , opening the Eye of Magnus and tapping into its full and incredible power . Note : It is possible to keep Ancano from paralyzing Tolfdir and any other follower by blocking the former ' s Mass Paralysis spell with a magic ward . Defeating Ancano . Note that any followers cannot aid in the fight and will likely attack Tolfdir after the magic anomalies are defeated , so it will be impossible to complete the quest with one around . While the Eye is open , Ancano is invincible . When the Eye is fully open , a casting from the Staff of Magnus absorbs its energy , and the Eye begins to close . Once the Eye is closed , the Dragonborn can start attacking Ancano with effect . Eventually , the Eye reopens , and Ancano becomes invincible again . When the Eye is pried open a second time , several Magic Anomalies are also let loose . Although the Dragonborn must deal with them , their presence has the potential to be very useful , as the soul gems they drop can recharge the staff if it is out of charge . Additionally , the magic anomalies attack Ancano if the Dragonborn is not near him . This quest can be used as a way to farm filled soul gems for training in Enchanting . The Dragonborn can use the chamber ' s topography to an advantage , keeping a healthy distance from Ancano , which allows for more time to maneuver around his spells . Standing behind one of the chamber ' s many pillars , or the Eye itself , will block the full force of Ancano ' s attacks . A very easy way to safely battle him is to stand in the Hall of the Elements behind the closed gate after Tolfdir is paralyzed . One can stay safely behind the gate to heal or take a break from the battle , or just to sit back and let a summoned follower do the work . An alternative method , if the Dragonborn has the Sanguine Rose from " A Night to Remember , " is to use it to summon a Dremora after Ancano casts his paralyzing spell . The Dremora will attack Ancano , leaving them free to use the Staff of Magnus on the Eye . The Dremora will make short work of him as soon as the protection of the Eye is removed . Another way of quickly dispatching Ancano is to use high archery skill , have health damaging poison , and carry a powerful bow and arrows . With this combination , it is possible to use the Staff to close the Orb . Immediately after it starts to close , a poisoned bow with glass or above arrows can make short work of him . One other method is to get a Staff of Paralysis ( the Paralyze spell , and the level 100 archery perk will also work ) . Once the Eye is closed , the staff or spell can be used to paralyze Ancano . Then he can be killed easily . Alternatively , the Dragonborn may also summon an Atronach , which will attack Ancano . The Dragonborn can then proceed to close the eye . The Dragonborn can also rely on the presence of the College ' s initiates , namely Colette Marence , Phinis Gestor , Sergius Turrianus , Faralda and Drevis Neloren , who will join the battle and fight Ancano and the Magic Anomalies . The Nick of Time . With the hated High Elf now dispatched for good , the Dragonborn can return to Tolfdir . He is thankful that Ancano has been stopped , but has no idea how to dispel the gathering crescendo of power that the Eye of Magnus is exuding . Fortunately , Quaranir appears just in the nick of time . Although he is as cryptic as ever , Quaranir tells the Dragonborn that the Psijic Order always believed in them , and their actions have proved their readiness to lead the College of Winterhold . Now that the Eye has grown unstable , it may not only destroy the College , but also the entire world . Ancano ' s actions proved that this world is not ready for such power , so Quaranir prepares to secure the Eye . The Psijic Order will maintain the Eye for now , and he summons his brethren , Gelebros and Tandil , to perform a binding ritual . The monks and the Eye soon disappear from this world . Aftermath . The quest ' s namesake relic is transported out of the Hall of the Elements by members of the Psijic Order . Tolfdir awards the Dragonborn the key to the Arch - Mage ' s Quarters as well as his robes . After this , only the radiant , " Aftershock , " and master - level ritual spell quests are left to complete for the college .