You're standing in the middle of the Svartalfheim mud, staring at a giant stone block hanging from a crane, wondering why on earth Santa Monica Studio made this so confusing. Honestly, the Jarnsmida Pitmines legendary chest is one of those "hidden in plain sight" moments that makes you want to throw the Leviathan Axe at something other than a wooden board. It’s not just about finding the chest; it’s about manipulating the environment in a way that feels like you’re back in a 2005 God of War physics puzzle.
Most people see the chest glimmering up on that high ledge and try to find a path through the caves. Spoiler: there isn't one. You've got to use the cranes. Specifically, you have to break the logic of how the water troughs work.
The Step-by-Step Solution Everyone Misses
Basically, the whole puzzle revolves around a water-powered crane. You'll find this area toward the end of the Jarnsmida Pitmines, right after you finish that big fight where Sindri gives you the light sources. Look for the massive wooden troughs carrying water.
First, you need to find the gold-segmented pillar holding up the trough. Use your Blades of Chaos to pull the end of the trough toward you. This reroutes the water, which makes the giant crane rotate and bring a massive stone block right to your feet.
Don't just stand there.
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Climb onto that stone block immediately. Now, here is the "aha!" moment: while standing on the block, look back at the trough you just moved. Throw your Leviathan Axe at the very end of it to freeze the water flow. This causes the crane to lose its "power" and swing back to its original starting position.
Since you're standing on the block, you're going for the ride.
Once the crane stops moving, look for the ledge behind you. You can leap off the block and follow the mine tracks uphill. The Jarnsmida Pitmines legendary chest is sitting right there at the top of the path, usually next to one of Kvasir’s Poems (specifically "Tool and Bang").
Is the Reward Actually Worth It?
Inside the chest, you’ll find the Pommels of the Undying Spark. These are an attachment for your Blades of Chaos, and if you’re running a burn-heavy build, they are kinda essential.
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They provide a solid boost to Strength and Runic stats. But the real star is the perk: Scorching Burn. This increases the damage that the Burn status inflicts on enemies. If you like using the "Immolation" skill or slamming the blades to set Draugr on fire, these pommels make that DOT (damage over time) tick significantly harder.
Stats at Level 1:
- Strength: 6
- Runic: 3
By the time you upgrade them to Level 9, that Strength jump is massive—we’re talking +46 Strength. It’s a top-tier choice for the mid-game, though some players prefer the "Pommels of Agile Deceit" for the mobility. It really depends on if you want raw power or more "oomph" on your elemental triggers.
Common Mistakes and Backtracking
If you missed this during your first run with Atreus, don't sweat it. You can come back later.
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Getting back to the pitmines after the story is a bit of a trek, though. You have to fast travel to the Aurvangar Wetlands in Svartalfheim, take the ferry to Sverd Sands, and ride the elevator down into the Applecore. You’ll have to fight your way through the mines again to reach the Jarnsmida Pitmines exit.
One thing to watch out for: if you're returning post-game, there will be a Berserker Gravestone and some Remnants of Asgard in the immediate vicinity. It gets messy. I’d recommend clearing those out before you start messing with the water troughs, or you’ll get hit with a projectile while you’re trying to aim your axe.
Also, some players get confused by the Nornir Chest in this same area. That's a different beast involving lighting three braziers. One of those braziers actually requires you to do a similar water-freezing trick with the axe, so it’s good practice for the legendary chest puzzle.
Actionable Next Steps
To get 100% completion in the Jarnsmida Pitmines, follow this order:
- Clear the Draugr and enemies near the crane area first to avoid interruptions.
- Grab the Artifact (Kvasir's Poem) sitting right next to the legendary chest once you've made the jump.
- Look for Odin's Raven flying in a circle over the water nearby; it's easiest to hit from the elevated ledge where the chest is located.
- If you have the Draupnir Spear, look for the "wind vent" in the wall near the crane to find a hidden path leading back toward the Applecore for more loot.
Once you have the Pommels of the Undying Spark, head to a shop and upgrade them immediately. The jump from Level 1 to Level 4 only requires basic materials like Rawhide and Hacksilver, and it nearly triples the stat bonus.