Assassin's Creed: Valhalla Book of Knowledge locations: How to unlock new combat abilities explained
Our explainer of where to find any new combat abilities you're looking for.
Books of Knowledge are a set of collectables hidden throughout England and Norway that grant Eivor powerful new abilities in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla .
Not to be confused with skills, which give you passive character improvements, abilities are moves you can use in combat, governed by how many adrenaline points you have.
But, like skills, the abilities out there are invisible to player until you stumble across them. That's where this page comes in - with a list of Book of Knowledge locations, and the respective abilities they unlock.
On this page:
- How Book of Knowledge locations and using Abilities work in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla Abilities and their locations list
- Rygjafylke Book of Knowledge locations
- Hordafylke Book of Knowledge locations
- Ledecestrescie Book of Knowledge locations
- Grantebridgescire Book of Knowledge locations
- East Anglia Book of Knowledge locations
- Oxenefordscire Book of Knowledge locations
- Sciropescire Book of Knowledge locations
- Cent Book of Knowledge locations
- Suthsexe Book of Knowledge locations
- Essexe Book of Knowledge locations
- Lincolnscire Book of Knowledge locations
- Eurvicscire Book of Knowledge locations
- Glowecestrescire Book of Knowledge locations
- Wincestre Book of Knowledge location
- Snotinghamscire Book of Knowledge locations
If you're looking for more things to collect, then see our list of Treasure Hoard map locations.
How Book of Knowledge locations and using Abilities work in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
A Book of Knowledge is a collectible item that Eivor can find in their viking adventures. They are usually well hidden behind a small puzzle or hostile area.
There are several in each area of the map, and picking one up will unlock a powerful ability that Eivor can use in combat by expending adrenaline points.
Finding a book will grant either a ranged or melee special ability. Once unlocked, they must be assigned for use through the Ability menu. Four ranged and four melee abilities can be assigned at once, so be sure to change things up and experiment when you unlock a new one.
There are two books for each ability hidden within the world. Finding the second book for an ability you've already unlocked will make the ability much more powerful. However, they can be found in any order, so there's a degree of freedom in how you collect them.
There are some other ways to unlock abilities out there in the world, too. Some can be found by killing Order members and delivering their medallions to Hytham in Ravensthorpe. For example, handing in four medallions will unlock Others can be found by completing sidequests.
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla Abilities and their locations list
What follows is a table of Assassin's Creed Valhalla Abilities, and where to find them by region. Clicking the link will jump you to the respective region, where you can find the ability location.
Ability | Book of Knowledge location(s) | Ingame Description | Upgrade Description |
---|---|---|---|
Axe Blizzard | East Anglia (Destroyed Church), Wincestre (Wincestre Garrison) | Aim and throw a devastating barrage of axes. | Any enemy struck will also be staggered. |
Blinding Rush | East Anglia (Ruined Tower), Suthsexe (Chertsey Abbey) | Use stamina to move undetected. Ends upon enemy contact. | Sucessful Assassination doesn't interrupt the ability. |
Dive of the Valkyries | Grantebridgescire (Isle of Ely), Cent (Lolingestone Bandit Camp) | Launch yourself into the air and come crashing down onto your enemies. | Inflict stun damage within a large radius of impact. |
Feign Death | Oxenfordscire (Leah Village Garrison), Glowecestrescire (Feign Death) | Fool enemies by playing dead. | Trigger a surprise Assassination from a prone position. |
Focus of the Nornir | Ledecestrescie (Offchurch), Lincolnscire (Bolingbroc Castle) | Use the power of the Nornir to aim and shoot at your enemies with fateful speed. | Each killed enemy increases damage dealt. |
Harpoon Impalement | Ledecestrescie (Venonis), Essexe (Colcester) | Impale an enemy with your harpoon and throw them in any direction using WASD. Enemies who strike objects or other enemies will suffer massive damage. | Eivor can finish by pulling the enemy close and killing them with style! |
Incendiary Powder Trap | Grantebridgescire (Walden), Suthsexe (Briggworth) | Attaches a small pouch to your arrow that spreads a volatile powder wherever the arrow strikes. Any nearby movement causes the powder to burst into flames. Surprise clueless passersby! | The powder can be detonated a second time. |
Kick of Tyr | Eurvicscire (Threaded Pass), Snotinghamscire (Ulkerthorpe) | A ferocious kick that sends enemies flying backwards. Enemies who strike objects or other enemies will suffer additional damage. | Kicked enemies will remain down and at your mercy. |
Man's Best Friend | Oxenefordscire (Crepelgate), Ravensthorpe quest | Sic your wolf on an enemy. | Your wolf will stay to fight by your side. |
Mark of Death | Hordafylke (Alrekstad), Grantebridgescire (Meldeburne) | Hold LMB to mark signted enemies. Release to let fly a deadly volley of arrows. | Increase maximum number of targets. |
Piercing Shot | Ledecestrescie (Templebrough Fort), Lincolnscire (Lincoln) | Shoot an arrow with enough force to pierce through nearly any obstacle. | Multiply damage for each enemy the arrow passes through. |
Poison Strike | Give Order medallions to Hytham in Ravensthorpe | Applies a poisonous concoction to your right-hand melee weapon. Poisoned enemies suffer additional damage over time. | None |
Poisonous Powder Trap | Eurvicscire (Petuaria Ruins), Snotinghamscire (Odin's Mine) | Attaches a small pouch to your arrow that spreads a volatile powder wherever the arrow strikes. Any nearby movement causes the powder to burst into a poisonous mist. Anyone who walks near is in for an unpleasant surprise! | Your trap can now be triggered twice. |
Rage of Helheim | Eurvicscire (Jorvik) | Enter a fit of rage, and slam your enemy to the ground, leaving them helpless in the face of a barrage of hits. Alternate quickly between Q and LMB taps to avoid losing balance. | None |
Ranged Poison Strike | Give Order medallions to Hytham in Ravensthorpe | Applies a poisonous concoction to the tip of your arrows. | None |
Raven Distraction | Ledecestrescie (Tonnastadir), Essexe (Belesduna Bandit Camp) | Use your raven, Synin, to briefly distract your enemies. | Synin attacks the target to begin the distraction. During combat, Synin stuns the target. |
Rush and Bash | Grantebridgescire (Revensburg), East Anglia (Dunwic) | Hold 1 to rush continuously. While rushing, make contact with any enemy to grab and pick them up. Throw enemies you've grabbed off ledges, or slam them into walls for extra damage. | Eivor takes advantage of enemies stunned from a wall slam to finish with an extra punishing attack. |
Thorn of Slumber | Rygjafylke (Grittirsand), Cent (Dover Fortress) | An arrow marked with th Svefnthorn symbol puts targets to sleep almost instantly. | On impact, arrows expel a cloud of poison, putting anyone nearby to sleep. |
Throwing Axe Fury | Rygjafylke (Nottfall), Scriopscire (Caustow Castle) | Hurl throwing axes at all enemies in range. | Any enemy struck will also be staggered. |
Vengeance of Thor | Oxenfordscire (Oxenforda), Glowecestrescire (Thieves' Warren) | Hold 1 to concentrate all your strength into an unstoppable attack. The longer you hold, the more powerful the attack will become. | You can charge-up twice for the ultimate attack. |
Rygjafylke Book of Knowledge locations
Here is where to find Ability locations within the region of Rygjafylke.
Grittirsand Book of Knowledge Location - Thorn of Slumber
Grittirsand is on the large island to the south-west of Rygjafylke, close to the southern tip of the island.
It is a bandit encampment and a restricted area, but most of the town is built above large passages filled with bushes that are perfect for sneaking through if you prefer not to get into a brawl.
In the centre of the settlement is an unmissable tower. Climb up to the top to gain entry, then break the loose wood on the floor to drop into the chamber where the book is.
This Book of Knowledge grants the Thorn of Slumber, a ranged ability. If equipped through the ability menu Eivor will be able to tip their arrows with a rune that will knock out enemies.
Nottfall Book of Knowledge Location - Throwing Axe Fury
Nottfall is on the large island to the south-west of Rygjafylke. It is close to the western shore of the island. In the town, you will find an entranceway built into the cliff in the south-western corner.
There are guards, but they are not hostile and you can simply walk past them. In the passage, there is another door which is barred from the inside, but look to the top right to find a gap which you can climb over to gain access to the chamber.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Throwing Axe Fury. If equipped and used in combat, it will hurl a flurry of axes at any enemies within Eivor's sight.
Hordafylke Book of Knowledge locations
Here is where to find Ability locations within the region of Hordafylke.
Alrekstad Book of Knowledge - Mark of Death
Heading west on the road into the town of Alrekstad, there is a house on the left with bowls of grapes outside close to the edge of town. On the table inside, there is a note which reads:
"The pigs got loose in the house, and now the cellar key is gone. It is your turn to dig through the shit."
The pigs are outside at the back of the house. You can use Synin's raven sight to pinpoint the key among the muck of the stye - it's about central among the piggies. Once you have it, return to the front of the house.
Just across the road there is a hanging net full of rocks. Shoot it down with your bow to gain entrance to the cellar, use the key to unlock the door there, and enter the chamber to find the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Mark of Death. If equipped, it allows you to mark any enemy within Eivor's sight and launch a volley of deadly arrows against them.
Ledecestrescie Book of Knowledge locations
Here is where to find Ability locations within the region of Ledecestrescie.
Venonis Book of Knowledge - Harpoon Impalement
Venonis is west of Ravensthorpe, Eivor's English homebase. Some parts of it are restricted, so keep an eye out and/or an axe ready for guards. Using Synin's raven view, you can identify two passages underground. Enter the more westerly one, a hole in the ground leading under the ruins.
Follow the underground path as it winds back and forth. Break through the wooden wall with your melee weapon and jump into the lovely sewer water below. Swim to the end of the passage and climb out on the left.
Continue following the path to a breakable wall made of rock. This one requires blowing up with an exploadable oil jar, but luckily there is one waiting right next to it. Pick it up and throw it or shoot it with an arrow and watch out for the fire as you progress into the book chamber.
On your way out, you can move the shelves at the back of the room to find a small crawlspace, making a slightly shorter route.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Harpoon Impalement. When equipped, it allows you to impale any enemy and whip them about. If they hit something or someone else, they take massive damage.
Offchurch Book of Knowledge - Focus of the Nornir
Offchurch is in the southwest corner of Ledecestrescire. It is a restricted area, and though there are lots of highwires to keep you above the watchful eyes of the guards, you will have to come down at some point to enter the large main crypt in the centre.
There are more enemies inside the chapel, so don't let your guard down. The entrance for the chamber with the book is about two thirds through the room, on the right.
It is not easy to see from the entrance due to the shelves in the way, but keep an eye out for the light shining through to make it a bit easier. Squeeze through the crack to enter the crypt containing the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Focus of the Nornir. When equipped, Eivor can use this to slow down time when using the bow, to take out multiple enemies in a flash.
Tonnastadir Book of Knowledge - Raven Distraction
Tonnastadir is an interesting town near the western border of Ledecestrescire full of old Roman statues. There is a hidden underground entrance towards the south of the town, use Synin's raven sight to add it to your HUD and be careful of the two guards outside. However, it requires a key to open, which is tricker to find.
The enemy holding the key is in the longhouse to the north of the settlement. You will need to sneak or fight your way through to reach him and steal it.
Once you have the key, use it to open the underground passage. Eivor will slide down a steep slope to a room absolutely stuffed with loot. In the back right hand corner, there is a crack leading to the room with the Book of Knowledge.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Raven Distraction. If equipped, Eivor can direct Synin to distract their enemies, giving them a chance to strike.
Templebrough Fort Book of Knowledge - Piercing Shot
Templebrough Fort is in the northwestern corner of Ledecestrescire. It is a restricted area and quite a labyrinth of walls within walls if you don't know where you're going!
To find the book, begin at the round tower on the fort's easternmost corner. From here you can see an entrance flanked by red flags. Inside there are at least four guards, and a fifth also showed up while I was dispatching those. However, once you're done the book is simply sitting against the back wall.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Piercing Shot. When equipped, Eivor can use this to send arrows through almost any obstacle to reach their target.
Grantebridgescire Book of Knowledge locations
Here is where to find Ability locations within the region of Grantebridgescire.
Isle of Ely Monastery Book of Knowledge - Dive of the Valkyries
The Isle of Ely Monastery is on the northwestern island in Grantebridgescire, near the south coast. It is due east of Evior's home village of Ravensthorpe.
It is a raidable area, meaning it may be heavy with hostile guards. It may be easier to explore after completing the raid. However, you can avoid the enemies by going into the underground section with an entrance at a cave in the river to the east. Use Synin's raven sight to have it appear on your HUD.
In the passage, break through the wooden door and go up the steps, where there is another breakable door. Do the same to this one and enter a creepy crypt full of rats and skulls, and the book of knowledge.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Dive of the Valkyries. Equip it to allow Eivor to leap through the air, cracking enemy skulls as they land.
Meldeburne Monastery Book of Knowledge - Mark of Death
Meldeburne Monastery is near the centre of Grantebridgescire, a short way southwest of Grantebridge itself.
It is a raidable area, meaning it may be heavy with hostile guards. It requires taking a key from the Pikeman who is carrying it. If you complete the raid first, he will likely already be dead, allowing you to simply find his body with Odin's sight or Synin's raven eyes. Otherwise you can use the same methods to find him alive and kill him stealthily to avoid fighting every guard in the monastery. Once you've picked up the key, simply unlock the main tower door to find the book of knowledge.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Mark of Death. If equipped, it allows you to mark any enemy within Eivor's sight and launch a volley of deadly arrows against them.
Ravensburg Book of Knowledge - Rush and Bash
Ravensburg is an area in the southwest of Grantebridgescire, not to be confused with Eivor's home village of Ravensthorpe. You may first come here during the early main mission Storming Ravensburg.
It is a restricted area, and you will need to kill a specific enemy known as the Marksman who shoots fire arrows. Odin's sight or Synin's raven eyes will mark that he has the key you require.
The house this key unlocks is up a small hill next to a very large tree. There is a side door, which is barred; only the front door is accessible once you have the key from the Marksman. Inside you will find the book of knowledge.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Rush & Bash. When equipped, Eivor can barrel into their enemies at top speed, crashing into them and knocking them into walls, each other, or off cliffs.
Walden Book of Knowledge - Incendiary Powder Trap
Walden is a village in the southeast of Grantebridgescire. You may encounter this book of knowledge during the early main mission Unholy Father.
This collectable is in a clear location inside the town's large church. If Unholy Father is occurring, the door will be open. Otherwise, you will need to collect the key from a Yeoman enemy who roams the town. Identify him using Odin's sight or Synin's raven eyes.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Incendiary Powder Trap. When equipped, it turns Eivor's arrows into powder spreaders. When an enemy moves close to the powder, it will ignite automatically.
East Anglia Book of Knowledge locations
Here is where you can find all of the Ability locations within the region of East Anglia in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Ruined Tower Book of Knowledge Location - Blinding Rush
The ruined tower is to the northeast of East Anglia. It is also a synchronisation point.
It's a restricted area and there are guards on the lookout, however, they're all to the west. If you want to avoid combat, approach from the east, climb the tower, and drop inside instead of using the main door.
There's a note in this area which reads: "Aric! Rued claims we took treasure from our last raid but denied him his rightful share. You know we found nothing! Those Saxon farmers must have stashed it. Find it, before Rued exiles us ... or worse. One of the farmers spoke of an underground vault, but he ... did not survive my questioning. Find this vault, Aric, before Rued finds us."
Well, the vault is right next to the note.
In the centre of the floor is a breakable wooden area. Because it's low down, it doesn't appear possible to melee; use an arrow set on fire or throw one of the exploding oil jars instead. Luckily the guards do not seem to hear anything! Drop down and again explode the breakable wall you find there.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Blinding Rush. If equipped through the ability menu Eivor will be able to use stamina to dash towards enemies unseen.
Destroyed church Book of Knowledge Location - Axe Blizzard
This area is not named on the map, however, it is southeast of Northwic, near a bend in the Yare River.
There's quite an elaborate mystery going on here, however, luckily for us the book is not so complicated to find. From the main entrance to the church, climb up the small balcony at the eastern end, and find it on a blood soaked altar.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Axe Blizzard. When equipped, Eivor will be able to toss a barrage of axes at her foes.
Dunwic Book of Knowledge Location - Rush & Bash
This fortress is on an island connected by a bridge to the mainland to the southeast of East Anglia.
It is a restricted area and the guards will attack on sight. The book is towards the east of the compound, so you could climb around the outside of the walls to avoid them for the most part.
In the southeastern corner of the compound is a room with a caged woman (you may hear her shouting for help, which might help guide you towards the correct place) and a powerful Woe-Bringer guarding a key. Once you have dealt with him and taken the key from the desk, break open the floor with an exploding oil jar and drop down to find a collection of lovely chickens and a note:
"You call this a cell? No, no, no. It is a window into another world, into truth, into a place that grows and twists beyond the laws of God. It speaks a language I cannot understand, but I hear. Hairy legs clicking and flies smothered in silk. Listen? Can you hear it too? Can you? Can you hear the wicked whispers of the spiders, those spindly, bristly spiders whose wild webs tell me things.."
Poor fellow. Luckily, we do not have to deal with any spiders. Move the shelves to the right away from the door and the book will be inside.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Rush & Bash. When equipped, Eivor can barrel into their enemies at top speed, crashing into them and knocking them into walls, each other, or off cliffs.
Oxenefordscire Book of Knowledge locations
Below you can find all the Ability locations for the region of Oxenefordscire in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Crepelgate Fort Book of Knowledge Location - Man's Best Friend
Crepelgate Fort is a restricted area in the southeast of Oxenefordscire, close to Lunden. The guards here will attack on sight.
There's a pathway leading into the fort in the northwest. The tower directly in front of it contains the book, but the entrance is barred. Follow the western wall south to find a crawlspace underneath the wooden part of the tower and enter it.
Turn left and climb up to find a chamber with moveable shelves directly in front of you. Drag them out of the way and drop down the revealed hole to find the chamber with the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Man's Best Friend. When equipped, Eivor will be able to call a wolf to attack their enemies.
Upgrading Man's Best Friend
Every ability has two levels. Usually they can be upgraded by finding the second Book of Knowledge hidden in the world, however, the second quest for Man's Best Friend can be found in Ravensthorpe.
Once the settlement has been developed sufficiently, you will find a child crying in the longhouse. Their name is Knud, and if you speak to them they will say some other children are hurt, and lead you into the woods to find them. This begins the quest A Little Problem.
There you will find out that the children are okay, but worried about a wolf trapped in a well. In fact, the wolf is in the cottage nearby. Use Odin's sight to locate the key, which is inside a boar just to the east of the cottage. Kill the boar to retrieve the key.
Follow the children back to the settlement. Other wolves will attack, but the freed one will help, and, after the quest is completed, come to your aid when you have Man's Best Friend equipped.
Oxeneforda Book of Knowledge Location - Vengeance of Thor
Oxenforda is a town on the western border of Oxenefordscire. It is a distrust area, so avoid drawing attention if you don't want to get into a fight.
The book is in a small chapel building to the north of town, but first you will have to get the key from the larger church building immediately to the south. Climb onto the roof of the chapel and use the tightrope to reach the breakable stained glass window to enter.
Next, move the shelving unit to drop down into the room where the key is. There's a powerful guard waiting right outside the barred door, so you may want to exit the way you came in. Take the key to the chapel to find the book inside.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Vengeance of Thor. When equipped, this gives Eivor a powerful attack that charges up for the longer the button is held.
Leah Village Garrison Book of Knowledge - Feign Death
Leah Village is a garrison towards the west of Oxenefordscire. It is a heavily guarded restricted area.
This book requires a key, which can be found on a table in the centre of the main villa located towards the south of the area.
From there, head north across the flooded square towards the corner where the locked door is. Once unlocked, the book is right inside.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Feign Death. When equipped, this ability allows Eivor to pretend as though they have keeled over, causing enemies to come and investigate with their guard down, then they can spring their trap.
Sciropescire Book of Knowledge locations
Here you can find the Ability locations for Sciropescire in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Caustow Castle Book of Knowledge - Throwing Axe Fury
This book may be easier to acquire after completing the Sciropescire Book of Dragons questline, which will ultimately take you to the castle on Sciropescire's western border.
Crossing the drawbridge from the fortress town to the main castle, you will enter the main chamber where the main boss is killed if you completed the Book of Dragon quest.
Enter the smaller room on the left, and go through the second door on the right. Turn right again to find an explodable wall to go through to find the book. There do not seem to be any oil jars nearby to make it easy to break the wall, so another ability such as Incendiary Powder Trap may be necessary.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Throwing Axe Fury. If equipped and used in combat, it will hurl a flurry of axes at any enemies within Eivor's sight.
Cent Book of Knowledge locations
Below you can find all of the Ability locations within the region of Cent in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Dover Fortress Book of Knowledge - Thorn of Slumber
This book is in the heavily guarded Dover Fortress, in the far southeastern corner of the map. You will come here during the mission The Abbot's Gambit.
The book is near the large tower on the eastern side of the fortress. It's actually in the small room in front of the tower, but the door is locked. There is a note in front which reads:
"I might have lost the key in the tower. I was exploring the remains, and when I came back, I found myself locked outside. I hope we find it because the closest locksmith is two days away."
The key is indeed in the tower, basically at the very top. Once you have it, return to the room and unlock the door to find the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants Thorn of Slumber, a ranged ability. If equipped through the ability menu Eivor will be able to tip their arrows with a rune that will knock out enemies.
Lolingestone Bandit Camp Book of Knowledge - Dive of the Valkyries
As the name states, this is a heavily guarded bandit camp in Cent, close to the northwestern border with Ludnen.
The entrance to the large building is on the western side. Go all the way to the end of the corridor and then all the way right. Throughout the building there are guards, as well as caged animals if you want to cause some chaos.
Turn right again to climb up onto the layer of hanging parkour platforms to find the book suspended in the next room.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Dive of the Valkyries. Equip it to allow Eivor to leap through the air, cracking enemy skulls as they land.
Suthsexe Book of Knowledge locations
Here are the Ability location for the region of Suthsexe in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Briggworth Book of Knowledge - Incendiary Powder Trap
There's only one Book of Knowledge in Suthsexe, on the island settlement of Briggworth. The island is in the river towards the north of the county.
The book is located in the large square tower towards the north of the island. It's a heavily guarded area, but at the top you will find a set of moveable shelves. Slide them right to enter.
Inside, destroy the crates and kill the snake to drop down into the area with the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Incendiary Powder Trap. When equipped, it adds an explosive powder to Eivor's arrows. When an enemy moves close to the powder, it will ignite automatically.
Chertsey Abbey Book of Knowledge - Blinding Rush
This Book of Knowledge can be found in Chertsey Abbey, a ruined building in the northwest corner of Suthsexe.
There is a square tower towards the north of the area. Before entering, climb the nearby building and shoot down the hanging net inside through the wrought iron window. The target will appear in red if you use Odin's sight.
Then enter and shoot down the ladder to access the top of the tower where the book is.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Blinding Rush. If equipped through the ability menu Eivor will be able to use stamina to dash towards enemies unseen.
Essexe Book of Knowledge locations
Below you can find all of the Ability locations within the region of Essexe in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Belesduna Bandit Camp Book of Knowledge - Raven Distraction
This bandit camp is towards the southeast of Essexe - it's heavily guarded.
The northern door to the church here is covered with a breakable wood, however, breaking it is not enough. After that, shoot through the bars to remove the bar from the door and go around to the inside of the church to open it and access the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Raven Distraction. If equipped, Eivor can direct Synin to distract their enemies, giving them a chance to strike.
Colcester Book of Knowledge - Harpoon Impalement
This book can be found in the church in the northwest of Colcester, the main city found close to the centre of Essexe. You will come to Colcester often during the Essexe arc of the main questline.
Approaching the church from the east, you will see a slidable set of shelves blocking a stained glass window. Move them and shoot through the window to find the key.
Next, enter the main part of the church and unlock the door. In this tower, first slide the shelves backwards and climb them to access the first ladder. Then shoot down the second ladder and climb it too to reach the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Harpoon Impalement. When equipped, it allows you to impale any enemy and whip them about. If they hit something or someone else, they take massive damage.
Lincolnscire Book of Knowledge locations
Below you can find the Book of Knowledge locations for the region of Lincolnscire in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Bolingbroc Castle Book of Knowledge - Focus of the Nornir
Bolingbroc is a heavily guarded restricted area near the centre of Lincolnscire. It is east of the main city of Lincoln.
The area is divided into two; the book can be found at the fort area to the north. Follow the eastern wall of spiked logs until you spot an opening on your left, next to a pile of leaves. This will lead directly to the room with the book, and even lead you straight onto the overhanging tightropes that will keep you out of sight of the guards until you drop down.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Focus of the Nornir. When equipped, Eivor can use this to slow down time when using the bow, to take out multiple enemies in a flash.
Lincoln Book of Knowledge - Piercing Shot
Lincoln is the main city in Lincolnscire, located close to the centre. This is a distrust area, so be wary of guards.
The house with the book in is a large villa towards the east of town, just west of the sewers. It has two statues in front.
To get inside, climb onto the roof and break the breakable wooden panelling.
Drop down and break the wooden barriers to find an oil jar. Be careful not to hit it or it will explode. Instead, carry it around the corner to the left to find an explodable wall and use it there.
Through the gap, move the shelves aside to find the key. Take the key back to the first room and unlock the door to find the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Piercing Shot. When equipped, Eivor can use this to send arrows through almost any obstacle to reach their target.
Eurvicscire Book of Knowledge locations
Here are the Book of Knowledge locations for Eurvicscire in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Jorvik Book of Knowledge - Rage of Helheim
This book is in the large city of Jorvik in the centre of Eurvicscire.
Specifically, it's in the archive building towards the east of the city.
The book is in the tower and the door is at its west, inside, however, you will find a note that reads:
"The second floor is still unstable. We will retrieve the scrolls stored there when the repairs are complete."
To open the second floor, climb up the scaffolding to the left of the door and go around the back of the church. You'll be able to shoot down a large netted set of wood, breaking through the barrier. Once complete, go back inside, shoot down the ladder, and find the book above.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Rage of Helheim. When equipped, it can be used to launch Eivor at enemies, knocking them to the ground and giving them a good pummelling.
Petuaria Ruins Book of Knowledge - Poisonous Powder Trap
This clue is at the Petuaria Ruins and is close to where the Durwent river meets the Humbre river, a little way southeast of Jorvik.
Towards the northern end of the ruins you will find a breakable wooden barrier. Shoot through it and drop down below the ruins.
At the bottom, turn right to slide under the crawlspace. Dive into the pool and swim left and around the passage. Pick up an oil jar, and follow the wooden walkway to find an explodable wall to use it on.
This will lead you back to the room with the crawlspace. Go back for another jar, and carry it through there. To blow up the wall across the pool, carry it across using the ledge at the side and place it down before shooting it with an arrow from a safe distance.
Behind the wall are slideable shelves that you can push forwards to access the room with the book. Be quick as there is poison inside, and staying too long will damage Eivor.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Poisonous Powder Trap. When equipped, Eivor will be able to shoot an arrow with toxic powder that begins doing damage when enemies move into its range.
Threaded Pass Book of Knowledge - Kick of Tyr
Threaded Pass is a heavily guarded area towards the east of Eurvicscire, near where the Dewant river turns towards the sea.
To get this book requires a key. The key is atop a guard post near the centre of the area, but it cannot be climbed, so the only way to reach it is to use the rope slide from the taller tower to the east and drop off at the right point.
Once you have the key enter the hut to the south and unlock the door in the basement. Here you will find the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Kick of Tyr. When equipped, Eivor will be able to kick their enemies flying backwards, dealing additional damage if they crash into something.
Glowecestrescire Book of Knowledge locations
Below you can find the Book of Knowledge locations for Glowecestrescire in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Thieves' Warren Book of Knowledge - Vengeance of Thor
This book is found in the heavily guarded Thieves' Warren just to the west of the central synchronisation point in Glowecestrescire.
There's an opening in the wall to the southwest of the encampment. This will lead you into the waterlogged ditches, which are great for avoiding guards.
Follow them around as they curve to the right, and then climb out under the hut with the book - look for the bloodstained wooden scaffolding. There may be a powerful guard in this room, but you should be able to whistle him over and assassinate him from the ledge.
Next, simply climb up and collect the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Vengeance of Thor. When equipped, this gives Eivor a powerful attack that charges up for the longer the button is held.
Aelfwood Book of Knowledge - Feign Death
This book is found in the heavily guarded Aelfwood.
There are four caves here marked as underground passages on the map. The book is in the lower central one.
Inside, turn left and push through one of the bandit's cat skull flags to retrieve the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Feign Death. When equipped, this ability allows Eivor to pretend as though they have keeled over, causing enemies to come and investigate with their guard down, then they can spring their trap.
Wincestre Book of Knowledge location
Here you can find where the Book of Knowledge in the Wincestre location in Assassin's Creed Valhalla is located:
Wincestre Garrison Book of Knowledge - Axe Blizzard
Wincestre Garrison is found to the southwest of Wincestre. It's heavily guarded and a restricted area.
First, find the key to the main garrison in a square tower to the right side of the gate. You can bring it up on your HUD using Odin's sight.
The door is barred, so you will have to shoot through the small window at the back to enter.
Once you have the key, use it to unlock the main garrison gate.
The book is in the building directly in front of the gate, you, however, need to head left and climb up to the balcony to again shoot through a barred door.
Next, get to the balcony on the right side to enter the door and find the book.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Axe Blizzard. When equipped, Eivor will be able to toss a barrage of axes at her foes.
The new DLC is here - and we explain how to start The Siege of Paris, as well as new romance options and Treasure Hoard locations. If you're after end game activities in the full game, we can explain how to get Nodens' Arc, Excalibur, Thor gear and other Valhalla armour sets, Power Level and how to get XP fast, Order of the Ancients locations and all Assassin's Creed Valhalla story choices. If you're looking for things to collect and upgrade, we have lists on best skills and Book of Knowledge locations.
Snotinghamscire Book of Knowledge locations
Below you can the Book of Knowledge locations for the Snotinghamscire region in Assassin's Creed Valhalla:
Ulkerthorpe Fort Book of Knowledge - Kick of Tyr
This book can be found in a heavily guarded restricted fort towards the southeast of Snotinghamscire.
On the western side of the fort, there is a large window that leads to the room with the book. It's above a large black banner and below a semicircular wooden balcony.
This Book of Knowledge grants the melee ability Kick of Tyr. When equipped, Eivor will be able to kick their enemies flying backwards, dealing additional damage if they crash into something.
Odin's Mine Hideout Book of Knowledge - Poisonous Powder Trap
This book can be found in Odin's Mine Hideout, a heavily guarded restricted area in Snotinghamscire, just west of the most northerly synchronisation point.
Drop down and go behind the waterfall and progress through the passage. Be careful as there are many enemies here.
In the central chamber, find the pullable shelves on the right. Move these aside and carry an oil jar along the ledges to the explodable wall, then blow it up.
Climb onto the wooden pallet and jump onto the wooden scaffolding. The ice concealing the book is breakable with an arrow.
This Book of Knowledge grants the ranged ability Poisonous Powder Trap. When equipped, Eivor will be able to shoot an arrow with toxic powder that begins doing damage when enemies move into its range.
If you're looking for more things to collect, then see our list of Treasure Hoard map locations.