Who is the Best Husband in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

The best husband in Skyrim is subjective and depends entirely on your priorities. However, considering factors like combat prowess, personality, wealth, and availability, Argis the Bulwark stands out as a top contender. As your housecarl in Markarth, he offers a strong, silent protector, a readily available companion, and a loyal partner.

Why Choose a Skyrim Husband?

Before diving into the candidates, let’s address why choosing a husband in Skyrim matters. Marriage provides several benefits:

• Home-Cooked Meals: Your spouse will occasionally cook meals that provide stat boosts.
• Shared Income: They can run a shop, generating a small daily income.
• A Place to Call Home: Marriage strengthens your connection to your chosen home.
• Companionship: A spouse provides a constant companion if you choose a follower as your partner.

The Top Husband Contenders

While Argis is a solid choice, here’s a look at other popular husband options, along with their strengths and weaknesses:

• Argis the Bulwark: (Nord, Housecarl, Markarth). As mentioned, Argis is reliable and strong. He’s readily available after becoming Thane of Markarth, and his stoic personality appeals to players seeking a dependable partner. However, his dialogue is limited, and his personality might not appeal to those seeking a more lively spouse.

• Farkas: (Nord, Companion, Whiterun). Farkas, a member of the Companions, is a skilled warrior. He’s loyal and protective. His dim-witted charm is endearing to some. However, his low intelligence is an integral part of his personality, and he may have simple tastes.

• Vilkas: (Nord, Companion, Whiterun). Vilkas, Farkas’s twin brother, is another strong choice. He has a more serious demeanor than Farkas and is highly skilled. He’s readily available after joining the Companions. However, similar to Farkas, his dialogue can become repetitive.

• Onmund: (Nord, College of Winterhold). Onmund is a promising mage, making him a useful companion for magical characters. He’s polite and eager to learn. However, he’s somewhat timid and lacks combat experience compared to the Companions.

• Marcurio: (Imperial, Riften). Marcurio is a powerful mage available for hire in Riften’s Bee and Barb. He has a sarcastic wit and is effective in combat. He’s one of the few potential spouses who is a dedicated mage. However, some find his personality abrasive.

• Balimund: (Nord, Riften). A blacksmith in Riften, Balimund, provides discounts for those who want to buy or improve their gear. He is kind and hardworking. However, he does not offer the same combat support as some of the other followers.

Choosing the Right Husband for You

Ultimately, the “best” husband depends on your personal preferences. Consider these factors:

• Personality: Do you prefer a strong, silent type like Argis, or someone more witty and engaging like Marcurio?
• Combat Skills: Are you looking for a powerful warrior like Farkas or a skilled mage like Onmund?
• Availability: Some spouses are easier to find and marry than others.
• Location: Do you want a spouse who lives in a specific city?
• Wealth: Having a spouse that opens a shop can provide supplemental income

Role-Playing Considerations

Think about your character’s background and motivations when choosing a spouse. Does it make sense for a devout Imperial to marry a Stormcloak warrior? Or would a scholarly mage be more compatible with a fellow student at the College of Winterhold?

The Importance of Compatibility

Compatibility goes beyond stats and skills. Choose a husband whose values align with your own. If you despise the Thieves Guild, marrying someone who supports them would be a source of conflict.

Overcoming Limitations

Skyrim’s marriage system has limitations. Spouses offer limited dialogue and interactions. Mods can enhance the experience, adding more depth and complexity to your marital relationships. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores how games can be used for learning and development; perhaps future studies will analyze the potential for expanded relationship dynamics in games like Skyrim.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a husband in Skyrim is a significant decision that impacts your gameplay experience. Consider your priorities, role-playing preferences, and compatibility when making your choice. While Argis the Bulwark is a solid and readily available option, other characters may be a better fit depending on your specific needs.

FAQs: Skyrim Husbands

1. Can I marry anyone in Skyrim?

You can marry most NPCs in Skyrim, regardless of race or gender, as long as they have a unique name and a positive disposition towards you. However, certain characters like Jarls and children are ineligible.

2. How do I get married in Skyrim?

To get married, you need to obtain an Amulet of Mara from Riften. Then, speak to a potential spouse while wearing the amulet. If they are interested, they will agree to marry you. Attend the ceremony at the Temple of Mara.

3. Does it matter who I marry in Skyrim?

Yes, it matters to some extent. Different spouses have different skills and personalities. Some can be followers, while others can open a shop that earns you gold.

4. Can I have multiple wives in Skyrim?

No, you can only have one spouse in Skyrim.

5. What happens if my spouse dies in Skyrim?

If your spouse dies, they are gone permanently. You cannot remarry in the base game.

6. How much money does a spouse make in Skyrim?

A spouse who opens a shop typically earns around 100 gold per day.

7. Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?

There is no official divorce mechanic in Skyrim. The only way to end the marriage is for your spouse to die.

8. Can I marry a Jarl in Skyrim?

No, you cannot marry any of the Jarls in Skyrim.

9. Are there any same-sex marriage options in Skyrim?

Yes, Skyrim allows same-sex marriages.

10. Which spouse is the wealthiest in Skyrim?

Spouses don’t typically have significant personal wealth, but those who own shops can provide a steady income.

11. What are the benefits of marrying a follower in Skyrim?

Marrying a follower allows them to continue adventuring with you after marriage.

12. Can I move my spouse to a different house?

Yes, you can choose which house your spouse lives in after marriage.

13. Can my spouse be killed by enemies?

Yes, your spouse can be killed by enemies. It’s important to protect them during combat.

14. What happens if I accidentally kill my spouse?

If you kill your spouse, they are gone permanently. You cannot remarry in the base game.

15. Are there mods that enhance the marriage system in Skyrim?

Yes, there are numerous mods that add more depth and complexity to the marriage system, allowing for features like divorce, remarriage, and more extensive spouse interactions.