Aela the Huntress: Your Guide to Skyrim’s Fiercest Follower

Yes, you absolutely can make Aela the Huntress your companion in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim! However, it’s not quite as simple as bumping into her and asking her to join you on your dragon-slaying adventures. A specific process must be followed, involving the Companions questline.

Unlocking Aela as a Follower: The Companions Questline

The key to unlocking Aela as a loyal follower lies within the ranks of the Companions, a prestigious guild of warriors based in Whiterun’s Jorrvaskr. To get Aela as a follower you need to first complete the Companions questline.

Joining the Companions

1. Head to Whiterun: Travel to Whiterun and locate Jorrvaskr, the mead hall where the Companions reside. It’s hard to miss, as it’s a large, imposing structure near the city’s Wind District.

2. Speak with Kodlak Whitemane: Inside Jorrvaskr, find Kodlak Whitemane, the Harbinger (leader) of the Companions. He’ll likely be near the central fire.

3. Undertake Initial Quests: Kodlak will task you with some initial quests, usually involving assisting other Companions like Farkas and Vilkas with various errands. These quests are generally simple and serve to introduce you to the Companions’ way of life. This is the point where you are initiated as a member of the Companions.

Navigating the Companions Questline

This is where the real work begins. The Companions questline is a series of interconnected quests that will test your mettle and loyalty to the group. Key quests include:

• Taking Up Arms: Introduces you to the Companions and initiates you into their ranks.

• Trouble in Skyrim: A simple radiant quest to defeat bandits.

• The Silver Hand: A pivotal quest where you are formally initiated into The Circle, a group of inner Companions, and become a werewolf. This is unavoidable if you wish to follow the path to make Aela your companion.

• Blood’s Honor: You must participate in this quest after becoming a werewolf.

• The CURE: This is an important part of the questline, where you discover how the Companions can cure themselves of Lycanthropy.

• Glory of the Dead: This is the final quest in the Companions questline.

Completing the Questline and Leadership

By completing the Companions questline, you rise through the ranks and eventually become the Harbinger of the Companions. This is the crucial step! Once you have completed all of the quest, you will have completed the Companions questline.

Recruiting Aela

After becoming the Harbinger, Aela will then become available as a follower. Simply speak to her within Jorrvaskr and ask her to accompany you. She’ll gladly join your party, ready to unleash her archery skills and werewolf fury upon your enemies. Now you have Aela the Huntress as your follower.

Aela’s Strengths and Benefits

Aela is a formidable follower for several reasons:

• Archery Expertise: She’s a skilled archer, making her effective at ranged combat.

• Werewolf Form: Aela can transform into a werewolf, providing you with a powerful ally in close-quarters battles.

• Trainer: She’s an expert archery trainer, allowing you to improve your own archery skills (at a cost, of course). Also marrying Aela will grant players free Archery training.

• Essential Character: She is not an essential character but can be killed, so you need to be careful when fighting alongside her.

Aela the Huntress: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to become a werewolf to get Aela as a follower?

Yes, unfortunately. The Companions questline necessitates becoming a werewolf as part of your initiation into The Circle. There’s no way around this if you want Aela as a permanent companion.

2. Can I cure my lycanthropy after getting Aela as a follower?

Yes, you can. Curing yourself of lycanthropy doesn’t affect Aela’s status as your follower or your ability to marry her.

3. Can Aela become a steward for my Hearthfire home?

Yes! Aela makes an excellent steward for your Hearthfire home. She’s capable, dependable, and can help you manage your property effectively.

4. Can I marry Aela?

Absolutely! Aela is a popular marriage candidate. Complete the Companions questline, wear the Amulet of Mara, and speak with her to propose marriage. The marriage ceremony will take place at the Temple of Mara in Riften.

5. Can Aela be killed permanently?

Yes, like many followers in Skyrim, Aela can die permanently if she takes too much damage. Be mindful of her health during battles and consider equipping her with strong armor.

6. Can I turn Aela into a vampire?

No. Because Aela is a werewolf, she is immune to vampirism.

7. Can I be a vampire and still marry Aela?

Not initially. You need to complete the Companions questline first, which requires you to become a werewolf. However, after marrying Aela, you can become a vampire and retain your marital status.

8. Is Aela in love with Skjor?

While there are rumors and hints within the game about a potential connection between Aela and Skjor, it’s never explicitly confirmed. Aela herself denies any romantic involvement.

9. Can Aela turn me back into a werewolf if I cure myself?

Yes! If you ever regret curing your lycanthropy, you can ask Aela to restore your werewolf abilities. She can bestow her blood to you once again.

10. Why is Aela sometimes invisible in my game?

This is often a mod conflict issue. If you’re using mods like “Diverse Werewolves Collection” and “Bijin Warmaidens,” they might cause Aela to become invisible. A patch designed to resolve this conflict is usually available.

11. What are the benefits of marrying Aela?

Besides having a loyal and powerful wife, Aela provides free archery training (once per level) after you marry her. She’s also a capable fighter and hunter, contributing significantly to your household.

12. Is Aela a Stormcloak supporter?

The information that “Aela joined the Stormcloaks during the Skyrim Civil War” is incorrect. Aela is a member of The Companions and their affiliation is with coin. They do not pick a side. The Companion guild will remain neutral throughout the Civil War questline.

13. What happens after I marry Aela?

After marriage, Aela will live with you in your chosen home. She’ll continue to act as a follower if you desire, and she’ll also provide you with a daily income from her shop.

14. What if Aela dies? Can I resurrect her?

Without console commands (on PC) or certain mods, there’s no way to resurrect Aela if she dies. It’s crucial to protect her during combat.

15. I’m having trouble with the Companions questline. Where can I find more help?

There are numerous online resources available, including wikis, forums, and video walkthroughs. Search for “Skyrim Companions questline guide” to find detailed step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips. You can also connect with other gamers and find guides and help from the Games Learning Society website. GamesLearningSociety.org offers valuable insights into the educational and social aspects of gaming.