Can You Get Rid of Your Wife in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide to Marital Matters in Tamriel
So, you’ve tied the knot in the vast, snowy land of Skyrim, only to realize that perhaps your chosen spouse isn’t quite the adventurer you envisioned? Maybe Lydia’s incessant carrying of your burdens has become unbearable, or perhaps Aela the Huntress’s wolfish charm has worn thin. The burning question on many a Dragonborn’s mind is: Can you get rid of your wife in Skyrim?
The straightforward answer is both surprisingly simple and brutally harsh: No, not really. Skyrim offers no formal divorce system. The bond of marriage, once forged in the Temple of Mara, is intended to be unbreakable. However, there are a few workarounds, albeit morally questionable ones, and some caveats depending on your platform (PC vs. console). Let’s delve into the nuances of marital (mis)adventures in Skyrim.
The Grim Reality: Death Do Us Part?
The most direct, if somewhat unsettling, method of “ending” your marriage in the vanilla (unmodded) version of Skyrim is the death of your spouse. This sounds simple enough, but there are some critical considerations:
- Accidental Deaths: Be careful! Skyrim’s friendly fire system is notorious. Accidentally hitting your spouse during a dragon battle can have… permanent consequences.
- Strategic Dungeon Delves: Some players have been known to take their spouse on particularly dangerous dungeon runs, hoping that the harsh realities of Tamriel’s wildlife will solve their marital woes. This is risky, as they could survive.
- The Console Command Exception (PC Only): PC players have a significant advantage. Using console commands, you can essentially “reset” your marriage quest, allowing you to remarry even if your spouse is still alive. This involves using commands to remove the marriage quest flags and resetting the relationship status of your spouse. However, proceed with caution, as manipulating console commands can sometimes lead to unforeseen glitches.
Beyond Death: The Illusion of Freedom
While you can’t officially divorce and remarry (except with PC console commands), there are some factors that can give you the feeling of some space and freedom within the marital confines of the game:
- Moving On Out: You can always choose to live apart from your spouse. After marriage, they typically move into your house. However, you don’t have to stay there. You can adventure across Skyrim, build another house, and essentially pretend the marriage doesn’t exist.
- Adoption and Family Life: If you have the Hearthfire DLC, you can focus on building a family. Adopting children can provide a new dynamic to your gameplay, shifting the focus away from the potentially regretted marital bond.
- Mods to the Rescue: The modding community is vast and inventive. There are numerous mods available that introduce divorce mechanics, allow for multiple spouses, or alter the marriage system in other ways. If you’re playing on PC, exploring these mods is a viable option for customizing your marital experience.
The Importance of Choosing Wisely
Ultimately, the best way to avoid marital regret in Skyrim is to choose your spouse carefully in the first place. Consider the following:
- Personality and Compatibility: Do you enjoy their dialogue and personality? Will they be a helpful companion on your adventures?
- Skills and Abilities: Do they have useful skills that complement your character’s build?
- Roleplaying Considerations: Does their backstory and personality fit into your overall roleplaying experience?
- Utilize Marriage Mods: There are mods that change the marriage system.
Remember, marriage in Skyrim is a significant decision. Take your time, explore your options, and choose a partner who will enhance your adventures, rather than become a source of frustration. The Games Learning Society encourages players to think critically and make informed choices even within virtual worlds, reflecting on the consequences of their actions. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skyrim Marriages
1. Can you have same sex marriage in Skyrim?
Yes! Skyrim allows you to marry any eligible NPC regardless of your character’s gender.
2. If my spouse dies in Skyrim, can I remarry?
In the vanilla game (without mods), no. Even if your spouse dies, the game doesn’t allow you to remarry unless you use console commands on PC to reset the marriage quest.
3. Can my spouse leave me in Skyrim?
No, your spouse will not leave you. Once married, they are committed (or stuck) for the long haul.
4. What benefits do I get from marriage in Skyrim?
Your spouse will cook you one meal a day, and open a shop that generates 100 gold per day. Some spouses can also serve as followers.
5. Can I move my spouse to a different house in Skyrim?
Yes, you can move your spouse to any house you own. Simply talk to them and choose the dialogue option to move.
6. Can my wife have kids in Skyrim?
Not naturally, but you can adopt up to two children if you have the Hearthfire DLC.
7. Who are some of the best wives (or husbands) in Skyrim?
This is subjective, but popular choices include:
- Aela the Huntress: A skilled warrior and member of the Companions.
- Lydia: Your steadfast and reliable housecarl.
- Mjoll the Lioness: A courageous adventurer with a strong sense of justice.
- Muiri: A dark elf with a tragic backstory.
- Brelyna Maryon: A mage and student at the College of Winterhold.
8. Can I kill my spouse without consequences?
Killing your spouse is considered a crime, and you will incur a bounty if witnessed. NPCs may react negatively to your actions.
9. What happens if my spouse is kidnapped?
This can happen as part of radiant quests. You’ll need to rescue them from the kidnappers.
10. How do I propose marriage in Skyrim?
You need to acquire an Amulet of Mara, available in Riften, and then speak to an eligible NPC while wearing the amulet.
11. Is there a limit to how many times I can propose marriage?
You can only be married to one person at a time. Once you are married, you are unable to get married again, without the use of mods or console commands.
12. Can my spouse be a vampire?
Yes, if you have the Dawnguard DLC and side with the vampires, you can turn your spouse into a vampire through a quest.
13. Can I marry Serana?
No, Serana is not eligible for marriage in the base game, but there are mods that allow you to marry her.
14. Can I marry a Jarl in Skyrim?
No, you cannot marry any of the Jarls in Skyrim.
15. Can I marry a child in Skyrim?
Absolutely not. Marrying a child is strictly prohibited.
Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has illuminated the complexities of marital life (and death) in Skyrim. Choose wisely, Dragonborn, and may your adventures be filled with love, laughter, and minimal spousal regret!