Can I Divorce Lydia in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide

No, you cannot officially divorce Lydia or any other spouse in Skyrim. The game’s marriage system is designed with a “til death do us part” approach. Once you’ve tied the knot, your options for ending the union are extremely limited.

Marriage in Skyrim is a significant commitment, and the game developers didn’t implement any built-in divorce mechanics. This means that the traditional route of seeking a legal separation is simply not available within the game’s parameters. If you’re unhappy with your spouse, particularly Lydia, you’ll need to consider more drastic measures or rely on workarounds. However, it’s important to know that even these drastic measures have consequences.

Dealing with an Unwanted Spouse: The Harsh Realities

The most straightforward, albeit brutal, method is to kill your spouse. If Lydia isn’t an essential NPC (most spouses are not), you can actually eliminate her from the game. This act will, understandably, prevent you from marrying again in Skyrim. The game allows only one marriage per playthrough.

Exploring Other (Less Lethal) Options

Unfortunately, if killing your spouse is off the table for moral or gameplay reasons, there are no other in-game mechanics for divorce. Players have sometimes attempted using console commands on PC to reset marriage quests or remove the married status, but these are often unreliable and can introduce unintended bugs into your game. These workarounds are not officially supported and often break the game.

Living with Your Choice

The most common approach for players regretting their marriage is simply to live with their choice. This might involve moving to a different house, minimizing interaction with your spouse, or focusing on other aspects of the game. While not ideal, it’s a safe and stable solution that avoids any potential glitches or game-breaking actions.

FAQs: Skyrim Marriage and Divorce

Can I have two wives in Skyrim?

No, you can only have one wife (or husband) in Skyrim. The game only allows for one marriage per character.

What happens if Lydia dies?

If Lydia dies, she will not respawn. You can retrieve her belongings from her coffin in the Hall of the Dead in Whiterun. While you’ll lose her as a follower and potential steward, there are no long-term negative consequences beyond that and she will leave an inheritance.

Can I remarry after killing my wife in Skyrim?

No. Even if your spouse dies, whether by your hand or otherwise, you cannot remarry in Skyrim.

Does Lydia make a good wife in Skyrim?

Lydia can be a decent wife depending on your playstyle. She is dependable, loyal, and makes a good follower. Her dialogue options are limited, but she provides reliable companionship.

Can my wife give birth to children in Skyrim?

In the base game, your wife cannot give birth. The only way to have children is through adoption, and you can adopt a maximum of two children if you have the Hearthfire DLC installed.

Can you marry Jarl Elisif the Fair in Skyrim?

Normally, no. You cannot marry Jarl Elisif in the base game without using mods. Some mods allow it, but they are often reported to be buggy.

Who is the best husband to marry in Skyrim?

Opinions vary, but Argis the Bulwark is often considered a top choice due to his strength, reliability, and residence in Markarth, a beautiful city.

Who can you not marry in Skyrim?

Several NPCs are unavailable for marriage, including Jarl Balgruuf, Sapphire, Astrid, and many others. These characters are either essential to the main storyline or simply not programmed to be marriageable.

Can your wife have kids in Skyrim?

No. The Dragonborn never sires or bears a child. Any children will be adopted.

What happens if you lose your wife in Skyrim?

If your wife disappears after the marriage ceremony, check the location where you first met her. If you do not select a place to live before she leaves the temple, she may return to her original home.

Can you turn Lydia into a vampire?

Yes, but only if you become a vampire yourself by siding with the vampires in the Dawnguard DLC. You can then turn her into a vampire thrall.

How do I get rid of Lydia without killing her?

You can tell her to wait in a remote location and simply leave her there. Alternatively, you can use console commands on PC (“Markfordelete”) to remove her from the game, but be aware of the potential risks this entails.

Who is the most attractive husband in Skyrim?

This is subjective, but many players find Argis the Bulwark to be the most attractive husband option.

Can you marry a Jarl in Skyrim?

No, you cannot marry a Jarl in Skyrim. Important characters such as Jarl Balgruuf are unavailable for marriage.

Can you have two daughters in Skyrim?

Yes, with the Hearthfire DLC, you can adopt up to two children, regardless of gender. You do not need to be married to adopt.

The Enduring Appeal of Skyrim

Despite the limitations of the marriage system, Skyrim remains a captivating and immersive game. Its expansive world, rich lore, and diverse characters continue to draw players in. While divorce may not be an option, the game offers countless other ways to shape your character’s destiny and experience the wonders of Tamriel.

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