Can You Have Two Husbands in Skyrim? A Deep Dive into Skyrim Marital Matters
The short answer is: no, in the unmodded, vanilla version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you cannot have two husbands (or multiple spouses of any gender). Skyrim’s marriage system is designed to allow for one marriage per character, offering a unique bond and gameplay benefits but preventing polygamous relationships. Divorce is not an option, cementing the “till death do us part” commitment. However, the world of Skyrim modding opens up a plethora of possibilities, allowing players to bend the rules and experience the game in ways the developers never intended. Let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of Skyrim marriages and explore the options available to you.
Understanding the Vanilla Skyrim Marriage System
The Amulet of Mara and Finding a Spouse
The journey to wedded bliss in Skyrim begins with acquiring the Amulet of Mara. This necklace, obtained during a questline in Riften, signals your availability for marriage to eligible NPCs. Wearing the amulet allows you to identify potential partners through unique dialogue options indicating their interest.
Commitment and Consequences
Once you’ve found a willing partner, you can propose, and if accepted, a wedding ceremony will take place at the Temple of Mara in Riften. After the ceremony, your spouse will move into your chosen home, providing benefits like home-cooked meals and a share of their earned gold. The commitment, however, is absolute in vanilla Skyrim. There’s no formal divorce, and remarrying after your spouse’s death is impossible without resorting to console commands (on PC) or mods.
Limitations of the Vanilla System
The rigid nature of the marriage system has frustrated some players who desire more flexibility. The inability to have multiple spouses or end a marriage without drastic measures (i.e., killing your spouse) is a significant limitation. This has led to the creation of numerous mods designed to address these issues.
Modding Your Way to Multiple Spouses
The Power of Mods
Mods are user-created modifications that can significantly alter the gameplay experience of Skyrim. They can add new content, improve graphics, fix bugs, and, crucially for this discussion, change the rules of the marriage system.
Multiple Marriage Mods
Several mods on platforms like Nexus Mods allow players to have multiple spouses. These mods typically work by:
- Circumventing the game’s built-in limitations: They remove the restrictions that prevent you from marrying multiple NPCs.
- Adding new dialogue options: These options allow you to initiate marriage with multiple characters.
- Modifying NPC behavior: The NPCs will act as your spouses, potentially sharing your home and providing the associated benefits.
Console Commands (PC Only)
For PC players, console commands offer another way to manipulate the game. The command player.setrelationshiprank <refID> 4 can force an NPC into a marriage relationship with you, even if you are already married. The player. marrytarget command can be used once you have selected the NPC you wish to marry. By repeating this process with different NPCs, you can effectively create a polygamous household. However, this method is glitchy and may not function perfectly, as the game isn’t designed to handle multiple active marriages.
Modding Considerations
- Compatibility: Always check the compatibility of mods with each other and with your version of Skyrim. Conflicts between mods can cause crashes or other issues.
- Load Order: The order in which mods are loaded can affect their functionality. Use a mod manager like Mod Organizer 2 to manage your load order.
- Stability: Some mods can introduce instability into your game. Back up your save files before installing any mods.
Ethical Considerations of Multiple Marriages in Skyrim
While the game doesn’t impose moral judgments, role-playing a character with multiple spouses raises some interesting ethical questions. How do you manage the relationships between your spouses? Do you treat them all equally? Do you hide the existence of your other marriages? These are questions to consider when exploring polygamy in Skyrim.
Role-Playing and Immersion
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue multiple marriages is a matter of personal preference and how it fits into your role-playing experience. Some players find it adds depth and complexity to their character’s story, while others prefer the simplicity and focus of a single marriage. It’s all about creating the experience you desire.
The academic community also studies the impact of games like Skyrim on society. For those interested in learning more, the Games Learning Society ( GamesLearningSociety.org ) is a great resource.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skyrim Marriages
1. Can I get a divorce in Skyrim?
Sadly, no. In the vanilla version of Skyrim, divorce is not an option. Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and there is no in-game mechanic to dissolve a marriage.
2. What happens if my spouse dies in Skyrim?
If your spouse dies, they are gone for good. There is no remarriage option in vanilla Skyrim, leaving your character widowed and unable to form another marital bond.
3. Who are the available marriage candidates in Skyrim?
There are numerous marriage candidates in Skyrim, spanning various races, genders, and professions. They include followers, merchants, and even housecarls. Some popular choices include Aela the Huntress, Lydia, and Argis the Bulwark.
4. Can I marry someone of the same gender in Skyrim?
Yes, absolutely! Skyrim supports same-sex marriages. Your character’s gender has no bearing on who they can marry.
5. What benefits do I get from getting married in Skyrim?
Marriage in Skyrim provides several benefits, including:
- Home-cooked meals: Your spouse will occasionally cook meals that provide temporary buffs.
- A share of their income: Your spouse will give you a percentage of the gold they earn.
- A place to sleep: Your spouse will provide you with a place to sleep in their home, even if you don’t own a house.
- Companionship: Your spouse can accompany you on your adventures as a follower.
6. Can I marry Serana in Skyrim?
Not without mods. Serana, the vampire from the Dawnguard DLC, is not a marriage option in the base game. However, mods like “Marriable Serana” allow you to marry her.
7. How do I find a spouse in Skyrim?
To find a spouse, you need to obtain and wear the Amulet of Mara. This amulet can be purchased from Maramal in Riften. Wearing the amulet will trigger unique dialogue options with eligible NPCs, indicating their interest in marriage.
8. What happens if I kill my spouse in Skyrim?
Killing your spouse is a drastic measure, but it is the only way to end a marriage in vanilla Skyrim. However, doing so will likely result in negative consequences, such as bounty hunters being sent after you and potential disapproval from other NPCs.
9. Can I make my spouse a vampire in Skyrim?
Yes, it’s possible to turn your spouse into a vampire, particularly if you have the Dawnguard DLC. However, it is a one-way road.
10. Can my spouse be a follower in Skyrim?
Yes, many marriage candidates are also potential followers. This allows you to have your spouse accompany you on your adventures, providing combat support and carrying your burdens.
11. What is the best house to live in with my spouse in Skyrim?
The “best” house is subjective and depends on your preferences. Popular choices include:
- Lakeview Manor: A customizable home that allows you to build additions and create a unique living space.
- Proudspire Manor: A luxurious home in Solitude, offering plenty of space and amenities.
- Honeyside: A cozy home in Riften, perfect for those who enjoy the city life.
12. Can I marry a Jarl in Skyrim?
No, you cannot marry a Jarl (ruler) in Skyrim. Jarls are important political figures and are not available as marriage candidates.
13. Can I have children in Skyrim?
Not in the base game. While you can adopt children in Skyrim, you cannot have biological children with your spouse without using mods.
14. How does the Hearthfire DLC affect marriage in Skyrim?
The Hearthfire DLC allows you to build and customize your own home, providing a place for your spouse and adopted children to live. It also adds new interactions and activities related to family life.
15. Are there any hidden or secret marriage candidates in Skyrim?
While there aren’t necessarily “hidden” marriage candidates, some NPCs may be overlooked due to their location or quest requirements. Exploring different areas and completing various quests can reveal potential partners you might not have otherwise encountered.
Ultimately, the possibilities within Skyrim’s marital world are vast, especially when you consider modding. Whether you stick to the traditional one-spouse system or venture into a polygamous lifestyle, the choice is yours. Happy adventuring, and may your Skyrim marriage be filled with joy (or at least, minimal dragon attacks)!