Can You Marry 2 Wives in Skyrim? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is a resounding no. In the vanilla version of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you’re only allowed to have one spouse, period. It doesn’t matter if your dearly beloved meets an untimely end at the hands of a dragon, a rogue bandit, or… well, let’s just say accidents happen. Once you’ve tied the knot with someone in Skyrim, that’s your spouse for the rest of your Dragonborn’s in-game life. Divorce is not an option, and polygamy is strictly off the table. Marriage in Skyrim is a “til death do us part” kind of deal, whether you like it or not.
The marriage mechanic in Skyrim is surprisingly rigid. You initiate the process by acquiring an Amulet of Mara (usually from Maramal in Riften’s Temple of Mara), and then proposing to an eligible NPC. Once accepted, you hold a simple ceremony, and boom, you’re married. There’s no changing your mind after that. The game’s code contains a script that would allow for remarriage upon the death of a spouse, but unfortunately, this script was never fully implemented in the base game.
So, if you’re dreaming of a harem or a revolving door of spouses, Skyrim isn’t going to deliver. However, the modding community has stepped in to offer players more options, allowing them to essentially get around some of these limitations.
Skyrim Marriage: The Harsh Realities
The inability to remarry or have multiple spouses can be frustrating for players who want more flexibility in their role-playing experience. It forces you to carefully consider your choices, as the consequences are permanent. Killing your spouse is really the only way to end a marriage in vanilla Skyrim. The consequences of such an action can be severe, including alienation from the local community, potential bounty payments and feelings of remorse.
The marriage system also highlights some interesting aspects of Skyrim’s world-building. The fact that same-sex marriage is accepted without a second thought suggests a certain level of social progressiveness within Tamriel, at least when it comes to matters of the heart (or perhaps the desire for shared living expenses).
The available spouses offer a diverse range of personalities and backgrounds, from warriors like Aela the Huntress to merchants like Ysolda. Each spouse has their own unique dialogue and contributions to offer your Dragonborn’s life, such as cooking meals and providing a share of their profits. Choosing the right spouse becomes an important part of your overall Skyrim experience.
Modding Your Way to Multiple Wives
For PC players, the solution to Skyrim’s marital constraints often lies in the vibrant and expansive world of mods. Several mods exist that allow you to circumvent the one-spouse rule, enabling you to marry multiple characters simultaneously.
- Multiple Marriage Mods: These mods typically alter the game’s scripts to remove the limitations on marriage, allowing you to wear multiple Amulets of Mara and marry as many NPCs as you desire.
- Divorce Mods: While the base game offers no way to end a marriage, these mods introduce a divorce mechanic, allowing you to dissolve your current union and seek new romantic opportunities.
- Relationship Overhaul Mods: These mods expand upon the existing relationship system, adding more depth and complexity to your interactions with NPCs, including the possibility of more nuanced marriage options.
Keep in mind that installing mods can sometimes lead to unforeseen issues or conflicts within your game. It’s always recommended to read the mod descriptions carefully, follow the installation instructions, and back up your save files before making any major changes to your game. Mods may allow for actions the game engine does not readily support, which can trigger bugs, glitches or even game crashes.
FAQs: Untangling Skyrim’s Marital Knots
1. Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?
No, the base game doesn’t offer a divorce option. The only way to end a marriage is through the death of your spouse or, on PC, using console commands or mods.
2. Can I remarry if my spouse dies?
Unfortunately, no. The standard version of Skyrim only allows for one marriage per character. Again, mods on PC can change this.
3. What happens if I kill my spouse?
Killing your spouse is considered a crime and can result in a bounty on your head. Additionally, it may affect your standing with certain factions or individuals who were friendly with your deceased spouse.
4. Can I marry Serana?
Not in the base game, nor after curing her vampirism. Serana remains unavailable for marriage. However, mods do exist that change this.
5. How do I get married in Skyrim?
You must wear an Amulet of Mara and speak to an eligible NPC. If they are receptive, they will comment on your interest in them, giving you a dialogue option to propose.
6. Can I marry someone of the same gender?
Absolutely! Skyrim embraces love in all its forms. You can marry any eligible NPC regardless of your character’s gender.
7. Can my spouse die in Skyrim?
Yes, spouses are not invincible. If they accompany you on dangerous adventures, they can be killed by enemies.
8. Can my spouse give birth to children?
No, the base game doesn’t allow for biological children. You can only adopt children from orphanages or from families unable to care for them. Certain mods allow this feature.
9. Where can I find the Amulet of Mara?
The easiest way is to purchase it from Maramal at the Temple of Mara in Riften.
10. Can my spouse move into my house?
Yes, once married, your spouse will move into whichever house you own, or you can choose to live in their home if they have one.
11. Does my spouse offer any benefits?
Yes, spouses can cook meals for you, provide a share of their profits if they own a business, and accompany you on adventures as a follower.
12. Who are some of the best spouses in Skyrim?
Popular choices include Aela the Huntress (a skilled warrior), Ysolda (an entrepreneur), and Muiri (she has a compelling backstory). “Best” is subjective and depends on your roleplaying preferences.
13. Can I have children with a mod?
Yes, several mods introduce the ability to have biological children in Skyrim, adding a new layer of depth to the family aspect of the game.
14. Can I turn my spouse into a vampire?
Yes, if you are a vampire lord with the Dawnguard DLC, and have the Vampire Seduction perk.
15. How does the marriage system in Skyrim contribute to game-based learning?
The marriage system in Skyrim, though simplistic, can illustrate concepts related to decision-making, relationship management, and social consequences. Players must weigh the pros and cons of different potential partners, considering their skills, personality, and the impact their choice will have on their in-game life. It also shows, even in a fictional setting, what can happen when code isn’t fully implemented. To explore how games like Skyrim contribute to education and learning, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insightful research and resources.
Marriage in Skyrim can be an important aspect to many players. Despite its restrictions, modders are finding ways around the limitations to the game as they desire.