Can Your Spouse Be Your Companion in Skyrim? A Comprehensive Guide
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The winds of Skyrim whisper tales of dragons, magic, and adventure, but what about love? Can the person you pledge your virtual heart to also be your trusty sidekick on your perilous journey? The answer is a resounding yes, but with nuances. Marrying a character in Skyrim doesn’t automatically make them a follower. However, if you marry a character who was already a follower, they will continue to be one even after the wedding bells have faded. Marriage itself doesn’t bestow follower status; it’s pre-existing. Now, let’s delve deeper into the marital intricacies of Skyrim.
Understanding Marriage and Companionship in Skyrim
Skyrim allows players to marry a wide array of NPCs, adding a layer of role-playing depth to the game. Finding a spouse involves wearing the Amulet of Mara (acquired during a quest in Riften), speaking to eligible characters, and completing a quest or task to earn their affection. Once married, your spouse provides certain benefits, primarily a daily income and the “Lover’s Comfort” bonus when sleeping nearby.
The key is understanding the difference between a potential spouse and a potential follower. Some characters are designed as companions, accompanying you on quests and aiding in combat. Others are simply townsfolk, merchants, or residents with no inherent follower abilities. Mixing these two, marrying the right person, can be a tactical advantage.
The Follower Factor
Certain followers, like Lydia, Aela the Huntress, and others, are designed to accompany you on your adventures. Marrying them doesn’t change this. They retain their follower abilities, allowing you to have a strong ally at your side, even within the bonds of matrimony. This means you can continue giving them orders, equipping them with gear, and relying on them in battle.
Non-Follower Spouses
Marrying someone who wasn’t a follower to begin with doesn’t suddenly transform them into one. They will remain at your chosen residence, opening a shop and generating income for you. While they won’t join you on quests or fight by your side, they provide valuable economic support.
Exploiting the System
There are ways to “exploit” the system, though. For example, you could complete a follower’s personal quest before marrying them, then keep them as a follower after they become your spouse. It’s also possible to have a spouse who is skilled in combat and can defend your home. This could act as a kind of “guardian” that helps protect your children if you have them via adoption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Spouses and Companions in Skyrim
Here are some of the most common questions players have about marriage and companionship in Skyrim:
1. Will Lydia still follow me if I marry her?
Yes! Marrying Lydia, your steadfast Housecarl, doesn’t affect her follower status. She will continue to serve as your loyal companion, even after becoming your wife. She will remain in Breezehome as well.
2. Can you do anything with your spouse in Skyrim?
Beyond the daily income of 100 septims or more, your spouse sets up a shop and buys/sells goods. If they were merchants before marriage, they continue to trade the same items. They also provide the “Lover’s Comfort” bonus.
3. Can you get a second wife in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, no. Skyrim allows only one marriage per character. Divorce is not implemented in the base game. You can’t remarry even if your spouse dies, unless you use mods.
4. Who makes the best wife in Skyrim?
“Best” is subjective, but some popular choices include:
- Muiri: Known for her intriguing backstory.
- Aela The Huntress: A strong and capable warrior.
- Brelyna Maryon: A talented mage from the College of Winterhold.
- Lydia: A steadfast and loyal companion.
5. Can your wife give birth in Skyrim?
In the vanilla game, no. You can only build a family through adoption. However, mods, like the one mentioned in your source, can add fertility cycles, pregnancy, and childbirth.
6. What is the wife bonus in Skyrim?
The primary bonus is the “Lover’s Comfort” resting bonus, which grants a 15% increase in skill experience gained for 8 hours after sleeping in the same house as your spouse. You also receive a daily income of 100 gold from your spouse’s store.
7. Is there romance in Skyrim?
Yes, Skyrim offers numerous marriage options. The Amulet of Mara signals your availability and allows you to pursue romantic relationships with eligible NPCs.
8. Can you get married as a vampire in Skyrim?
Yes, you can get married as a vampire. However, you cannot marry an already existing vampire character (like Serana) without using mods. The Dawnguard expansion allows you to turn your spouse into a vampire.
9. Can I revive Lydia if she dies?
On PC, you can use console commands (e.g., “resurrect 000A2C94”) to revive Lydia. On consoles, your only option is to load a previous save.
10. Can you bring back Lydia if she dies?
The Raise Zombie spell only provides a temporary revival. Loading a previous save is the most reliable method to permanently restore Lydia.
11. Can I divorce Lydia in Skyrim?
Divorce is not a feature in Skyrim. You are bound to your chosen spouse for the duration of the game.
12. Can you sleep in the same bed as your spouse in Skyrim?
Yes, you can sleep in the same bed as your spouse. You can enter the bed and sleep while they are also sleeping.
13. How do you get a lover in Skyrim?
Equip the Amulet of Mara and speak to eligible NPCs. They will indicate their interest when they notice the amulet.
14. Can you remarry if your spouse dies in Skyrim?
Not in the base game. There is no option to remarry, even upon the death of your spouse, without the use of mods.
15. Who is the most popular spouse in Skyrim?
Aela The Huntress is often cited as one of the most popular spouses due to her warrior skills and membership in the Companions.
Final Thoughts: Combining Love and Adventure
Ultimately, whether your spouse can be your companion depends on who you choose to marry. Prioritize characters with pre-existing follower status if you desire a partner who will fight alongside you. If you prefer a more domestic arrangement, any spouse will provide the economic benefits of running a store. By understanding these nuances, you can create a fulfilling marital experience that complements your adventuring style in the world of Skyrim. For more insights on how gaming can educate and engage, explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Marriage in Skyrim, like in real life (sort of), can give you a comfortable bonus, and it is always nice to have someone waiting for you at home after a long day of dungeon crawling and dragon slaying!