Who is the Best Wife for the Dragonborn in Skyrim?

The best wife in Skyrim is a subjective matter, deeply intertwined with your playstyle and the Dragonborn’s personality. However, for a well-rounded, enriching experience that combines practicality, companionship, and interesting backstory, Aela the Huntress stands out. While other candidates excel in specific areas, Aela offers a compelling mix of skills, personality, and lore that makes her a fantastic life partner in the harsh world of Skyrim.

Aela the Huntress: A Comprehensive Choice

Aela isn’t just a pretty face; she’s a skilled warrior, a knowledgeable werewolf, and a member of the Companions. Marrying her brings several benefits:

• Combat Prowess: Aela is a formidable archer and light armor user, making her an invaluable companion during your adventures. Her presence significantly boosts your combat effectiveness.
• Lycanthropy Perks: If you choose to embrace the beast within, Aela’s status as a werewolf grants you easy access to transforming, making it easier to manage the associated perks and drawbacks.
• Unique Vendor: After marriage, Aela sells valuable hunting supplies, including arrows and ingredients, providing a convenient source of essential items.
• Intriguing Backstory: Aela’s connection to the Companions and her acceptance of her werewolf nature provide a compelling narrative layer to your relationship. She’s not just a static NPC; she has her own beliefs and ambitions.
• Loyalty: Aela is fiercely loyal and dedicated to those she cares about. Her dialogue reflects her strong moral compass and her unwavering support for the Dragonborn.

While other potential wives, such as Brelyna Maryon (for mages) or Muiri (for a darker, more morally ambiguous Dragonborn), offer unique appeal, Aela’s versatility and practical benefits make her the top choice for most players. Ultimately, your choice depends on your personal preferences and the roleplaying experience you seek.

Other Notable Marriage Candidates

Before we dive into the FAQs, let’s briefly acknowledge some other popular choices and why they might appeal to different players:

• Brelyna Maryon: A budding Telvanni mage who shows great promise. If your Dragonborn is a mage, her intelligence, ambition, and magical prowess make her an excellent match.
• Lydia: Your first housecarl, Lydia is known for her unwavering loyalty and willingness to carry your burdens (literally). She’s a steadfast and reliable partner.
• Muiri: If your Dragonborn embraces the darker side of Skyrim, Muiri, with her quest for revenge, offers a morally ambiguous and intriguing relationship.
• Camilla Valerius: A kind and friendly shopkeeper in Riverwood. If you prefer a simpler life focused on building a home and raising a family, Camilla is a good choice.
• Sylgja: A miner with a heartwarming optimism and desire to leave her own mark. If your Dragonborn values hard work and determination, Sylgja makes an excellent partner.

FAQs: Navigating Skyrim’s Marriage System

H3 1. How do I get married in Skyrim?

To get married in Skyrim, you must first acquire an Amulet of Mara. You can purchase one from Maramal in Riften after completing his quest regarding the Temple of Mara. Wear the amulet, and then speak to an eligible NPC. If they are interested, a dialogue option will appear asking if they are. If they say yes, return to Maramal and arrange the wedding.

H3 2. Where can I find Maramal?

Maramal is located in Riften, typically found in the Temple of Mara or the Bee and Barb tavern.

H3 3. What are the requirements for an NPC to be marriageable?

The main requirement is that you have completed a quest or favor for the NPC, increasing their disposition towards you. You also need to be wearing an Amulet of Mara.

H3 4. Can you marry anyone regardless of race or gender in Skyrim?

Yes, Skyrim allows you to marry any eligible NPC regardless of their race or gender, offering a diverse range of romantic options.

H3 5. Can I have multiple spouses in Skyrim?

No, you can only have one spouse in Skyrim at a time. Even if your spouse dies, you cannot remarry in the vanilla game.

H3 6. What happens after I get married?

After the wedding ceremony, your spouse will move into your house, and you will gain the “Married” bonus, which grants you increased experience gain from sleeping near your spouse. They will also offer you a home-cooked meal once a day, providing a temporary stat boost.

H3 7. Where does my spouse live after we get married?

Your spouse can live in any house you own, including houses you build through the Hearthfire DLC.

H3 8. Can my spouse die in Skyrim?

Yes, spouses are vulnerable to death. If they are following you as a companion and take a fatal blow, they will die permanently unless you reload a previous save. However, spouses who stay at home are generally safe.

H3 9. Can I divorce my spouse in Skyrim?

There is no way to divorce your spouse in the vanilla version of Skyrim. The only way to end a marriage is through the death of your spouse.

H3 10. Are there any benefits to having a spouse?

Yes! Aside from the roleplaying aspects, there are several practical benefits:

• “Married” Bonus: Grants increased experience gain when sleeping near your spouse.
• Home-Cooked Meal: Provides a temporary stat boost.
• Shared Income: Your spouse will occasionally give you a share of their shop’s profits, if applicable.
• Companionship: Having a spouse offers a constant companion on your adventures (if they are a follower) and someone to share your home with.

H3 11. Can I marry a Jarl or other important figure?

In the vanilla game, most Jarls and other important figures, such as Elisif the Fair, are not marriageable. Mods are required to circumvent this limitation.

H3 12. Can my spouse be a follower?

Yes, most marriageable NPCs can also be recruited as followers. This allows you to adventure alongside your spouse.

H3 13. What are some good houses to live in with my spouse?

Good options include:

• Breezehome (Whiterun): An early and affordable option.
• Honeyside (Riften): Offers a convenient location and a small garden.
• Proudspire Manor (Solitude): The most expensive house in the game, providing luxury and space.
• Houses built with Hearthfire: Allows you to customize your home and build it to your spouse’s (and your) preferences.

H3 14. Are there any mods that enhance the marriage system in Skyrim?

Yes, there are numerous mods that enhance the marriage system. Some popular options include:

• “Marriage Mod – To Have & To Hold”: Adds new dialogue options, ceremonies, and relationship dynamics.
• “My Home Is Your Home”: Allows followers and spouses to move into any player home, including mod-added homes.
• “Relationship Dialogue Overhaul – RDO”: Overhauls the dialogue system, adding more realistic and immersive conversations.

H3 15. Can I have children in Skyrim?

In the vanilla version of Skyrim, you cannot have biological children with your spouse. However, the Hearthfire DLC allows you to adopt up to two children from orphanages or the streets of Skyrim. Various mods also allow you to have biological children.

The choice of the best wife in Skyrim is a personal one, reflecting your individual playstyle and preferences. Whether you value combat prowess, magical talent, moral alignment, or simply a kind heart, Skyrim offers a diverse range of marriage candidates to suit your Dragonborn’s desires. Ultimately, the most rewarding marriage is the one that enhances your overall gaming experience and deepens your connection to the world of Skyrim.

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