Unleash Your Inner Beast: Who Turns You Into a Werewolf in Skyrim?

The world of Skyrim is fraught with danger and mystery, and few transformations are as dramatic and potentially game-changing as becoming a werewolf. So, who exactly is responsible for granting you this powerful, yet potentially uncontrollable, gift (or curse)? The answer lies within The Companions, a legendary group of warriors based in Whiterun. Specifically, you are initiated into lycanthropy during The Companions questline by drinking the blood of another werewolf, typically administered by a member of The Circle. This initiation permanently alters your character, granting access to the Beast Form ability and significantly impacting your gameplay experience. However, there are other ways to become a werewolf. You can also get the Ring of Hircine during the Ill Met By Moonlight quest. Once worn, the ring will occasionally trigger the transformation.

Understanding Lycanthropy in Skyrim

Lycanthropy in Skyrim is more than just a cosmetic change; it’s a fundamental shift in your character’s capabilities and weaknesses. As a werewolf, you gain immense strength, speed, and disease resistance in your beast form, but you become vulnerable to silver weapons and unable to receive rested bonuses. This is where the choice truly comes down to your gameplay preferences and strategic thinking.

The Companions Questline: Your Path to Lycanthropy

The Companions offer a structured and narrative-driven experience for players seeking to embrace the werewolf within. By progressing through their questline, you’ll learn the traditions, powers, and consequences of being a werewolf in Skyrim. The questline not only provides the transformation itself but also opportunities to hone your skills and potentially cure yourself of lycanthropy later on.

Ill Met By Moonlight: A Cursed Ring

If you pursue the quest Ill Met By Moonlight, you will receive the Ring of Hircine. Once worn, this ring has a 10% chance every minute to cause you to transform against your will. After you complete the quest, you can get a non-cursed form (or lose the ring, depending on your choices).

Werewolf FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Here are some frequently asked questions to delve deeper into the lore and mechanics surrounding werewolves in Skyrim:

1. Can you complete The Companions questline without becoming a werewolf?

   • No, the transformation is a mandatory part of progressing through The Companions’ main questline. However, the game allows you to be cured of your lycanthropy at the end of the questline.

2. Why won’t Aela the Huntress turn me into a werewolf?

   • Aela can only grant you lycanthropy again if you’ve previously been cured and you have the Dawnguard DLC installed. Without the DLC, the option to become a werewolf again is not available. Also, if you cure yourself a second time, you will never be able to become a werewolf again.

3. Can you marry Aela the Huntress if you cure yourself of lycanthropy?

   • Yes, you can marry Aela even after being cured. The marriage option is tied to completing The Companions questline, not your ongoing werewolf status.

4. Is there a Skyrim Vampire Werewolf Hybrid Glitch?

   • Yes, there are glitches that allow you to become both a vampire and a werewolf. It typically involves specific steps and timing, but be aware that such glitches can sometimes destabilize your game.

5. Can you marry Aela then become a vampire?

   • Because the Companions questline turns you into a werewolf, you won’t be able to stay a vampire. However, after completing Dawnguard, Serana can change you into a vampire.

6. Does The Dawnguard accept werewolves?

   • Yes, you can side with The Dawnguard even as a werewolf. While they primarily hunt vampires, they don’t discriminate against werewolves who are willing to fight for their cause.

7. Does becoming a werewolf cure vampirism in Skyrim?

   • Yes, becoming a werewolf will immediately cure your character of vampirism. Lycanthropy effectively overwrites the vampiric state.

8. Can you undo becoming a werewolf in Skyrim?

   • Yes, you can cure yourself of lycanthropy by completing The Companions questline and performing a ritual at Ysgramor’s Tomb using a Glenmoril Witch Head.

9. Is it good to be a werewolf in Skyrim?

   • Whether it’s “good” depends on your play style. Werewolves gain significant combat advantages but face social stigmas and vulnerability to silver. However, werewolves have 100% disease resistance.

10. What are the benefits of being a werewolf in Skyrim?

    • Increased strength, speed, and stamina in Beast Form, disease immunity, and the ability to terrify enemies.

11. Is it better to be a vampire or a werewolf in Skyrim?

    • This is subjective and depends on your build and preferences. Werewolf form is unquestionably better for a few reasons… most of them have to do with the fact that Vampire Lord form really isn’t all that much better than what you can do with magic and melee in human form anyway.

12. How long do you stay as a werewolf in Skyrim?

    • Your werewolf transformation lasts for 150 seconds, with an additional 30 seconds added for each body you consume while in Beast Form.

13. Can you become a werewolf twice in Skyrim?

    • Yes, if you have the Dawnguard DLC or Special Edition, you can ask Aela to restore your Beast Form after being cured once.

14. Will Serana still follow you if you become a werewolf?

    • Yes, Serana’s follower status is not affected by your lycanthropy. She will continue to accompany you regardless of your transformations.

15. Can Lydia become a werewolf?

    • No. Lydia is a standard follower and cannot become a werewolf.

Beyond the Howl: The Broader Implications

The decision to embrace lycanthropy in Skyrim has far-reaching consequences. Consider the ethical implications of uncontrollable transformations, the impact on your relationships with NPCs, and the strategic advantages and disadvantages in various combat scenarios.

The Social Impact of Being a Werewolf

While in human form, you may face suspicion and prejudice from some NPCs who are aware of your condition. Guards may comment on your appearance, and certain factions may react negatively to your presence.

The Strategic Advantages and Disadvantages

As a werewolf, you excel in close-quarters combat and can quickly overwhelm enemies with raw power. However, you are vulnerable to silver weapons and unable to use conventional weapons or armor while transformed. Also, feeding on corpses is essential to maintain your transformation.

The Learning Curve: Mastering the Beast Within

Becoming a werewolf is just the first step. Mastering the Beast Form requires practice, skill point investment, and a deep understanding of the transformation mechanics. Experiment with different perks and strategies to optimize your werewolf build for various challenges.

This transformation is a game-changer and can completely alter your experience playing Skyrim. For more insights into gaming as a tool for education and understanding complex systems, be sure to explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Embrace the beast within, but do so with knowledge and foresight.