Introduction
Skyrim is a massive game with countless quests and adventures to be had, but one aspect that players often overlook is romance and marriage. However, finding a spouse in Skyrim can have its benefits, such as access to a shop or house, and it can also add an extra layer of immersion to your character’s story. In this article, we will offer a comprehensive guide to marriage in Skyrim, including eligible NPCs, tips for courting, and the pros and cons of different approaches.
Ultimate Guide to Marriage in Skyrim: Who’s Eligible and Why
To get married in Skyrim, you need to meet a few requirements. First, you must wear an Amulet of Mara, which can be bought from Maramal in Riften or found throughout the world. Second, you must complete a quest for the NPC you want to marry. This usually involves helping them with a quest, but some NPCs also require you to reach a certain level in a skill or faction. Finally, you need to meet the eligibility requirements for each NPC, which vary from race to gender to faction affiliation.
There are over 50 NPCs who are eligible for marriage in Skyrim. Some of the most popular ones include Aela the Huntress, Lydia, and Serana. Each NPC has their own preferences and personality, and some are better suited for marriage than others. For example, Aela is a skilled warrior who can accompany you on quests and also runs her own shop, while Serana has a unique backstory and offers quests related to the Dawnguard DLC.
Finding Love in Skyrim: A Comprehensive List of Marriage Candidates
Let’s take a closer look at each marriage candidate in Skyrim and weigh the pros and cons of each:
– Aela the Huntress: Aela is a skilled warrior and a member of the Companions faction. She lives in Jorrvaskr in Whiterun and offers training in archery. One downside to marrying Aela is that she is also a potential follower, meaning that you cannot have another follower while she is with you.
– Lydia: Lydia is a housecarl for the player’s Thane in Whiterun. She is a skilled warrior and offers a range of services at her home, Breezehome. Some players find her dialogue repetitive or annoying, but she is a popular choice due to her loyalty and useful skills.
– Serana: Serana is introduced in the Dawnguard DLC and has a unique backstory as a vampire. She offers quests related to the DLC and can also be a follower. However, she cannot be turned into a vampire lord if you decide to pursue that path.
– Mjoll the Lioness: Mjoll is a warrior who can be found in Riften. She has a reputation for taking down bandits and is also a potential follower. One drawback to marrying Mjoll is that she has a tendency to be confrontational and pick fights with NPCs.
– Jenassa: Jenassa is a skilled mercenary who can be found in the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun. She is not associated with any faction and offers training in archery and one-handed weapons.
– Farkas and Vilkas: Farkas and Vilkas are both members of the Companions faction. They are skilled warriors and also offer training in various combat skills. One advantage to marrying them is that they have their own living quarters within Jorrvaskr.
– Muiri: Muiri is an alchemist who can be found in Markarth. She has a dark sense of humor and offers training in alchemy. One potential drawback to marrying Muiri is that she may ask the player to help her get revenge on someone, which could lead to unwanted consequences.
– Ysolda: Ysolda is a merchant who can be found in Whiterun. She offers a range of goods for sale and also works on a secret business venture that the player can help her with. Marrying Ysolda gives the player access to a shop, which can be beneficial for gameplay.
These are just a few examples of the marriage candidates in Skyrim. Each NPC has their own story and personality, making the decision of who to marry a personal one.
Skyrim’s Most Desirable Bachelors and Bachelorettes: Who to Marry
Based on player feedback and polls, some of the most popular marriage candidates in Skyrim are Aela the Huntress, Lydia, Serana, and Mjoll the Lioness. These NPCs are often cited for their loyalty, combat skills, and attractive appearance. However, it is important to remember that popularity does not necessarily mean the best marriage candidate for every player. Each player’s preferences and playstyle are unique, making the decision of who to marry a personal one.
Marrying for Love vs. Marrying for Benefits: A Skyrim Comparison
There are different reasons why players might want to get married in Skyrim. Some players may want to pursue a romantic storyline or develop their character’s backstory, while others may be more interested in the benefits that come with marriage, such as access to a shop or inheritance rights. Choosing to marry for love or benefits can have different advantages and disadvantages.
Marrying for love can add an extra layer of immersion to your character’s story. It can also offer unique dialogue options and potentially lead to interesting questlines. However, marrying for love may not always be the most practical choice in terms of gameplay benefits.
On the other hand, marrying for benefits can offer practical advantages such as access to a shop or house, which can be helpful for players looking to generate income or have a safe place to store items. However, marrying for benefits may not lead to the most interesting character development or storyline.
Breaking Cultural Barriers: Intermarriage in Skyrim and its Consequences
In Skyrim, there are different races and factions with their own attitudes towards intermarriage. Some races, such as the Nords, are more conservative and may have negative reactions to intermarriage with elves or other non-Nord races. Other factions, such as the Thieves’ Guild or Dark Brotherhood, may have their own rules or codes regarding marriage.
Marriage between different races or factions can have potential benefits and drawbacks. On one hand, it can lead to interesting storylines and potentially unlock unique questlines. On the other hand, it can also lead to negative reactions from NPCs or make certain quests more difficult.
The Role of Marriage in Skyrim: Why it Matters and How to Find the Right Partner
While marriage is not essential to completing the main storyline of Skyrim, it can add an extra layer of immersion and character development to your playthrough. Getting married can also offer practical benefits such as access to a shop or home, which can be helpful in generating income and storing items.
In summary, the decision of who to marry in Skyrim is a personal one that depends on each player’s preferences and playstyle. By considering the benefits and drawbacks of different marriage candidates and approaches, players can find the right partner for their character’s story and gameplay needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding a spouse in Skyrim can be a rewarding experience that adds an extra layer of immersion and character development to your playthrough. By using this guide to explore different marriage candidates and approaches, players can find the right partner for their needs and create a unique story for their character.
