Does it Matter Who I Marry in Skyrim?
When it comes to choosing a spouse in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players are often met with the question: "Does it matter who I marry?" The answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explore the benefits and consequences of marrying specific NPCs in the game.
Why Marry Someone?
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s worth understanding why you would want to marry someone in the first place. In Skyrim, marrying an NPC comes with a few benefits:
• Companions: Your spouse will travel with you and fight by your side, making battles a bit easier.
• Homemaker: After you’re married, you can choose to adopt and become the parent of one of your spouse’s child. This will give you a permanent follower and potentially an additional source of revenue.
Who Can You Marry?
Now that we’ve established why marrying someone is a good idea, let’s explore the list of eligible NPCs in Skyrim. You can marry:
• Bards: Aela the Huntress, Camila Valdane, Lisbeth
• Brides: Mjoll the Lioness, Nura Snow
• Jarl’s Daughters: Morwen, Eorlund Gray-Mane
• Companions: Farkas
Benefits of Marriage
So, what’s in it for you if you marry someone? Each NPC has their unique abilities, which can be advantageous in combat or exploration.
Table: Benefits of Marrying Specific NPCs
| NPC | Benefit | Special Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Aela the Huntress | Companion | Ranger training |
| Camila Valdane | Homemaker | Bardic potions |
| Lisbeth | Homemaker | Enchantment expert |
| Mjoll the Lioness | Homemaker | Warrior shield |
Consequences of Marriage
While marrying an NPC can be beneficial, it’s not without consequences. For example:
Cohabitation Consequences
• Caring for a Child: If you adopt a child with your spouse, you’ll need to care for it. This can impact your daily routine and adventure.
• Spousal Behavior: Your spouse will follow you on most missions, but they can still behave independently. Be prepared for them to accept quests, join factions, or even get married elsewhere.
• Divorce: Unfortunately, there is no way to divorce an NPC spouse in Skyrim.
Jarls and Their Relationship with Marriage
While the Jarls themselves are not eligible for marriage, they can still play a role in your marriage prospects.
Table: How Jarls Affect Your Marriage
| Jarl | Influence |
|---|---|
| Balgruuf the Greater | Grant you property in Whiterun |
| Alain Dufont | No direct influence |
| Torygg | No direct influence |
| Elisif the Fair | No direct influence |
Conclusion
To answer the question, it does matter who you marry in Skyrim. Each NPC spouse brings unique benefits, special abilities, and challenges. By understanding the implications of marriage, you can make informed decisions about which spouse to choose and how it will affect your gameplay. So, take your time, get to know your options, and choose your spouse wisely!