The world of Skyrim is vast and filled with countless adventures, quests, and characters that make the game so beloved by its fans. Among these characters is Lydia, a potential follower and marriage candidate, who has captured the hearts of many players. Marrying Lydia can be a rewarding experience, but it requires a specific set of actions and conditions to be met. In this article, we will delve into the details of how to marry Lydia in Skyrim, exploring the prerequisites, the process, and tips for a successful union.
Understanding Lydia’s Character
Before diving into the marriage process, it’s essential to understand Lydia’s character and her role in the game. Lydia is a Housecarl, a personal bodyguard, of the Jarl of Whiterun, the largest and most prosperous city in the Hold. She is a skilled warrior and a loyal protector of the people of Whiterun. Lydia’s personality is that of a dedicated and duty-bound individual, which makes her a valuable ally and a potential love interest.
Meeting Lydia
To marry Lydia, you first need to meet her. This can be done by visiting the Dragonsreach, the longhouse in Whiterun, where she is usually found standing guard or near the Jarl’s throne room. Initially, Lydia will be cold towards you, reflecting her professional demeanor as a Housecarl. However, as you progress through the game and complete certain quests, her attitude towards you can change, opening up the possibility of a romantic relationship.
Becoming the Thane of Whiterun
A crucial step in marrying Lydia is becoming the Thane of Whiterun. This involves completing a series of quests for the Jarl, which ultimately leads to you being appointed as the Thane. The process includes:
- Completing the main quest “Bleak Falls Barrow” to gain the Jarl’s favor.
- Helping the people of Whiterun by completing various side quests and tasks.
- Purchasing a house in Whiterun, known as Breezehome, which is a requirement for becoming the Thane.
Once you are appointed as the Thane, Lydia will become your Housecarl, sworn to protect you. This marks a significant change in her behavior towards you, as she will now follow you and assist you in combat.
The Marriage Process
With Lydia by your side as your Housecarl, the next step is to initiate the marriage process. This involves obtaining an Amulet of Mara, which can be purchased from the priest of Mara at the Temple of Mara in Riften. The Amulet of Mara is a symbol of the goddess of love and is required to propose to Lydia.
Proposing to Lydia
To propose to Lydia, you need to wear the Amulet of Mara and talk to her. When you speak to her while wearing the amulet, you will have the option to propose. If Lydia accepts your proposal, she will become your fiancée, and you can then proceed to arrange the wedding.
The Wedding Ceremony
The wedding ceremony takes place at the Temple of Mara in Riften. After proposing to Lydia, you will need to wait 24 hours in-game for the ceremony to take place. During this time, you can continue with other quests or activities. Once the 24 hours have passed, return to the Temple of Mara, where the ceremony will be held. The priest of Mara will officiate the wedding, and after the ceremony, Lydia will become your wife.
Tips for a Successful Marriage
Marrying Lydia can bring several benefits, including having a loyal companion and access to her skills as a warrior. However, to ensure a successful marriage, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Complete the Companions Questline: While not directly related to marrying Lydia, completing the Companions questline can provide valuable insight into the lore and characters of Skyrim, enhancing your overall gaming experience.
- Build a Home: As mentioned, purchasing Breezehome in Whiterun is a requirement for becoming the Thane and, by extension, for marrying Lydia. However, you can also build or purchase other homes in Skyrim, which can serve as a place for you and Lydia to live together.
- Engage in Conversations: After marriage, engaging in conversations with Lydia can provide more insight into her character and deepen your relationship.
Life After Marriage
After marrying Lydia, she will continue to follow you and assist you in combat. She will also have her own schedule and activities when you are not adventuring together, such as sleeping, eating, or practicing her combat skills. Lydia, like other followers, can be instructed to perform various tasks, such as waiting at a specific location or picking up items for you.
Managing Lydia’s Inventory
It’s worth noting that Lydia, as your wife and follower, will have her own inventory. Managing her inventory can be beneficial, as you can equip her with better armor and weapons, enhancing her combat effectiveness. However, be mindful of her carry weight, as overloading her can hinder her ability to fight and follow you.
In conclusion, marrying Lydia in Skyrim is a rewarding experience that requires dedication and the completion of specific quests and tasks. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can win Lydia’s heart and enjoy the benefits of having her as your companion and wife in the vast world of Skyrim. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting your adventure, the journey to marrying Lydia is filled with excitement, challenge, and the depth of character interaction that makes Skyrim so beloved.
What are the requirements to marry Lydia in Skyrim?
To marry Lydia in Skyrim, you must first complete the quest “Dragon Rising” and become the Thane of Whiterun. This involves completing a series of tasks for the jarl of Whiterun, including defeating a dragon that has been terrorizing the city. Once you have become the Thane, you can purchase a house in Whiterun, known as Breezehome, which is a requirement for marriage. Additionally, you must have the Hearthfire DLC installed, as this is the expansion that introduces the marriage feature to the game.
It’s also important to note that Lydia must be your housecarl, which means she must be assigned to you as your personal bodyguard. This happens automatically when you become the Thane of Whiterun. You can check if Lydia is your housecarl by talking to her and seeing if she refers to herself as your housecarl. If she is not your housecarl, you will not be able to marry her. Once you have met all of these requirements, you can propose to Lydia and start the marriage process.
How do I propose to Lydia in Skyrim?
To propose to Lydia in Skyrim, you will need to obtain an Amulet of Mara, which is a special item that allows you to propose to your desired spouse. You can purchase the Amulet of Mara from the temple of Mara in Riften, or you can find it in various locations throughout the game. Once you have the amulet, put it on and talk to Lydia. She should have a new dialogue option that allows you to propose to her. If she accepts your proposal, you can then proceed to the next step in the marriage process.
It’s worth noting that proposing to Lydia can be a bit tricky, as she may not always accept your proposal immediately. If she refuses, you can try again later, or you can try to increase your relationship with her by completing quests and tasks for her. You can also try to give her gifts, such as jewelry or other items that she likes. Once Lydia has accepted your proposal, you can then proceed to the ceremony, which takes place at the temple of Mara in Riften. The ceremony is a simple affair, and once it’s complete, you and Lydia will be married.
What are the benefits of marrying Lydia in Skyrim?
Marrying Lydia in Skyrim provides several benefits, including access to her as a follower and the ability to have her live with you in your home. As your wife, Lydia will also provide you with a home-cooked meal every day, which can give you a boost to your health and stamina. Additionally, Lydia will often give you gifts, such as gold and items that she has found on her travels. She will also provide you with companionship and support, and can even help you in combat.
As your wife, Lydia will also have her own schedule and routine, which can be interesting to observe. She will often go about her daily business, such as shopping and socializing, and may even have her own thoughts and opinions on the events of the game. Marrying Lydia can also provide a sense of roleplaying and immersion, as you can build a life together and explore the world of Skyrim as a couple. Overall, marrying Lydia can be a fun and rewarding experience, and can add a new layer of depth and complexity to the game.
Can I divorce Lydia in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to divorce Lydia in Skyrim. Once you are married, you are married for life, and there is no way to divorce or annul the marriage. This means that you will need to be careful when choosing a spouse, as you will be stuck with them for the rest of the game. However, it’s worth noting that you can still have Lydia as a follower and companion, even if you don’t marry her. This can be a good option if you want to have her by your side without the commitment of marriage.
It’s also worth noting that the marriage system in Skyrim is not without its bugs and glitches. Some players have reported issues with their spouse disappearing or becoming stuck in a certain location. If this happens, you can try reloading a previous save or using a console command to fix the issue. However, in general, the marriage system in Skyrim is a fun and interesting feature that can add a new layer of depth and complexity to the game. With a little care and attention, you can build a happy and fulfilling life with Lydia, and enjoy all the benefits that marriage has to offer.
How do I keep Lydia safe in Skyrim?
Keeping Lydia safe in Skyrim can be a challenge, as she will often follow you into combat and can be vulnerable to attack. To keep her safe, you can try to keep her out of harm’s way by telling her to wait or follow you from a distance. You can also try to give her armor and weapons that will help her to defend herself, such as a sword and shield or a bow and arrows. Additionally, you can try to avoid taking her into situations that are likely to be dangerous, such as fighting against powerful enemies or exploring dark and abandoned dungeons.
It’s also worth noting that Lydia has her own health and stamina, and can become tired or injured if she is attacked or overexerted. If this happens, you can try to heal her using potions or spells, or you can wait for her to recover on her own. You can also try to give her food and rest, which can help to restore her health and stamina. By taking care of Lydia and keeping her safe, you can build a strong and lasting relationship with her, and enjoy all the benefits that come with having a loyal and trusted companion by your side.
Can I have children with Lydia in Skyrim?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to have children with Lydia in Skyrim. While the Hearthfire DLC introduces the ability to adopt children, it is not possible to have biological children with your spouse. This means that you will not be able to start a family with Lydia, and will instead need to adopt children if you want to have a family. However, adopting children can be a fun and rewarding experience, and can add a new layer of depth and complexity to the game.
Adopting children in Skyrim can be done by talking to the jarl of Riften or the jarl of Whiterun, who will tell you about the adoption process. You can then visit the Honorhall Orphanage in Riften, where you can adopt up to two children. The children will then move into your home, where you can care for them and watch them grow. You can also interact with them and give them gifts, which can help to build a strong and lasting relationship. While you may not be able to have biological children with Lydia, adopting children can be a great way to build a family and add a new layer of depth and complexity to the game.
What happens to Lydia after the marriage ceremony in Skyrim?
After the marriage ceremony in Skyrim, Lydia will become your wife and will move into your home. She will often go about her daily business, such as shopping and socializing, and may even have her own thoughts and opinions on the events of the game. As your wife, Lydia will also provide you with a home-cooked meal every day, which can give you a boost to your health and stamina. Additionally, Lydia will often give you gifts, such as gold and items that she has found on her travels.
As your wife, Lydia will also have her own schedule and routine, which can be interesting to observe. She will often wait for you at home, and may even follow you on your travels if you ask her to. You can also interact with her and give her gifts, which can help to build a strong and lasting relationship. After the marriage ceremony, you can also choose to have Lydia as a follower, which can be a great way to have her by your side as you explore the world of Skyrim. Overall, marrying Lydia can be a fun and rewarding experience, and can add a new layer of depth and complexity to the game.