When it comes to choosing a spouse in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Lydia is one of the most popular picks. She’s not only a loyal follower but also a strong and capable companion that can hold her own in combat. In this article, we’re going to dive deep into how to marry Lydia in Skyrim and explore why she’s such a great choice for marriage. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned Dragonborn, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Lydia, from her backstory to the benefits of having her as your spouse.
Who is Lydia in Skyrim?
Before jumping into how to marry Lydia, let’s take a closer look at who she is and why so many players are fond of her.
Skyrim Lydia’s Backstory
Lydia is a Nord housecarl who becomes available to the player after completing the quest “Dragon Rising,” one of the early main quests in the game. As a housecarl, Lydia is sworn to protect the Dragonborn and serve them. You’ll first encounter her in Whiterun when Jarl Balgruuf appoints her as your personal bodyguard after you’re named Thane of Whiterun.
Her devotion and combat prowess make her a valuable follower throughout the game. She’s not only there to fight by your side but also to help carry some of your burdens—literally, as you can assign her to hold your items, famously leading to the meme “I am sworn to carry your burdens.”
Skyrim Lydia Voice Actor
Lydia’s stoic personality and unwavering loyalty are brought to life by her voice actor, Colleen Delany. Delany’s performance makes Lydia one of the most memorable followers in Skyrim. Her calm yet commanding voice helps to create a sense of loyalty and protection, which resonates with players. This strong bond is one of the many reasons Lydia is a fan-favorite follower—and spouse.
Skyrim Mage Guide: Top Spells, Builds, and Armor for Mastering Magic
Skyrim Lydia Location
If you’re having trouble finding Lydia in Skyrim, don’t worry—she can be located in several key places depending on where you are in the game.
Whiterun: Dragonsreach or Breezehome
After you complete the “Dragon Rising” quest and Lydia is assigned as your housecarl, she can usually be found in Whiterun. Here are the most common places to locate her:
- Dragonsreach: Initially, Lydia will remain in Dragonsreach, the Jarl’s palace in Whiterun, until you either ask her to follow you or purchase Breezehome.
- Breezehome: If you buy Breezehome, a small house in Whiterun, Lydia will move in there. This is where she will usually stay when she’s not following you. If you’re ever separated from her, it’s worth checking Breezehome first.
Following the Player
Once Lydia becomes your follower, she will travel with you wherever you go. If you part ways with her, she will usually return to her designated home location (either Dragonsreach or Breezehome). However, if you own another house in Skyrim and set it as your primary residence, Lydia may move there.
What if Lydia Goes Missing?
Sometimes Lydia can become “lost” due to game glitches, especially if she gets stuck or goes missing after fast travel. If this happens, don’t panic—there are a few things you can do:
- Wait for 24 hours: In some cases, Lydia will reappear after waiting in-game for a day or two.
- Fast travel to another location: Fast traveling to a new location can help reset her position, and she might show up next to you.
- Using console commands (PC only): If Lydia still doesn’t reappear, you can use the console command
prid 000A2C94followed bymoveto playerto teleport her directly to your location.
By knowing these locations and methods, you’ll never lose track of Lydia for long, whether you’re ready to have her follow you into battle or want to find her before tying the knot.
Why is Lydia a Good Wife in Skyrim?
There are plenty of options when it comes to marriage in Skyrim, so why choose Lydia? There are several compelling reasons why she stands out as one of the best choices for marriage.
Lydia’s Role as a Follower
As your follower, Lydia offers consistent support in combat. Her melee combat abilities, particularly with heavy armor and one-handed weapons, make her an excellent partner in battle. She’s strong, resilient, and always by your side, whether you’re delving into dangerous dungeons or facing off against dragons. Having a spouse who can also fight at your side is a huge bonus when compared to some of the other marriage options in the game.
Benefits of Marrying Lydia in Skyrim
So, what exactly are the benefits of marrying Lydia? Well, Skyrim’s marriage system provides numerous perks, and Lydia takes full advantage of these:
- Home-Cooked Meals: Once married, Lydia will prepare a home-cooked meal for you every day, which boosts your stamina, health, and magicka.
- Lydia’s Shop Income: Like other spouses in Skyrim, Lydia opens up a shop once you marry her, providing you with 100 gold per day.
- Shared Home: You’ll be able to live with Lydia either in your home or hers. This creates a more immersive experience and makes Lydia feel like a true life partner.
- Combat Assistance: Since Lydia can continue to fight alongside you after marriage, you’ll have a reliable ally in combat no matter where your adventures take you.
Skyrim Rogue Build Guide: Best Race, Skills, and Gear for Maximum Stealth
How to Marry Lydia in Skyrim
Now, onto the main event: how to marry Lydia in Skyrim. The process is relatively straightforward but does require you to complete a few steps.
Step 1: Unlock Lydia as a Follower
To marry Lydia, you first need to unlock her as a follower by completing the “Dragon Rising” quest. Here’s how to do it:
Completing the Quest “Dragon Rising”
“Dragon Rising” is one of the main story quests in Skyrim. In this quest, you’ll face your first dragon near Whiterun. After defeating the dragon and absorbing its soul, Jarl Balgruuf will recognize you as Dragonborn and offer you the title of Thane. Along with this title comes Lydia as your housecarl, ready to serve and follow you.
Once this quest is completed, Lydia will become available as a follower, and you’re one step closer to marrying her.
Step 2: Obtain the Amulet of Mara
Next, you’ll need to obtain the Amulet of Mara. This amulet is essential for marriage in Skyrim, as wearing it signals to NPCs that you’re interested in getting married.
How to Find the Amulet of Mara
You can purchase the Amulet of Mara from Maramal, a priest of Mara in Riften. Maramal can be found either in the Temple of Mara or the Bee and Barb Inn. The amulet costs 200 gold, which is a small price to pay for marriage. Once you’ve acquired the amulet, make sure to wear it.
Step 3: Proposing to Lydia
Now that you’ve got the Amulet of Mara and Lydia as a follower, it’s time to propose!
Dialog Options and Marriage Ceremony
Once you’re wearing the Amulet of Mara, talk to Lydia and select the marriage dialogue option. She will agree to marry you, and then you can arrange the wedding ceremony.
The wedding takes place at the Temple of Mara in Riften. After speaking to Maramal and setting a time, the ceremony will commence. Once the ceremony is complete, Lydia becomes your wife, and you can start enjoying all the benefits of marriage in Skyrim.
How to Marry Taarie in Skyrim: Tips, Location, and Marriage Benefits
Skyrim Marriage Mechanics: What Happens After You Marry Lydia
Once you’re married, the game mechanics surrounding marriage will come into play. These mechanics offer a few in-game perks that can enhance your experience.
Benefits of Marriage in Skyrim
After marriage, you’ll receive a daily home-cooked meal from Lydia, as well as 100 gold per day from her shop earnings. You’ll also be able to move into your home or hers and sleep in the same bed to gain the “Lover’s Comfort” resting bonus, which grants a temporary 15% skill increase.
Lydia’s Role as a Spouse
Even after marriage, Lydia continues to act as your follower, making her one of the most versatile spouses in the game. She’ll assist you in combat, carry your items, and offer all the typical follower benefits—making her a well-rounded partner.
Popular Skyrim Lydia Mods to Enhance the Experience
While Lydia is already a great character, mods can enhance her appearance, combat abilities, and even her voice. If you’re playing Skyrim on PC, there are several mods to make Lydia an even better companion and spouse.
Mods that Improve Lydia’s Appearance
Some mods focus on upgrading Lydia’s appearance to make her look more distinct and visually appealing. These mods can change her facial structure, hair, and armor, giving her a more unique and polished look.
Mods that Improve Lydia’s Combat Abilities
There are also mods that enhance Lydia’s combat skills, making her more effective in battle. Some mods tweak her stats, weapons, or AI, turning her into a more formidable warrior who can hold her own in the toughest of fights.
FAQs.
What happens if Lydia dies?
If Lydia dies in Skyrim, she is gone for good. The game does not allow followers, including Lydia, to respawn. If she perishes in battle, her body will remain where she died, and you can loot her belongings. Unfortunately, once she’s dead, there’s no bringing her back unless you’re playing on PC and use console commands or mods to revive her. To prevent Lydia’s death, try to give her strong armor, weapons, and healing items.
What happens if I tell Lydia to part ways?
When you tell Lydia to part ways, she will stop being your follower and return to one of her default locations, typically Breezehome (if you own it) or Dragonsreach in Whiterun. You can ask her to follow you again at any time by returning to one of these places and speaking to her. Don’t worry—just because she’s not following you doesn’t mean she’s gone forever!
What kills Lydia in Skyrim?
Lydia can die from combat damage if her health is reduced to zero and she receives a final blow from either an enemy or by accident from the player. While she may kneel when her health is low and temporarily avoid damage, certain circumstances, like area-of-effect spells or strong enemies, can kill her outright. She is also susceptible to environmental hazards such as traps and falls. Be cautious when entering dangerous areas and keep an eye on her health to avoid her untimely death.
How do I get rid of Lydia without killing her?
If you want to get rid of Lydia without killing her, you can simply dismiss her as your follower. By telling her to part ways, she’ll return to Whiterun and stay at either Breezehome or Dragonsreach, depending on where you are in the game. If you’d like her to leave permanently but don’t want to kill her, you can recruit another follower, as you can only have one follower at a time. Lydia will remain in Whiterun, and you can always recruit her again later if needed.
Conclusion: Should You Marry Lydia in Skyrim?
So, should you marry Lydia in Skyrim? Absolutely! Lydia is not only a loyal follower but also a great spouse who offers practical benefits in both combat and daily life. She’s strong, dependable, and offers some of the best marriage perks available in the game. Whether you’re looking for a partner to fight by your side or someone to share your in-game earnings with, Lydia is a fantastic choice. Plus, the marriage process is straightforward, making her one of the easiest and most rewarding characters to marry in Skyrim.
In the end, if you’re looking for a spouse who can take care of herself in combat while also contributing to your in-game wealth, Lydia is a perfect fit. So, grab your Amulet of Mara, complete the necessary quests, and make Lydia your in-game partner for life.
References:
https://fictionhorizon.com/how-to-marry-lydia-in-skyrim-step-by-step-guide
