So, You Want to Marry an Orc in Skyrim, Right? Let’s Talk Marriage, Monster Style.
Have you wandered the icy lands of Skyrim, slaying dragons, and thought, “What’s missing? A spouse! One with tusks and heavy armor.” Good news! Skyrim embraces love, even the digital kind.
Marriage Basics: Skyrim Style – Easier Than Dragonrend
Skip complicated dating apps and awkward meetups. Skyrim simplifies romance into a few steps. Think of it as a quest for a partner. Less dungeon crawling, but still some dungeon crawling likely.
Who Can You Say “I Do” To? (Orcs Included!)
Good news for Orc lovers: Skyrim’s marriage system is open-minded. Gender? Irrelevant. Race? Doesn’t matter if it’s a High Elf, Khajiit, or Orc. Love crosses all boundaries in Tamriel! So, if you fancy a green-skinned warrior, you’re good.
The Path to the Altar (or Shrine of Mara)
Ready to commit (figuratively—no rings in Skyrim)? Here’s your checklist for marital joy:
- Get an Amulet of Mara: This shiny necklace acts like your “looking for love” beacon. It’s the Skyrim version of swiping right. You can get one from Maramal in Riften. He’s the local priest of Mara and a jewelry salesman.
- Find Your Special Someone: Not every NPC is cut out for marriage. Many are busy guarding caves or planning world domination. Seek out NPCs who seem available. Complete quests or lend a hand to increase your appeal. It’s like dating in Skyrim—favors are your love language.
- Charm Them (Raise Their Disposition): Kindness is key. Help them, finish their quests, be agreeable. It’s like real life but with more dragons and less therapy.
- Wear the Amulet, Make Your Move: Don the Amulet of Mara and talk to your chosen NPC. If they’re marriageable and you’ve done your part, they’ll notice the amulet. The magic of love (or game script) will activate, opening up marriage dialogue.
- Seal the Deal in Riften: After your beloved agrees, head back to Riften! Find Maramal and tell him you’re ready to marry. He’ll conduct the ceremony. Congratulations! You now have a spouse in Skyrim!
Marriage… With Limits. Sorry, Polygamists.
Before picturing a homestead with multiple spouses, wait! Skyrim marriage is monogamous. One spouse only. No take-backsies.
- One Spouse to Rule Them All: You can marry only one person in the base game. No polygamy here. Sorry if a Whiterun commune was on your to-do list.
- ‘Til Death (or Console Commands) Do You Part: Divorce isn’t a thing. Remarriage? Nope. Skyrim marriage is for life. The exit is… permanent separation. But focus on shared loot and home-cooked meals instead.
Perks of Being a Spouse-tamer
So, why marry in Skyrim? Besides companionship in a harsh world? There are practical benefits!
- Spousal (Financial): Many spouses open shops, sharing profits with you. Marry Ysolda in Whiterun, and you’ll get regular income. Who says romance isn’t profitable?
Divorce? Remarriage? Multiple Spouses? Skyrim Says “Nope!”
Let’s be clear: Skyrim’s marriage system lacks flexibility.
- No Divorce, Ever: Unhappy? Too bad. There’s no way to get a divorce in Skyrim. You’re stuck with your choice. Choose wisely.
- Remarriage? Dream On: Even if your spouse meets an unfortunate fate (dragon, bandits, or a bad arrow), you can’t remarry in the vanilla game. Mourn and stay single.
- Polygamy is a No-Go: One spouse only. No harems, no multiple partners. Skyrim is strictly one-spouse territory.
Orcs: Mean, Green, Marriage Material
Let’s focus on our tusked friends, the Orcs. They aren’t just fearsome warriors; they are surprisingly eligible (digitally speaking).
Orcs 101: More Than Muscle
Orcs, or Orsimer as they call themselves, are one of ten playable races in Skyrim. Don’t let their green skin and tusks scare you. They’re complex individuals (as complex as video game characters get).
- Playable and Proud: You can BE an Orc! Embrace your inner green giant and smash skulls!
- Stronghold Life: Orcs are tribal and live in strongholds. They are fiercely loyal. To win their favor, you may need to become “Blood-Kin.” Usually requires a quest, impressing the family before asking for a hand… with axes involved.
- Berserker Rage! Rawr!: Orcs are combat powerhouses. Their ability, “Berserker Rage,” turns them into wrecking machines once a day. Perfect for family gatherings… just kidding!
- Names to : Orc names stand out. Think Chakub, Duffthug, Sugbu, Zogstuf, Yambul, Rok, Grimfang. Try saying “Honey, I’m home!” to “Zogstuf gra-Grom” without laughing.
- Not Always Social Butterflies: Orcs and Elves? Rarely friends. Dwarves? There’s friction there too. Orcs have complicated relations but love conquers all, right?
Orc Marriage Candidates: Green is the New Black (Dress)
Time to get specific. Who can you pursue and wed in Skyrim?
Ladies First: Orcish Brides!
If you want an Orc wife, here are two excellent options:
- Ghorza gra-Bagol: This blacksmith can be found in Markarth, working hard in the Blacksmith Shed. Complete a task for her. Maybe sharpen her axe? Fetch rare ore? Blacksmithing is tough.
- Borgakh the Steel Heart: A warrior woman living in Mor Khazgur, west of Solitude. Daughter of Chief Larak, she has pedigree! To wed Borgakh, convince her to follow you. Show her the world; maybe she’ll show you her heart (and axe skills).
Beyond Orcs: Diverse Spousal Options
While Orcs are fantastic, Skyrim offers plenty of potential partners. If green skin isn’t your preference, check these fine folks out:
- Aela the Huntress: A badass werewolf and member of the Companions. If you want a spouse who bites (literally), Aela’s your girl.
- Ysolda: The Whiterun merchant from earlier. Practical and business-minded!
- Jenassa: A Dark Elf mercenary at the Drunken Huntsman in Whiterun. Skilled with a blade and ready for action.
- Lydia: Your loyal housecarl, always ready to help carry your burdens (literal and emotional?). Marrying your bodyguard? Why not?
- Camilla Valerius: Runs Riverwood Trader—down-to-earth and savvy at pricing dragon bones.
- Karliah and Saadia: Intriguing characters related to quests. Marrying them adds mystery to married life.
- Solstheim Spouses: Hilund, Morwen, and Halbarn Iron-Fur in Solstheim offer DLC marital choices for those into ash-covered companions.
Orc-Specific Spousal Considerations: An Orcish World
Marrying an Orc isn’t exactly like marrying a Nord. Keep these considerations in mind.
Orc Followers: Built-in Backup
Need an Orc follower before marriage? Ghorbash the Iron Hand in Dushnikh Yal is easy to recruit. Win a brawl with him, and he’s yours (and maybe one day, loved?). Borgakh can also start as a follower.
Orc Character Builds: Melee Masters
Cool marrying an Orc means you like melee combat.
If you want a tanky character wielding weapons, an Orc spouse is thematic and strong.
Orcish Women: More Than They Appear
Orcish women hold unique roles:
- Hearth-wives: Often involved with the chief and household duties. Think Orcish First Lady with more axe work.
- Forge-wives: Respected blacksmiths in strongholds. If your wife is one, expect quality armor and weaponry!
- Hunt-wives: Common in isolated strongholds. Skilled hunters essential for survival. Dinner is served… if you catch it.
So there you go! Marrying an Orc in Skyrim is possible and awesome. Whether it’s Ghorza’s blacksmithing or Borgakh’s warrior spirit, expect a unique partnership. Just that Amulet of Mara, be kind to your Orcish in-laws (if any), and gear up for lifelong adventure, green skin, and perhaps some Berserker Rage in your marriage. Happy adventures and spouse-hunting!
