If you’re playing the game as Bethesda intended, then Skyrim’s Lydia is one of the first followers you meet after Sven and Faendal, and the first housecarl. Formerly a servant of Balgruuf in Dragonsreach in Whiterun, she ends up becoming a pretty fast friend as long as you don’t make her carry too much of your burden. She does make a great pack mule, though, bless her. In this guide, we show you how to recruit her, how to get her back if she disappears, and more.
For more Elder Scrolls magic, check out our Skyrim maps, Skyrim Serana, and Skyrim cure vampirism guides. We’ve also got a list of the best Switch RPGs if you’re ready for a new adventure.
Now, here’s everything you need to know about Skyrim’s Lydia.
Who is Skyrim’s Lydia?
The versatile Nord warrior Lydia is an easygoing and easy-to-meet follower in Skyrim. You can find her in Dragonsreach, where following through Jarl Balgruuf’s requests will eventually result in Lydia becoming a companion. Just follow the main questline, and you’ve bagged her once you defeat the first dragon attacking the watchtower.
Skyrim’s Lydia disappeared fix
Sometimes, followers in Skyrim can disappear, and at this point it’s a community meme for Lydia to fall off the face of the virtual planet. So if you’ve misplaced her, you find Lydia again using these steps:
- Find a new follower, ask them to join you, then go back to Dragonsreach, Breezehome, or the Hall of the Dead to ask her to follow you again
- Fast travel to your last destination
- Sleep in a bed
- Restart the game
In general, the first of these options has always worked for me in my more-than-a-decade of playing this game – on a way-too-regular basis – but there are other solutions.
How do I find Lydia in Skyrim?
To find exactly where Lydia is in Skyrim depends on how far through the game you are.
- If you do not own Breezehome in Whiterun, you can find Lydia in Dragonsreach
- If you do own Breezehome in Whiterun, you can find Lydia there
Some people online say Lydia can sometimes be found in the Hall of the Dead, though I’ve never experienced this and can’t find much to corroborate this forum rumor.
How do I marry Lydia in Skyrim?
To marry Lydia in Skyrim you need to own Breezehome in Whiterun and wear an Amulet of Mara. Assuming those conditions are met, follow the dialogue tree when Lydia says, “Is that an amulet of Mara? I’m surprised someone like you isn’t spoken for”, by replying, “Interested in me, are you?”
She says she is, and then asks if you are interested in her. This is where things get nice and simple. Either reply with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ (if you want to marry her, say yes).
Okay, there we go, Skyrim’s Lydia is your bride-to-be if you so wish. If only life was as nice and simple. For more, take a look at our picks for the best games like Skyrim, or if you’re planted firmly in the Elder Scrolls universe, check out our guides on how to get other Skyrim followers and how to find the Skyrim ebony blade.