Lydia

If you have played Skyrim, you have met Lydia. And if you have played Skyrim for more than ten minutes, you have probably heard her say she is “sworn to carry your burdens.” She is a Nord warrior who becomes your housecarl the moment Jarl Balgruuf the Greater names you Thane of Whiterun at the end of Dragon Rising.

Who is Lydia?

As a housecarl, Lydia’s job is simple and slightly terrifying: protect the Dragonborn with her life and haul whatever they pick up. She starts out waiting for you in Dragonsreach, and if you buy Breezehome in Whiterun she moves in and treats it as her post. For many players she is the very first follower they ever recruit, which is exactly why half the internet has opinions about her.

Lydia as a follower

Lydia is a solid, no-nonsense warrior with a sword and shield, and she scales with your level (from level 6 up to 50). She is not essential, so she can actually die – usually when she drops to one knee to recover and the Dragonborn gets a little too enthusiastic with a fireball or an Unrelenting Force shout. If you part ways, she heads back to Dragonsreach, or to Breezehome if you own it.

Later in the main quest she can also be brought to Delphine at Sky Haven Temple to join the Blades. She stays a follower, but trades her steel gear for Blades armor and a Blades sword for good.

Marriage

Lydia is one of Skyrim’s marriage candidates. Wear an Amulet of Mara, raise her approval by adventuring together, and she can become your spouse. Once married she opens a small shop and hands you a share of the daily earnings – which, honestly, is a better pension plan than most Nords get.

Hearthfire

With the Hearthfire add-on, Lydia can also be appointed steward of one of your homesteads, where she looks after the house and can buy furnishings for you.