Skyrim is known for the experiences it offers to players. While much of it involves dungeon crawling or slaying dragons, the variety of experiences and opportunities are so vast that it would be impossible to describe them all.
Many of these experiences are gruesome or violent, but others are decidedly wholesome. These moments often involve healing or building connections with characters. From Riften to Solitude, these details make Skyrim feel like a living, changing world. Some of these moments are personal accomplishments, some involve making the world a better place, and some are touching gestures from NPCs.
10 Getting Married
Getting married is a momentous occasion anywhere, and it's no different in Skyrim. Courting in the game is thankfully simpler than in the real world. All the Dragonborn needs to do to show they're available is wear an amulet of Mara.
Usually, NPCs will need the Dragonborn to complete a quest for them in order to see them as a potential spouse. In the case of NPCs important to the plot, the player must reach a certain point in the story. When both characters agree to go forward with the marriage, a wedding will take place at the Temple of Mara in Riften, attended by the Dragonborn's closest friends.
9 Completing a House
The Hearthfire DLC adds homebuilding to Skyrim base game. Plots of land available for sale can be found in holds across Skyrim, often in attractive locations.
Building a house from scratch can be a long and arduous endeavor. Completing such a house, along with all the trappings and customizations available, is a great achievement. There's nothing better than coming home to a warm fire and cozy décor after a long day of adventuring. Add in a couple of chickens, a cow, and a bard, and things come pretty close to idyllic.
8 Meeting the Nord Heroes
The climax of the main plot of Skyrim takes place in Sovngarde, something of a Valhalla for the Nords. The focal point of Sovngarde is the mead hall, where the deceased heroes of old gather to feast and drink for eternity.
The Dragonborn has the opportunity to meet these heroes in the mead hall. A touching detail involves meeting the Nords the Dragonborn had met in life, and who had died in the events of the game.
7 Fulfilling Astrid's Black Sacrament
The Black Sacrament is central to the traditions and beliefs of the Dark Brotherhood. However, this ritual had fallen to a less mystical, more functional role as the Night Mother fell silent. Astrid has no time for the old beliefs of the Dark Brotherhood, and dismisses them to such an extent that she betrays the Listener.
Astrid has a change of heart when she is betrayed in turn, and sacrifices herself to perform the Black Sacrament. This gesture, though gruesome, is a heartfelt apology and a genuine attempt at atonement. In fulfilling her last request, the player demonstrates forgiveness – albeit in a twisted fashion truly worthy of the Brotherhood.
6 Restoring Whiterun's Tree
In the heart of Whiterun is a large tree. Bare of leaves and blossoms, the tree is a stark reminder of the situation Skyrim finds itself in. However, it is possible to restore the tree to life, with a little help from some of Skyrim's abundant nature.
Once restored, the newly blooming tree transforms Whiterun. It is an ever-present reminder of hope enduring, and the chance to heal rather than destroy. It also calls to mind the White Tree of Gondor, a possible reference to The Lord of the Rings.
5 Joining the Companions
Joining the Companions has a lot of appeal. It's the most respected institution in Skyrim, and comes with a found family who support the Dragonborn unconditionally.
The initiation quest at the beginning of the Companions storyline involves traveling with Farkas, one of the friendliest of the veteran Companions. Despite him transforming into a werewolf in front of the Dragonborn, the mission is completed without a hitch. The initiation ceremony involves Farkas vouching for the Dragonborn's character, and they all vow to take care of each other no matter what.
4 Restoring the Fire Festival
The Burning of King Olaf, or the Fire Festival, is an annual festival celebrated in Solitude to commemorate the execution of King Olaf One-Eye, who was guilty of betraying Solitude. Upon entering the Bard's College, the Dragonborn is assigned with discovering the truth of the event, and history is either preserved or rewritten.
Even better than the quest is the Festival itself. The inhabitants of Solitude gather on the streets to socialize, play games, and eat delicious food. It becomes a weekly event, and a welcome distraction from the hardships that Skyrim faces.
3 Adopting an Orphan
Orphans can be found across Skyrim, thanks to the civil war and dragon problem. The Dragonborn has the option of adopting up to two children, who then move into the home the Dragonborn has made for them. The children bring gifts to their new parent upon their return from the wilds, ask for an allowance or gifts, and can even adopt a pet.
Players can adopt an orphan from Honorhall Orphanage in Riften. However, adopting a child living on the street is also viable, particularly orphans from harsh climates like Winterhold or Windhelm.
2 Talking to Paarthurnax
Paarthurnax is one of the more unusual characters in Skyrim. A dragon who chose to turn against his nature, he spends his immortality meditating on the top of the highest mountain in Tamriel.
This path, however, brings an incredible loneliness along with the peace. When the Dragonborn first meets Paarthurnax, the old dragon shows relief and happiness in finally being able to speak with another of "his kind". The old dragon has a lot of wisdom to share, and visiting him brings a host of rewards, as well as being a kindness.
1 Freeing Kodlak from Hircine
Hircine is the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, and is responsible for creating werewolves. The Companions' inner circle are all infected with lycanthropy. While some of them are thrilled that their souls belong to Hircine even after death, the Harbinger of the Companions, Kodlak, feels somewhat differently.
Kodlak wishes to go to Sovngarde upon his death, like others in his Nordic tradition. Unfortunately, he dies before he can be cured of his condition. The Dragonborn can then go on to cure Kodlak's soul, and ultimately grant his dying wish of returning to his ancestors.