Skyrim:Mjoll the Lioness

Mjoll the Lioness is a Nord warrior and ex-adventurer residing in Riften. She is close friends with Aerin, an Imperial warrior who saved her from death outside a Dwemer ruin in which she lost her favorite sword. She retired from adventuring after this incident, instead vowing to remain in Riften and protect its people from the corruption that pervades the city. Due to this, she also vocally opposes the Thieves Guild and how they are ignored by Riften's authority, though strangely the Guild will not do anything about her.

She can join you as a follower if you are able to recover her sword, "Grimsever". You must give her the sword to complete the quest, but you may take it back from her inventory freely when she is your active follower. She may also be married, as well as recruited to the Blades.

Mjoll wears a set of banded iron armor, a pair of iron gauntlets, a pair of iron boots, and a leveled ring. She is equipped with a leveled battleaxe which can be up to elven quality. She carries two random leveled potions of restore health, restore magicka, and/or restore stamina. She also carries a key to Aerin's house, and a selection of upper-class loot and gold.
 
Upon entering Riften for the first time, Mjoll can be seen conversing with Aerin about the Thieves Guild and the corruption in the city:

Mjoll: "I had another run-in with the Thieves Guild." 
Aerin: "Be careful, Mjoll. The Thieves Guild has Maven Black-Briar at   back. One snap of her fingers, and you could end up in Riften Jail... or worse." 
Mjoll: ''"They represent the reason I'm here. I can't just ignore them, Aerin." 
Aerin: "I know. I just don't want you to leave; you're the only good thing that's happened to this city in a long time."''

On normal days, Mjoll starts off the day at 8am with an hour of breakfast at Aerin's house. At 9am, she browses the market stalls at Riften's grand plaza for three hours until noon. After that, she heads to The Bee and Barb to consume her lunch, and relaxes there until 6pm. In the evening, she patrols the streets of Riften for eight hours. She finally heads home to sleep for six hours, and repeats her schedule the following day.
thumb|left|Mjoll patrolling the streets of Riften with Aerin 
When you are near her, she may say either ''"You're a stranger here too, eh?" or "Visitors like us are rare in this part of Skyrim."'' Depending on your reply to Mjoll's opinion on the Thieves Guild, she may be friendly, saying, "Well met, friend. How can I help you?", "Welcome back! Good to see you again.", or ''"Ah, you're back. What have you discovered?" or hostile: "Oh, it's you. Not here to rob me are you?"

Upon exiting conversation, she may say, "Safe travels." If you have expressed your intent to join the Thieves Guild, Mjoll can be found saying, "Just stay away from me and I'll forget we had this discussion."'' After you offer to retrieve Mjoll's sword, she may tell you, ''"Please be careful, I don't wish to be the reason for your death."

If you ask her about the Thieves Guild she will tell you that "To call it a guild is ridiculous. How can people who would betray one another over a gold coin be considered part of an association?" and "They're the worst kind. Even the Dark Brotherhood abides by a strict set of rules and tradition. These thieves are just rabble."
 
She will then ask what you think. You have three dialogue options:
:"I agree completely."
:"You know, I'm beginning to respect you. Other than Aerin, you seem to be the only other person I've met I might be able to trust. Since we share the same opinion of them, let me warn you that they're recruiting others to join their 'guild' and you should be cautious."
: 
:"That's a shame. Too many people in Riften share your view and look where   getting them. It's going to take more than just myself and Aerin to help this city... it has to want to help itself first."
:"Actually, I'm hoping to join them."
:"You disappoint me. I expected someone from outside Riften to be different, but I see corruption's reach holds little regard for boundaries. Enjoy the city. It will suit you well."

Mjoll also despises the Black-Briar family, and upon asking her to tell you about the Black-Briars, she will explain, "Maven Black-Briar, the matriarch of the family, represents everything that's wrong with this city. She's bribed countless officials, has friends back in the   and freely associates with the Thieves Guild. I've tried everything I can to protect Riften's citizens from her family, but to no avail."'' She'll also tell you who else is in the family: ''"Well, there's Ingun Black-Briar, Maven's daughter. Strange girl. She likes to spend time down in Elgrim's Elixirs working on her alchemy. Then you have Hemming, Maven's son; spoiled brat and heir to her empire. He follows her word like a loyal dog follows its master. And finally, Sibbi; the worst of all of them. He's in Riften Jail for murder."''

Should you ask, she will confirm that she's not from Riften. ''"I've been adventuring across   since I was a fresh-faced young woman barely able to swing a blade. My travels have taken me from   to  ,   to   and all points in between."'' You can further ask why she's here then, and Mjoll will elaborate on her past: ''"Many years ago I lost my blade, 'Grimsever,' within a Dwemer ruin. I took it as a sign that I was wasting my days in search of wealth." and end with explaining her new outlook on life: "You and I are alike. We seek challenge and great fortune. But for me, that's where the similarities end. You see, Riften is my great beast to be slain and my fortune comes from gratitude and trust."''

She will also describe the hardships she faces as Riften's protector: ''"  been difficult. I've taken the burdens of this city's problems upon myself and I keep running into impossible obstacles. Corruption, lies and deceit are the order of the day here. If it wasn't for Aerin, the young man who saved my life, I think I'd already have given up long ago." You can ask how Aerin saved her life, to which she will reply, "It was Aerin who found me dying outside of a Dwemer ruin. If he hadn't brought me here and nursed me back to health, I would have died. When my strength returned and he told me about the problems plaguing Riften, I decided fate brought me here for a reason... so I stayed."

If you ask her what happened to the blade, Grimsever, she will tell you, "It was lost years ago in a Dwemer ruin. Without it, I feel almost as defenseless as a newborn. I don't think I'll ever be able to find a replacement." You can tell her you could find the sword for her, and she will be surprised. "I couldn't ask you to undertake such a   journey, it would be a fool's errand. But I see that spark in your eye and I know better than to warn you away." She will then give you the details, along with a warning: "Grimsever rests   the Dwemer ruin of Mzinchaleft. Tread carefully, friend... those same ruins almost took my life."'' If you instead mention that you're sorry to hear that, she will concur, "Yes, quite a shame. It was a fine weapon."

Should she be asked, she'll also recount what happened to her in Mzinchaleft: "I was adventuring in the depths of the ruins when I was attacked by a massive construct... like nothing I had ever seen. When the colossus struck, Grimsever was knocked from my grasp and I was wounded badly. It was only through blind luck that I was able to crawl away from the Dwemer abomination and make my way to the surface. I must have collapsed, because the next thing I remember is Aerin standing over me tending to my wounds."

Upon returning to her with the sword, you can tell her you've located Grimsever, and Mjoll will be astounded: ''"Astonishing. To think you actually were able to reach it and yet return to tell the tale. Rarely in my travels have I encountered those who possess skills equal to your own. I see I still have much to learn. If you'd permit me, I'd be honored to accompany you in your travels for a time." If you have told her that you are looking to join the Thieves Guild, she will instead say, "When you told me of your intent to join the Thieves Guild, I honestly didn't think we'd have much to speak about ever again. Yet here you are with my weapon that you could have easily sold or kept for yourself. Forgive me for my hasty opinion of you, I see that I was wrong and that there's much I can learn from you. If you'd permit me, I'd be honored to accompany you in your travels for a time." Either way, she will be available as a follower from now on.

During the quest Spread the Love, you can give one religious missive from the Temple of Mara to Mjoll, who will appreciate your gestures: "Thank you. I'll share this with Aerin."''

It seems that Mjoll's deeds to the people of Riften have not gone unnoticed, as seen with her conversations below. Should you approach Jarl Laila Law-Giver for the title of thane, she will also acknowledge the Lioness, saying, ''"Much like Mjoll, you've become champion of our hold; helping people with their difficulties and providing assistance for their needs. As the Jarl of Riften, I feel it's my duty to honor your selfless behavior by honoring you with the title Thane of Riften."''

Related Quests
 
 
 
 

Conversations
Mjoll can be seen conversing with Riften's stall merchants when she is browsing:

Mjoll: ''"Well met, Brand-Shei. I've come by to browse your wares today." 
Brand-Shei: "Is it true you chased a thief from your home? I overheard Aerin mentioning it." 
Mjoll: "It's true. Wasn't much of a thief though. Made enough noise to wake the  ." 
Brand-Shei: "Good. Maybe that will teach them to leave honest citizens alone."

She can be seen inquiring Brand-Shei about a missing ring:

Mjoll: "I was hoping you could help me. It seems I've lost a ring that also means quite a bit to me. It's made of gold with an inscription on the inside that says "sand elske."" 
Brand-Shei: "I'm afraid not. I don't deal in stolen goods." 
Mjoll: "Stolen? How can you be certain? I may have just misplaced it somewhere in the city." 
Brand-Shei: "Lady Mjoll, if you lost a gold ring anywhere in this city I'm afraid it's likely never to be seen again. I'm sorry."

Mjoll is ever vigilant in protecting Riften from the Thieves Guild, as seen with her warning to Grelka, one of the stall merchants:

Mjoll: "Aerin tells me you might be dealing arms to the Thieves Guild. Is this true?" 
Grelka: "I don't know what he's talking about. He must be seeing things." 
Mjoll: "I'm watching you, Grelka. One slip up and I report you to the guards. You got that?" 
Grelka: "Whatever you say."

thumb|right|"Madesi, my friend."
Madesi, also a stall merchant, may talk to Mjoll about the Guild:

Madesi: "Hello, Lady Mjoll." 
Mjoll: "Madesi, my friend. How have things been since last week's incident?" 
Madesi: "Ever since you scared off that thug from the Thieves Guild, not one of them's bothered me. We're lucky to have you here." 
Mjoll: "It's my pleasure. If you see the Thieves Guild harassing anyone else, you be sure and let me know."''

Occasionally, Mjoll can be seen giving money to Riften's beggars, telling Snilf, "Another uncounted   of this war. Here you are, you poor man." and telling Edda, ''"Yes, of course. This war is causing your woes, it's hardly your fault."

She may talk with other citizens of Riften as well:

Mjoll: "Have you prepared the stables like I suggested, Shadr?" 
Shadr: "Yes, Lady Mjoll. If Riften gets attacked, we'll retreat inside the city gates and bar the door just like you said." 
Mjoll: "Good. You could be our first line of defense since you live outside the city walls, so we're depending on you."

Drifa: "Mjoll! I'm glad I found you." 
Mjoll: "What is it, Drifa? What's the matter?" 
Drifa: "It's Bersi. He's getting so angry about the corruption in Riften, he said he's going to walk right up to Maven and give her a piece of his mind." 
Mjoll: "If I see him, I'll make sure he doesn't do anything brash. Don't worry."

Should she meet Maven Black-Briar, Mjoll will be unusually sarcastic, expressing her hatred:

Mjoll: "Maven. How's the criminal underworld treating you this fine day?" 
Maven: "You may have everyone else impressed around here, but you don't impress me. You couldn't touch me if you wanted to." 
Mjoll: "You're a cold, unfeeling bitch." 
Maven: "My dear, you have no idea who you're trifling with. Now I suggest you turn around and rattle someone else's cage before you get hurt." 
Mjoll: "I'm watching you, Maven Black-Briar. One day, you'll slip up and your Imperial friends won't be there to catch your fall."

thumb|right|"Riften has problems of its own. Now is not the time for exploration and discovery."''
At The Bee and Barb, she and Aerin can be seen discussing Riften's problems:

Mjoll: ''"Sometimes I'm not certain that the people of Riften want to be helped." 
Aerin: "I think some of them do, Lady Mjoll. They're just too frightened to step up and do something about it like you are." 
Mjoll: "Aerin, you never cease to amaze me. You always see the good in everything." 
Aerin: "It's only because I've had an excellent teacher."

Aerin: "You've been in Riften for quite some time now, Lady Mjoll. I fear that you soon may leave us." 
Mjoll: "Riften has problems of its own. Now is not the time for exploration and discovery." 
Aerin: "I'm relieved to hear you say that. If you were to leave, I'd miss you terribly." 
Mjoll: "Aerin, I owe you my life. It would take a threat to all of Skyrim for me to depart."''

In Aerin's house, she and Aerin may have two more conversations:

Mjoll: "Aerin, have you seen my ring? The one with the inscription?" 
Aerin: ''"No, I haven't. Don't tell me you've lost it." 
Mjoll: "I hope not. That ring is irreplaceable." 
Aerin: "I'll look around the house and if I find it, I'll bring it to you right away."

Aerin: "Well, you were right. These so called 'Gutter Saints' live in the sewers beneath." 
Mjoll: "I suspected as much. The real question now is do we do something about it ourselves or do we speak to the Jarl?" 
Aerin: "I say we go down there and clear the place out, just like old times." 
Mjoll: "No, my friend. That would be reckless. We have to help, but help in a way that doesn't directly place anyone in harm's way. For now, give this "Ratway" a wide berth."

Follower Dialogue
Mjoll is a talkative follower and has unique dialogue pertaining to most places you visit (including details about her past). She will often talk over other NPCs, even if they are engaged in quest-related dialogue.



Comments on Places


Notes
Mjoll is always essential, even after completing her quest, which means that she can never be killed.
If Mjoll is recruited as a follower, she may not equip some rings that you give her, regardless of enchantments, because she has a leveled ring equipped by default. Rings that are worth more than that leveled ring might be equipped.
If you marry Mjoll, she will briefly equip her wedding ring, allowing you to purchase the rest of her rings from her (see the final paragraph of Follower Equipment). Be sure to do this as soon after the wedding as possible, otherwise she may go back to wearing her default ring.
If you marry Mjoll, you can take everything in Aerin's house in Riften.
If you happen to kill Aerin, Mjoll will start to dislike you and thus cannot be recruited as a follower.
Mjoll will continue to be your follower if Aerin's death is not considered a crime on your part by the game, e.g. he attacks you or the crime is not observed.
 
Mjoll's missing ring is inscribed with "sand elske", which is an incorrect word by word translation of the English phrase "true love" to Danish. The correct Danish phrase would here have been "sand kærlighed".
If you marry Mjoll and recruit her as a follower, then dismiss her, she will repeat her dismissal line (''"Such a shame. I thought we were getting along so well. I'll head back to Riften if you should have second thoughts."'') even though she will return to your home like any spouse.

Bugs
 
 
 
This bug only applies to player built homes; she'll comment on houses purchased in cities.