I don't know if this is supposed to happen or part of the game but when I first started my current build, I hired Janessa (from Bannered Mare in Whiterun IIRC) and she ended up dying while we were dungeon diving. So last night I'm playing with the follower I used to replace her, we head to Whiterun and into Bannered Mare and BAMM! There she is! Waiting to be re-hired! Is this supposed to be? I thought followers stayed dead? No?

This happened to me with the Companions. One of them died due to the story line, one of them died as my companion in the field. Both of them respawned some time later in the guild hall and walk around as if nothing happened. The one who respawned who was dead due to the story line, still calls me a whelp even though I'm leader of the guild. Kinda one of those facepalm moments. Just because you died that's no excuse not to get caught up on the latest happenings!

I think it's a glitch.

I haven't seen this yet. But I can only hope that silly spellsword belrand recovers from being chewed up and flung half way across Skyrim.

Lydia on the other hand... During a random encounter with a dragon fighting a giant and some guards, I watched her become a satellite thanks to the giant and come running back into the fray 4 min later. I was relieved she came back though, she was carrying all my crafting materials.

I haven't used companions but I have had Shadowmere resurect. Im not one for using horses and it pained me to do so but I killed him just outside of dawnstar right near where the Kahjit camp appears sometimes. His body laid there for the longest time, then one time I traveled there, the Kahjit camp was back and Shadowmere was standing tall. He has been standing there ever since.

Oh i think i know which one you are talking about He once floated along the street in my game. And then one day i was like O.O "But! You are dead!!!" but he was just walking around.

Ok good, so it's not just me. They probably have it programmed that way on purpose because let's say in the event you're so inept that each and every and ALL your followers died. You'd effectively have no followers at all so that may be a game decision from the higher-ups to do that.

Related to the Shadowmere issue, I was supposed to get Shadow during the Brotherhood quests. Got the mission, completed it, heard Shadowmere hoofing and neighing but guess what? No Shadow :/ Anyone have thoughts on that? I've fast travaled, re-loaded saves before that mission, slept, everything I could think of and no Shadow. I gotta keep settling for these damn "regular" horses!