A higher melee level is required to equip stronger melee weapons. You also get +1 max health every 10 melee levels if you have the easy combat perk.
Skills 
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|---|---|
| Combat Skills |  Melee •  Magic •  Archery
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| Gathering Skills |  Gathering • Farming •  Fishing •  Mining •  Woodcutting
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| Production Skills | Brewing •  Cooking •  Crafting •  Invention
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