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Delving Deep into Tamriel’s Timeline: The Years Between ESO and Oblivion

So, you’re scratching your head, pondering the temporal distance between The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion? Let’s clear up the mists of time! The answer, in short, is roughly 800 years.

The Elder Scrolls timeline can be a bit of a beast to wrestle with, filled with Eras and specific dates that often require a historian’s diligence. ESO takes place during the Second Era, specifically 2E 582. Oblivion, on the other hand, unfolds during the Third Era, at 3E 433. Simple subtraction reveals the approximate 800-year gap, cementing ESO’s position as a prequel far removed from the Oblivion Crisis.

Untangling the Elder Scrolls Timeline

Understanding the placement of each game in the sprawling Elder Scrolls saga is crucial for fully appreciating the rich lore and intricate connections between events. ESO’s setting within the Second Era provides a glimpse into a period often only alluded to in later games. This era is filled with political upheaval, alliances, and conflicts that shape the world players experience in titles like Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. The Second Era is key because it fills in details about events that led to the Septim Empire.

The Significance of Eras

Each Era in Tamriel marks a distinct chapter in its history, characterized by different empires, major events, and cultural shifts. The transition from one Era to another often coincides with a momentous event, such as the rise or fall of an empire or a significant alteration to the political landscape.

First Era: This era concludes with the death of Reman Cyrodiil and the Akaviri Potentate.
Second Era: This Era is marked by constant warring and the forming of alliances to get ready for Tiber Septim.
Third Era: This era begins with Tiber Septim unifying Tamriel and establishing the Septim Dynasty. It ends with the Oblivion Crisis.
Fourth Era: This Era is a period of rebuilding and dealing with the aftermath of the Oblivion Crisis.

The Interconnected Narrative

While each Elder Scrolls game tells its own unique story, they are all interconnected through shared lore, recurring characters, and the overarching history of Tamriel. Understanding the timeline allows players to appreciate the nuances and subtle references that weave these games together into a cohesive and compelling narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further illuminate the timeline and address common queries, here are some frequently asked questions about the Elder Scrolls universe:

Is ESO lore canon? Absolutely! All lore established in ESO is considered canon within the Elder Scrolls universe. ZeniMax Online Studios works diligently to ensure that ESO’s lore aligns with and expands upon existing lore. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) understands that canon within a game is essential to maintain for building the overall integrity of the story.
How many years apart are ESO and Skyrim? The article states that 949 years is the distance between ESO and Skyrim.
How far before Skyrim did Oblivion take place? Oblivion occurs 200 years before Skyrim. The Elder Scrolls timeline advances consistently between games, with significant time jumps allowing for new stories and evolving political landscapes.
How far apart are Morrowind and Oblivion? Oblivion takes place a mere 6 years after the events of Morrowind. This proximity allows for direct references and continuations of certain storylines.
Does Morrowind take place before Oblivion? Yes, Morrowind takes place before Oblivion. Morrowind is set in 3E 427, while Oblivion happens in 3E 433.
Where is ESO in the timeline? ESO is set during the Second Era, specifically 2E 582. This makes it the earliest game chronologically in the Elder Scrolls series.
Is Oblivion harder than Skyrim? Many players find Oblivion more challenging than Skyrim. This is often attributed to Oblivion’s more unforgiving combat mechanics and less hand-holding quest design. Players really had to use their wits in Oblivion!
Is the Oblivion map bigger than the Skyrim map? Yes, Oblivion’s map is larger than Skyrim’s. Oblivion’s game world clocks in at around 60 square kilometers, compared to Skyrim’s 40 square kilometers.
Where will The Elder Scrolls VI take place? This is still unknown! Theories abound, with many speculating that it will be set in Hammerfell or High Rock, or possibly a combination of both, or Valenwood, Elsweyr, and Black Marsh . Bethesda remains tight-lipped, leaving fans to eagerly await official announcements.
What race is the canon Dragonborn? There is no canon race for the Dragonborn in Skyrim. The player can choose any race, and the Dragonborn’s appearance is entirely customizable. The Dragonborn race is player choice.
What order should I play the Elder Scrolls games? You can play the Elder Scrolls games in any order, as each game tells a self-contained story. However, playing them in chronological order (ESO, then Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim) can enhance your understanding of the lore.
Why is Skyrim better than Oblivion? This is subjective, but many players prefer Skyrim for its improved combat, enhanced graphics, and open-world exploration. Other players prefer Oblivion for its classic RPG elements.
Did Tiber Septim die during the Oblivion Crisis? No, Tiber Septim had died long before the events of the Oblivion Crisis. Tiber Septim died 3E 38, while the Oblivion Crisis happened in 3E 433.
Is the Dark Brotherhood in ESO? Yes, the Dark Brotherhood is featured in ESO, offering players the opportunity to join the infamous guild of assassins and undertake deadly contracts.
Does race really matter in Oblivion? Race choice in Oblivion affects starting skills and attributes, but it’s not as critical as in Morrowind. You can build any character with any race, though some races are better suited for certain playstyles.

Conclusion

The Elder Scrolls timeline is a vast and intricate tapestry, with each game adding new threads and expanding upon the existing lore. While the 800-year gap between ESO and Oblivion may seem substantial, it is but a fraction of the millennia-spanning history of Tamriel. By understanding the placement of each game within the timeline, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich and complex world of the Elder Scrolls. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, exploring the lore and history of Tamriel is an integral part of the Elder Scrolls experience. For further explorations of gaming and its impact, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website.

How many years between ESO and Oblivion?