Did the Great War Happen After Oblivion? Exploring the Timeline of The Elder Scrolls
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Yes, unequivocally, the Great War happened after the Oblivion Crisis. The timeline within the Elder Scrolls universe clearly establishes this. The events of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion concluded in 3E 433, while the Great War raged from 4E 171 to 4E 175. This places the war nearly two centuries after the Oblivion Crisis. Now, let’s delve into a deeper understanding of the events leading up to and surrounding this pivotal conflict.
The Post-Oblivion World: A Shifting Power Dynamic
The Oblivion Crisis, a devastating Daedric invasion of Tamriel, left the Third Empire weakened and vulnerable. This power vacuum allowed various factions to rise, including the Aldmeri Dominion. The Dominion, a resurgent alliance of Altmer (High Elves) nations, including Summerset Isle (their homeland) and Valenwood, consolidated its power during the intervening years.
The rise of the Aldmeri Dominion was no accident. These “scheming jerk elves,” as some might call them, systematically undermined the Empire’s influence and authority. This included infiltrating key political positions, spreading dissent, and weakening the Empire’s economy. By the early Fourth Era, the Dominion was poised to challenge the Empire’s dominance directly.
The Spark that Ignited the Great War
The tension between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion finally erupted into open warfare in 4E 171. The event that triggered the conflict was a blatant act of aggression by the Dominion. As stated in the original article, the Thalmor ambassador, a representative of the Dominion, dramatically revealed the heads of every Blades agent operating in Summerset and Valenwood. This act symbolized the Dominion’s defiance and its willingness to use force to achieve its goals.
Almost immediately, Aldmeri armies invaded Hammerfell and Cyrodiil simultaneously, catching the Empire largely unprepared. The ensuing five years of brutal conflict would reshape the political landscape of Tamriel.
Aftermath and The White-Gold Concordat
The Great War concluded with the signing of the White-Gold Concordat in 4E 175. While technically a treaty, it was largely seen as a victory for the Aldmeri Dominion. The Concordat forced the Empire to:
- Dissolve the Blades, the Emperor’s personal guard and intelligence agency.
- Cede significant territory in southern Hammerfell to the Dominion.
- Ban the worship of Talos, a human who ascended to godhood and was one of the Nine Divines.
This last condition was particularly galling to many in the Empire, especially the Nords of Skyrim, who revered Talos as a hero and a god. This religious persecution became a major catalyst for the Skyrim Civil War, the events of which unfold during The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The link between video games and learning is increasingly important in understanding complex narratives like these. Resources like the Games Learning Society, available at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, offer valuable insights into how games engage players and convey historical and cultural contexts.
The Road to Skyrim
The events of Skyrim are directly influenced by the fallout of the Great War and the White-Gold Concordat. The Stormcloak Rebellion, led by Ulfric Stormcloak, arises in response to the Empire’s perceived weakness and its ban on Talos worship. The Dominion’s influence within the Empire further fuels the conflict, as the Thalmor actively seek to destabilize Skyrim and weaken both sides in the civil war.
In essence, the Great War laid the groundwork for the complex political and social tensions that define the world of Skyrim. The game’s narrative is deeply intertwined with the legacy of this conflict and the ongoing struggle between the Empire, the Aldmeri Dominion, and the various factions within Skyrim itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Great War and its Aftermath
1. When exactly did the Great War start in the Elder Scrolls timeline?
The Great War began in 4E 171 with the Aldmeri Dominion’s invasion of Hammerfell and Cyrodiil.
2. How long did the Great War last?
The Great War lasted for five years, from 4E 171 to 4E 175.
3. What were the main causes of the Great War?
The main causes were the resurgent power of the Aldmeri Dominion, the weakened state of the Empire after the Oblivion Crisis, and the Dominion’s desire to dismantle the Empire’s authority and enforce its own ideology.
4. What was the White-Gold Concordat?
The White-Gold Concordat was the treaty that ended the Great War. It imposed harsh conditions on the Empire, including the dissolution of the Blades, the cession of territory, and the ban on Talos worship.
5. How did the White-Gold Concordat affect the Empire?
The White-Gold Concordat weakened the Empire significantly, both politically and militarily. It also created deep divisions within the Empire, particularly regarding the ban on Talos worship.
6. What role did the Thalmor play in the Great War?
The Thalmor were the ruling political faction within the Aldmeri Dominion and were instrumental in orchestrating the Great War. They sought to dismantle the Empire and establish the Dominion as the dominant power in Tamriel.
7. Did Hammerfell lose the Great War?
Hammerfell did not fully lose. While the Empire ceded territory in southern Hammerfell in the White-Gold Concordat, the Redguards of Hammerfell continued to resist the Aldmeri Dominion. Eventually, the Dominion was forced to withdraw from Hammerfell, albeit after significant losses on both sides.
8. How did the Great War lead to the events of Skyrim?
The Great War and the White-Gold Concordat created resentment and political instability within the Empire, particularly in Skyrim. The ban on Talos worship sparked the Stormcloak Rebellion, setting the stage for the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
9. What is the significance of Talos in the Elder Scrolls universe?
Talos, also known as Tiber Septim, was the founder of the Third Empire and a powerful hero who ascended to godhood. His worship was central to the Empire’s identity, and the ban on his worship was seen as a direct attack on Imperial culture and tradition.
10. What is the relationship between the Aldmeri Dominion and the Thalmor?
The Thalmor are the ruling political party within the Aldmeri Dominion. They are responsible for formulating and implementing the Dominion’s policies, including its aggressive stance towards the Empire.
11. Did all races within the Empire support the White-Gold Concordat?
No. The Nords of Skyrim were particularly opposed to the White-Gold Concordat due to the ban on Talos worship. This led to the Stormcloak Rebellion, which challenged the Empire’s authority in Skyrim.
12. What is the ultimate goal of the Aldmeri Dominion?
The Aldmeri Dominion’s ultimate goal is debated. Some believe they seek to restore Elven dominance over Tamriel, while others suggest they have a more esoteric goal, such as undoing the creation of Mundus (the mortal realm).
13. How long after the Oblivion Crisis did the Great War start?
The Oblivion Crisis ended in 3E 433. The Great War started in 4E 171. Therefore, the Great War started 171 years after the Oblivion Crisis.
14. Is there likely to be another Great War in the Elder Scrolls future?
Many signs point towards the possibility of another Great War. The tensions between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion remain high, and both sides are actively preparing for future conflict.
15. What impact did the Great War have on the Khajiit?
The Khajiit, who inhabit Elsweyr, supported the Aldmeri Dominion during the Great War. The specific details of their involvement and the war’s impact on Elsweyr are not fully detailed in the games, but their alliance with the Dominion shaped their political future.
Understanding the timeline and events surrounding the Great War is crucial for appreciating the rich lore and complex narratives of the Elder Scrolls universe. The GamesLearningSociety.org is an excellent resource for exploring the educational aspects of video games and their ability to immerse players in compelling historical and political simulations.