How big is Tamriel in lore?
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Tamriel, the vast and wondrous continent in the Elder Scrolls universe, has no canonically established size, leaving its true scale to the imagination of the players, with estimates ranging from 12 million square kilometers to much smaller sizes depending on the source. The size of Tamriel remains a topic of debate among fans, with various interpretations based on different Elder Scrolls games and lore sources, providing a rich tapestry of possibilities for exploration and discovery.
Understanding Tamriel’s Scale
To delve deeper into the question of Tamriel’s size, it’s essential to consider the various lore sources and game manuals that provide insight into the continent’s dimensions. From the Arena manual’s estimation of Tamriel being about 12 million square kilometers, roughly the size of Africa, to more recent interpretations that suggest a smaller, yet still vast, landscape, the scale of Tamriel is as intriguing as it is elusive.
FAQS About Tamriel and the Elder Scrolls Universe
General FAQs
- How big is Skyrim canonically? Skyrim is approximately 105,000 square miles, placing it between the sizes of Italy and New Zealand.
- How big is the Elder Scrolls universe? The Elder Scrolls universe, encompassing Nirn and its continents, is of unknowable size, with Tamriel being the central and most explored continent.
- How big is Cyrodiil in lore? Cyrodiil’s size is not definitively stated in lore, but it is known to be one of the larger provinces in Tamriel, with Skyrim being slightly smaller.
Size Comparisons
- Is Cyrodiil bigger than Skyrim? Cyrodiil and Skyrim are comparable in size, with Cyrodiil potentially being slightly larger, though exact dimensions are not provided in lore.
- Is Morrowind bigger than Oblivion? In terms of gameplay area, Oblivion is larger, allowing for the exploration of Cyrodiil, while Morrowind focuses on the province of Morrowind.
- Is Daggerfall bigger than Skyrim? Daggerfall is significantly larger, with an estimated size of 62,000 square miles, compared to Skyrim’s 39 square kilometers of playable area.
Exploring the Wider Universe
- Is there land beyond Tamriel? Yes, there are several continents beyond Tamriel on the planet Nirn, including Akavir, Pyandonea, Atmora, Yokuda, and Aldmeris.
- Is there another continent other than Tamriel? In addition to Tamriel, Nirn includes other continents and a large island chain, each with its unique lore and history.
- What is the tallest race in Tamriel? The Altmer, or High Elves, are the tallest of the humanoid races in Tamriel, averaging around 6’4″ (1.92 m) in height.
Game Worlds and Sizes
- What game has the biggest map? Games like No Man’s Sky and Minecraft have theoretically infinite maps, while Arma 3, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Burnout Paradise, and Death Stranding have large, manually designed worlds.
- How big was Daggerfall? Daggerfall boasted a game world the size of Great Britain, approximately 209,331 square kilometers, filled with 15,000 towns and a population of 750,000.
- Is Oblivion harder than Skyrim? Oblivion is considered harder than Skyrim due to its more traditional Elder Scrolls gameplay and challenging combat, requiring players to deeply engage with the game’s lore.
Cities and Locations
- What is Tamriel’s oldest city? Windhelm, located in Skyrim, is the oldest continuously inhabited human settlement in Tamriel.
- What is Tamriel’s biggest city? The largest city in Tamriel is often debated, with Almalexia and the Imperial City being contenders, and Vivec City as another significant urban center.
- Is Whiterun the biggest hold? Whiterun is considered one of the largest and most significant holds in Skyrim, known for its fertility, trade importance, and moderate resource wealth, making it a crucial location in the region.
By exploring these questions and delving into the lore and history of Tamriel and the Elder Scrolls universe, fans can gain a deeper understanding of the size and scale of this vast and immersive world, and look forward to future Elder Scrolls games, which promise to expand our knowledge of Nirn and its many wonders.