Delving Deep: How Long Before Skyrim Was the Oblivion Crisis?

The answer, plain and simple, is 200 years. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim takes place in 4E 201, while the Oblivion Crisis concluded in 4E 1, marking a two-century gap between the two pivotal events in Tamriel’s history. This period witnessed significant changes in the political landscape and the overall state of the Empire. Let’s delve into the details of this era and explore the implications of this time gap.

The Era Between Oblivion and Skyrim: A Time of Unrest

The 200 years separating the Oblivion Crisis and the events of Skyrim were far from peaceful. The sacrifice of Martin Septim to end the Daedric invasion left the Empire without a ruler. This power vacuum initiated a period of instability and political maneuvering that significantly weakened the Empire.

The early years of the Fourth Era were marked by a succession crisis. With no clear heir, the Empire struggled to maintain its grip on its provinces. Several individuals and factions attempted to seize control, leading to internal conflicts and rebellions. The Empire’s focus shifted inward, neglecting its external affairs and allowing long-standing tensions within its provinces to fester.

One of the most significant events during this period was the Great War between the Aldmeri Dominion and the Empire. This conflict, which began in 4E 171 and lasted for five years, further weakened the Empire and resulted in the signing of the White-Gold Concordat. This treaty, which outlawed the worship of Talos, a human ascended to godhood, caused widespread resentment among the Nords and played a crucial role in sparking the Skyrim Civil War, the central conflict of The Elder Scrolls V.

Understanding the Timeline

To fully appreciate the significance of the 200-year gap, it’s essential to understand the larger Elder Scrolls timeline. The series operates within a specific calendar system, with events classified by Era.

• First Era (1E): Marked by the rise of the Alessian Empire and the emergence of various cultures across Tamriel.
• Second Era (2E): A period of political fragmentation following the collapse of the Alessian Empire, often referred to as the Interregnum. The events of The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) occur during this era.
• Third Era (3E): Characterized by the rule of the Septim Dynasty, a period of relative stability and expansion for the Empire. The events of Morrowind and Oblivion take place in the later years of this era.
• Fourth Era (4E): Begins with the end of the Oblivion Crisis and sees the decline of the Empire and the rise of new powers. Skyrim is set in 4E 201.

Exploring Key Events: A Century by Century Breakdown

To better understand the events of this tumultuous era, consider the significant events that occurred closer to the Oblivion Crisis, and those that transpired closer to the events of Skyrim.

Early Fourth Era (4E 1-100): Legacy of the Crisis

• The aftermath of Martin Septim’s sacrifice: A power vacuum and the beginning of the Fourth Era.
• Early attempts to rebuild the Empire: Difficulties in finding a suitable heir to the throne.
• Growing unrest in the provinces: Dissatisfaction with Imperial rule and increasing calls for autonomy.
• Smaller-scale conflicts and rebellions: Localized unrest testing the Empire’s weakening authority.

Late Fourth Era (4E 101-201): War and Division

• The rise of the Aldmeri Dominion: The growing power of the Thalmor and their influence in Tamriel.
• The Great War (4E 171-175): A devastating conflict between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion.
• The White-Gold Concordat: A controversial treaty that banned the worship of Talos.
• The Skyrim Civil War (4E 201): A rebellion sparked by the ban on Talos worship and the desire for independence from the Empire. This is the backdrop of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How significantly did Martin Septim’s death impact the Empire?

The death of Martin Septim was catastrophic. It ended the Septim bloodline, leaving the Empire without a legitimate heir. This led to a period of political instability, power struggles, and ultimately, the weakening of the Empire’s authority over its provinces.

2. What were the main consequences of the Great War?

The Great War resulted in significant territorial losses for the Empire and forced them to accept the White-Gold Concordat. This treaty outlawed the worship of Talos, a hero-god revered by many, particularly the Nords, leading to widespread resentment and contributing to the Skyrim Civil War.

3. Why was the worship of Talos banned?

The Aldmeri Dominion considered Talos a false god and demanded the prohibition of his worship as a condition for peace. The Empire, weakened by the war, had no choice but to comply, sparking outrage among its citizens.

4. What role did the Aldmeri Dominion play in the Skyrim Civil War?

The Aldmeri Dominion indirectly fueled the Skyrim Civil War by exploiting the tensions surrounding the ban on Talos worship. They secretly supported the Stormcloaks, hoping to further weaken the Empire by prolonging the conflict.

5. How does the timeline of ESO relate to Skyrim and Oblivion?

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) takes place in the Second Era, roughly 800 years before Oblivion and a millennium before Skyrim. It provides a glimpse into Tamriel’s history during a period of political fragmentation.

6. Were there any significant technological advancements between Oblivion and Skyrim?

While there weren’t any groundbreaking technological leaps, there were subtle changes in armor designs, weapon crafting techniques, and magical practices. The most notable shifts, however, were in the political and cultural spheres.

7. How did the common people of Tamriel experience the changes during these 200 years?

The average citizen experienced increased instability, higher taxes to fund the Empire’s wars, and growing uncertainty about the future. The ban on Talos worship also deeply affected many people’s religious beliefs.

8. Are there any recurring characters from Oblivion who appear in Skyrim?

While direct appearances are limited due to the time gap, certain characters are referenced or alluded to in Skyrim, maintaining a sense of continuity within the series. Some notable NPCs in Skyrim are actually characters from Morrowind and Oblivion, returning to the Elder Scrolls series even after their death.

9. How does the environment of Skyrim reflect the events of the preceding 200 years?

The rugged, war-torn landscape of Skyrim, along with the political tensions and social unrest, reflects the cumulative impact of the Oblivion Crisis, the Great War, and the White-Gold Concordat.

10. What are the main differences between the Imperial Legion in Oblivion and Skyrim?

In Oblivion, the Imperial Legion is depicted as a strong, unified force. In Skyrim, however, the Legion is weakened and struggling to maintain control amid the civil war. Their morale is lower, and their resources are stretched thin.

11. How did the Dunmer (Dark Elves) fare during this period?

The Dunmer faced numerous challenges, including the aftermath of the Red Year (the eruption of Red Mountain) and the Argonian invasion of Morrowind. They struggled to rebuild their homeland and often sought refuge in other parts of Tamriel, including Skyrim.

12. What impact did the Oblivion Crisis have on magical practices in Tamriel?

The Oblivion Crisis led to increased scrutiny of mages and magical institutions. Some blamed mages for the Daedric invasion, resulting in greater regulation and, in some cases, suppression of magical practices.

13. How does the difficulty level compare between Oblivion and Skyrim, and how does it reflect the state of the world?

Oblivion is often considered harder than Skyrim due to its stricter leveling system and more challenging combat. This higher difficulty arguably reflects the more perilous and unstable state of the world in the years following the Oblivion Crisis. In contrast, while Skyrim presents its own challenges, the player character is often positioned as a more powerful and capable figure from the outset.

14. What is the lore canon in the Elder Scrolls series, specifically between ESO, Oblivion, and Skyrim?

All lore in ESO is canon, as confirmed by ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS), the developers. This means that the events and history presented in ESO are considered part of the official Elder Scrolls timeline and can provide context and background for events in later games like Oblivion and Skyrim. While each game may present different perspectives or interpretations, they are all meant to contribute to the overall understanding of Tamriel’s history.

15. Are there fan-made projects aiming to bridge the gap between Oblivion and Skyrim?

Yes, there are fan-made projects, such as mods and fan fiction, that explore the events and characters in the 200-year period between Oblivion and Skyrim. One notable example is Skyblivion, a project that recreates the entirety of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion within the engine used for Skyrim. These projects help fill in the gaps in the official lore and provide players with a deeper understanding of Tamriel’s history. Understanding how GamesLearningSociety.org approaches complex game narratives can further enrich appreciation for the Elder Scrolls timeline.

Conclusion

The 200 years between the Oblivion Crisis and the events of Skyrim are a crucial period in Tamriel’s history, marked by political upheaval, war, and social change. Understanding this era provides valuable context for the events and conflicts of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, enriching the overall gaming experience. The series demonstrates the importance of understanding complex narratives and the impact of historical events on the game world.