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16-12-2024

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Exploring Tamriel's History: A Chronological Journey Through The Elder Scrolls Games

The Elder Scrolls series boasts a sprawling, rich history, unfolding across multiple games and centuries. Understanding the chronological order of these games is crucial for appreciating the intricate tapestry of lore, the evolution of characters, and the overarching narrative that binds them together. While not every game directly follows the previous one in a linear fashion, their interwoven timelines reveal a captivating story of empires risen and fallen, gods and mortals intertwined, and the enduring struggle for power in the province of Tamriel.

This article will provide a detailed chronological ordering of the main Elder Scrolls games, exploring key events and highlighting the connections between them. We will delve into the historical context of each game, acknowledging that certain events and storylines occur concurrently or are only alluded to through in-game lore and supplementary materials like books and journals.

1. The Elder Scrolls Arena (circa 1E 2920): While this is the chronologically first game in the series, its storyline is relatively self-contained compared to later installments. Set in the Second Era, Arena features the Emperor Uriel Septim VII being poisoned and the player character, a prisoner wrongly accused of treason, tasked with locating the missing Imperial Legions scattered across Tamriel. This early title establishes the vastness of Tamriel and hints at the simmering tensions and power struggles that will dominate later games. The specific details of the timeline are vague, but the game’s events certainly take place before the pivotal events of Daggerfall.

2. The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (circa 1E 3896): Daggerfall marks a significant leap in the series' scope and complexity. The player character, once again a prisoner, is caught in a web of political intrigue and supernatural forces surrounding the disappearance of the Mane, a powerful entity that significantly impacts Tamriel. This Second Era game portrays the rise of several powerful factions and introduces a more nuanced exploration of the world's political landscape. It is significantly later than Arena, spanning roughly 1000 years. The impact of the Mane’s disappearance ripples through the events of subsequent games.

3. The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard (circa 1E 3896): Technically a spin-off, Redguard is chronologically placed alongside Daggerfall. Set in Hammerfell, this action-RPG focuses on Cyrus, a skilled swordsman, who confronts a mystical cult threatening the stability of the province. Although geographically separate from the events of Daggerfall, Redguard offers a glimpse into the diverse cultures of Tamriel and underscores the omnipresent influence of magic and prophecy in the Second Era.

4. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (circa 2E 582): Morrowind represents a significant shift in the series, jumping forward roughly five hundred years from the Second Era to the Third Era. Here, the player character, a newly exiled prisoner, becomes entangled in a prophecy surrounding the return of a powerful god, Dagoth Ur, and the fate of Morrowind itself. This game dramatically deepens the lore, expanding upon the intricacies of the Dunmer culture and introducing significant concepts that will influence the subsequent games, such as the influence of the Tribunal and the nature of the gods themselves.

5. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (circa 3E 4E 201): Oblivion is chronologically placed after Morrowind, taking place only a few years later. The game follows a direct line of Imperial succession, beginning with the death of Emperor Pelagius Septim IV and the subsequent crisis that throws Tamriel into chaos. The return of Mehrunes Dagon, a powerful Daedric Prince, and his attempt to conquer Tamriel, forms the central conflict. Oblivion builds directly upon the events of Morrowind, referencing past events and characters while shaping the political and magical landscape for future installments.

6. The Elder Scrolls Online (spanning various points in the First and Second Era): ESO occupies a unique position in the chronology. It's an MMO set across various points in the First and Second Eras, encompassing significant events from the rise of Tiber Septim to the Interregnum. While not following a linear narrative like the other main games, it allows players to participate in significant historical events, providing context and insight into the periods between the main single-player titles. It provides valuable background information for understanding the overarching history of Tamriel.

7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (circa 4E 201): Skyrim follows immediately after Oblivion. Set 200 years after the Oblivion Crisis, Tamriel is still recovering from the devastating Daedric invasion. The game features the rise of a new threat, Alduin, the World-Eater, a dragon prophesied to destroy the world. Skyrim provides a more personal narrative, yet its implications for the future of Tamriel remain vast, leaving many unanswered questions for potential future entries in the series.

Conclusion:

The chronological journey through The Elder Scrolls games reveals a rich and complex history spanning millennia. Each game, while offering its own unique narrative and gameplay, contributes to the grander tapestry of Tamriel's past and hints at its uncertain future. By understanding the timeline, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate connections between characters, events, and the ongoing power struggles that shape the destiny of this fantastical world. While each game stands alone as a compelling experience, placing them within their chronological context unlocks a deeper understanding and enhances the overall enjoyment of the entire Elder Scrolls saga. The gaps between the games, however, leave room for speculation and allow for the interpretation and filling of gaps by the players themselves, adding to the mystique and enduring appeal of this beloved franchise. The timeline is not just a linear progression of events but a dynamic and interconnected narrative that unfolds over centuries, constantly evolving and captivating players with its timeless appeal.