How big is Skyrim according to lore?

How big is Skyrim according to lore?

Skyrim, one of the most popular Elder Scrolls games, is set in the vast province of Skyrim, located in the continent of Tamriel. The game’s vast landscape, diverse geography, and rich lore have raised several questions among fans about the size of Skyrim. How big is Skyrim, and what is the scale of this vast province? This article will delve into the answers provided by the lore of the Elder Scrolls universe and explore the dimensions of Skyrim.

Direct answer

According to the lore of the Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim is approximately 37.1 km² (14.3 sq mi) in size, measured from its eastern borders to its western borders and its northern borders to its southern borders. This area encompasses the vast mountains, valleys, and forests of the province, including the mighty Throat of the World, the highest peak in Tamriel.

Geography and Dimensions

The map of Skyrim is a key aspect of the game, and it provides insight into the geography and dimensions of the province. Skyrim’s heightmap is a rectangular map divided into 119 x 94 "cells," each measuring 57.6 meters (63 yards) in length. These cells form the basic structure of the game world, allowing for the creation of diverse terrain, vegetation, and architecture.

The rectangular shape of the heightmap is evident in the shape of the province itself. Skyrim is a landmass with distinct mountain ranges, including the Pale Pass, the Jerall Mountains, and the Nchardak Mountains, among others. These mountains define the boundaries of the province and separate it from the surrounding lands.

Scale and Comparison

To put the size of Skyrim into perspective, let us consider some comparisons. The real-world province of Quebec in Canada, for instance, covers an area of 1,542,056 km² (595,391 sq mi). In comparison, Skyrim’s 37.1 km² (14.3 sq mi) is just a tiny fraction of this size.

Another example is the state of Nevada in the United States, which covers an area of 110,567 km² (42,668 sq mi). While not as massive as Skyrim’s real-world counterparts, these comparisons highlight the significance of Skyrim’s size in the context of the Elder Scrolls universe.

ESO vs. Skyrim: Scale and Comparison

While both The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) and Skyrim are part of the same universe, they have different scales and dimensions. The ESO, being a massively multiplayer online game, has a vast and immersive world, with an approximate size of 400 kilometers squared (154 square miles). This is roughly 10 times the size of Skyrim.

To give you a better idea of the scale difference, consider that the entire continent of Tamriel, where both ESO and Skyrim are set, covers an area of approximately 12,000 kilometers squared (4,600 square miles). In this context, Skyrim’s 37.1 km² (14.3 sq mi) is just a small portion of the larger world.

Walking Across Skyrim: Time and Distance

An interesting aspect of exploring Skyrim is the time it takes to traverse the province on foot. According to an Elder Scrolls lore-based calculation, if you were to walk across the entire province without fast travel or sleep breaks, it would take you approximately several months or more.

This is due to the vast distances between the game’s locations, with even the most minor distances exceeding several kilometers. This factor highlights the significance of traveling and exploring the world of Skyrim, as well as the importance of fast travel in the game.

In Conclusion

Skyrim’s size is a topic of great interest among Elder Scrolls fans, and it has been extensively explored in various aspects of the lore and game design. While not as massive as other worlds in the Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim’s dimensions provide a unique and immersive environment for exploration and adventure.