Understanding the Elder Scrolls Timeline: How Many Years Before Skyrim Does ESO Take Place?
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is an MMORPG set in the vast continent of Tamriel, filled with rich lore and complex characters. One of the most frequently asked questions is: how many years before Skyrim does ESO take place? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Tamriel, exploring the timeline, events, and locations of ESO and Skyrim. Let’s get started!
The Chronology of Tamriel: ESO and Skyrim Timeline
The Elder Scrolls saga is divided into three distinct eras: the first, second, and third eras. ESO takes place at the very end of the Second Era (2E), precisely in 2E 582. This is evident in the game’s Lorebooks, which provide invaluable insights into the world and its history.
Here’s a brief summary:
- First Era (1E): 1E 1000 – 1E 2920 (1,920 years)
- The First Era spanned from the creation of Tamriel to the Elder Scrolls’ destruction.
- This era saw the rise and fall of mighty civilizations, including the Dragon Princes and the Camoran Dynasty.
- Second Era (2E): 2E 582 – 3E 397 (5,115 years)
- The Second Era marks the time of the wars and conflicts that shaped the Elder Scrolls Online world.
- Key events included the War of the World-Door, the Breathing Silence, and the eventual collapse of the Torn Banner Empire.
- ESO takes place during the tail end of the Second Era, shortly before the events of Skyrim.
So, How Many Years Before Skyrim Does ESO Take Place?
Conveniently, the Second Era’s timeline is outlined in the ESO book "The Elder Scrolls Online: The Story Begins". According to the book, the era concluded around 2E 896, marking a period of relative peace for the continent.
Calculate the gap:
Skyrim takes place during the Third Era, approximately 3E 427. To find out how many years before Skyrim ESO took place, we need to subtract the end of ESO’s Second Era from Skyrim‘s Third Era:
- Difference between end of ESO’s Second Era and start of Skyrim’s Third Era: 2E 896 – 1E 427 = 3,469 years
- Add the era duration: 3E 427 – 3E 397 = 30 years
ESO takes place approximately 3,499 years before Skyrim. The games are separated by three millennia, with ESO set in the twilight years of the Second Era, while Skyrim** is set in the nascent years of the Third Era.
Key Highlights
Here’s a summary of the key points:
Timeline Review
- ESO is set in the Second Era (2E 582) at the end of the era.
- Skyrim takes place in the Third Era (3E 427) at the start of the era.
- ESO takes place 3,499 years before Skyrim, creating a vast gap between the games’ timelines.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the chronological context of ESO and Skyrim illuminates the rich history and depth of the Elder Scrolls world. The games serve as bookends to each other, showcasing the complexity and evolution of Tamriel through millennia of struggles and strife.
In conclusion, to answer the question: How many years before Skyrim does ESO take place?
- ESO: 2E 582 (end of the Second Era)
- Skyrim: 3E 427 (start of the Third Era)
- Gap: 3,499 years
Next time you explore the realm of Tamriel, consider the epic journey that brings ESO and Skyrim together, painting a vivid picture of this immersive world.