How many years did Oblivion take place before Skyrim?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a high-fantasy open-world role-playing game, takes place in the vast continent of Tamriel. However, have you ever wondered how many years elapsed between the events of Oblivion and Skyrim? The answer is crucial to understanding the vast timeline of the Elder Scrolls universe. In this article, we will delve into the years between Oblivion and Skyrim, exploring the historical context, significant events, and character connections that make the Elder Scrolls universe so captivating.
The Years between Oblivion and Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion took place during the Third Era (3E), a time of great turmoil in Tamriel. The events of Oblivion unfolded in 3E 433, as the Hero of Kvatch embarked on a perilous journey to save the world from demonic invasion and close the gates of Oblivion.
In contrast, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim takes place during the Fourth Era (4E), more than 200 years after the events of Oblivion. This vast timeline jump allows for the development of new characters, stories, and cultures, while maintaining connections to the original Elder Scrolls trilogy.
A Brief Timeline
To better understand the chronology of the Elder Scrolls universe, here is a brief timeline:
- The Elder Scrolls I: Arena (1E 1-10) – The first Elder Scrolls game takes place in the early years of the Elder Scrolls universe.
- The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall (2E 582-867) – The events of Daggerfall unfold several hundred years after Arena, setting the stage for the third game in the series.
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (3E 367-397) – Morrowind takes place about 150 years before the events of Oblivion, showcasing the tumultuous politics and demonic threats that plague Tamriel.
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (3E 433) – The events of Oblivion mark a significant turning point in the Elder Scrolls timeline, as the Hero of Kvatch saves Tamriel from the Oblivion gates.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (4E 201-228) – More than 200 years after Oblivion, the events of Skyrim take place in a new era of Tamriel’s history.
The Stormcloaks and the Civil War
In Skyrim, the game’s protagonist is caught up in the midst of the Stormcloak Rebellion, a separatist movement led by Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak seeking to secede from the Empire and establish an independent Skyrim. The protagonist must navigate this conflict, which is heavily influenced by the events of Oblivion.
The Civil War questline, available through the game’s DLC, delves deeper into the Stormcloaks’ motivations and goals, shedding light on the years between Oblivion and Skyrim. By playing through this questline, players can gain a deeper understanding of the world of Skyrim and its connection to the larger Elder Scrolls universe.
Conclusion
The years between Oblivion and Skyrim are significant in the Elder Scrolls universe, as they mark a transition from the tumultuous Third Era to the more stable Fourth Era. The 200-year gap allows for new stories, characters, and settings to emerge, while maintaining connections to the original trilogy. Understanding the timeline of the Elder Scrolls universe enriches the experience of playing these iconic games, revealing the rich history and depth of the world of Tamriel.