How Many Years is ESO Before Morrowind?
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) and The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind are two beloved games in the Elder Scrolls series, each set in the vast and immersive world of Tamriel. When it comes to their place in the series’ timeline, there is some debate among fans and enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the answers provided by official sources, books, and expert opinions to determine the number of years between ESO and Morrowind.
ESO’s Place in the Timeline
Before we dive into the numbers, it is essential to understand ESO’s place in the timeline. According to official Bethesda sources, ESO takes place approximately 1,000 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. This places ESO during the First Era, which was marked by the wars of the Elder Scrolls, the construction of the Septims’ Empire, and the subsequent decline of the kingdom of Morrowind.
Morrowind’s Place in the Timeline
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, on the other hand, takes place during the Third Era, specifically during the early years of the Third Empire. This was a time of relative peace and stability, but it was also marked by the rise of the Dunmer (Dark Elf) empire in Morrowind and the increasingly complex web of alliances and rivalries between the province’s major powers.
The Time Gap
So, how many years separate ESO and Morrowind? To answer this, we need to calculate the time gap between the two games. Here are the calculations:
- ESO takes place approximately 1,000 years before Skyrim, which in turn takes place around 3E 396 (the "Third Era" dates).
- Morrowind, meanwhile, takes place around 3E 414 (give or take a few years).
Using these dates, we can calculate the time gap between ESO and Morrowind:
Years: 3E 396 (Skyrim) – 1,000 – 3E 414 (Morrowind)
Answer: 814 years
Therefore, according to the official timeline and calculations, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) takes place approximately 814 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
Additional Information and Notes
Here are some additional facts and tidbits to help put this timeline in perspective:
- Battlespire: ESO is set in the early Third Era, roughly 150 years before the events of Battlespire (an action RPG that serves as a precursor to Morrowind). This means that the conflicts and wars that occur during ESO will have an impact on the world in the centuries to come, including the events of Battlespire.
- Kingdom of Morrowind: Morrowind takes place during the early years of the Third Empire, which means that the kingdom of Morrowind is still relatively new and powerful. ESO, on the other hand, takes place during a time when the Septims’ Empire was already declining and the wars of the Elder Scrolls had not yet ended.
- Nordic and Imperial politics: Both ESO and Morrowind are heavily influenced by Nordic and Imperial politics. However, while ESO explores the complex web of alliances and rivalries between the province’s major powers, Morrowind focuses on the rise of the Dunmer empire and its interactions with the Empire and the other provinces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using official Bethesda sources and expert opinions, we can confidently state that The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) takes place approximately 814 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. This calculation highlights the complex and vast world of Tamriel, which spans centuries of conflict, war, and cultural growth.