What Era is Skyrim In?
Released in 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action-role-playing game set in a fantasy world. The game takes place in the country of Skyrim, a territory located in the province of Tamriel. The time period in which the game is set is crucial for understanding the game’s mechanics, storyline, and immersion. In this article, we will explore the time period in which Skyrim takes place and what it implies for the game.
The Fourth Era
Skirmish takes place during the Fourth Era, which has been marked by significant political upheaval and turmoil throughout Tamriel. The Fourth Era began 4E 201 with the end of the Oblivion Crisis. This era is characterized by chaos and power struggles among various factions vying for dominance.
The Third Era and Oblivion
Before the Fourth Era began, the Third Era lasted from 3E 379 to 3E 433. During this era, significant events took place, such as the Oblivion Crisis, which saw Tamriel invaded by demons and daedra from Oblivion. The eruption of the Oblivions was caused by the weakening of the Bar and the subsequent collapse of the Gates.
The Age of Heroes
The Elder Scrolls Online, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game in the Elder Scrolls series, takes place during the Age of Heroes, which preceded the Third Era. However, Skyrim does not span this era, and neither does the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion or other games in the mainline series.
Chronology of the Elder Scrolls Series
Here is a table summarizing the timelines of the Elder Scrolls games:
| Game | Third Era | Fourth Era | Age of Heroes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daggerfall | 2nd | 1st | |
| Morrowind | 3rd (last part) | 1st | |
| Oblivion | Last part of 3rd | ||
| Skyrim | 2nd part of 4th | ||
| Online | Previous to 3rd (Age of Heroes) |
From this table, it can be seen that the chronological order of the Elder Scrolls games is:
- Age of Heroes (Predates the Third Era and Elder Scrolls Online)
- Third Era (Before Skyrim and Oblivion)
- Fourth Era (After Oblivion and includes Skyrim)
This chronological order is crucial to understanding the world and storytelling of the Elder Scrolls franchise.
Conclusion
Skirmish takes place in the Fourth Era, preceded by the Third Era’s Oblivion Crisis, and predating the Age of Heroes epoch. Understanding the chronology of the Elder Scrolls games helps to appreciate the connections between the games and grasp the world’s lore more fully.