Understanding the Structure of Time in The Elder Scrolls
The history of The Elder Scrolls universe is divided into distinct eras, each marked by major historical events that reshape the world. The timeline is structured as follows:
- Dawn Era – The mythic age of creation, where time was not yet linear and the gods shaped the world.
- Merethic Era – The rise of early civilizations, dominated by the elves before human empires emerged.
- First Era (1E) – The founding of powerful human dynasties, including the Alessian Empire.
- Second Era (2E) – A period of chaos known as the Interregnum, where no single empire ruled Tamriel.
- Third Era (3E) – The rise and fall of the Septim Empire, a golden age followed by crisis.
- Fourth Era (4E) – The post-Septim era, where The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim takes place.
Where Does Skyrim Fit in the Timeline?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is set in 4E 201, over two centuries after the events of Oblivion. This is a time of great upheaval in Tamriel, characterised by:
- The collapse of the Septim Dynasty and the weakening of the Empire.
- The aftermath of the Great War between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion.
- Rising tensions in Skyrim between Imperial loyalists and the rebellious Stormcloaks.
- The return of the ancient dragon Alduin, heralding a potential apocalyptic event.
As the Dragonborn, the player enters this fractured world at a pivotal moment, where their actions could determine the future of Skyrim and beyond.
Major Elder Scrolls Games in Chronological Order
| Game | In-Game Date | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| The Elder Scrolls Online | 2E 582 | Across Tamriel |
| The Elder Scrolls: Arena | 3E 399 | Empire-wide |
| The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall | 3E 405 | Iliac Bay (Hammerfell/High Rock) |
| The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind | 3E 427 | Vvardenfell |
| The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | 3E 433 | Cyrodiil |
| The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | 4E 201 | Skyrim |
Key Events Between Oblivion and Skyrim
- The Oblivion Crisis (3E 433) – A catastrophic Daedric invasion led by Mehrunes Dagon, ending with the death of the last Septim emperor.
- The End of the Third Era – With no heir to the throne, the Septim Empire collapses, and the Fourth Era begins.
- The Great War (4E 171–175) – The Aldmeri Dominion wages war against the Empire, nearly destroying it before a fragile peace is brokered.
- The White-Gold Concordat (4E 175) – The Empire is forced to ban Talos worship, sparking resentment in Skyrim.
- The Markarth Incident (4E 176) – A rebellion in Skyrim against the Talos ban, leading to further unrest.
- The Stormcloak Rebellion (4E 201) – The civil war in Skyrim erupts just as the Dragonborn arrives.
Skyrim’s Role in the Larger Narrative
Skyrim is more than just a regional conflict—it represents a turning point in Tamriel’s history. Key themes include:
- The Decline of the Empire – The Empire is weakened, and Skyrim’s rebellion could further fracture its control.
- The Return of the Dragons – Alduin’s reappearance suggests a cosmic shift, possibly heralding the end of the Fourth Era.
- The Dragonborn Prophecy – The player’s role as Dragonborn ties into ancient myths and the fate of the world.
- Man vs. Mer Tensions – The conflict between Nords and the Thalmor reflects deeper racial and religious divides.
Unanswered Questions and Future Speculation
- The Next Era? – Will the events of Skyrim lead to the Fifth Era, or will the Fourth Era continue?
- The Fate of the Empire – If the Stormcloaks win, will Skyrim’s independence weaken the Empire further?
- The Next Game’s Setting – The Elder Scrolls VI is expected to take place in Hammerfell or High Rock, but its timeline remains unknown.
Skyrim is set at a crucial moment in The Elder Scrolls timeline—a world recovering from war, torn by rebellion, and facing a mythic threat. As the Dragonborn, players shape events that could redefine Tamriel’s future, making Skyrim not just a regional tale but a pivotal chapter in the saga.
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