Chronological Chronicles- Deciphering the Intriguing Order of The Elder Scrolls- Skyrim and Oblivion

Is Skyrim Before or After Oblivion? The Intriguing Timeline Debate

The debate over whether The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim takes place before or after The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion has been a hot topic among fans for years. While the games are part of the same expansive universe, the timeline remains a mystery. In this article, we will explore the evidence and theories that support both sides of the argument.

Arguments for Skyrim Being Before Oblivion

Proponents of the theory that Skyrim occurs before Oblivion often point to the in-game lore and timeline. One of the main pieces of evidence is the presence of the Daedric Prince, Sheogorath, in Skyrim. In Oblivion, Sheogorath is the protagonist and is known to have lived for thousands of years. However, in Skyrim, he is depicted as a much younger and more vulnerable entity. This suggests that the events of Skyrim take place before Sheogorath’s ascension to power in Oblivion.

Another piece of evidence is the state of the world in Skyrim. The game is set in the land of Skyrim, which is suffering from a great drought and a series of mysterious disappearances. This setting is reminiscent of the灾厄（calamity）that befell the world in Oblivion, leading to the events of that game. If Skyrim is set before Oblivion, it would make sense that the world is in a state of decline, setting the stage for the灾厄（calamity）that unfolds in the latter game.

Arguments for Skyrim Being After Oblivion

On the other hand, there are those who believe that Skyrim takes place after Oblivion. One of the strongest arguments in favor of this theory is the presence of the Daedric Prince, Molag Bal, in Skyrim. In Oblivion, Molag Bal is the main antagonist and is responsible for the灾厄（calamity）that threatens the world. In Skyrim, Molag Bal is still a significant threat, but he is no longer the primary antagonist. This suggests that the events of Oblivion have already occurred, and the world is now dealing with the aftermath.

Additionally, the character of Martin Septim, who is the last known Dragonborn in Oblivion, appears in Skyrim as a ghost. This implies that the events of Oblivion have had a lasting impact on the world, and the characters and places mentioned in Oblivion are still relevant in Skyrim.

Conclusion

The debate over whether Skyrim is before or after Oblivion is a complex one, with compelling arguments on both sides. While the evidence is not conclusive, fans of the series will likely continue to debate the timeline for years to come. Whether you believe Skyrim is set before or after Oblivion, one thing is certain: both games offer rich, immersive experiences that have captivated players around the world.