The History of Tamriel: Understanding the Foundation of The Elder Scrolls

12 February 2025

If you're a fan of The Elder Scrolls (TES), you already know the franchise offers one of the richest and most detailed fantasy worlds in gaming history. But let's be honest—it can be a little overwhelming. Between the daedra, dwemer, and everything in between, figuring out the history of Tamriel might feel like trying to untangle a dragon's nest of lore. Don’t worry, though. Grab a sweetroll, sit back, and let’s dive into the fascinating history of Tamriel in a way that actually makes sense.

Whether you’ve spent hours slaying mudcrabs in Morrowind or still can’t stop humming the “Dragonborn” theme from Skyrim, understanding the foundation of Tamriel not only deepens your appreciation for the games but adds an extra layer of magic to every adventure. So, fasten your metaphorical armor—you’re in for a journey that’s less about grinding XP and more about unlocking the mysteries of a world that’s been captivating gamers for decades.

Tamriel: A World Steeped in Myth and Legend

Let’s start with the basics. Tamriel is the central continent in the world of Nirn, which is the principal setting for The Elder Scrolls series. Think of it as the beating heart of a grand fantasy universe. In many ways, Tamriel feels like a patchwork quilt, made up of distinct regions, cultures, and histories that weave together into something greater.

The name Tamriel means "Dawn's Beauty" in Aldmeris, the language of the ancient elves. From its snow-capped peaks to dense jungles and sprawling deserts, each province of Tamriel is like its own character, filled with unique traits, personalities, and backstories—kind of like your go-to Skyrim companion (hey, Lydia).

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty details, imagine Tamriel as the stage where gods, mortals, and everything in between have played out epic dramas for millennia. Understanding its history is like peeling back the layers of an onion—it’s complex, sometimes brings tears to your eyes, but oh-so worth it.

The Creation of Nirn: Where It All Began

To understand Tamriel, you first need to wrap your head around how Nirn came to be. According to Elder Scrolls mythology, the world was created by a god-like entity known as Lorkhan (sometimes spelled Lorkhaj, depending on whom you ask). Lorkhan convinced—or maybe tricked—the other gods, called Aedra, into creating the mortal plane.

Sounds simple, right? Not exactly. The creation of Nirn came at a hefty cost. Many Aedra sacrificed their power to bring this world to life, leaving them weakened while others dipped out entirely. Think of it like a group project, but half the team got stuck doing all the work while everyone else bailed. This event forms the basis of The Elder Scrolls cosmology and sets the tone for the eternal conflict between mortals, gods, and everything that lies beyond.

The result? A world that’s as flawed as it is beautiful—a place where mortals struggle to navigate the whims of divine beings while carving their own destinies. Sound familiar? That’s because this grand mythological foundation mirrors the struggles of the player in every Elder Scrolls game.

The Ages of Tamriel: From Myth to Present

Like any good fantasy setting, Tamriel’s history is divided into eras, each shaping the world in profound ways. Don’t worry, I’m not going to hit you with an encyclopedia’s worth of dates and names. Instead, let’s break it down into bite-sized chunks.

The Dawn Era

This is the age before time as we know it—a kind of mythic prequel where the gods shaped the world. Mortals didn’t exist yet, and reality was still being hammered into shape. Think of this era as the “making-of” montage for Nirn. It’s also when the Aedra and Daedra (two types of divine beings) split into opposing factions. The Aedra are like well-meaning but fallible architects, while the Daedra are more like cosmic freelancers doing their own chaotic thing.

The Merethic Era

Ah, the Merethic Era. This is when the elves, or Mer, came into their own and began spreading across Tamriel. The Aldmer, the ancient ancestors of modern elves, were the dominant culture during this time. They established elaborate societies, built awe-inspiring cities, and pretty much made everyone else look like rookies. If you’ve wandered through the ruins of Dwemer Strongholds or Ayleid cities in the games, you’ve seen the echoes of this era firsthand.

Humans, on the other hand? They were still figuring things out, slowly migrating to Tamriel from their ancestral homeland of Atmora. Little did the elves know, these scrappy newcomers would eventually become a major power.

The First Era

The First Era marks the rise of human dominance in Tamriel. It’s a classic tale of underdogs rising to power. One of the key turning points was the establishment of the Alessian Empire, led by Saint Alessia (a human slave who overthrew her Ayleid oppressors). Her empire united much of Tamriel and set the stage for future human-led civilizations.

But let’s not forget the other movers and shakers of this era. The Dwemer (dwarves in TES lore) and the Chimer (ancestors of the Dunmer, or Dark Elves) were busy building their own legacies during this time. The Dwemer’s disappearance is one of the greatest mysteries in TES lore—it’s like the fantasy version of an unsolved true-crime podcast.

The Second Era

Often referred to as the “Era of Chaos,” the Second Era was a time of political instability and constant power struggles. This is when the events of The Elder Scrolls Online take place, so if you’ve played that game, you already have some context here.

The chaos of the Second Era eventually led to the rise of Tiber Septim, a charismatic warlord who united Tamriel under the Third Empire. Fun fact: Tiber Septim is basically the George Washington of Tamriel, minus the wooden teeth but plus the ability to shout enemies off cliffs with dragon magic. Casual.

The Third Era

The Third Era is the golden age of the Septim Dynasty—and the setting for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and many of the series’ most iconic stories. This is an era marked by both triumph and tragedy, from the heroics of the Nerevarine in Vvardenfell to the Oblivion Crisis that threatened to tear the world apart.

The Fourth Era

Finally, we have the Fourth Era, which begins after the collapse of the Septim Dynasty. Yep, things get messy fast. Political factions, ancient dragons, and civil war—it’s all here. This is where The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim picks up, giving you, the player, a chance to shape the future of Tamriel in a time of uncertainty.

Why the History of Tamriel Matters

By now, you might be thinking, “Okay, cool history lesson, but why does this matter to me as a player?” Great question. Understanding Tamriel’s history is like knowing the backstory to your favorite book or movie—it adds depth and context to everything you do in the game.

When you’re wandering through the crumbling ruins of a Dwemer city, knowing their tragic fate makes it all the more haunting. When you’re deciding whether to side with the Stormcloaks or the Empire in Skyrim, the history of the Septim Dynasty might influence your choice. Tamriel’s history isn’t just background fluff—it’s the foundation of the world you’re exploring.

Final Thoughts: There’s Always More to Learn

Here’s the thing: The history of Tamriel is vast. We’ve barely scratched the surface here. What makes TES so special is that there’s always more to discover. Every book you find in-game, every NPC you talk to, and every ruin you explore reveals another piece of the puzzle.

So next time you boot up Skyrim or ESO, take a moment to appreciate the stories that have shaped this incredible world. Tamriel isn’t just a setting—it’s a living, breathing tapestry of lore that you get to be a part of.

And hey, if you’re still feeling lost amidst all the Aldmeri Dominion and Redguards versus Bretons talk, don’t stress. Remember, even the most seasoned Elder Scrolls fans started somewhere. You’ve got this.