History of Tamriel & Nirn
The world of Morrowind is set on the continent of Tamriel, one of the many lands within the planet Nirn. Tamriel's history is a complex tapestry woven with the rise and fall of empires, the machinations of gods and Daedra, and the enduring struggles of its diverse mortal races. Understanding this deep lore provides context for the political tensions, cultural conflicts, and ancient prophecies that shape the events of Morrowind.
Nirn is the mortal plane, a world shaped by the Aedra and Daedra, the divine beings who participated in its creation. The history of Nirn is marked by several distinct Eras, each defined by sificant events and shifts in power:
- Dawn Era: The mythical beginning, when the Ehlnofey (ancestors of mortals) walked the world and the gods shaped reality. Little is known for certain about this time.
- Merethic Era: The era of Elven dominance, when the Aldmer arrived in Tamriel and established their civilizations. This era saw the rise of the early Elven kingdoms and the first conflicts with the emerging human races.
- First Era: A period of sificant expansion for human races, particularly the Nords and the Cyrodiils. The Alessian Empire rose to prominence, and the first major conflicts between humans and elves occurred. The Dragonborn Emperors began their re.
- Second Era: Marked by the Interregnum, a period of political instability and fragmentation following the fall of the Second Empire. This era saw the rise of the Three Banners War and the formation of the various alliances that would eventually lead to the Third Empire.
- Third Era: The era in which Morrowind's predecessor games, Arena and Daggerfall, are set. The Third Empire, founded by Tiber Septim, unified Tamriel. This era saw the rise of the Septim Dynasty and sificant events like the Oblivion Crisis.
- Fourth Era: The current era in which The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is set. The Third Empire collapsed, leading to a new era of political upheaval and the rise of new powers.
The history of Tamriel is not merely a backdrop but an active force influencing the present. Ancient prophecies, lingering resentments between races, and the echoes of past conflicts all play a role in the political landscape and the unfolding events in Morrowind. The presence of the Tribunal, the Dunmer gods, and the lingering influence of the Daedric Princes are direct results of this long and often violent history.