The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

The Oblivion Crisis Explained — The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Walkthrough

Understand the Oblivion Crisis: Mehrunes Dagon's invasion, Oblivion Gates, Sigil Stones, and the player's role in saving Tamriel.

The Oblivion Crisis Explained

The Oblivion Crisis is the central conflict of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, a cataclysmic event that threatens the very existence of Tamriel. It begins with the assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII and the subsequent opening of Oblivion Gates across the land. These gates spew forth demonic creatures and allow the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon to invade. The player, as the heir to the Septim throne, must rally the forces of Tamriel and close these gates to prevent total destruction.

The crisis is a direct result of the Emperor's assassination and the subsequent power vacuum. Without a legitimate heir to ascend the throne, the barriers between Mundus (the mortal realm) and Oblivion (the Daedric realms) weaken. Mehrunes Dagon seizes this opportunity to launch his invasion, aiming to conquer Tamriel and reshape it in his own destructive image. The Daedric invasion is characterized by the appearance of Oblivion Gates, towering structures that act as portals to the Daedric plane of Oblivion. Through these gates pour hordes of Daedra, including Mehrunes Dagon's most fearsome servants.

The player's primary objective throughout the main quest is to close these Oblivion Gates. This is achieved by venturing into the dangerous planes of Oblivion, battling Daedra, and destroying the Sigil Stones that power the gates. As You progresses, they will uncover the true extent of Dagon's plan and the prophecy surrounding the Emperor's heir. The fate of Tamriel rests on the player's ability to unite the disparate factions, reclaim the Amulet of Kings, and ultimately confront Mehrunes Dagon himself.

Key elements of the Oblivion Crisis include:

  • Oblivion Gates: Portals to the Daedric realm, spewing forth monsters and allowing for invasion.
  • Daedra: The demonic inhabitants of Oblivion, serving Mehrunes Dagon.
  • Sigil Stones: Powerful artifacts that power Oblivion Gates; destroying them closes the gates.
  • Mehrunes Dagon: The Daedric Prince of Destruction, the primary antagonist.
  • The Emperor's Heir: You character, prophesied to be the one to end the crisis.
  • Amulet of Kings: A sacred artifact crucial for maintaining the barrier between Mundus and Oblivion.

Successfully closing the Oblivion Gates and defeating Mehrunes Dagon is essential to saving the province of Cyrodiil and the entire continent of Tamriel from annihilation.