The continent of Tamriel is a fantasy world rich in lore, culture, and conflict. At the heart of this land lies its most powerful ruling faction, The Empire. From the province of Cyrodiil, they oversaw many of the continent’s greatest crises and wars. In the modern day, however, their influence has waned.
Sitting at the heart of Tamriel, the Empire’s thousand-year history is one of the most important stories of the entire franchise in understanding why the world is the way it is. Here is a breakdown of the Empire at the center of The Elder Scrolls franchise.
Their Culture
In most works of fiction, empires are usually associated with being evil, an idea especially codified by the Star Wars franchise. However, the Empire from this franchise is far more nuanced in its portrayal. The Cyrodiilic Empire ruled fairly over the nine provinces of Tamriel during the Septim Dynasty, while their homeland was shown to be egalitarian.
As with most of Tamriel’s cultures, they reject the worship of the dubious Daedra and worship the more benevolent Aedra. The Imperial insignia, the diamond-shaped dragon that serves as the series’ symbol, derives from the dragon god of time, Akatosh, who helped found the nation.
Several other factions hold power within the Empire. These include the Blades, the Emperor’s Guard, and the Cult of the Ancestor Moth, dedicated to deciphering the Elder Scrolls. The Fighter’s and Mage’s Guilds manage the government’s mercenaries and magical endeavors.
The History of The Empire
Long ago, the humans of Cyrodiil lived under the oppressive Aelyid Elves, who ruled with Daedric magic from Oblivion. However, the slave Alessia was granted the Amulet of Kings by Akatosh of the Aedra, which sealed the jaws of Oblivion. Soon, humans overthrew their oppressors, and the early empire rose.
Originally, the Empire was confined to Cyrodiil. However, the rising Emperor Tiber Septim embarked on a quest to unify Tamriel. Starting with Skyrim and High Rock, he would later form alliances with Hammerfell and Morrowind. He could only conquer the Summerset Isles of the Altmer using the ancient Dwemer Mecha, Numidium while working alongside the Dunmer. The Septim Dynasty ruled fairly for three centuries, and the Tiber was deified as Talos.
The Empire would face its downfall in the aftermath of the Oblivion Crisis from the eponymous game. With the Septim Dynasty cut short, their grip over the continent waned. Morrowind and Blackmarsh would break off, and the Aldmeris Dominion waged war against them. By the end of the war, the White-Gold Concordat was signed by Emperor Titus Mede II, banning Talos’ worship.
Their Role Through The Series
The Empire was present during all of the major games. In the first game, Arena, the mage Jagar Tharn used the Staff of Chaos to seal away the Emperor and throw the realm into chaos. In Daggerfall and Morrowind, the Emperor then oversaw the protagonists of both games’ quests.
As with other main provinces during games, The Empire saw its largest role during the fourth game, Oblivion, set in Cyrodiil. With Emperor Uriel Septim VII and his lineage killed, the Hero of Kvatch must fight alongside his bastard, Martin Septim, to stop the Daedra Mehrunes Dagon. However, he sacrifices himself, the amulet, and the dynasty to seal him off.
Skyrim’s Civil War
Finally, when most gamers think of the Empire from the franchise, they think of the infamous “Civil War” that divides the continent. Two hundred years after Oblivion, the nation waned in power. As a result, Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak used the Voice to kill High King Torygg out of frustration with Skyrim’s subservience.
As a result, Skyrim split into two factions: the Stormcloaks, fighting for Skyrim’s independence, and the Imperials, fighting for its reunification. Players can choose which side to fight for as a major subplot. Given the Stormcloaks’ xenophobia and the Empire’s dogma, fans continue to debate which side was right to this day.
Conclusion
Henceforth, the Elder Scrolls’ Empire is one of the more intriguing takes on a usually villainous trope. While they were once guardians of the continent, their influence waned, and they eventually became subject to the same conquest they used. Furthermore, its very existence in the modern day has been questioned. A future game has many paths to explore for them, such as their resurgence or eventual collapse.
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