The meaning of the "Fifth Age" varies dramatically depending on the fantasy world or mythological source. While some tales frame it as a time of decline and strife, others portray it as a new era driven by mortals. In the Dragonlance setting, for example, the Fifth Age is a direct result of the gods' departure, while in RuneScape, it follows humanity's rediscovery of magic. Exploring these distinct interpretations reveals the wide array of events that can unfold during a pivotal fifth age.
The Fifth Age in Dragonlance (Age of Mortals)
In the world of Krynn, the Fifth Age, also known as the Age of Mortals, began after the Chaos War, an event so cataclysmic it caused the gods to depart. This left the world unprotected and vulnerable to a new threat: the Dragon Overlords. These massive, ancient dragons began to take over the continent of Ansalon, consolidating their power and subjugating mortals.
The Fifth Age marked a complete shift in the balance of power on Krynn. With the traditional divine and arcane magic of previous ages gone, mortals had to adapt to survive. New forms of magic emerged, such as Primal Sorcery and Mysticism, which allowed heroes to tap into the world's raw energy and the power of the heart. This was a dark time, but also an era of great heroism, as valiant mortals rose to challenge the new dragon rulers. The setting introduced significant changes, including new kinds of magic, new factions like the Legion of Steel, and the controversial "afflicted kender," who became gloomy and serious due to the overwhelming fear of the dragon overlords.
The Fifth Era in The Elder Scrolls
In the lore of The Elder Scrolls, the Fifth Era is primarily detailed in unlicensed fan works by former Bethesda writer Michael Kirkbride and not explicitly in the games themselves. This era is portrayed as a time of immense, reality-altering change, beginning after the end of the Second Great War and the “Mundus Shift”. The Fifth Era, or Renaissance Age, is defined by the emergence of new technologies, civilizations, and even races.
One of the most drastic events envisioned for this era is the return of the ancient, reality-warping machine god, Numidium. Numidium reportedly wages a war of extinction against the mer (elves) races, erasing the Altmer from existence and altering Tamriel. Escaping factions, such as the Dunmer, flee the planet to the moons of Nirn, beginning a new chapter in their history. These events paint the Fifth Era as a time of both incredible innovation and cosmic horror, with the very nature of existence under threat.
The Fifth Age in RuneScape (Age of Humans)
In the fantasy MMORPG RuneScape, the Fifth Age, also known as the Age of Man, was a period of rapid human advancement and expansion. It began with humanity's rediscovery of Runecrafting at the end of the Fourth Age, allowing humans to harness magic on a larger scale. This led to a significant shift in power dynamics, with humans gaining dominance over much of central Gielinor.
During this age, human empires like Misthalin and Asgarnia flourished, driven by advancements in military, technology, and philosophy. However, the period was not without turmoil. It saw conflicts with other races, the destruction and rebuilding of the Wizards' Tower, and the rise of ambitious individuals. Ultimately, the Fifth Age in RuneScape ended with the assassination of the god Guthix, which broke the long-held divine rules on Gielinor and ushered in the tumultuous Sixth Age.
The Iron Age in Greek Mythology (Fifth Age of Man)
In the ancient Greek poem Works and Days by Hesiod, the fifth and final age of humanity is the Iron Age, representing a period of moral and physical decline. In this age, humans are beset by troubles, sorrow, and toil. Virtue and piety disappear from the world, and humans live selfish and evil lives.
This age is a stark contrast to the preceding golden, silver, bronze, and heroic ages, which represent a gradual degeneration of mankind. Hesiod's Iron Age is a reflection on the hardships of his own time, depicting a world forsaken by the gods. He believed this final, corrupt age would one day be destroyed by Zeus.
Comparison of Fifth Ages Across Lore
| Aspect | Dragonlance (Age of Mortals) | The Elder Scrolls (Fifth Era) | RuneScape (Age of Humans) | Greek Mythology (Iron Age) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Theme | Mortal heroism in a godless world. | Reality-altering chaos and innovation. | Human dominance and rapid expansion. | Decline, hardship, and moral decay. |
| Start Trigger | The departure of the gods following the Chaos War. | The end of the Second Great War and the Mundus Shift. | The rediscovery of Runecrafting magic by humans. | Gradual degeneration of humanity over time. |
| Key Events | Dragon Overlords subjugate Ansalon. New sorcery and mysticism emerge. | The Numidium returns, erasing an elven race and altering reality. | Human empires expand. Conflicts arise with other races. The Wizards' Tower is rebuilt. | Humans are beset by sorrow and war, with gods having left the world. |
| Magic | Old magic is lost; mortals adapt using new forms of magic. | Cosmic magic and advanced tech alter reality. | Runecrafting revitalizes magic for human use, leading to innovation. | Supernatural intervention and divine favor are gone. |
| Tone | Dark and epic, with a sense of desperate heroism. | Fantastical and mind-bending, focusing on cosmic changes. | Progressive and expansive, despite internal and external conflicts. | Pessimistic and bleak, marking the final stage of decay. |
Conclusion
The concept of a "Fifth Age" serves as a potent narrative device in mythology and fantasy, symbolizing a major turning point or paradigm shift in a world's history. From the struggle of mortals against dragons in Dragonlance to the technological and spiritual revolution in RuneScape, each interpretation explores how different civilizations react to the end of one era and the beginning of another. Whether it’s an age of decline, chaos, or new opportunities, the events of the fifth age consistently challenge a world's established order and force its inhabitants to adapt to a new reality.
While the events may differ wildly—from the emergence of a new magical power to the return of a destructive machine god—the core theme remains one of significant, world-shaking change. This recurring trope highlights the constant cycle of growth, decay, and transformation that defines many fictional universes, offering a rich tapestry of stories and possibilities for writers and players alike.
