The History of Thedas (A beginners guide) [Dragon Age Lore]

Hello ladies and gentlemen. This is my first Dragon Age lore video. My intent was to make a quick simple summery of all the important events leading up to Dragon Age: Origins.
I hope you enjoy.
Contact info:
Twitter: / ragnasocks
Email: [e-mail]
Notes:
I left a lot of stuff out, but I chose these events because of their
historical significance or the introduction of concepts that have
bearing on the Dragon Age games (for example the Antivan Crows
segment)
There are some inconsistencies with the Chantry calendar. All the
Ages (except the Ancient Age) are 100 years long from 00 to 99,
The World of Thedas books state that the ages are 99 years long
from 01 to 99, but those same books show events that happened
in 3:00 Towers or 4:00 Black. So I went with the 00 to 99 Age
length, because the entire timeline would collapse if I didn't.
I didn't include blood magic, because I thought it would be a bit
much to explain how magic works in this video, in hindsight I think
that was a mistake, it would take 20 secs tops.
I only mentioned the alliance between Tevinter and the Dwarves
after the war with the elves, but their alliance goes back to -1200
Ancient, but considering the Dwarves didn't take part in that war,
I felt that it wasn't necessary to mention the start of the alliance.
I didn't make mention of the imprisonment of the Old Gods as
we don't know when they were imprisoned. As a result I shouldn't
have said: "freeing and corrupting", and just said: "corrupting".
Before the schism between the Orlesian and Imperial Chantry,
there were already issues going back as far as Tevinters adoption
of the Chant of light, this was just the breaking point.
During the werewolf attacks, Mabari warhounds were popularized
in Ferelden. I should have mentioned this.
In the first Orlesian invasion of Ferelden, Orlais was pushed back
by the Alamarri. I read this was under the Teyrn of Highever, but I
can't find the source anymore, so I'm not sure.
The Nevarran dragon hunters only hunted the dragons to near
extinction, but it was thought that they were extinct, so I said that
they hunted them to extinction, which also allowed me to treat
their return as a twist.
My description of the Qun was a little barebones (it's far more
complicated), but I wanted to introduce the Qunari quick and simple.
I chose to leave out the Grey Warden coup against King Arland
Theirin, because it messed with the flow of the Qunari war story
too much. I made note of it later in the video.
I chose to leave out the Llomerryn Armada during the third
Exalted March, because it wasn't really important to the flow of
the video, this is why the peace treaty is called the Llomerryn
accord.
The Independence of Kirkwall was only included to introduce
Kirkwall, so I didn't include that they gained independence from
Orlais.
I say "it would still take Orlais 20 years to fully conquer Ferelden",
despite the fact that it's clearly 19 years, needless to say I failed
math class.
I said that Maric was "presumed dead" on his voyage to Wycome,
because his body was never found and some other stuff wink
wink nudge nudge
If you find more problems with the video please tell me so I can put them in the notes.
Other lore videos won't have notes this long.

[@thomash8408]

It’s so funny how everyone distrusts the wardens even though they have saved all of thedas about 5 times now.

[@ChemicalFleshCoffin]

Yeaah. Well, the older an order exist, the more it might get mistrusted

[@diogenesincarnate4910]

It's established several times that people only care about the wardens when there's a blight. Without a clear and visible purpose, everyone just sees them as freeloaders. The 5th blight being entirely contained to Ferelden, it makes sense how the rest of Thedas still doesn't care about the wardens. The dwarves, who fight the darkspawn on a daily basis, are the only ones who have always revered the wardens.

[@TGBurgerGaming]

I don't trust anyone that drinks blood for a week and doesn't die.

[@Cellatu]

idk my wardens morality was a bit questionable

[@pewpewplasma3793]

People in power naturally fear other powerful organizations that they can’t control, especially if they are a military force. It’s just the way things are. That was basically the Trespasser DLC for DA:I. And there will always be doubters/opportunists who seek to exploit organizations and/or their reputations for personal gain or simply because they fear them

[@krisstheclutz126]

Now that I've learned how long the previous Blights were, I can understand why the fifth one was seen as a surge of darkspawn and not an actual Blight, especially since, depending on the choices the warden made, the hero that killed the archdemon didn't die.

[@Ragnasocks]

The psychology of the Blights is such an interesting topic. Every time a Blight happens, society kinda denies until it's too late and apart from the Third Blight after the Archdemon is defeated, people assume that the darkspawn are gone and another Blight will never happen again.

[@krisstheclutz126]

@@Ragnasocks Yeah. This is why I commend Cailin for acting so quickly. And who knows, maybe the fact that so many darkspawn were killed in the previous blights is why the fifth blight wasn't very long.

[@JohnSmith-lx7hl]

What I don't understand is, everyone knows the history of the Tevinter old Gods. And how the Archdemons are the corrupted old Gods. So if there were 7 high-priest of the Old Gods of the Tevinter imperium. That would mean there are 7 potential Archdemons, hence 7 potential blights. With 5 blights ended from the deaths of the 5 archdemons. You would think the people of Thedas would be expecting 2 more blights in the future, and that the Grey Wardens need to always be ready for it.

[@thedragon2018]

@@JohnSmith-lx7hl Late reply but we need to consider people like the Architect. If more Darkspawn were to be given sentience then atleast a group would've banded togethor to take control of their fellow darkspawn and then start another blight so in theory their are unlimited amount of blights. Oh yeah and the 5 other Magisters Sidereal.

[@JohnSmith-lx7hl]

@@thedragon2018 I suppose you're right.. I'm kind of expected that if darkspawn were given sentience, they would form a nice productive society give their own land to live in peace and harmony with other races, form culture, and economic stability.

[@allie-nu4ky]

i'm beyond late to watching this, but i just got into dragon age and, as a historian, i am utterly fascinated with the rich history within these games! this video has such a wonderful way of explaining key events in thedas!

[@johnyoung9976]

I just recently heard about this game haven’t played much of it yet still like not even half in the game and I like it so far and I’m loving this lore video so far I love lore and history videos of stuff like this before I mainly watched a lot of elder scrolls lore (especially Skyrim) 😂

[@felipejr.2021]

This is likely the most well made video on Dragon age lore I've ever seen! I hope we'll get more from you. I'm honestly shocked it's got this few likes. I'll share it whomever I can.

[@Ragnasocks]

Sorry, replying a bit late, but thank you so much. I don't think my video is the best, but it's still cool to hear.

[@sirkimestry4524]

The steel age name origin is kinda funny and horrifying at the same time. Impaled by four swords? Let's name an age after that!

[@ODUBlue]

I just started DAO for the very first time, and am talking to every NPC and reading every codex entry. I want to know this world I'm inhabiting. Now here you come with an EXCELLENT, well narrated, and spoiler free intro, just for me. Doesn't get much better than that, my friend.

[@andrewdevlin1576]

Man, each era should be its own game I swear

[@wulf5247]

This was really good, you definately deserve more subs!

[@Ragnasocks]

Thanks.

[@Haszry]

19:28 "But this is where my story ends, and yours begin. From this point forward, the fate of the world, rests in your hand" Dear god i got emotional at that part.... Actually feel like we can do something to change the world.... Even if its only inside a game

[@jasminenguyen8300]

this was even better than any crash course. because english wasn’t my first language, this helped me soooo much with understanding the dragon age lore to fully enjoy the game. amazing!

[@Zaitica.ZaiZai]

I want a nice dragon age series on HBO or Netflix

[@FreakDaMIghet]

zai zai I actually wrote a pilot, but for obvious copy right reasons, I can never submit it.

[@morrisguinn6868]

The lore and concept alone would make an epic series “if done correctly”

[@TazKidNoah]

I would not trust Hollywood to properly produce that liveaction series.... I don't want GoT repeat.... Maybe if Bioware handled the production themselves.

[@iconeartes]

@@FreakDaMIghet ololljikil

[@DimensionFluke]

Nooo please I'm begging you.

[@leonwija3044]

I played dragon age long time ago and a big fan of bioware, but i didnt know the long history of thedas before i watched your video, u did amazing job, thx a lot🙂

[@ashw7372]

You get most of the information from reading all the codexes, which I know takes waaaaaaaaaay too long lol

[@Ghost26872]

I have already played all the games but never had such a concrete understanding of the world and its lore this video was fantastic

[@kieranjameshamilton9773]

That was very concise and well delivered.

[@Ragnasocks]

Thanks so much. It's often difficult to judge that for myself, so it's reassuring to see comments like this. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@chrissyce5613]

Nice job, Dragon Age lore is a definite rabbit hole. There is so much we want to know and tin foil theories out there. Good luck!

[@LukeYoungBass]

....has anyone ever told you that you sound exactly like "Farengar" from Skyrim?

[@Ragnasocks]

Can't say I've heard that before, but we may discuss this further after you retrieve the Dragonstone from Bleak Falls Barrow.

[@LukeYoungBass]

@@Ragnasocks Hahaha well played! The voice just makes it sound more authentic and steeped in Fantasy. Great production value on the video. Really enjoyed!

[@brintabokka1393]

Oh my god, this is so true!!!

[@dereckrock5970]

Wow that so true

[@MHP420]

This is the most comprehensive lore video I have found on the lore of the Dragon Age games, thank you so much for all your hard work!

[@jacobwright5064]

I friggin love the dragon age lore, the amount of time, love, blood, sweat, tears, and dedication has led for this series to be one of the best if not the best games/stories/lore of all time!!! Much thanks for such a detailed video over the lore of dragon age!!

[@somebodyoncetoldme4428]

Dragon age is such an extremely underrated game series. Ive loved it since the beginning.

[@BookOwl60]

Inquisition is the GOTY 2014.

[@yungpork5177]

Now I know very little of dragon age. But I was hooked with this. Awesome work dude, keep it up!

[@Ragnasocks]

Thanks man, I know it sounds like a cliche, but seeing this put a huge smile on my face.

[@yungpork5177]

Glad to hear it man. You should be happy with yourself, quality videos coming our way for sure!

[@materla4102]

This was very nicely and clearly done. I always had problems on when the Andraste part took place and such but now I understand everything. Thank you. This video definately deserves more likes.

[@warmagicks]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video! I just got into dragon age and was extremely confused at the world lore; this tied it all together quite nicely. Hope to see more from you!

[@giavannamariano4231]

This is positively delightful, thank you so much!! I love reading the codex entries in the game, but I've only formed a scattered and very swiss cheese-y perception of the lore through those. This was incredible, and so well done. Thank you!!

[@AntiSociableWallflower]

This is awesome. I jumped into Inquisition not having played any of the prior games. So basically, humans ruin everything and all of this was their fault. That makes the party banter between Varric and Solas much funnier.

[@RedWolfenstein]

more propaganda they seem to put in this game

[@A-Rather-Dubious-Character]

It's an old video but thanks for making this! I've always wanted to know more about the world of DA but the issues of not finding the right videos and only just now finding a larger interest after completing one of the games halted that sort of progress until now. Really appreciate how quick yet efficient it is.

[@traelavero4954]

This was a well-explained, concise, articulate video full of intriguing information for dragon age lore enthusiasts and general fans alike. Well-done!

[@NeoEvincar]

This video is perfect for my RPG group, they have never played Dragon Age, and I'm running basically Origins for the campaign. I hope ya come back and do more lore videos, even if they are just like 5 minute things about random stuff, like the Chantry. The Dalish Elves, Golems, Surface Dwarves, etc.

[@SahyuSoley]

it was very nice to see/hear all the history in one summery. thanks so much for the video!

[@zulefandom8170]

I love the early dialogue between Bull and Dorian. Dorian asks Bull about the war between their countries. Bull asks if Dorian thought That was really War, and Dorian agrees that it's little more that a 200yr old eye-watering slap fight lmao

[@raizan1]

Hey not sure why you stopped making videos but this is one of best lore videos I have ever come across thanks again really got me excited to continue my dragon age origins play through

[@raizan1]

Btw if you are stumped for Ideas I would love a Diablo , Pillers of eternity , Divinity Original Sin , Wasteland spoiler free lore video in the same format

[@taylorgarvey6351]

What a great video, I just started Inquisition and didn’t play the last games and this helps so much. Thanks !

[@androsh9039]

Excelent video! I'm going to run a Dragon Age rpg to my group, this is a good summary for me to know.

[@Ragnasocks]

That's awesome, hope the Campaign goes well.

[@svessie57]

Wow. Thank you so much for doing this video. Nice momentum, well done shifting from one image to another. Its truely visible how much work was going into this. Very cool! Thanks.

[@TwilightBizarre]

This has to be one of my favorite videos on youtube now. I hope you one day do these for Origins, 2 and Inquisition. I assume it would be a bit hard because of all the options but maybe a super vague version for some events?

[@juju-ul8uu]

I got the chills after seeing the holy trio of hero's when you said it's up to you

[@definitelynotalizard]

This is an incredibly well produced and informative video!

[@carljohnsson7593]

Even though I dont really care for the games after origins I am still trying to keep up with the lore. This will be an interesting series. I want to hear more about the dwarves and Blights.

[@Ragnasocks]

Thanks, the next video is on Oghren, so that's some dwarf stuff and I definitely intend to cover the blights sooner rather than later.

[@wolves600]

@@Ragnasocks what about Elves

[@stephen8805]

The Elder Scrolls and Dragon Age are fantastic medieval fantasy universes. They deserve their place among LOTR and the Witcher.

[@dblundz]

DA lore is simply amazing. Jumped on DA back in 2018, bought all three games. Just beat DA 2 on nightmare, read all the book, ao glad i gave the games a try

[@adamcheeseburger1369]

Wow. I know you don't want to do spoilers. But I would be very interested to see if you do lore on the rest of the dragon age, whichever route you keen to take. But this is cool.

[@williamwatson4354]

Its videos like this that remind me how much I love Dragon Age. You get a thumbs up and a subscribe. Good work.

[@TheTrueRandomGamer]

I'm just as impressed with the video as I am all this history.

[@ZyrusSmith]

Very excited for those further videos that will expand on the lore. Still waiting.

[@matthewsuarez1665]

What an amazing video. I've been playing origins since the beginning and I just loved this video

[@user-rt7wj5qb6n]

The amount of lore and love that was put into this game by bioware is amazing

[@Ninja40K]

Masterpiece.

[@christianmatthew]

Really well done video. I was lucky to come across it after reinstalling the 3rd game and playing through it again.

[@joeyxl3456]

This is just great.

[@baurjonas8002]

You did really good with the Illustration!!! Im looking Forward to other Videos of yours!!!!

[@pieterjanblomme]

I'm so sad you haven't posted more! You deserve so much more subs!

[@Ace-08]

Amazing presentation & storytelling! 👏 You have gained a new subscriber! 😁

[@Frosth15]

Bought all three dragon age games this steam sale, gotta say I love the lore.

[@Minister_Mix]

Fun fact, the world of Dragon Age was never intended to have a name. "Thedas" sort of accidentally became the de facto name, as it's an acronym for THE Dragon Age Setting.

[@Rio-gf3ez]

this was an amazing lore episode.

[@bindair_dundat]

"Did you hear the news?" "What news?" "They restarted the timeline again. Now it's the Storm Age." "What? Not again! It's the third time this decade! How am I gonna keep track of my kids' age?"

[@TirisfalShadow]

This is so well made! Thank you for the info

[@brintabokka1393]

What a fantastic video, seriously. Really, really enjoyed it

[@XPure_LagX]

i liked the little quotes you did from the games

[@PECHLIEBEN]

AWESOME VIDEO!!!!

[@itcouldbelupus2842]

This is extremely well made and well told

[@captaincosmos813]

Aspects of the different countrys and cultures to their real counterpart. Correct me if I'm wrong. Ferelden - Britannia Orlais - France Tevinter - Isreal Antiva - Italy Nevarra - Spain Rivain - Portugal High Marches - Germany but in splitted principalities Seheron - Caribic area (Cuba etc) Anderfels - Netherlands Par Vollen - Arabic countrys

[@ПредрагСоколов]

Ty for this bro, don't give up on these.

[@timmythecat13]

First of all, thank you for this. I have finished DAI and i felt like smth was missing. I just started the DAO recently and still kinda missing the stories, who is this loghain guy who is this maric. Now everything make a lot more sense. I got mind blown by how deep this series is. The story behind the game is just amazing.

[@ОлегПолканов-д1н]

Wow, this video is cool! I’m pleased watching it!

[@christleybarton6561]

I LOVED THIS

[@Ragnasocks]

I'm running out of unique ways to say "thank you", but for real, thank you so much. Every time I see someone enjoying something I made, it puts this big ol' smile on my face.

[@knightgabriel1311]

Elves: exist Tevinter Imperium: *and I took that personally*

[@redwolf4123]

Where did you go? Don't give up!

[@pktlogic]

freaking awesome!!! wish you listed references though. Well done!!

[@katelynnhueston7825]

I honestly am a big fan of the Dragon age series and I can't wait for a new age to come. Maybe the new age would follow the Inquisitions main song and be the Dawn Age. I'm so excited since I've played the entire series and I sincerely hope that whoever i had to leave in the fade is alive and I can save them in the next game!

[@iwinters]

Super cool video, man. Thank you.

[@Ragnasocks]

No, Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@-Scotticus-]

this is INCREDIBLE. Great job!!

[@dragonstar2011]

You find out how Thedas was made in Inquisition. it was created when the Vale was made. First was the fade, witch the Elf's ancestors lived in. There was some fighting between the Elven gods, and the vale was made(it's not the whole story, and good be gone into more detail, I just don't remember it). It's the hole point of the game, because Solis wants to destroy the vale bringing things back to the way they once were.

[@Ragnasocks]

Thanks for the comment, I'm aware of the reveals in Trespasser, but as I said at the beginning of the video, this is meant as a spoiler free introduction for new players (even if most people who'll watch it have played Dragon Age before) and so I didn't include this info. It's definitely good to call out mistakes and inaccuracies in videos, this time it just happened to be intentional. have a nice day!

[@anishkasharan9952]

This is such a nicely done video and i loved it.

[@Afeeq1011]

now wonder the Hero of Ferelden is deemed legendary. HoF single-handedly end the 5th blight in a year or two(?) after nearly extinct on Ferelden side.

[@t.t6294]

Great Video. I wish you made more

[@MyLife4Hayley]

What a great video! Congrats m8, keep it up! Your earned my sub.

[@jackvai2681]

Jack Vai Jack Vai 1 second ago All I can say is this: When I die...I want the DragonAgeOrigins theme played at my corporeal disposition ceremony... Thence will I ascend unto Thedas and an eternity of rapturous adventure. This world has touched me as few things in my life have touched me.

[@zombiefriend]

I swear I always learn about cool videos from dead channels...

[@joserocha7850]

Thanks for the video, very informative

[@Medik_0001]

What an awesome video. Well done!!!

[@me3rafael]

This was amazing

[@kuriousk927]

"Pride comes before the fall" - I see what you did there

[@adriandelatorreebro9555]

Great video.

[@viniciusleaoa]

Wow, that was awesome!! But where did you get this from?? Was this all created for the Dragon Age game? Is all this history told in the game's codex??

[@MegaLotusEater]

There's more than one Dragon Age game.

[@natsuyeagar3174]

Really very nice. I have benefited a lot 👏👏👏

[@toomanylives258]

Well done!

[@Pyroclasm1338]

Very excellent video, thank you!

[@deangeloellis729]

I feel Bad for everybody in Thedas with Solas running around.

[@DJdeliverance]

Never played baldurs gate but they mention the chantry and the other things like wardens im like wtf this's bad ass makes me wanna play n more interested to get into this world to see how I actually founded all that stuff in dragon age

[@johannfranzreyes4813]

So much history

[@Jombi-d3g]

Correct me if i am wrong but wasn't it mentioned multiple times that people don't actually know why darkspawn exist, and the story about the corrupt mages becoming darkspawn was just a story told by the imperium without any evidence?

[@edwardjam9832]

Very well done.

[@Aemond2028]

Awesome video, thanks

[@greed3587]

Oi bro I’m supper late but I played the original back in 2009 and now I’m going through all of the games back again in prep for dao4 supper excited about it. Which there where more of this vids up to inquisition

[@Meffistoereacts]

Proud of you boy . gg

[@Ragnasocks]

Thanks so much man, it took a while for me to get started, but now we're in full on work mode. you were the first to show interest back then and that's was awesome.

[@Meffistoereacts]

@@Ragnasocks i've been waiting for 2 years. lay it on me mate.

[@Ragnasocks]

My plan is getting a lore video out every 2 weeks and make some fun stuff for in between, I have some ideas. thanks again man.

[@shahn0or]

amazing

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

This was a great video. I added you but then unadded you because i see the video is 3 years old and you haven't dropped any more videos

[@qarcon3247]

I love how the dwarves just chilln underground not having to deal with any of this stupid shit

[@mbgocrazy]

Yo!! Thanks for your help understanding the lore

[@henkwilliemadriannusvander1955]

Thank you for this.