An Attempt at Discerning the League of Legends Timeline

Hey guys, this is gonna be long, and wordy, and will cover tonnes of stuff, but essentially it's my take on what the timeline looks like for the history of the League of Legends universe. I was inspired thanks to GreenLore in a thread the other day talking about the Harrowing map from last year, and so this talks about that and more! As a disclaimer, this involves a lot of conjecture and theorizing, so if you think I'm wrong or anything, I probably am! This is me interpreting the info we have right now after all, and I encourage you to tell me how wrong and bad I am and then explain what's actually the real deal with stuff! Anyway, without further delay, let's get on with things!

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Prehistory

A time before humans and yordles, when Runeterra and Valoran looked vastly different. The only thing that was likely in any way similar to the modern day would be the presence of some super old champs such as Anivia, Brand, Bard, Malphite (presumably gonna be ancient with the retcon) and Soraka.

Pre-human history

This could also be called darkin history or something similar, but essentially this is time period begins an untold amount of time ago, whenever intelligent beings built large scale civilisations. The darkin are the obvious ones here as potential ancient race with an ancient civilisation and stuff, but they may not have been alone. Trolls, ursine, marai and minotaurs also have this potential, being races who have long since outlived their glory days, and been pushed out and their numbers dwindling. The ursine are the least likely of this bunch since they're specifically polar bears, meaning that biology limits them to environments around runeterra's northern hemisphere, but everyone else is fine. To expand on this:

• Trolls could have existed across Valoran, but with changes in environment and competition with humans they died out. The trolls of Freljord got off easier because they're adapted for the harsh cold and their primary competition for food, resources and land; humans and ursine, both have to deal with the harsh climate as they do. In this scenario, humans actually suffer greatly, since unless they have Iceborn heritage they still struggle with the cold, giving the trolls an even greater edge.
• Minotaurs likely roamed across wide open areas and were nomadic, living and dying by the land. They suffered from competition just as trolls did and those minotaurs that lived in the mountains, areas humans tend to not favour for living in, still thrived.
• Marai are a bit weird but essentially they probably had free reign of the oceans and secluded themselves for some reason a long time ago, probably when the first tidecaller met the person who would be remembered as the hero with the moonstone.

10,000 - 8,000 years ago, the dawn of humanity

As a disclaimer, 10k years ago is just a rough estimate for the timing of human civilisation development. I could be way off.

On to discussion though, this point marks the time where humans began to properly develop as a species and build their own towns and cities. Magic was new and probably terrifying to them, but a lot of the old players who used its power were probably long gone, such as the Darkin. It's likely that human civilisations of this time period didn't survive or have yet to be discovered. During this time humans came to inhabit much of Valoran, from the frozen north to the jungles of the south. They would give these places names like Freljord or the Kumungu, and thrive as varied, independent nations. Since it could've happened any time, I'm gonna stick Bard making whatever deal he made with the people who called themselves “Bards” here, so they've been holding on to the stone seen in Bard: Mountain, since this time. Also I recon the Rakkor have been around since this time. They lived atop their mountain and fought for millenia, honing themselves as the artisans of war.

8,000 years ago, Magelords and the Protectorate

The nature of these two nations and their war is long lost to history, but they stand as part of the oldest section of known human history. Considering the naming, they were probably the first human nations to be established, ever.

5,000 – 4,000 years ago, the Rise of the Southern Empires

The three nations of southern Valoran; Shurima, Icathia and Urtistan, were likely errected around this time. They probably didn't come around simultaneously, but they were likely at a similar level of economic, technological and magical progress when they met, with some variance. Alliance were struck, deals were broken, and conflict was probably either common or just on the horizon.

• Shurima was magical and religious, revering the sun. They likely didn't know about what power the Sun Disc could grant, and it potentially predates them entirely, or perhaps the power of the disc was simply a well guarded secret among those who knew its origins.
• Urtistan was more advanced, having magic-technology capable of manipulating time, as seen with Zilean and alluded to by Vel'Koz. This magic had an affect on humans who wielded it, such as the Chronokeeper himself, but the Urtistani likely weren't intent on using it for violence
• Icathia is the oddball. This place is potentially not even a human civilisation, and may predate humans altogether. For the sake of this timeline though, I'm assuming it is indeed human in origin. They're mysterious those Icathians. They were probably mysterious to everyone else at the time too.

Side note, Shurima wasn't a desert at this point and wouldn't become one for AGES yet.

4,000 – 3,000 years ago, the Arrival of the Watchers

Freljord had, by this point, a decent population of humans. They did what they could to survive, but the land was unkind to them. When the Watchers came around though, things changed. Somewhere in this period of time they elevated humans in to a new species known as the iceborn who they commanded to build them a mighty empire. No one, not even their creations knew where they came from, but the watchers were immensely powerful. After having secured Freljord, the iceborn were sent to conquer the rest of Valoran. They went south, bringing ice with them and plunging the world in to an iceage that lasted until their empire crumbled.

Roughly 3,000 years ago, a Song of Ice and Sand

Sorry, felt it would be fitting! Anyway, as a disclaimer, this is conjecture, opinion, and a HELL OF A LOT of hypothesis. Might be totally wide of anything that's actually true, but hey, it's my timeline, I can do what I want!

Anyway, around 3,000 years ago the armies of Freljord marched in to the southern reaches of Valoran, and came head to head with Shurima. Facing immortal enemies wielding power they couldn't understand, all seemed lost, but hope remained. Nasus and Renekton, two shuriman men who knew of the Sun Disc's power, implored the gods for aid. Those gods raised the two brothers as immortal ascended, giving their power to challenge not only the iceborn hordes, but their masters, and a war was waged between the two forces. Shurima won out, and Freljord's armies were sent reeling.

Around this time, yordles like Gnar were alive. It's difficult to actually say when they evolved to this state, but this is the earliest they've been known to exist in this form. The war took the iceborn and Frozen Watchers in to the jungles, and Gnar, single-handedly, killed at least one Frozen Watcher. He probably did a hell of a lot more, but this only added to the problems that Freljord's armies were facing, and they retreated back north.

So where does this all come from? A lot of me just thinking. Lissandra's mentioning of Shurima before it was a desert, Nasus's quote on the Shurima promo site, Gnar's cave drawings, not a hell of a lot to go on actually, just something that I cooked up and ended up thinking actually might work. I dunno, maybe it's all bollocks, but hey I like the idea of Nasus and Renekton duking it out with hordes of iceborn dudes!

3,000 – 2,000 years ago, Shurima Stands Solo

It's at this point that things begin to change in the political ecosystem of the south, particularly with Icathia. Something happens with them, and the Void becomes apparent. Urtistan is attacked by Icathian Summoner Knights (look I know that's from Zilean's old lore but just let me work with what I've got!) who bring forth terrors from the void to ravage the land and its inhabitants. Urtistan made sense as a target to go after since it didn't have demi-gods, and the Icathians may have been looking to curry favour with powers that be in the void. Whatever happened didn't work out, and the void was unleashed on southern Shurima. Nasus and Renekton once again took up the charge to defeat this new threat, and fought tooth and nail with some scary ass space monsters. They kept the beasts away from the rest of Shurima, but the southern lands, now known as the Sai Desert, were lost.

There's a page from the guys journal about his trip to find Rek'Sai, the eighth page, which shows a giant carving in a way depicting Renekton battling a human sized Xer'Sai (Renekton's human sized guys, I know, makes me sad.). I actually looked at that after someone said that was what it was and I said “no that guy's delusional”, then I looked back at it a few months after and said “huh...I can see it now.” So if you're wondering where I got this from, it's partially from that journal.

After this or before this was the time the land started to become a desert. Possibly as a consequence of Acension or just a gradual effect from the Oasis of the Dawn that Shurima's capital if founded upon, with the pool taking from the land to maintain its life giving powers. It was during this time that the Brackern got really upset, because that desertification began to negatively affect them and their crystals, so they did the only thing they could, try and resolve the problem. This led to another conflict where the Brackern had to fight what they percieved to be the thing threatening their livelihood, while the Shurimans faced off against truck sized beasts that were extremely intelligent, cunning, and wanted them dead. Unfortunately for Skarner's kin, the Brackern were no match for the Ascended in the end, and they were forced back underground to hibernate and wait for the earth to heal so they may once again thrive. Skarner took up the charge as guardian of their home, and stands ever vigilant over the entrance to the Brackern's realm.

With no further competition in their lands Shurima grew and prospered for over a thousand years following this. It's likely more Ascended rose during this period of time to deal with the threats to their nation, but as it stands we don't know who they were or if they even existed at all. I say they do though, because I find it unlikely Nasus and Renekton are the only remaining Ascended from ancient Shurima.

Also 3,000 – 2,000 years ago, Freljord Civil War Version 1.0

Back up north things weren't going smooth, particularly for one iceborn woman, Avarosa. A few things happened in the conflict with Shurima:

The Frozen Watcher's were proven to be fallible and even killable The Watchers showed little care to how many iceborn had to die to win the war (This was probably always the case, but it was new to Avarosa) Other places in the world had access to power greater than the Iceborn's with no strings attached, from the Ascended shurimans being blessed by their mighty Gods with just a simple request, to the tiny yordle who could flip out and wreck their butts just with sheer physical force. Avarosa saw things for what they were; the iceborn were pawns to the watchers and nothing more. Desiring freedom, she instigated and led the rebellion that ended with the final battle at the bridge now known as the Howling Abyss, with the iceborn standing victorious as the watchers were thrown down in to the enormous chasm.

Avarosa took the title of Frost Queen (Frost Queen's Claim anyone?) and things looked pretty solid, they even struck up an alliance with the ursine for a time, but a couple of people weren't happy, specifically Serylda and Lissandra. Serylda was likely the one who started the War of the Three Sisters, and it ended with Avarosa dead, Serylda probably also dead, the Ice receding from northern Valoran and the left the ancient empire completely shattered. Lissandra would spend the next few thousand years cleaning up the mess to hide the truth, paving the way for the return of the watchers.

1,000 years ago, the Fall of Shurima

Shurima fell. That's really all I have to say, we know how it went. In the prevailing centuries Voidborn came to inhabit more of Shurima and things looked really sad down south.

Around 900 years ago – Yordle development

It's around this time that Yordle society really kicked off and they began building proper homes. Why it took so long is a mystery, but I'd say it's safe to say that Yordles are new players in the world, from a species age perspective at any rate. What this says for their techmaturgical advancements though I can't say. Might have something to do with the Mothership, assuming that thing's still a thing.

600-400 years ago – the Birth of the Shadow Isles

When the nation that became the Shadow Isles was born and why it did what it did is still a mystery, but it was probably around half a century ago that the Shadow Isles became known. The seas were likely much quiet back during these days, so no one was around to really see it go down. The disaster that befell the isle is spoke about only in rumor and superstition, hell we only know it happened because Maokai's bio exists.

Around 350 years ago – Death to the King, Glory for Noxus

This is the time where Jarvan the First is killed by Sion, and Sion succumbs to his injuries and dies. We know how it went down, but why around this time? Well for a few reasons.

Sion has been dead long enough to be forgotten by modern Noxus. This puts his death back a few centuries. Given my placing of the birth of the Shadow Isles, which have already become the subject of myth and legend by the time of Sion's death, around 350 years is a good stretch to make.

What's interesting here are the Demacian implications. Jarvan the second couldn't have sat the throne after the original Jarvan died, there's a considerable gap. This is compounded further by the fact that Jarvan number two has only been succeeded by one other ruler; his son Jarvan numero three, who is the current king of Demacia. So for about 200 years Demacia either had no monarch and was ruled by something else, or someone else took the reigns from Jarvan. The first option opens up the potential for Jarvan the Second bringing back the monarchy in some kind of revolution, potentially involving wresting control of Demacia from the noble houses, but the second option also makes me wonder, who could've possibly succeed Jarvan the first?

153 years ago – the Founding of Bilgewater...maybe?

I'll confess, I'm really sceptical of this one. It comes straight from Riot's mouth, but with the retcon I dunno if this is accurate anymore. Regardless I'll stick with it, Bilgewater was founded 153 years ago. Why specifically that? In 2010 is was stated Bilgewater was founded 149 years ago. League follows the same yearly flow as real life, as shown with the (now not canon) JoJ, but even with that everything still fits snuggly with our years, so it works out. It was 153 years ago in my book till proven otherwise.

Roughly 60 Years Ago – the Battle of Bard Mountain

As stated in the Bard Q&A, the little boy being carried away in Bard: Mountain would grow to become the old man telling of the stars and their meaning in The Wonder Above. 60 Years feels about right for this timescale, and we know the stuff with Bard: Mountain, so no need for elaboration there.

50 Years Ago to the Present Day – Modern Events

Alright now we're getting in to the modern stuff. This covers a lot of ground, so bear with me. First on the list, the Harrowing.

49 years ago - “The Shroud” Harrowing

After much deliberation, thought, and inspiration from GreenLore, I've come to the conclusion that the map of Harrowings lists the Harrowings in terms of severity, with the years showing how long ago each individual event was from the time the map was created, which was effectively last Halloween. As a result this first Harrowing occurs.

This is the first time a Harrowing ever reaches out in to waters further out than the Shadow Isle's coasts. This is a big marker as from here, things only get worse.

37 years ago - “The Maelstrom” Harrowing

A sign of dire times ahead, the Harrowing strikes again, attacking the “Light-Bringer's Bane”, a presumably Noxian Frigate based on the name.

33 years ago - “The Flower of Ionia” Harrowing

An Ionian fleet of unknown size is swallowed by the Harrowing. It's important to note this one for sake of explaining the map; the map lists Harrowings by the severity, ergo how much damage they did and how devastating they were. Because the details of this Harrowing are so sketchy, it's placed down at the bottom of the list. The least severe recorded Harrowing in the last 50 years.

32 Years ago - “The Battle of Port Mourn” Harrowing

Morde says “Screw this” and black mists his way right up to Bilgewater's door, and obliterates port Mourn with the Harrowing. This is where things got really serious for Bilgewater. And it wasn't going to get better.

21 years ago - “Death of the Conquerer” Harrowing

A massive Galleon ship and it's entourage of 30 ships are consumed by a Harrowing. Not nice. Not at all.

19 years ago – Noxus invades Ionia

Here the Noxus/Ionia conflict kicks off as Noxus invades, presumably for similar reasons as to why they attacked the people of Bard Mountain; magical goodies to destroy folks with. Ionia ain't happy, and the fighting goes on for a while.

17 years ago - “The Crimson Armada” Harrowing

Considered a very light Harrowing than previous years, a Noxian fleet is swallowed up. They were probably on their way to murder and torment Ionians, considering geography. Serves them right!

14 years ago - “The Wild Hunt” Harrowing

Hecarim leads a Harrowing over the Grey Harbour and decimates it. No one is happy except Hecarim, who's probably pretty chuffed with himself.

11 years ago – Noxian Conquering

After eight years of fighting Noxus completely secures the three southern provinces of Ionia: Navori, Galrin and Shon-Xan. Now that those provinces are essentially held hostage Ionia's in a bit of a bind as it has to risk further war with the lives of the innocent Ionians on the line and in the middle of the fighting.

10 years ago – Ashe Grows Up

This one feels important to me so I'm putting it up here. Ashe at the time of her current bio was 15 when she became the leader of her tribe. I'm putting this 10 years ago to align with a few factors; her current age (which most certainly ain't 15) her influence later down the line and today, and the time it would take to build said influence.

9 years ago - “The Shadow Falls” Harrowing

Another Harrowing claims the Southern Beacon, a huge Lighthouse that is a centrepiece for Bilgewater lifestyle. It's looking really grim.

4 years ago – 2011 STUFF.

Stuff that happened in 2011 is subject to a lot of change given the retcon, but I feel these things can still reasonably fit in the timeline.

• Ashe marries Tryndamere and establishes the Avarosan as one of the major powers in Freljord. The two are crowned as monarchs and make an alliance with the Frostguard, much to Sejuani's disgust.
• Leona completes her rite of passage and is named the Radiant Dawn.
• Swain conspires with LeBlanc, becoming grand General of Noxus after deposing of Boram Darkwill and Keiran Darkwill.

3 years ago – 2012 STUFF.

Like before, but 2012!

• Over the course of the year Sejuani pools together her resources and gaining allies. Volibear swears allegiance to her, Olaf does the same, and Udyr returns from Ionia, probably a little sad, joining the Winter's Claw for his own reasons.
• Jayce, in spectacularly douchy style, battles Viktor and halts his plans, earning the praise of Piltover.
• Diana destroys the leadership of the Solari.
• Syndra raises her fortress and resolves to kill Ionia's Elders.
• The Battle of the Serpent Harrowing occurs, and for the first time Bilgewater beats back the Harrowing, at the cost of an enormous sea creature.
• Nami arrives surface side, and begins her quest for the Moonstone.
• Zed founds the Order of Shadows.

2 Years ago – 2013 STUFF.

You know what to expect now, I'm sure.

• Quinn proves her stuff and gains the approval of the fine prince Jarvan IV. This earns her a trip to the frozen north a few months later!
• Trundle manages to outwit Lissandra and take control of his warband of trolls with the help of Boneshiver. From here he sets on his quest to unite all trolls under him as the Troll King and conquer Freljord.
• Quinn arrives in Freljord and assesses the situation. At this point, Sejuani has openly declared war against Ashe, leading to the Freljord Civil War Version 2.0!
• Ezreal uncovers information about a mysterious, winged being that appears across human history. He's spooked and stumped, clearly Aatrox is to spooky for Ez.
• Jinx arrives pretty spontaneously in Piltover, and wrecks everything, throwing the city in to chaos. Piltover's got it pretty rough for the first time since Cait cleaned up the streets.

1 year ago – 2014 STUFF.

More stuff! MORE!!!

• Vel'Koz emerges in to Valoran and picks up on the trail of Zilean, who just recently left Urtistan.

• Ashe enlists the aid of Braum in resolving the current crisis in Freljord, to which he's happy to oblige!

• Gnar breaks free of his true ice prison and explores Valoran of 3,000 years in the future.

• Sivir and Cassiopeia open the Tomb of the Emperors, doing a few things.

• Cass is poisoned by the tomb guardian because, you know, it's a trap for people trying to enter the tomb where the Shurimans buried their dead emperors.

• Since the previously mentioned guardian was meant to kill invaders and not stop people trapped within it that were never supposed to be trapped within it, Xerath and Renekton are released. Xerath likely uses his own powers to twist the poison in Cass, transforming her, maybe as a sick joke of his, or a test of the extent of his trapped power.

• Sivir's blood on the fallen Sun Disc resurrects Azir. He takes her to the nearly dried up Oasis to heal her, and the Gods, seeing his humility, give him a chance to make things right, and Ascend him to his current form.

• Azir restores Shurima's capital, and begins the process of restoring the Shuriman empire to its former glory.

• A Harrowing takes place in Bilgewater yet again, this time the worst one yet. A few things happen.

• Nautilus meets it head on, fighting it presumably with very little help, splitting the undead forces in to two waves.

• One wave goes north towards Smuggler's Cove and reaps it. None survive the event.

• The other wave goes west and is met by an armada led by an uneasy alliance between Gangplank and Miss Sarah Fortune, beginning the Battle of Knife Straits. The fleet is scattered and many die, but the Harrowing subsides, content for now.

THIS YEAR

So, what's happened this year?! Pretty much one thing; Bard's constellation has appeared in the sky, signalling he's either come back to Valoran or he's coming back soon. What's coming next is anyone's guess.

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And that's all I've got thus far, if you've made it this far, congrats! If you were expecting a TL;DR, you're out of luck! But anyway I hope you enjoyed the read and it made you think about things pertaining to Leagues lore! Sorry for the absolutely enormous post, but I didn't want to do this half arsed. If you have any questions and theories of your own, leave them below and let's talk about stuff!