I’ve decided to start writing some short posts about the lore of the Elder Scrolls (with links for further information) as I’ve realised that in all this time, a lot of the lore hasn’t actually sunk in 
Seriously, I’ve been playing a Bosmer (wood elf) since 1996 and I only found out a few weeks ago they are carnivorous and cannibals… So I’ll be attempting to answer such questions as: What exactly is an Elder Scroll? Why does M’aiq the Liar keep popping up? Why did I grin when I found a Nirnroot in ESO? I’m keeping the entries short as there is already a wealth of information out there (particularly the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages), so hopefully these short introductory bites of lore will be interesting reading and helpful to you as well 
(see also ESO: Lore Tidbits for New Players by Gaming Couples)
Why do I start as a prisoner?
Well the Elder Scrolls series is all about freedom, so it is a simple way of allowing you to choose who you are and what capabilities you possess (along with low skills and no money or gear). It also allows you to develop your own back story and your own rationale as to why your character has ended up in prison. (click for full screen and captions) See also comments below by Rakuno regarding Arena and tradition.
Daggerfall beginning quest
Morrowind beginning quest
Oblivion beginning quest
Skyrim beginning quest
Elder Scrolls Online – to be added
*in that shot in Daggerfall, I was shortly after killed by a bat (I don’t remember the controls being that bad!) and in Morrowind I had a close escape from some slaughterfish and a mudcrab :P
