"You should have acted, they're already here. The Elder Scrolls told of their return, their defeat was merely a delay 'till the time after Oblivion opened; when the sons of Skyrim would spill their own blood. But no-one wanted to believe--believe they even existed, and when the truth finally dawns... it dawns in fire. But there's one they fear. In their tongue he is Dovahkiin: Dragonborn."
-Esbern

Transcribed above is Esbern's narration from the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbDnEQ3jtPA. This brief voice-over has always puzzled me, because it establishes Esbern's character before we even meet him in the game. I've always passed it off as arbitrary exposition for the game's release, and I know that this is primarily what it is. However, it recently struck me that this impassioned delivery can't be to the player character, as "You should have acted" makes little sense.

Who should have acted? The recipient of this dialogue has to be both in a position where they could have stopped or better prepared for the Dragon menace, but also unaware of the myth of the Dragonborn (which takes Delphine or any Jarl out of the picture). I pose this question to the lore forum, as I consider it the only section which can digest it in a meaningful way: Who is Esbern explaining all of this to?

"Divinitas," you might implore, "Can't the devs write a vague expository diatribe to set the ground for the main plot without it having to carry in-universe consequences?" Maybe, but I found myself disappointed with the exploration of Esbern as a character. His underlying characteristic (Numba 1 dragon master) is so unique and unparalleled in the universe that I found myself disappointed he didn't get to have any relationships with other characters in the story. In short, I feel that he says so little that each word of his is worth something.

I like to perpetuate the fantasy that everything written in this universe was written with purpose, especially something with such gravity as the announcement voice-over. If this is the case, then we're coming closer to understanding a little nugget of information serving and deepening the narrative of Skyrim. If not, then this will at least distract us for a few minutes.

Go.

Maybe he's time travelling back to the days of Alduin's fall, and talking to some Ancient Nedes?

I have no idea, I think it's really only to establish his character and promote the game.

Edit: Disregard.

He sure does expect a lot of the listener...

The Moot perhaps? The Elder Council? The gathering of people who discussed the peace treaty at High Hrothgar?

Doesn't the Elder Council try to kill him? Him being a Blade Grandmaster and all.
But your suggestions are plausible ones.

Himself.

Dude's been hiding out in the ratways, constantly in fear of capture, all the while inhaling meadery fumes for like two decades. That'd drive anybody loopy.

He strides right into a meeting where a Thalmor agent is present with his katana on his hip.

Really? That old punk is braver than I thought.

You never played "Season Unending"? The quest you have to do if you haven't finished the civil war questline when you get far into the main quest?

There's a Thalmor representative at the meeting, but Delphine and Esbern walk right in.

Oh, like that. I thought he strode into an Elder Council meeting with Thalmor present.
Nevermind then.

I spent that quest on pins and needles, just waiting for him to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYbi7gKKvOo Elenwen in the face.

But it never happened.

I think it means the Blades should of acted, because it mentions in-game that the Blades ignored Esberns warnings about the dragons and the Thalmor.

Is Elenwen essential? I feel like a well-placed fury spell might simplify matters.

She seems to be kill-able after the MQ is over.

Of course she is. All the most infuriating NPCs are essential.

i find this the most believable

He maybe talking to himself, or imagining himself talking to someone else. He spent a long time on the run.

I like this.