Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-117.213.145.87-20140804145809/@comment-24999978-20140804204815

Br3admax wrote: No. Not in the way you're trying to say it, anyway. While Martin's sacrificed held a part in the prophecy that told of Alduin's return, the Avatar of Akatosh is not Alduin. Alduin returned because the prophecy detailed in the Elder Scroll of Dragon was fulfilled. Even then, it took centuries after Martin's sacrifice for all the events to unfold:

When misrule takes its place at the eight corners of the world.

When Jagar Tharn takes over the entire continent and Empire.(Arena)

When the Brass Tower walks and Time is reshaped

When the various people of importance in the Illiac Bay use the Numidium, causing the Dragon Break known as the Warp in the West(Daggerfall)

When the thrice-blessed fail and the Red Tower trembles.

When the Tribunal and the Dunmer "fail" and the Ministry of Truth causes Red Moutain to errupt(Morrowind and the Red Year)

''When the Dragonborn Ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls. ' ''

The Oblivion Crisis(the only part that involves Martin, and none of which is his fault) and when the White-Gold Tower "fell" to the Dominion.(Oblivion and the Great War)

When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding

When Ulfric murders/challenges Torygg and starts the Civil War.

''The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn. ''

Alduin returns to Time and Space and the Last Dragonborn fulfills their destiny.(Skyrim)

I could also explain the Towers and the Wheel, but that's not really that important to this conversation. There is also a page for that on the Wiki, too (in case the contributor does not know about the Towers and wants to learn more).