The period let talk about it and the future

[Rainbow Dash 1,472]

ok so i was in deep thought about this. When does MLP FiM take place? from the commodities they have i guessed around the western era(1850-1917ish) They have steam powered things but no electricity. Now lets say the Earth Ponies invented the automobile. would the earth ponies gt lazier since they can create trucks and all that or am i thinking too deeply?

[An Old Head 4,816]

Well, let's take one thing into account - it's definitely on Earth. Pinkie Pie, in Hearth Warming's Eve, says "Newsflash for you cookie, the Earth is round."

 

So it's either set in the present day and they're either on an uncharted island called Equestria, or it's set in the very distant future where humanity has long died out and ponies have taken over as the new intelligent species.

 

In regards to electrical devices, of course, limited mobility (hooves) restricts them in certain aspects of building their own society, which is why there's no electrical contraptions because those would be super complex. Plus, I reckon anything an electrical device does could be replicated with magic

 

Edited January 2, 2013 by Flipturn

[Emerald Flame 381]

It's really hard to pinpoint, but Lauren Faust said she wanted pony technology to be somewhat primitive, and that stuff like refrigerators and modern cooking equipment was powered by unicorn enchantment. However, in Hearts and Hooves day a pony was seen playing an arcade game, and the CMC went to a movie theater in One Bad Apple.

[Rolls Royce 606]

They have a dam, so I'm guessing they use hydroelectric power for their electronics.  They also have the technology to make self-propelled vehicles, like those parade floats, and of course, trains.  I know they also have their own version of France, since it's mentioned by Fluttershy, and Applebloom spoke French when she had the cutie pox.  Pony technology and geography is strange.

[Le Kvlt Dawn 2,364]

Actually if you watch "Hearts and Hooves Day" you can see that during the song there's a filly playing an arcade machine, during "Sonic  Rainboom" Rarity mention "Rock and Roll". So it looks like it takes place either in modern day or in the latter half of the 20th century.

[Just some guy 1,070]

My guess is that their tech situation is similar to that of the universe from Fallout.

 

MLP takes place in the far distant future after humanity has wiped itself out and the inhabitants are using the old advanced tech they found,hence the mix of primitive/modern tech in Equestria.

Edited January 2, 2013 by CaptainBlue808

[kirbyboi 588]

Meh, I mean, it doesn't look THAT old. And the way Granny Smith recalls her past, I think it was in the early 1900's. So I'm guessing that MLP takes place around the 1970's-80's. It's not THAT old-fashioned, and they have videogames, and some electronic devices. So that's my guess. But who knows, maybe it takes place in the 2000's, but since their ponies they don't use that much of electricity and such. 

Edited January 2, 2013 by Pixiesong

[Tall_But_Short_37 233]

The have trains, as well as flying contraptions like hot air balloons and blimps (as seen in Apple Family Reunion). Did we ever see how the floats in One Bad Apple were powered? Also, water skis are canon as of Spike at your service, so I wonder how they use those...

Edited January 2, 2013 by Tall_But_Short_37

[Phoenix237 353]

It's hard to tell.

On one point you see a 1917'ish looking environment since you see primitive looking machines such as the cider machine (which was steam powered when moving, not when working), a western town, trains that are steam powered, etc.

Yet they still have bowling allyies, movie theaters, arcades, construction machines (mare do well episode), dams, etc. basically some modern technology.

This makes it hard to pinpoint equestria's exact time period.

[Creamy Arty 6,252]

They use technology to help control the weather but the most advanced form of transportation they have appears to be locomotives. We've seen electric lights used in some places, but we've never seen power lines or what could be considered a power plant. Are their electrical devices powered by magic (like Tank's propeller), or what? My guess is that any technology they may have for generating power is geothermal, and nuclear technologies are unknown to them. All of their weapons are melee, as evidenced by the Royal Guard.

 

The world in which the ponies live has developed technology inferior, comparable, and superior to our own in different fields. And we have no way of knowing when some of those things were developed or how long it took to invent them. Placing them somewhere on our calendar wouldn't be possible.

 

That world probably has its own calendar, and Equestria and all of the other nations could have their own calendars. And each country may even recognize several calendars based on different historically significant events. The founding of Equestria would be the logical starting point for an Equestrian calendar, but the downfall of Discord could mark a separate epoch from which another calendar begins.

 

The Forgotten Realms uses six different calendars that I know of, so I guess it's possible.

 

 

Well, let's take one thing into account - it's definitely on Earth. Pinkie Pie, in Hearth Warming's Eve, says "Newsflash for you cookie, the Earth is round."

Later in the episode, Smart Cookie and Puddinghead named their new-found homeland "Earth." That is, they named that particular territory Earth; it's unlikely that the world itself shares its name with a country. The word "Earth" is often used two ways, to refer to the planet or just the ground. When talking about the planet, one uses "Earth." When talking about land, one includes the definite article and uses a lowercase "e," making it "the earth." I think that's how it was used when she said it was round.

[Wingnut 6,986]

I would say, on average, Equestria technology dates to the 1930s. There are a few things that ponies are ahead of the curve on like widespread use of color film and electric megaphones (which require transistors). Cameras are compact and fairly modern looking but they all use good old fashioned film. On the other hand, I've never seen a TV or a radio. There is no automobile industry. They appear to have all the prerequisites for cars but nopony so far has taken the concept to mass production. Remember that necessity is the mother of invention. They have lighter than air aircraft. But with plenty of pegasi to go around, there isn't much of a need for airplanes. Because we can't see the screens in Hooves and Hearts Day, the arcade games may not be video games as we know them. More than likely they're electro mechanical games similar to a pinball machines.

[Harmonic Revelations 8,835]

Since there is evidence it takes place on Earth, and it appears that there are many undisturbed  habitats, I'd say it takes place in the distant past, before the rise of humanity, Maybe some time before 20,000 years ago. I think the problem some of you are running into in your line of thinking is that you're comparing their history and time to human history.

 

I concluded it's before humanity's time but still semi-recent with the following logic to conclude it's before the rise of humanity but still take's place on Earth:

 

-They reference the name Earth several times, they also have only one moon and one sun

 

-They have many natural, undisturbed habitats

 

-There doesn't appear to be any ancient ruins

 

And I conclude it's semi-recent because:

 

-There are modern plants and animals

 

-The landmass still looks kind of recent

 

-They have seasons the same as we do

[FruitRiver 355]

I really think MLP isnt set in any time. Its an alternate world, and I dont think there are the same periods of time in their world.  I dont think the creators actually had a time period planned, and if there is, I think its probably the present but they don't have the same technology because there ponies.

[Appetite4Democracy 452]

LIST OF TECHNOLOGY SEEN IN THE SHOW:

-Blimps

-Hot air baloons

-Super-Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

-Trains (steam powered?)

-Arcade games (Steam™ powered?)

-Color TV/Movie

-Dubstep

-Microphones

-Tank's propeller

-Newspapers and printing press

-Cooking technology

-Construction vehicles (bulldozers, cranes, etc.)

-Cameras

 

Hope this helps!

 

Also, this is a show about talking ponies. We may be over-analyzing it.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Bloo47

[Rainbow Dash 1,472]

LIST OF TECHNOLOGY SEEN IN THE SHOW:

-Blimps

-Hot air baloons

-Super-Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000

-Trains (steam powered?)

-Arcade games (Steam™ powered?)

-Color TV/Movie

-Dubstep

-Microphones

-Tank's propeller

-Newspapers and printing press

-Cooking technology

-Construction vehicles (bulldozers, cranes, etc.)

-Cameras

 

Hope this helps!

Blimps-magic powered(ithink)

Hot air ballons-around since 1783 powered by wind

SSC- powered by steam

Arcade games- i think they are powered by Kinetic energy

color/tv-magic

dubstep/micrphone-magic

tanks propeller-not sure i havent seen it yet

newspapers and printing press- its done manually and manula printing presses have been around since 1440

cooking technology-the stoves and ovens look fairly recent like from the 1950's-1970's but i havent seen a heating element or tubing.

Construction vehicles-they could be powered by steam since some modern cranes still are

Cameras-the type of cameras ive seen in the show look like 1920's to 1940's models but what bugs me is that cameras back then needed an artficial light source(flash) in order to take photos so they used lightbulbs. Lightbulbs= electricity yet they use candles as a light source. could it be that Equestria is afraid of technological advancements?

[Appetite4Democracy 452]

Blimps-magic powered(ithink)

Hot air ballons-around since 1783 powered by wind

SSC- powered by steam

Arcade games- i think they are powered by Kinetic energy

color/tv-magic

dubstep/micrphone-magic

tanks propeller-not sure i havent seen it yet

newspapers and printing press- its done manually and manula printing presses have been around since 1440

cooking technology-the stoves and ovens look fairly recent like from the 1950's-1970's but i havent seen a heating element or tubing.

Construction vehicles-they could be powered by steam since some modern cranes still are

Cameras-the type of cameras ive seen in the show look like 1920's to 1940's models but what bugs me is that cameras back then needed an artficial light source(flash) in order to take photos so they used lightbulbs. Lightbulbs= electricity yet they use candles as a light source. could it be that Equestria is afraid of technological advancements?

The Apple Family is definitely afraid of technological advancements. They got all pissed when Flim and Flam had a more efficient way of making cider.

[Twinhead B 482]

Lauren Faust has specifically stated that pony technology is pretty flexible in nature, and modern technologies are generally only added when there is no possible way to accomplish the same task with medieval technology. Hence why, candles are used intsead of light switches, yet Ponyville has been show to have a modern movie theatre.

 

The original interview:

 

 

18. The ponies are definitely the heart of the show, yet they occupy a world that is rich with mythology and fantasy while still sporting a variety of modern technology. What was the creative strategy behind constructing the realm of FiM's Equestria? How did the team approach this balance between mythological fantasy and modern tech?

 

I always wanted the default technology of the show to be a bit medieval in nature; but since this is a whimsical, non-serious show, I felt there was plenty of wiggle room.  I think ultimately it was just my personal comfort level in each individual story.  If it screwed up the story to get too technical about how primitive the technology was, it wasn’t worth it. So, if we needed cameras, I just wanted those cameras to be relatively workable to a creature with no fingers.  And if we absolutely positively HAD to have an electrical appliance (which we often did), I just told myself that it was enchanted by some magical unicorn mechanic at some point.  However, I insisted that such an attitude was to be considered only as a last creative resort - don’t use a light switch when you could use a candle, just because you’re feeling lazy.  Don’t draw a hoof unnaturally and awkwardly wrapped around an umbrella because you don’t feel like thinking about it a little more. Overall, though, it was definitely not a strict approach - and it’s hardly consistent.  Humor and ease of storytelling took precedence over technicality.

 

And the link if anyone wishes to read the whole thing: http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/09/exclusive-season-1-retrospective.html

Edited January 3, 2013 by Twinhead B

[lilymalady123 203]

ok, here is how i see it:

 

they have typewriters, but no computers. to me that screams victorian era. they have coaches, but no cars. again victorian before henry bessimer helped create the automobile. they have sewing machines, but primitive ones. this is leaning toward the industrial revolution time, which happend in the victorian era. 

 

as for the location. i believe it to be another dimension. just my opinion!

[mycarhasaMoustache 449]

I look at it like this, they are not in an Earth era as we know it, The planet the ponys live on is in an entirely different universe to our own. Meaning technology wont evolve the same as our own. Plus since they have magic there is less demand for new tech to be created because they dont need it. 

 

"sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"

 

Im pretty sure that quote is relevant but regardless I just like saying it.

[Twinhead B 482]

I've made a rough timeline of Equestria's history. (Twilight Sparkle would be proud). It's worth noting that this is based on the assumption that each season lasts six months in Equestria time. I've also excluded non-opening or finale episodes, as they are not significant enough to have any extreme impact on the timeline (except where noted)

 

*WARNING WALL OF TEXT INCOMING*

 

 

[unknown Period of Time Before Pilot] - The World is created along with pony-kind.

 

[unknown Period of Time Before Pilot] - The three pony races; Earth Pony, Pegasus, and Unicorn discover and inhabit Equestria. (Heart's Warming Eve)

 

[unknown Period of Time Before Pilot] - Discord usurps control of Equestria and rules with Chaos.

 

[unknown Period of Time Before Pilot] - Alicorns Celestia and Luna defeat Discord using the Elements of Harmony and take control of the throne. The land is governed as a Diarchy, and the two sisters rule together in Harmony, with Celestia raising the sun, and Luna raising the moon.

 

[1,000 Years Prior to Pilot] - King Sombra attacks Crystal Empire and rules with hatred, enslaving the crystal ponies. Celestia and Luna defeat him and banish him to the arctic. The Crystal Empire is cursed by Sombra, and disappears for 1,000 years**.

 

There is a discrepancy here, as Luna is still around to help Celestia banish Sombra, yet later becomes Nightmare Moon. However, Nightmare Moon returns first, with Sombra escaping at least 1 year later.

 

[1,000 Years Prior to Pilot] - Luna; filled with anger and hatred transforms into Nightmare Moon, and attempts to plunge the world into eternal night. With no other options, Celestia is forced to banish Nightmare Moon in the moon for 1,000 years, and rule over Equestria alone.

 

[unknown Period of Time Before Pilot] - With the aid of Celestia, the Apple Family founds Ponyville.

 

[Approx. 18 Years Prior to Pilot] - Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy* are born.

 

*Fluttershy is one year older than Pinkie Pie. for the sake of consistency, I will assume she is a year older than all of the Mane 6, due to the size discrepancy between her and them in The Cutie Mark Chronicles.

 

[A Few Years Prior to Pilot] - Rainbow Dash performs a Sonic-Rainboom during a race at flying academy. The Rainboom becomes the catalyst that causes all of the Mane 6 to earn their Cutie Marks almost simultaneously. (The Cutie Mark Chronicles)

 

[Pilot] - Twilight Sparkle reads of Nightmare Moon's return through folklore, and warns Celestia. Celestia sends Twilight Sparkle to Ponyville to oversee preparations for the summer sun festival and to make friends. Nightmare Moon returns, and with the help of Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy, Twilight manages to discover the Elements of Harmony and expel Nightmare Moon from Princess Luna. Equestria is returned to a Diarchy, and Twilight remains in Ponyville. (Friendship is Magic)

 

[six Months After Pilot] - Discord escapes from his stone imprisonment and wreaks havoc on Equestria. Succesfully outwitting Twilight Sparkle, Discord rules over Equestria temporarily until being defeated once again by the Elements of Harmony. (Return of Harmony)

 

[Nearly 1 Year After Pilot] - Canterlot hosts a wedding between Shining Armor and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. With the help of the real Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle reveals Cadenza to be Queen Chrysalis, queen of the Changlings. The Changlings launch a full-scale invasion on Canterlot and Celestia is defeated by Chrysalis. Using the power of Love, Princess Cadance attacks and defeats Queen Chrysalis, repeling the changlings back and ending the invasion. The wedding continues and Shining Armor and Cadance are wed. (A Canterlot Wedding)

 

[1 Year After Pilot] - The Crystal Empire reappears. King Sombra escapes from his imprisonment.

 

[1 Year After Pilot] - Twilight Sparkle is tasked with travelling to the Crystal Empire and restoring it to it's former glory. King Sombra begins his attack on the empire, while Twilight & Co. attempt to power the crystal heart. Sombra is defeated and Cadance and Shining Armor become the rulers of the Crystal Empire. (The Crystal Empire)

Edited January 3, 2013 by Twinhead B

[Wingnut 6,986]

Blimps-magic powered(ithink)

Hot air ballons-around since 1783 powered by wind

SSC- powered by steam

Arcade games- i think they are powered by Kinetic energy

color/tv-magic

dubstep/micrphone-magic

tanks propeller-not sure i havent seen it yet

newspapers and printing press- its done manually and manula printing presses have been around since 1440

cooking technology-the stoves and ovens look fairly recent like from the 1950's-1970's but i havent seen a heating element or tubing.

Construction vehicles-they could be powered by steam since some modern cranes still are

Cameras-the type of cameras ive seen in the show look like 1920's to 1940's models but what bugs me is that cameras back then needed an artficial light source(flash) in order to take photos so they used lightbulbs. Lightbulbs= electricity yet they use candles as a light source. could it be that Equestria is afraid of technological advancements?

I have seen Tank's propeller.  The motor emits a yellow glow but I don't know if it's powered by electricity or magic.

While candles are popular, there are lots of electric lights in Equestria.  The most common use in the cartoon is stage lighting.  Don't forget the electric lamp that Rainbow Dash switches on and off repeatedly in the hospital. 

[cuteycindyhoney 13,306]

Two different worlds wouldn't necessarily develop the same way or at the same rates. A key invention or discovery on one world, might be meaningless on another. Look how long humans struggled with if the Earth moved around the sun, or if the sun moved around the Earth. The ponies KNOW Celestia makes the sun rise. There goes centuries of bloody debate out the window! The transportation needs would be far different for a race of Equines. To a pony, a trot of several miles would be like a nice relaxing stroll around the block to a human. Communications would be far different too, if you had magic at your disposal. There is no easy way to gauge one against the other when talking about Earth and Equestria.

[Dusty Soul 2,611]

It's a mix of 1800s-1999.  There is nothing that shows that there is anything that was made after 2000.  I would say the show takes place in 1970.  

-Dubstep

actually we didn't see any form of dubstep in the show. (as far as I know) 

[Rainbow Dash 1,472]

another thing is on my mind. Will the Earth Ponies create the automobile due to there dissadvantages(can't fly to towns; cant use magic to power any magical transportation device)? 

[SBaby 660]

This is something that I've been thinking about for awhile too.  Based on what I can gather, it's largely a magical fantasy/steampunk setting.  But as time has gone on, the ponies have become significantly more tehnologically advanced in a relatively short amount of time.