A thousand years.
It has been a thousand years since everyone forgot the virtues of kindness and generosity. Back then, continuous expansion of territory on both sides sparked a border war between Equestria and Gryphonia. The two superpowers in turmoil forced the other nations to take sides, and the entire world was plunged into an era of darkness and death. After several bloody years of pointless warfare, Equestria was brought to its knees by the Griffin forces. Utterly defeated, the Princesses had no choice but to concede to the Emperor of Gryphonia, Archimede. Many of Equestria's fields were sown with salt, and the glorious city of Canterlot itself was burnt down. All except the most resilient ponies had no choice but to find somewhere else to live. The Princesses themselves were taken away and imprisoned at some unknown location. However, before Princess Luna was captured, she spoke of a prophecy. The prediction was recorded in history books all across Equestria, to be immortalised for all time.
‘Hear me, citizens! Equestria has not died! We are simply in hiding, waiting for the Chosen One who will save us from this humiliation! This hero will be born on Equestrian soil, and will bring our fist of vengeance down on the griffins! When it is time, the sky will be graced with a meteor shower, one so beautiful and wonderful that it will be unparalleled for millennia to come! So take heart! Take heart, my little ponies, for we have not abandoned you! We will win yet! There may be death, there may be suffering, but most of all, there will be… hope.”
Vengeance of Equestria