Is Gollum Game Canon?
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is a video game developed by Daedalic Entertainment, which was released in 2022. The game is a narrative-driven adventure that explores the story of Gollum, a complex and troubled character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth. But the question on everyone’s mind is: is the game canon?
The Short Answer
The short answer is no, The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is not canon. The game’s developers, Daedalic Entertainment, have explicitly stated that the game is not part of the official Tolkien canon. This means that the game’s story, characters, and events are not considered official parts of the Lord of the Rings universe.
Why is the Game Not Canon?
There are several reasons why the game is not considered canon. First and foremost, the game’s story and characters are not based on Tolkien’s original works. While the game takes inspiration from Tolkien’s stories, it introduces new characters, locations, and plotlines that are not found in the original books or movies. Additionally, the game’s developers have taken creative liberties with the characters and world, which is not in line with Tolkien’s vision.
The Game’s Story and Characters
The game’s story follows Gollum’s journey from his early days as Sméagol to his eventual descent into darkness as Gollum. The game explores themes of addiction, obsession, and the corrupting influence of the One Ring. While the game’s story is based on Tolkien’s works, it introduces new characters and plotlines that are not found in the original books or movies.
What is Canon?
Before we dive into the specifics of the game, let’s define what canon means. In the context of literature and pop culture, canon refers to the official and accepted stories, characters, and events that are considered part of a particular universe or franchise. In the case of the Lord of the Rings, canon refers to the original works written by J.R.R. Tolkien, including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
What is the Official Canon?
The official canon of the Lord of the Rings includes the original books written by Tolkien, as well as the Peter Jackson movie trilogy. These works are considered the foundation of the Lord of the Rings universe and are widely accepted as the definitive version of the story.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum Game
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum game is a narrative-driven adventure that explores the story of Gollum. The game takes place in the late Third Age of Middle-earth, after the events of The Lord of the Rings. The game follows Gollum’s journey from his early days as Sméagol to his eventual descent into darkness as Gollum.
Gameplay and Features
The game features a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth gameplay. Players take on the role of Gollum, who must navigate the dark and treacherous world of Middle-earth. The game features a variety of characters, including Gollum’s friends and enemies, as well as familiar locations from the Lord of the Rings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while The Lord of the Rings: Gollum game is an engaging and well-crafted adventure, it is not considered canon by the Tolkien Estate or the official Lord of the Rings community. The game’s story and characters are not based on Tolkien’s original works, and the game’s developers have taken creative liberties with the characters and world. While fans of the Lord of the Rings may enjoy the game, it is not considered an official part of the franchise.
Key Takeaways
• The Lord of the Rings: Gollum game is not considered canon by the Tolkien Estate or the official Lord of the Rings community.
• The game’s story and characters are not based on Tolkien’s original works.
• The game’s developers have taken creative liberties with the characters and world.
• The game is a narrative-driven adventure that explores the story of Gollum.
• The game features a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth gameplay.