Are the Mordor Games Canon?
The Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games have sparked a lot of debate among fans and critics alike regarding their canonicity within the Lord of the Rings universe. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Middle-earth and explore whether the Mordor games are considered canon or not.
Direct Answer
No, the Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games are not considered canon within the Lord of the Rings universe. While they are based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and feature many familiar characters and locations, they are not officially recognized as part of the canon by the Tolkien Estate or Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.
Why are they not considered canon?
There are several reasons why the Mordor games are not considered canon:
- Original story: The games feature an original story that was not written by J.R.R. Tolkien. While they are set within the same world and feature many familiar characters, the story is not part of the original canon.
- Non-canonical characters: The games introduce new characters that are not part of the original canon, such as Talion and Celebrimbor. These characters are not recognized as part of the official Lord of the Rings universe.
- Changes to existing characters: The games also make changes to existing characters, such as Gollum and Sauron, which are not consistent with the original canon.
What does the Tolkien Estate say?
The Tolkien Estate, which owns the rights to J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, has officially stated that the Mordor games are not considered canon. In a statement, the Estate said: "The games are not part of the official canon of The Lord of the Rings and are not endorsed by the Estate."
Why do fans consider them canon?
Despite the lack of official recognition, many fans consider the Mordor games to be canon due to their attention to detail and commitment to staying true to the spirit of Tolkien’s works. The games feature many familiar locations, characters, and events from the original trilogy, and the story is set within the same world.
Inconsistencies with the original canon
While the games are not officially recognized as canon, they do feature some inconsistencies with the original canon. For example:
- Timeline: The games take place during the events of The Lord of the Rings, but the timeline is not consistent with the original book.
- Character motivations: The games change the motivations of some characters, such as Gollum, which are not consistent with the original book.
- Events: The games feature some events that are not mentioned in the original book, such as the death of Sauron.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games are not considered canon within the Lord of the Rings universe. While they are based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and feature many familiar characters and locations, they are not officially recognized as part of the canon by the Tolkien Estate or Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. However, fans continue to enjoy the games and appreciate their attention to detail and commitment to staying true to the spirit of Tolkien’s works.
Table: Comparison of Canon and Non-Canon Elements
| Element | Canon | Non-Canon |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Original story not written by Tolkien | Original story written by Tolkien |
| Characters | Non-canonical characters | Canonical characters |
| Timeline | Inconsistent with original timeline | Consistent with original timeline |
| Character motivations | Changes to character motivations | Consistent with original character motivations |
| Events | New events not mentioned in original book | Events consistent with original book |
Note: This table is not exhaustive and is meant to provide a general comparison of canon and non-canon elements in the Mordor games.