How Long Does Shadow of War Take Place After Shadow of Mordor?
Middle-earth: Shadow of War is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. As the sequel to Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War continues the story of Talion, the protagonist, and explores the aftermath of the events in the first game. In this article, we will delve into the timing of Shadow of War in the Lord of the Rings timeline and explore the duration between the two games.
The Connection Between Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War
Before diving into the timeline, it is essential to understand the connection between Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War. Shadow of Mordor takes place during the events of The Hobbit, while Shadow of War occurs in the early 60 years following the conclusion of The Hobbit and the beginning of The Lord of the Rings.
The Timeline of Shadow of War
According to J.R.R. Tolkien’s lore, Shadow of War takes place around 61 years after the events of The Hobbit and roughly 60 years before the beginning of The Lord of the Rings. This placement is significant, as it allows the game to bridge the gap between the events of The Hobbit and the start of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The Gap Between the Two Games
Now that we have established the placement of Shadow of War in the Lord of the Rings timeline, let’s take a closer look at the gap between the two games. The events of Shadow of Mordor concluded with Talion’s rise to power as the Deathstalker, and Shadow of War picks up approximately 9-10 years later. This gap provides an opportunity for Talion to solidify his grip on Mordor and establish a new order in the region.
Important Events in the Timeline
Here are some significant events that occurred during the 9-10 year gap between Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War:
• Talion’s Rise to Power: After the events of Shadow of Mordor, Talion solidified his position as the Deathstalker and established a new order in Mordor. He used his mastery of the Númenórean Ring of Power to bend the spirits of the fallen to his will, creating a massive army of Grondbringers.
• War with the Easterlings: During this period, Talion clashed with the Easterlings, a coalition of tribes from the East, who sought to invade Mordor and overthrow his rule. The wars were brutal and devastating, leading to significant losses on both sides.
• Celebrimbor’s Captivity: Celebrimbor, the son of Celebrëa, was captured by Sauron during this period and taken to Barad-dûr. He was later brutally tortured and eventually killed by Sauron in an attempt to extract information about the Three Elf-rings.
• The Gathering Storm: As the events of Shadow of War unfold, it becomes clear that the forces of darkness are gathering in Mordor. Sauron is growing in power, and the armies of Mordor are preparing for war against the Free Peoples of Middle-earth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shadow of War takes place 9-10 years after the events of Shadow of Mordor, allowing the game to explore the consequences of Talion’s actions and the rise of a new power in Mordor. The timeline is rich with significant events that shape the world of Middle-earth, providing a gripping narrative that draws players in and refuses to let go.