Is Shadow of Mordor Canon?
The debate surrounding the canonicity of Shadow of Mordor has been a topic of discussion among fans and scholars of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth for some time. The game, developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is set in the Lord of the Rings universe and explores the events leading up to the War of the Ring. But is it considered canon by the Tolkien Estate and the Lord of the Rings fandom?
A Brief Overview of Shadow of Mordor
Shadow of Mordor is an action-adventure game that follows the story of Talion, a Ranger of the Black Gate, and his bond with the spirit of Celebrimbor, the son of Curufin. The game takes place between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and explores the rise of Sauron’s power in Mordor. The game’s story is heavily influenced by Tolkien’s works, but it also introduces new characters, locations, and plot twists that are not found in the original legendarium.
The Canonicity of Shadow of Mordor
The Tolkien Estate has not officially recognized Shadow of Mordor as canon. In fact, the Estate has stated that the game is not considered part of the official Middle-earth canon. This is because the game’s story and characters were not created by Tolkien himself, but rather by the developers of the game.
Why Shadow of Mordor is Not Canon
There are several reasons why Shadow of Mordor is not considered canon by the Tolkien Estate and the Lord of the Rings fandom. Here are a few:
- Tolkien did not write it: The game’s story and characters were not created by Tolkien himself, but rather by the developers of the game. This means that the game does not have the same level of authenticity and authority as Tolkien’s own works.
- It introduces new characters and locations: Shadow of Mordor introduces new characters, locations, and plot twists that are not found in the original legendarium. This can be seen as a departure from the established canon and can be confusing for fans who are familiar with Tolkien’s works.
- It alters the timeline: The game’s story takes place between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, but it also alters the timeline and events of the original story. This can be seen as a departure from the established canon and can be confusing for fans who are familiar with Tolkien’s works.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shadow of Mordor is not considered canon by the Tolkien Estate and the Lord of the Rings fandom. While the game is set in the Lord of the Rings universe and explores the events leading up to the War of the Ring, it does not have the same level of authenticity and authority as Tolkien’s own works. The game’s story and characters were not created by Tolkien himself, and it introduces new characters, locations, and plot twists that are not found in the original legendarium.