Is Talion Canonically a Nazgûl?
The Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games have sparked a controversy among fans and critics, with many questioning the character of Talion’s eventual fate. Specifically, did Talion become a Ringwraith, also known as a Nazgûl? In this article, we will delve into the game’s narrative and its connections to J.R.R. Tolkien’s original work to answer this question definitively.
Talion’s Journey
In Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Talion, a Ranger of the North, is the protagonist alongside Celebrimbor, the half-elf craftsman. Throughout the game, Talion’s journey is fraught with challenges, and eventually, he becomes one with Celebrimbor, acquiring his powers and memories.
The Ring’s Corruption
As Talion begins to die, he turns to Isildur’s Ring, which Sauron had previously used to revive Isildur after his death. boldThe Ring’s influence slowly corrupts Talion, and he eventually joins Sauron’s forces as a Nazgûl, replacing Isildur**. This outcome is a result of the Ring’s corrupting power, which has consumed many characters throughout Middle-earth’s history.
The Corrupting Influence of Isildur’s Ring
Isildur’s Ring, also known as Narya, was one of the three Rings of Power created by Celebrimbor. boldThese Rings were not created with the intention of being controlled by Sauron, unlike the One Ring or the Rings of the Nine Nazgûl, which were crafted with malice and designed to exert control over their bearers.
The One Ring and the Nazgûl
The Nazgûl, as servants of Sauron, were created using nine Rings of Power. These Rings were forged by Celebrimbor and were instrumental in the creation of the Nazgûl, who were once powerful Elves and Men. The Nazgûl, as servants of Sauron, were consumed by the Ring’s power, and their bodies were broken and twisted by the constant struggle against the Ring’s influence.
Did Talion Forge the One Ring?
In a surprising twist, Talion and Celebrimbor create a new Ring of Power, which appears to be free of Sauron’s influence. While this Ring is not explicitly stated to be the One Ring, it is boldequal in power to the nine Rings of the Nazgûl without their corrupting influence. This development blurs the lines between good and evil, leaving Talion’s fate open to interpretation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the narrative of Middle-earth: Shadow of War and its connections to J.R.R. Tolkien’s original work, Talion canonically becomes a Ringwraith, or a Nazgûl. The corrupting influence of Isildur’s Ring, combined with Sauron’s power, ultimately consumes Talion, transforming him into a servant of the Dark Lord.
Here is a summary of Talion’s journey:
• Talion becomes a Ranger of the North alongside Celebrimbor.
• Talion dies, and Isildur’s Ring corrupts him, eventually leading to his transformation into a Nazgûl.
• The Ring’s influence consumes Talion, and he joins Sauron’s forces as a Nazgûl, replacing Isildur.
• Talion and Celebrimbor create a new Ring of Power, equal in power to the nine Rings of the Nazgûl without their corrupting influence.
In the end, the fate of Talion and the Ring’s power leaves us with more questions than answers, leaving the decision to the reader to consider the implications of this significant event in Middle-earth’s history.