What Age is Shadow of Mordor Set?
Shadow of Mordor, a game developed by Monolith Productions and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, is an open-world action-adventure game set in Middle-earth, a fictional world created by J.R.R. Tolkien. The game’s storyline takes place between the events of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit (2012) and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). In this article, we will explore the timeline of Shadow of Mordor and the events that occur in the game.
Direct Answer
The game takes place in the year 2942 of the Third Age, which is a significant date in Middle-earth’s history. The game’s story begins about 60 years after the events of The Hobbit and roughly 500 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings.
Middle-earth Timeline
Before diving into the specific events of Shadow of Mordor, it is essential to understand the overall timeline of Middle-earth. Tolkien’s works span across thousands of years, with key events shaping the world’s history. The events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings take place within a relatively small timeframe, with The Lord of the Rings concluding around 3019 of the Third Age.
The time between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings is not extensively detailed in Tolkien’s works, leaving room for imagination and creativity. Shadow of Mordor bridges this gap, exploring the events and struggles of Middle-earth’s characters during this time.
Key Events
The game’s storyline revolves around Talion, a human ranger, and his connection to the wizard Gandalf. The White Tree of Gondor, a significant symbol of Gondor’s lineage, plays a crucial role in the game. As Talion navigates the world of Mordor, he encounters various factions vying for power, including Sauron’s forces and the Nazgûl, his most powerful servants.
Other Factions
Other important factions in the game include:
• The Orcs: Sauron’s primary foot soldiers, known for their ferocity and cunning.
• The Uruk-hai: Powerful, genetically modified Orcs bred for war and created by Saruman’s forces.
• The Rangers of Dol Amroth: A group of Rangers dedicated to protecting the lands of Gondor and the kingdom of Dol Amroth.
• The Black Guardians: Powerful beings tasked with defending the Palantir of Osgiliath, an ancient artifact containing knowledge and visions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shadow of Mordor is set in the year 2942 of the Third Age, a time of great turmoil in Middle-earth. The game explores the events leading up to the rise of Sauron’s power and the struggles of the various factions vying for control. Through its rich storyline, characters, and lore, Shadow of Mordor provides an immersive experience, drawing players into the world of Middle-earth.