Where does Shadow of War fit into LOTR?

Where Does Shadow of War Fit into Lord of the Rings?

The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) is a beloved fantasy novel and film series created by J.R.R. Tolkien. In 2014, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor was released, and its sequel, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, in 2017. Both games are based on Tolkien’s legendarium, but how do they fit into the grand tapestry of Middle-earth? In this article, we’ll explore the timeline, characters, and connections between the games and the Lord of the Rings series.

The Timeline: Between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

Shadow of War takes place 60 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, bridging the gap between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This allows for an intriguing connection between the games and the novels, as well as opportunities to explore previously untold stories.

Talion’s Story: From Gondor to the Nazgûl

Talion, the main character of both games, is a Ranger of Gondor. In Shadow of War, Talion is revealed to have become a Nazgûl, a powerful servant of Sauron. This twist raises questions about Talion’s morality and his role in the grand scheme of Middle-earth. Does this mean Talion’s story diverges from the original timeline?

Connecting the Dots: Talion and Sauron

As revealed in Shadow of War, Talion becomes a Nazgûl and serves Sauron, joining the other nine Riders of Rohan in the hunt for Frodo Baggins and the One Ring. This development puts Talion in a position where he is essentially fighting against his former allies, the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. Bold: Talion’s corruption is a crucial aspect of his character development, making his storyline an intriguing addition to the LOTR universe.

Character Connections: The Shared Universe

The Lord of the Rings films and Shadow of War share some characters, including Gandalf, Aragorn, and other familiar faces. Bold: The games offer new insights into these characters, as well as the chance to interact with them in a more immersive experience.

Canon Status: The Future of Talion

Talion is a vital part of the Middle-earth games, but is he considered part of the Lord of the Rings canon? While Talion’s story may not be part of the original novels, it adds a rich layer of depth to the universe. Shadow of War provides an exciting conclusion to Talion’s story, bringing a sense of closure to his journey.

The Future of Shadow of War

After the events of Shadow of War, Talion finally meets his demise, his spirit freed and able to move on to the afterlife. This ending brings a sense of resolution to the character’s journey. Shadow of War‘s success and its impact on the LOTR community demonstrate the value of expanding the Middle-earth universe.

In Conclusion

Shadow of War fits neatly into the Lord of the Rings timeline, 60 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings. The game’s characters, particularly Talion, play important roles in the world of Middle-earth. Shadow of War‘s unique storyline, connecting characters, and engaging gameplay have made it a beloved addition to the LOTR universe.