Will Talion become canon?

Will Talion Become Canon?

Talion, the protagonist of the video game series Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, has sparked a debate among fans and enthusiasts of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works. Will Talion become canon, or is he a non-canonical character created by Monolith Productions, the developers of the game? In this article, we will delve into the world of Middle-earth and explore the possibility of Talion’s canonization.

Talion’s Origins

Talion, a Ranger of the Black Gate, is a central character in the game series. His story begins with the murder of his family by the Black Hand, a group of orcs loyal to Sauron. This event sets Talion on a path of vengeance against Sauron and his followers. Throughout the game, Talion is guided by Celebrimbor, a wraith and the creator of the Rings of Power.

Celebrimbor’s Corruption

Celebrimbor, a powerful Elf, was corrupted by the One Ring long ago. As a result, he exists as an undead wraith, driven by a desire for revenge against Sauron and a desire to rule Middle-earth. This corruption raises questions about Celebrimbor’s intentions and whether he is a trustworthy ally for Talion.

The Problem with Canonization

J.R.R. Tolkien’s works are considered canon, and any addition to the story must be consistent with the existing narrative. The problem with Talion is that he is a creation of Monolith Productions, and his story does not fit seamlessly into the existing canon. Tolkien’s works are meticulously researched and crafted, leaving little room for interpretation or deviation.

The Case Against Canonization

There are several reasons why Talion cannot be considered canon:

• Lack of consistency: Talion’s story does not align with the existing narrative of Middle-earth. His character and actions are not consistent with the events and characters described in Tolkien’s books.
• Creation by Monolith Productions: Talion is a creation of the game developers, and his story is not part of the original narrative created by Tolkien.
• Disregard for canon: The game’s storyline disregards established canon, introducing new characters and events that are not supported by Tolkien’s works.

The Case For Canonization

Despite the challenges, there are some arguments in favor of Talion’s canonization:

• Consistency within the game: The game’s storyline is consistent within itself, with Talion’s actions and decisions making sense within the context of the game.
• Creative interpretation: The game’s creators have taken creative liberties to develop Talion’s character and story, which can be seen as a form of fan fiction.
• Filling gaps in the narrative: Talion’s story can be seen as a way to fill gaps in the existing narrative, providing a new perspective on the events of Middle-earth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Talion is an intriguing character, his canonization is unlikely due to the lack of consistency with the existing narrative and the creation by Monolith Productions. However, the game’s storyline and characters can be seen as a form of creative interpretation, filling gaps in the narrative and providing a new perspective on the events of Middle-earth.

Table: Comparison of Canon and Non-Canon

References

• Tolkien, J.R.R. (1954-1955). The Lord of the Rings.
• Monolith Productions. (2014). Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.
• Monolith Productions. (2017). Middle-earth: Shadow of War.